I’m thrilled to share that I finally landed my first "adult" job after graduating! At 24, I’ve been on a serious job hunt since January, and it’s been quite a journey. I had previously taken a job I didn’t really want in September 2025, but I applied to my current company at the end of March and went through an extensive process. I had over six interviews, met with seven different team members and management, and even had to navigate a challenging background check due to my old boss stating I wasn’t eligible for rehire. Thankfully, I was able to explain my situation. This new role offers a significant pay increase of $10/hr, which is a huge relief considering I’ve been dealing with mounting medical bills from a tough year health-wise. I’ve been going to the ER without insurance, so this job’s benefits are a game changer. I finally have weekends off, normal working hours, paid time off, sick leave, and, most importantly, 100% employer-covered health insurance. It feels like I’m stepping into a real career instead of just being the front desk or retail girl, which has been hard since I want to utilize my skills and degree. I’m exhausted and currently broke, but I know that will change soon. Just a little while ago, I was on the verge of giving up, and my mental health was suffering alongside my financial struggles. The thought of getting covered for antidepressant meds and therapy is incredibly uplifting. Wishing the best of luck to everyone else on their job search!