SoFi Blog

For SoFi’s millennial members, Twenty One Pilots’ hit “Stressed Out” is more than a good song—it’s an anthem. And this lyric says it all: “Out of student loans and treehouse homes, we all would take the latter.”

How could it not? Roughly 70% of 2016 college graduates borrowed to get their degrees, leaving them with a whopping $37,172 in student loan debt, up from about $35,000 in 2015.

SoFi’s newest series, Guide to Adulting, covers all things money, career, and relationships, and how to win at each. Excelling at all three isn’t easy, but with a little guidance, you’ll be well on your way. Whether you’re starting your first job or ascending to a new role, we’ll act as a mentor in your pocket to help you advance in your career.

We pick up from last month (where we discussed how to transform your networking approach), with tips on how to navigate your first 90 days at a new job, establish rock-solid relationships with co-workers, and catapult yourself to success as the newest team member.

Did you check your work email while still in bed this morning? If so, you’re living proof of just how much the line between your job and personal life has blurred over the years.

But as an HR professional, you already know that. Employees are working more—they’re logging in from home, spending more hours in the office (those near the top of the ladder clock-in the most), and even skimping on hard-earned vacation days.

Name: Deanna Krinn

Age: 29

Locale: Bloomington, IN

Alma Mater: Indiana University

By Day: Project Manager at Indiana University Communications

SoFi Member Since: 2015

Approximate SoFi Loan: $54,000, Combined Personal and Student Loan Refi

SoFi Savings: ~$500/month

Deanna Krinn is the first in her family to put herself through college, which she knew would be challenging when relying solely on scholarships and loans.

As a result of having to move to attend college, Deanna maxed out her first credit card, charging $2,000 on it in just a few months after arriving at Indiana University. Despite working three jobs to cover her expenses while in school, her total credit card debt grew to over $16,000, and she was forced to take out a personal loan to keep up with payments.

You’ve worked hard and have made strides in your career. Despite racking up some debt, including perhaps student loans, you’re climbing and may be even seen as a mover and a shaker. And time will come —if it hasn’t already— when the coveted word “senior” or “partner” will be added to your title and bring with it a sweet raise. Before you know it—boom!— you’ll be in the money.