Top 10 2009 New Year's Resolutions for Recent College Graduates

This is probably the most important thing you could do. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate. Currently, I am in my first job out of college. While I am thankful I am employed due to the economy, I am not that interested in the work I am doing. I am using 2009 to finally accomplish some things I have always wanted to do. Even if it means being broke for awhile.

2. Create a Budget

It will be hard to follow your heart if you are in financial ruins. Sit down and take the time to create a budget for the next year. This way you know what you can spend and what you can not spend.

3. Develop a Financial Strategy

Everyone should develop a financial strategy. This is different from the budget because this is more about the big picture. If you want to attend grad school soon and buy a house, you should sit down and figure out what steps will you have to take the next several years to make this happen.

4. Healthy Diet

Good eating habits start at a young age! Please take this time to take care of yourself. It will keep your health insurance costs low and you will feel great. Personally, I make an extra effort to buy organic products and eat raw fruits and veggies as much as possible.

5. Regular Exercise

This will also keep your health insurances costs down in the long run if you stay active. Look for some adult leagues to pick up sports you used to play while you were growing up.

6. Keep in contact with college buddies

This is important just to keep you motivated if nothing else. It is good to be around people who are doing things with their life. You can exchange advice on how to get jobs or just cope with the transition into the real world.

7. Reconnect with high school, junior high and elementary friends and classmates.

You would be surprised how much you appreciate reconnecting with old classmates after being out in the real world for awhile. This is a good way to recreate a social circle as a young professional. If you do not live in the area you grew up in, your old friends may be able to contact with people they know in your new area.

8. Taxes

Yes, this ugly word. Make sure you educate yourself on tax deductions so you are not spending any money than necessary.

9. Create Job Search/Career Strategy

What are your short term career goals? How about long term? You should be able to answer these questions. Of course, it is subject to change but at least you have a starting point. I have seen too many recent grads winding up unemployed because they could not even decide what their short term goals were. You can not go on any job interview without knowing this because they will look at you funny and not hire you.

10. Make new friends

It is not easy to make friends after graduating from college. My advice is to volunteer or join some activities with like-minded people. It may take awhile to find your niche but it will be worth it in the end.