Written by by Blake Miller

As I look forward to graduating from college and transitioning into the full-time job market, entering the workforce in an expensive city like Seattle presents unique challenges and considerations pivotal to a young professional’s life. Many of these challenges were unforeseen when my classmates and I first embarked on our journey through college. No matter how daunting the future may seem, it is crucial to stay positive and focus on what success and happiness mean to us as individuals.

After finishing my sophomore year of college in May, I’ve already started contemplating life after graduation. I understand that entering the Seattle workforce presents unique challenges and concerns that may differ from those in other regions. Some of the challenges include:

  1. Housing Costs: The high cost of housing in Washington, especially in Seattle, is a significant challenge for my generation. The average family home costs over $1 million, raising many questions for me. How will I be able to afford this? Should I consider moving to a different state where I could potentially buy much more for less? The rental market is highly competitive as well, and landlords can be very selective, often asking for large security deposits and several months’ rent upfront. As a result, my generation is forced to cohabitate, move outside of the downtown core, or even delay moving out on our own. It’s stressful and makes the transition from college to the real world much harder.
  2. General Expenses: The overall high cost of living, including transportation, groceries, and utilities, is another significant concern. Seattle’s economy has grown considerably in recent years and has outpaced most major metropolitan areas, causing the cost of living to increase dramatically.
  3. Student Loan Debt: Recent graduates often start with significant student loan debt while usually beginning with entry-level jobs and pay. This can be stressful, especially when starting to repay substantial amounts of student loan debt, compounded with the worries about managing debt alongside other living expenses.
  4. Job Market Competition: I’m majoring in finance, which I hope opens many doors for me in either real estate or financial consulting, both of which offer better-than-average starting salaries. However, there is intense competition for the limited entry-level opportunities in non-tech fields. It begs the question: Will I be able to sustain myself?
  5. Remote Work: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become very popular, which will also be a factor in my future. However, working full-time remotely right out of college isn’t sustainable, given the lack of connectivity with leadership and limited exposure that can hinder advancement opportunities within a company. Considering all outside influences, I believe that working in a hybrid environment is ideal for my generation. Attending meetings or other necessary tasks in the office while also having the flexibility to work from home allows the younger generation to manage time and expenses appropriately.
  6. Networking and Professional Growth: A major positive attribute of settling down in the Seattle area is my connections. I have forged connections through my internship that I hope to leverage as I start my career. Additionally, I’ve made many friends in college who are from the Seattle area, and these relationships will be very influential in helping me in any profession that I choose. Having grown up in the Puget Sound area my whole life, I know many successful mentors who can provide valuable guidance and support.
  7. AI in the Workforce: As a new graduate, I have a multifaceted view of AI in the workforce, ranging from excitement and optimism to apprehension and concern. While I am excited about the potential to drive innovation, create new job opportunities, and solve complex problems, I also have significant concerns about automation leading to job displacement and making certain skills obsolete. It is hard not to question whether your career path will be safe from AI.

At this point in my journey, I am 90% sure that I will stay in Seattle after I graduate college. The only factor that could alter this course is whether, long-term, I can afford housing. Seattle appears to be the best option due to my ability to stay close to family and the better guidance available through my extensive network that reaches into various parts of the business world I might pursue. Additionally, I believe this area will probably afford the most opportunities for young people. The recreational opportunities, the educated workforce, and the absence of a state income tax are just three major benefits to our local economy, and my generation will be a significant factor in driving growth.

Graduating from college and entering the full-time job market in an expensive city like Seattle requires a combination of adaptability and resourcefulness. From managing the high cost of living and securing a competitive salary to finding a work-life balance and planning for the future, each decision plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful transition to my post-graduate life in the Seattle area.