04-24-2004, 01:04 PM
MichaelJComputer Wrote:May 17th. Already brainstorming what to buy... Muahahaha
First, congratulations. From our brief chat yesterday, it sounds like a VERY cool position. You've definitely earned it. Second, some unsolicted advice, from someone who's been there. Not trying to narc on anything, just wanted to offer some experience.
Take it easy... Save some money. Before you get a paycheck, make sure that you've allocated a decent chunk (5-10%) to AOL's 401k plan. Do that before you get your first paycheck, and you'll never notice it. Pay off your credit cards. Get 3-6 months living expenses in the bank (for the next dot-com bust, or whenever AOL gets investigated by the feds). Have some fun with the income, but keep your head screwed on straight. If you can stand living with the 'rents, go for it - what a money saver. If not, get a roommate or three (just make sure they're not rednecks like Chad :wink
. Don't eat out everyday for lunch - holy crap that gets expensive. As Homer's long lost brother Herb said, "Discarded pizza boxes are an excellent source of cheese."I'm just speaking from the experience I had right after I got out of college. Got a great offer from Booz Allen Hamilton, and proceded to spend more money than I had. I missed out on a ton of 401k-matching money (100% up to like $750 a month) from the company, because I didn't sign up for it. One stupid form. I was living paycheck to paycheck until very recently, and was basically just leaking money wherever I went. And because I didn't budget very well, I didn't have the money to spend on motorsports either.
That all being said (sorry for the lecture), welcome to the Real World ™. Enjoy your stay :twisted:
My two feet.