Landing your first job is a very exciting time in your life and a milestone to be proud of. It’s a chance to prove yourself and go off on your own and gain more independence and self-confidence. However, you might also be feeling a bit confused about what to do next or how to proceed now that you have a job.

After the excitement settles down a bit it’s time to get serious about your new path and where you’re heading. Learn six steps to take after landing your first job that will help put you in the right direction of finding success now and in the future.

#1: Find a Place to Live

Your first step to take after landing your first job is to find a place to live. It’ll be fun to get a place of your own and decorate it as you please. Figure out what you can afford and what areas are most appealing to you. For example, it may be that you want to find renovated apartments near entertainment, shopping, and the business district. Research what’s out there and rental prices and then narrow it down based on location, your budget, and list of amenities.

#2: Make a List of Expenses

Moving out and living by yourself isn’t cheap and you’ll need to use your paycheck toward paying your bills. Sit down and review your salary in detail and make a list of all the new expenses you’ll need to cover. Create a budget and underrated in detail what costs you’ll need to pay and by when each month. You’ll also be able to see how much money you have leftover for miscellaneous expenses and entertainment. Remember you’re not only going to have to pay rent but all the other costs that come with living alone such as utilities, groceries, phone, and clothes.

#3: Start Saving

It’s never too early to start saving your money and putting it away somewhere safe either. As soon as you land your first job you should be thinking about setting up an emergency fund and a retirement fund. You’ll want to begin saving up for a situation that may require you to access cash fast and for your future after you stop working one day. Saving up is an excellent way to use the extra money you may have leftover each month after you pay your expenses. You’ll sleep better at night knowing you have money to use in case of an emergency and that you’re starting to think about life after work.

#4: Commit to Having Work-Life Balance

It can be tempting to want to put in long hours right away at a new job. However, you don’t want your health or wellness to take a nosedive and feel overwhelmed and tired all the time. Therefore, take the step to commit to having more and greater work-life balance right from the start. Work hard but also set boundaries and learn to say no when you don’t have any time or energy to give. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from others or to make a list of priorities so that you can focus on getting the most important tasks done first.

#5: Think About Your Career Path & Future

Working a new job is fun and thrilling but it doesn’t mean you should get too comfortable in one place for too long. Instead, begin thinking about your career path and future right away. Get to know your current job and what’s expected of you but then also stretch and challenge yourself and take on new responsibilities as time passes. Reflect on where you see yourself in five and ten years from now and how you’re going to get to new levels of success and land a promotion to a new position. Be willing to take calculated risks and make mistakes so you can learn and grow.

#6: Reward Yourself

Finally, you should also take the step to reward yourself after landing your first job. Be proud of yourself for all your hard work and that you were able to secure a position doing what you enjoy. Treat yourself by going out to dinner or hanging out with friends and family and celebrating your achievement. It’ll help put you in a good headspace and you’ll have a positive attitude for getting started at your new job. Remember to celebrate your small successes as you go so that you continue to work your way up to the top and develop your skills over time.