Hear that?

That's the real world knocking at your door.

Now is not the time to hide
under your bed.

Let's be honest: you didn't learn half as much as you thought you would growing up. Sure, an education is nice, but it's not paying the bills or buying the groceries. Credit cards are eating your bank account, and you're still eating that leftover pizza in the fridge. You need to learn to stretch your resources, and you can't even stretch your fingers to your toes anymore.

Reality bites.

But there's help here at Reality Bytes, an ezine chock full of news you can use, stories about getting and keeping love, money, jobs and even your sanity.
Here are some of the highlights of this issue:

Less car = less smog (and saves money)

A new car often is the first major purchase for the newly-independent. It's easy to fantasize about that shiny SUV or that sleek sports car, but it's another thing to pay for it. And what about their impact on air quality and gas prices? Budget and envrionmental issues shape this decision-making process for many buyers, including Brian and Katie Kleinman. Read this story to find out how the Kleinmans chose a car that's kind to Mother Earth and fun to drive. Story by Elise Baker, edited by Barry Schultz.

 

Divided in faith, united in love

Sounds easy, doesn't it? But there are lots of considerations when one marries outside his or her faith, from how to spend the holidays to how to raise the kids (as well as considerations about the dreaded d-i-v-o-r-c-e). Read this story to find out how the Punterelli family has weathered storms to embrace more than one religion. Story by Jackie Walker, edited by Natalie Olson-Elm.

 

Networking: It's all about getting your foot in the door-- before it slams

Experts and those who have been there say you should use your charm and wit -- as well as your computer, phone, little black book and your roommate's little black book -- to land "the" job. Don't be shy about asking everyone you know who they know, say the experts in this story by Greg Ingram, edited by Clayton Markwell.

 

Looking the part can give you confidence: throw out those sweats -- now

Once you land that great job through networking, you'll need to look the part of upwardly mobile young professional. But how do you know what the young movers and shakers in your new town are wearing? How can you get a read on the corporate culture? Read this story by Alexis Masiello, edited by Elise Baker, to find out how to looks sophisticated on a junior exec's budget.
If you would like to read about certain topics or issues, please send us a tip at Reality Bytes so that we can continue to offer articles that may help you navigate the murky waters of the real world (or at least offer you a little break from it).
Read our mission statement here.

 
     
 

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Last updated January 15, 2004 • ©2004
Indiana University School of Journalism