I have recently started an internship in London, which will give me my first monthly paycheck. My first taste of adulthood (in the form of an office job) is exciting but also a bit terrifying…
Of course, having only been here a few weeks, I still feel like I’m very much out of my depth. I’m learning a lot, which I am really enjoying, even though it’s a relief when the end of the day comes because I just get so worn out!
Strangely, I find myself much more discerning with my money during my internship than I was at uni – although I was already not a big spender. Here are a few thoughts on why that is.
I’m Earning My Own Money
Now that my main focus is work, I’m very aware that every penny I spend is my own money. I think I’m realising the value of my time (which, admittedly, is not that much right now) and it’s easier for me to justify forgoing small expenses here and there.
Other Interns are in the Same Situation
I am lucky to start in a company with many other interns. This has not only been really good for making friends (nothing like a bit of bonding over feeling lost) but has also made my social life a lot cheaper.
It’s easier for me to justify to people why I’m not willing to spend too much – often, I don’t even need to justify it; I just say no, and they understand.
For example, on the first day, we all bought lunch from the canteen. The food wasn’t exorbitant, but it wasn’t cheap either – so I decided to bring my own packed lunch. People noted my sandwich the next day, and I said frankly that even though the food from the canteen was good, I didn’t have money.
As the week went by, I noticed that some other interns were also bringing their own sandwiches or homemade pasta for lunch instead of buying the food from the canteen. Although I never felt judged for my choice of lunch, this made my decision feel validated.
From this, I’ve learnt that the people I spend time with do tend to influence how I feel about my financial decisions. I have to work on my own confidence in my financial decisions and learn to say no, but for the time being, I’m quite happy staying with people who are equally frugal.
Time Will Pass Anyway
After work in the first week, I would go back to my company house, and just about manage to cook dinner. I was super worn out, but had a few nice chats with my housemate until quite late, when I would get ready for bed.
Then a new intern moved in the following weekend, and she seems to have much more energy than I could manage. She would organise many intern group trips or invite them over for Love Island, and I would go. Suddenly, I found I could fit in so many more activities after work.
Although sometimes I would decline and spend some time to myself or calling my loved ones (I know my socialising limits), I found that I was no more tired after a few of these activities than I normally would be staying in.
I’ve learnt that the time will pass anyway, so I might as well do something productive with it – e.g. socialising, writing, revising, or just doing housework. I think I will apply the same mindset to my life: time will pass anyway, I might as well do something that will help my happiness in the long run.
To wrap up, I’m learning more from this internship than just the skills to do my job. I’m also testing out the lifestyle that I will lead when I actually go into the real world and get a job. But I’d like to hear from you – what is one of the most important things you learnt when you first started on a salary?
