Life skills: take the driver’s seat and secure your future

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Competing in the job market today often requires tertiary education and other skills that are valuable outside of the school environment.

Verbal communication, digital literacy and time management are only three of the key skills employers look for in entry-level candidates.

For example, it’s important in the professional world to have a driver’s license when you submit job applications.

In this article, we explore the impact that a driver’s license can have on your employability. Plus, we discuss the importance of financial literacy as you enter life after class.

The importance of having a driver’s license after you graduate

• More job prospects

Many job opportunities require a driver’s license in order to be eligible for them. Hiring a candidate who can perform their duties and transport themselves to meetings saves the need for a designated driver.

A driver’s license will help you compete for the jobs you apply for.

With that said, remember that there are companies that will require you to own a vehicle.

• Mobility

Public transport presents great financial benefits, especially for people who need the time to build their careers after graduation. However, the biggest downside to this benefit is that public transport systems can be unreliable.

That’s how a driver’s license easily becomes an asset in your life.

When you are mobile, you can travel to social gatherings/networking events. You can attend evening classes, travel for practical training outside school, and be punctual for exams and job interviews.

• Dealing with emergency situations quicker

Think about this for a moment. What if something terrible happened in your space?

It might seem a little insensitive to ask that question. However, our lives are unpredictable and the ability to (legally) drive a vehicle can determine whether you are able to help someone else in crisis situations or not.

While we’re at it… here are three personal finance mistakes to avoid after graduation

• Don’t be a negative credit risk

When poor financial habits and consumption are not kept in check, they can often lead to crippling debt.

Establish a good credit record and purchase assets that are likely to appreciate in value. Effective debt management can help graduates have financial credibility when it is time to take out necessary loans or mortgage.

Establish clear timelines and a plan to reduce your debts. Develop a proactive attitude when you handle your school, car, credit card, home loans and more.

• Never pay the bills late

In the challenging economic environment that we live in, making ends meet can be downright tough.

However, continuously late and missed payments will cost more money and taint your credit record. A decent record, on the other hand, can give you lower interest rates on loans, lower insurance premiums, and open up prospects when you need to rent.

To achieve consistency, think about setting up automated payments for regular expenses like car payments, student loans, cell phone fees, etc.

• Don’t forget to set long-term goals

Accounting for your long-term expenses is crucial to building a stable financial life.

Planning and attention to detail are fundamental when you want to track different goals at the same time. For example, pay off student loans and save for a home.

The process involves proper planning in advance. And in this situation, you’ll have to create a debt payment plan or search for a house that you can afford.

Final thoughts

Obtaining tertiary education just might not be enough on its own to achieve your goals.

It’s also important to learn to take care of yourself in different capacities to become the person you’ve set out to be.

In addition to the education… a driver’s license and financial knowledge will increase your edge!