This week’s reminder? Stop settling.
Here’s the truth: settling never feels good. Not when it’s for a job that doesn’t value you, a relationship that leaves you second-guessing, or money habits that keep you stressed instead of secure. And yet, we’ve all been there — convincing ourselves “this is fine” when deep down, we know it isn’t. So the question is… What are you going to do about it? How does one even do anything? How do I know this isn’t serving me?
This week, we want to remind you of your power: your self-worth is the standard. When you refuse to settle, you tell the world exactly how you deserve to be treated — in love, in work, and in the way you take care of yourself. Raise the bar, protect your peace, and don’t be afraid to want more. Because you’re not asking for too much — you’re just remembering who you are. ✨
Let’s get into it,
The Post-Grad Girl Team 🩷
Building Healthy Money Habits = Self Care 🛁💕
Here are some things I’ve learned since graduating:
Free will exists. (And that can be both a blessing and a curse)
Big girl paychecks come with big girl decisions.
No one actually tells you what to do with that money.
After accepting my first job out of college, I knew I wanted to be responsible. I didn’t come from a lot, so I promised myself I’d save, invest, and “be smart.” Cute, right? WRONG.
For the first six months, I saved literally nothing. Not a single penny. And honestly? I now know that’s actually normal —
especially when you’re moving to a new place and paying for things you didn’t even know existed. (like shower curtains, security deposits, and apparently $30 pillows??)
So if you’re in that era right now, breathe. Don’t guilt yourself into thinking you’re behind. You’re not.
Fast forward a year later, and I finally built a system that works for me. What changed wasn’t my salary — it was my mindset.
When I started treating budgeting as a form of self-care — not punishment — everything clicked. Because honestly? Taking care of your money is taking care of yourself.
Confessions of a Post-Grad Girl 💌
On Not Settling For Relationships 🙅🏽♀️
If there’s one thing post-grad life has taught me, it’s that I would rather be alone than be in something that makes me feel small, unappreciated, or shit— like I’m going crazy.
For a long time, I told myself that “almost” was enough. Almost consistent. Almost committed. Almost what I wanted. And in the moment, it felt easier to stay — to accept the bare minimum instead of facing the fear of being by myself. But settling doesn’t protect you. It drains you. And you end up feeling alone regardless…
The turning point for me came when I finally set boundaries. It wasn’t dramatic — just clear. I stopped excusing bad behavior. I stopped ignoring red flags. I stopped convincing myself that “potential” was worth sacrificing my peace. And yes, I also stopped trying to convince them of a problem they couldn’t even see. That’s how I knew that walking away was the only option. Because someone refusing to change or let alone try to understand your POV is someone who is not interested in what you have to say. And for a lot of us, that’s hard to hear. But we have to understand that on the other side of standing on those boundaries, you’ll find something you might haven’t felt in a long time: yourself.
I came out stronger, lighter, and more grounded in who I am and what I deserve. Setting boundaries didn’t make me cold or closed off — or even the problem. It made me whole. And now, instead of shrinking to fit into someone else’s version of love, I wait for love that expands with me.
Because life is too short to be complacent; be loud about the love you want. There will be someone who will give you what you desire and more. Trust that. 🫂
Putting Yourself First Needs To Be Your #1 Rule
To: a Post Grad Girl
From: a Post Grad Girl 💌
Have you ever heard of the airplane rule? You know — “put your mask on before helping others.” I’ve been thinking a lot about how that applies to post-grad life, especially when it comes to setting boundaries and refusing to settle.
Growing up first-gen, I watched my family give and give, often at the expense of themselves. That selflessness is something I admire deeply — but as a post-grad girl just starting out, I’ve realized I can’t pour from an empty cup.
My boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re survival. Right now, many of us are in our first jobs, first apartments, and first real shot at building a life on our own terms.
It’s tempting to settle — for jobs, for relationships, for financial obligations — just to keep everyone else comfortable. But this chapter is for you. And sometimes that means saying “no,” even when it feels uncomfortable.
Before you start giving more than you can handle, ask yourself:
Post-Grad Girl is immensely grateful for the community we have built together and so we wanted to create a space where we could share that gratitude with you. Hence, our digital gratitude diary was born. 🫶
Let this be your reminder to recognize what you’re grateful for! It’s important to remain positive in a world full of negativity.
Earlier this week, our team reached out and asked what you were grateful for.
Here is what some of you said:
What We’re Wearing 💞
PGG’s Meet: Millie The Label
Let’s talk about Millie The Label, (@milliexthelabel), a jewelry brand started by Natalie Milligan, (@nat_milli), in 2020 with one mission: to create timeless, on‑trend pieces that are as affordable as they are beautiful. It’s the kind of chic vibe that makes you feel immediately put together—even when life is chaos.🤭
Why we love MTL 💌
Sustainable + handmade: Pieces that are non-tarnish closet staples and consciously made
Curated vibes: From summer siren, to corporate baddie chic, and even tailgate ready—collections like Women In Charge, Coastal, and her up and coming Gameday Collection coming out 8/29, bring both style and feel-good energy.
Budget-friendly luxe: Affordable and great quality items that will last you a lifetime. Because you deserve only the best!
Did we also mention?! Millie teamed up with Heal Palestine and created a collection called Pieces for Palestine that are helping support aid to the Palestinian people. 100% of the profits are being donated to the organization.
Talk about intentional activist Queen! ⭐️
This is the perfect place to upgrade your jewelry collection by adding unique and fun pieces without breaking the bank!
Check out some of our Favs @ MTL 🥰
What We’re Listening To 🎙️
Pretty Lonesome with Madeline Argy is basically like hopping on FaceTime with your funniest, most brutally honest best friend. She dives into all the unspoken internal chats we collectively have but rarely voice out loud: anxiety, imposter syndrome, mental health, sexuality, messy friendships, breakups, and boundaries.
Listening to her just kind of makes me feel less alone in the chaos that is being a girl in her 20’s. In this episode she talks candidly about friendships past, present and future, with an emphasis on past. Friendship breakups are, in my opinion, truly one of the most devastating things a girl can go through in her 20’s (aside from, you know, other really bad things but using hyperbole is second nature to me <3). Mads questions why losing a best friend can sometimes feel even harsher than ending a romantic relationship, and reflects on the expectations we put on friendships, and what we deserve from our friends.
This episode, and her podcast in general, feels like a hug for those of us who have trouble vocalizing our thoughts. She does a really good job at articulating feelings that tend to be hard to explain when a thousand emotions are trying to get a word in all at once. Let us know what you think if you give it a listen! 🫂💕
Until next time,
Because life after college deserves a group chat. ⭐️