Making the Most of a Rough First Job

Plus: Streaming Surfers & Finfluencers

Welcome to RoadMap!

RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

Discover how RoadMap can help you navigate your ideal career path by visiting our website today!

Not Feeling Your First Job? Fix It!

Make your job work for you!

You worked hard to land your first job, but now... you hate it đŸ˜©. Nothing could more frustrating, especially after how long it took you to get the gig.

But don’t panic! I't’s best to grind it out and try to find solutions before doing something drastic—nobody likes a job hopper. Proving you can persevere, or at least exploring some solutions, makes for a much better story. Even if this isn’t your dream gig, you can still make it work for you. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Pinpoint the Problem
    Is it the actual work, a bad boss, or a rough commute? Pinpoint the problem so you know what to fix—or what to put up with for now.

  • Find Hidden Value
    Every job has something to teach, even the ones you don’t love. Master that software, sharpen your communication, and learn to manage difficult situations. These skills will help you when you move on.

  • Keep Networking
    Your next job might come through someone you know. Stay connected and make new contacts, both inside and outside the company.

  • Communicate Your Concerns
    If you’re thinking about speaking up, be smart about it. Get advice from a mentor on how to handle it without ruffling feathers.

  • Think of It as a Stepping Stone
    This may not be forever, but it’s a start. Set some short-term goals that will make you more marketable, and stay focused on where you want to go next.

Pause Like A Pro

How much do you spend on streaming?

Streaming-savvy viewers have cracked the code to saving on subscriptions: binge, cancel, repeat. With prices climbing, more people are subscribing only for must-watch shows, then dropping services to dodge monthly charges. As Business Insider reports, platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are catching on, adding pause features and special promos to keep users coming back without full-time commitment.

For most, it’s about keeping “essentials”—like Netflix or Spotify—while rotating through the rest. It's all about smart, seasonal streaming: staying entertained without getting hit with endless monthly fees.

And for the platforms themselves, it underlines a need to stay nimble. They’re rolling out bundles, promotions, and cheaper ad-supported plans to encourage subscribers to return quickly or stay longer by offering more perceived value.

By sticking to core services and rotating others, you can enjoy the best shows and keep your entertainment budget in check.

Can “Finfluencers” Be Trusted?

Keep your money in good hands.

Financial influencers, better known as “finfluencers,” are taking over TikTok and Instagram.

As Money Marketing reports, TikTok alone has seen a 373% rise in financial content videos over the past year: think budget hacks, stock tips, crypto insights—all served up in quick, relatable videos. But not all finfluencers stay in safe territory. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently cracked down on a group, including Love Island stars, for promoting unlicensed trading schemes that left young followers at risk.

So, what’s the draw? Finfluencers make money talk fun and accessible. They’ve turned finance into bite-sized, easy-to-digest advice—something traditional finance often fails to do. But here’s the catch: most of these influencers lack any real credentials, and some endorse risky products purely for profit. As more young people follow financial advice on social media, there’s a real need to be savvy, fact-check advice, and avoid high-risk promises.

Bottom line? Finfluencers are shaking up how we learn about money, but the trend comes with big risks. The best move? Take the good tips, but double-check the facts—your wallet will thank you.