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!

Start Small, Grow Big

For recent graduates stepping into the job market, the pressure to secure a high-paying position right out of the gate is real.

However, taking a lower-paid entry level role can be a smart, strategic move that sets you up for long-term career success. The initial salary might not be what you hoped for, but the benefits go beyond the paycheck.

One key advantage of starting in a lower-paid or entry-level position is the opportunity to gain real-world experience faster. Many high-paying jobs require a track record that new grads simply don’t have yet. By getting your foot in the door early, you can develop crucial industry knowledge, learn on the job, and hone the skills that employers value most. This hands-on experience will not only make you more marketable in the future but also help you discover what areas of your field truly interest you.

Another major benefit is the ability to start building a professional network. In a smaller or less competitive role, you’ll have the chance to work closely with a variety of colleagues and managers. These connections can be invaluable as you move forward in your career, whether they lead to mentorship opportunities, recommendations, or future job offers. Often, these early relationships are what help propel young professionals into bigger, better-paying positions.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that many companies promote from within. By proving your worth in a lower-paid role, you may find yourself moving up the ladder faster than if you had waited for the "perfect" job. Companies often reward loyalty and demonstrated potential, meaning the initial sacrifice in pay can lead to quicker advancements and more lucrative opportunities in the long run.

Young Men Skip the Doctor

A recent Cleveland Clinic survey revealed that 37% of young men in the U.S. don’t have a primary care provider.

The survey, which included 1,000 men aged 18 and older, highlights a growing divide in how different generations approach their health, as reported by the Washington Post. These findings suggest that younger men, particularly those in Gen Z, are handling healthcare differently compared to their older counterparts.

Despite the lack of regular doctor visits, 87% of Gen Z men still expressed concern about how their current habits might impact their health in the future. This raises questions about whether they’re taking sufficient action to protect their long-term well-being.

Mental health remains a top priority for younger generations, with 59% of Gen Z and Millennials actively focusing on it, compared to just 53% of older men. Yet, when it comes to physical health, half of the men surveyed had never been screened for sexually transmitted infections — or were unsure if they had been.

Increasingly, young people are turning to AI and social media for health advice, bypassing what many see as the need for traditional doctors. This trend could signal a significant shift in how healthcare will be approached and addressed by generations in the years to come.

“Doom Spending” Trend

Many young are falling into a spending trap dubbed "doom spending," splashing out on luxury items and travel as a response to economic anxiety, according to CNBC. This term, popularized on social media, refers to impulsive purchases made to cope with feelings of uncertainty about the future.

Psychologists explain doom spending as a form of self-soothing that can be both unhealthy and financially dangerous. With so much bad news constantly online, young people may feel like they’re living in a state of perpetual crisis. It’s easy to turn to shopping as a temporary escape.

A survey by Intuit found that more than 25% of Americans are engaging in doom spending to handle financial stress. Experts caution that while spending may provide short-term relief, it often worsens long-term financial challenges.

To combat this habit, financial experts suggest setting up mobile banking alerts or using cash to increase awareness of spending. By understanding their relationship with money, young professionals can make more thoughtful financial decisions for their future.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and Instagram for today's insights, tips, and exclusive events designed to boost your career.