Advice From TR

I’m worried about graduating and having no direction. I like the structure of being in school and going back in the fall and whatnot. So, I’m considering masters, but I’m hella in debt. Like $45,000 in debt. Should I just do it anyway?

Before we say anything, just know that it is completely normal to not have everything figured out. So just make sure that you’re not rushing into a debt-heavy decision unless you are absolutely positive about it. Master’s programs are much more narrow and specific than your B.A. so just make sure you’re prepared for talking about one thing for the next two to three years. We suggest doing some soul searching and maybe giving yourself a break before jumping into anything headfirst. Write out some potential goals, opportunities, and career paths that you might take instead. See what speaks to you the most and then you can have concrete ambitions to work towards.

All of a sudden I’m an adult, but I feel like I don’t have the basic knowledge of what an adult should have. Mainly financial literacy about management, cars, house, investing, opening savings etc. What should I know and where do I start?

This is so relatable, so many of us feel really isolated when it comes to pending tasks in adulthood. The best thing to do is start by picking items one by one, do not try to do everything all at once when you start because you’ll get horribly confused. Focus on opening a savings account because financial stability is always key to making everything else go smoothly. It’s also really important to not compare yourself to others and feel bad if you rant as rich or successful etc. everyone moves at their own pace. No one has any idea what they’re doing most of the time. It’s good, thinking about this, in general, is a good step in the right direction.

How to separate politics from friendships?

Don’t. If this year has taught us anything it’s really important to make sure we have hard-hitting conversations with our inner circles. The more we talk about the uncomfortable stuff the more we may realize the weight politics can have on our morals. Just remember to be respectful and open-minded, unless they’re being mean or bigoted, then go ahead and stand up for what you believe in.

I want to join this class next semester, that might be a very good handson experience within my major. More than anything I want to take it because I want to learn, but I’m scared that I don’t have what it takes to be a part of it. What should I do?

TAKE THE CLASS! You’ll be fine, always jump at the opportunities that are at hand’s reach. It’ll probably teach you a lot and will give you marketable experience to put on your resume. Take the chance, life’s all about taking chances. Don’t doubt yourself, you’ll probably surprise yourself and succeed way more than you could ever imagine.

Soooooo I’m starting to get a crush on a coworker. But I’m in a long-term relationship and so is she, so like that’s totally not okay. This isn’t the first time this has happened to me either. Something about those retail employees, amirite? How do I knock these feelings?

Remember that sometimes our brains skew how we feel about people based on so many different things. So maybe just sit down and remember why you are in your relationship and what your partner means to you! Also, if you can try to distance yourself from your coworker as much as you can because it’s not worth losing long term relationships over flimsy crushes.

How do I tell my friend that she probably shouldn’t be dating a Trump supporter? My friend has just recently gotten into a relationship with a Trump supporter. Keep in mind, she is Hispanic. As far as I know, she doesn’t support Trump, and whenever anyone brings up her bf’s political views she’s always quick to defend him and says things like “it’s just his belief.” Obviously it’s so insane to me that she would choose to date someone whose “beliefs” have negatively affected her people. She has a history of dating men who are bad for her. There have been many times where I have pointed out red flags to her and she gets defensive, and then when the men end up hurting her she runs to me and says she should’ve listened. At this point, I feel like I should just let her date this guy and get hurt. Am I a bad person for thinking that? Or should I try to intervene?

I think that if you’ve tried to intervene before and she consistently gets defensive instead of trying to hear you out there might be different ways to approach the situation. Maybe try and evaluate how you usually air out your opinions and take a different approach. Make sure you reiterate that all you’re trying to do is look out for her and make sure she is treated right. Through all that it is important to acknowledge that your friend is also her own person and there is only so much you can do! Just do what you can and if she isn’t receptive to that it might just be time to move on and just know that you tried your hardest.

How do I find a girlfriend through school?

Ummmm, you should probably focus on your grades. Tinder is a lot cheaper than 3k a semester.