I'm a recent college graduate. No one told me it would be this hard to make ends meet.

• After graduating college, I couldn't get a full-time job, so I am working several part-time gigs.
• I am frustrated because I didn't know it would be this hard to make ends meet after college.
• I am trying to look on the bright side and understand that I am learning financial lessons.

After the initial thrill and excitement of graduation wore off, the first few months as a recent college graduate were quickly followed by a blur of job applications, rejections, and figuring out budgeting basics.