I feel good…

I’m feeling a bit under the weather lately. Traveling always gets me sick. Ugh. So I want to take some time to talk about health care.

Remember back in high school you had to take a physical every year before school starting if you wanted to play sports? You may not have had these yearly physicals since then. Yes, you may be in your 20’s but you are still getting older. Sucks, huh? Get a check up. You may be surprised to find your cholesterol level; your weight or that you may have developed allergies.

If your company offers decent health insurance, there is no reason for you not to use it. You’re paying for it anyway. Get your checkups, dental and optical. Get a doctor who has good qualifications and good office hours. Take care of yourself.

I dont mind if I don't hear a word from you in years

Keep in touch with people who are in your life. Of course, all your close friends and family members. Of course, all the important people who have changed your life. But don't forget the people who made had done you some slight kindness at work or at school. Don't forget the people who you've done some kindness to.

Compile a mailing list or email list. Drop them a note every once in a while. They'll feel appreciated. This also builds your reputation. You never know when someone may need your help or vice versa.

On a personal note, I'm in Atlanta this weekend visiting a good friend of mine. Having some fun for St. Patty's weekend. Be sure to use your paid time off or vacation time at work. Many companies have a use it or lose it policy. So enjoy. You're entitled.

Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash

You know those commercials of the good life but they’re filled with your grandparents? Why wait? Get it before you’re old. That doesn’t translate to spending and living outside of your means. It means choose your purchases smartly and manage your expenses.

Start putting money in your 401K. The money you put in there is pre-tax dollars and it lowers the amount of taxes you have to pay. You’d be amazed at how fast the amount adds up, especially if your employer matches. It’s like getting free money! You can then choose where you want to invest your money and starting earning returns on it. Be sure to thoroughly research your stock or mutual fund choice before making a risky investment.

Manage your money. Make a spreadsheet of how much you make and what your monthly expenses are. You have certain bills that you must pay. Rent, gas, electric, grocery, car, etc. Overestimate them. Find out what your disposable income is. Then take that number and put at least 10% in a savings account. Make sure you have limited access to the account, don’t get checks, debit card or an ATM card, this will discourage you from thinking that the money is available to spend. This money can go to stocks or bonds or a simple CD. Start earning returns. You’re doing well if at least your returns are above at least the inflation rate.

Another part of it is not spending all the money left over. Make your purchases smartly. There is a difference between need and want. One thing is for sure, you'll eventually need to and want to go on vacation, buy a house and retire!

Questions? Consult a tax and financial advisor.

Here’s to the nights we felt alive:

This week I’m going to dedicate this posting to my friends. Making new friends is hard. Friendships are almost like relationships but with more understanding and forgiveness.

You really have to go through some tough times with another person to bond with them. You really have to talk with them for hours about nothing for them to comprehend just how screwed up you are. You really have to have some fun times with them to help you get through the week.

So go and mingle! It's good for you.

Oh teacher, you made me study all night:

So you’re over 18, being a technical adult doesn’t automatically give you adult experiences and adult reactions. It’s always nice to have someone with insight and advice you can turn to. Parents are great sources, but they’re not exactly unbiased when it comes to your talents, potential and future.

Mentors. It sounds lame and cheesy but they are truly a gift. They don’t always have to in your chosen field but they do have to be someone who understands you and you can be open with. Someone with life and work experience; honest and interesting; credible and fun. They can be your co-worker; friends of your parents; neighbors who you used to baby-sit for.

I am lucky enough to have two mentors, in addition to my parents, who I really look up to. (Susan, Ramona) Not only do they do exemplify the qualities that I hope to have one day but they are hardworking, life loving and real. They give me ideas and make me think. THANK YOU!

If I could escape:

OK, so there are more things to life outside of getting a job, keeping a job and looking for a new job. One very important thing that everyone should experience is LIVING ALONE. I had my reservations about living by myself. Could I afford a nice place and still be able to save some money? Will I be able to make meals? Am I going to keep my apartment from going into chaos? Will I be lonely?

I love living by myself! Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely. I’m only alone when I want to be. It’s the most liberating feeling in the world to know that you are solely responsible for yourself. I’ve learned the importance of friends and finding things that I’m interested in. I’ve learned a lot about my habits and what I will and will not put up with, even from myself.

This doesn’t have to be something you do right after graduating but it’s definitely something you should experience.

What can make a world of difference:

So you’ve all heard about the same-old-same-old that can make one company desirable vs. the next. Things like opportunity for growth, the amount of your offer, and location. There are some things that you may not even think about until you’re chained to your desk.

Here are some things to consider:
401K: sounds ridiculous right? You just entered the job field and already thinking about retiring. First thing, see if the company has a 401K set up. Most do unless it’s a very small company. Second thing, see if the company does any kind of matching. For every dollar you put into your 401K some companies will make a matching donation. Third thing, see how long you would have to work before you’re vested. (If you’re fully vested in 4 years, that means that after 4 years of working there the amount your employer matches to your 401K will be fully yours to take even if you leave the company.)

Hours: most people just assume that a normal day is 9 to 5 and that every once in a while you’ll have to put in a 10 hour day to finish a pending project. Not true. Make sure you ask who would be your immediate supervisor what time they get to work and when they leave. Your workday should mirror that. If you’re on salary, therefore not eligible for overtime pay, you may end up feeling overworked and way under compensated.

Reimbursements: some companies will reimburse you for additional education should you want to get a masters. Also some companies will also reimburse you for your gym membership or a computer purchase.

Non-compete agreements: most companies will make you sign one before your offer is finalized. Make sure you read this thoroughly. Look for language regarding how long after you leave a company before you can work for a competitor. Generally it’s in the range of 6 to 12 months. Perhaps more if you were in an information sensitive industry.

Teammates: these are the people that you will have to sit in proximity with. What are these people like? Do they talk loudly? Are they fun to hang out with? What is the rest of the department and company like? If you like an enthusiastic environment you may not want to work in a department where everyone just keeps to himself or herself. If you’re moving to a new area, you’re probably going to have to make new friends. The workplace is an easy way to meet new people. Will there be anyone who you can see yourself hanging out with?