Reader Q&A: Apartment hunting, first jobs and Organizing

Thanks for sending in questions for this month’s reader Q&A! I tried to group questions that were similar together, just for the sake of the keeping these posts a good length. 

As always, you can ask me questions however you like and I’ll always answer them in these posts. Feel free to ask directly or shoot me a tweet, email or DM! I’ll let you know I got it and to look out for my response in the next Q&A.

Now, on to the questions…

Q: Do you have any tips for searching for and getting a job or internship?

A: I’ve been meaning to do more content on this topic. In short, networking is so important when you’re looking for a new position. Oftentimes, who you know will get you farther than what you know. Put yourself out there as often as possible, even when you aren’t sure there will be an obvious opportunity to meet someone influential. You really never know!

And always be prepared to say who you are, what you do and how you add value. Nothing worse than meeting someone who could be a key player in your next step and not leaving them with something valuable to remember you buy. Get some business cards and always, always follow up.

Q: Any tips for moving into your first place? And apartment hunting?

A: When it comes to your first place, my best advice is to build slowly. Get to know yourself in your new home before you fill it with things. Get organized and think about what you really need versus what you want in your home.

When it comes to apartment hunting, start sooner rather than later to make the process less stressful. Be open minded, but know what you want. Make a list of things you’d love to have in a place, things that you must have and things that you absolutely cannot deal with. Keep your budget realistic. And if your gut says something about a place/landlord is off, trust it.

Q: How do you organize for a new week?

A: I usually spend Sunday’s getting posts together for the week, cleaning the apartment and making a list for the next day and week. I try to put any big things in my planner (appointments, travel, events, etc) and then each day, make a list of tasks that need to be handled.

I use pen and paper for most of my planning, but sometimes toss things in my Google calendar just so the alert goes off on my phone. 

Q: What does your current morning routine look like?

A: Lately, a bit inconsistent to be honest. I usually get up between 6-6:30am, make coffee and then from there, it varies. Sometimes I’ll read before I start getting ready for work, sometimes I’ll edit a blog post to go live or schedule some social content. Other days, I get up a bit earlier and head out to take images for the blog or social during the morning light.

It depends on what’s taking priority that week. But one thing for sure, I try to make sure my phone isn’t the first thing I grab and I don’t check my email before 8am (because, sanity).

What motivates you to work on SPoT when your 9-5 gets hectic?

Q: How do you discipline yourself to create content when life and everything else get’s in the way?

A: It’s not too hard to get myself to create because I love it so much. Also because so many of my long-term goals are tied to this space and to being a creative. Once you do something repeatedly for a while, it feels more unnatural not to do it.

Push yourself to do something every day for 30 days. If you can make it for a month, you can turn that into a well declined habit.

​Q: What go to meals do you make at home that are simple and don’t require a ton of dishes?

A: I love tacos for a quick and simple meal. I usually make them with chicken or ground turkey and add onion, peppers (shoshito and/or jalapeño) and black beans. It’s fast, easy and great for lunches.

When it’s colder, I love crockpot meals for less active work and dishes! Crockpot chili is always a good idea, or pulled chicken using salsa, or your favorite sauce. I’ll make a batch of crockpot chicken, shred it then use it for the week in tacos and wraps.

Q: How do you keep up with friendships post-grad?

A: It’s definitely harder to keep up with friends once everyone graduates and goes their separate ways. Depending on how far away your friends are, you may have to plan a little harder. Be intentional about making plans. Get a regular happy hour, brunch or dinner on the calendar. Put birthdays or important dates on your calendar so you remember to call, send a text or a card. Just be mindful of where your friends are, and be there as best as you can.