Interview smiles and nervous handshakes no more: You’ve finally accepted your first “real” job! Whether you’re just out of school or you’ve been on the hunt for a while, getting a job you can feel good about is something to celebrate.
20 Fun Ideas for Celebrating a New Job
Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy after your big accomplishment. Get started with our list of 20 ideas below, or come up with your own ideas. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to slow down and have fun.
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Take a small trip
See the sights in your own hometown, or check out an interesting corner of the state for a day. Whether it’s a day trip to a cheesy tourist attraction or a quiet hike in a state park, there’s plenty to see in your own backyard.
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Take a big trip
Plan an adventure you’ll remember, whether it involves sunny beaches or windswept mountains, and use those vacation days. Whether you go old-school through a travel agent or book your own trip, you’ll make some great memories.
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Give your car some pampering
Car trouble? Upgrade your tires, get your battery replaced, and have those dents removed from the door. Or, if your car is really on its last legs, start exploring your options for a new or new-to-you vehicle.
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Buy a new piece of furniture
Ditch the bean-bag chair from your freshman dorm room and pick out something a little more grown-up. And don’t feel like you have to shell out big bucks for a nice piece – look for quality you can afford.
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Go to the spa
Relax with a massage, a new haircut, or a visit to the barber. And if you feel guilty, remember that a massage isn’t just an indulgence – it has proven health benefits.
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Eat at your favorite restaurant, or try a new one
Brave the new sashimi place on the corner or head to your favorite haunt. If you’re stuck in a restaurant rut, choose something new off the menu that you couldn’t make at home. Or, if you’re really feeling brave, let your dining partner pick something for you!
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Go to a show by your favorite band
There’s no better feeling than temporary deafness after a good concert. And just like getting a massage, going to a concert has proven wellness benefits, from stress reduction to getting some exercise.
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Host a get-together with friends or family
Pop some champagne, set up a BBQ, or just play tried-and-true board games. If you’re feeling ambitious, try bringing back the old-school dinner party with these tips from Bon Appétit.
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Settle in for a movie marathon
Bonus points if you can fit an entire series into one day. While some pro movie marathoners suggest watching 26.2 hours – the same number as there are miles in a real marathon – we think just a few would also do the trick.
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Sign up for a class
Quilling? Tap dancing? Piano lessons? Try something that intrigues you. Explore your local newspaper or magazine, check on social media, or visit the library to discover classes near you.
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Pick out a book that interests you
Finally read an old classic, or try a book from an up-and-coming author. Sites like Whichbook can help you find something you’re interested in by searching for themes, plot elements, character traits and more. Or, just head to a library or bookstore and browse away.
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Give yourself a day to do whatever you want
No schedule, no responsibilities, no problem. Everybody needs a true day off now and then. Whether you – gasp! – give up your smartphone for a day or finally catch up on your favorite Netflix series, you’ll feel more relaxed and productive when you’ve had a chance to recharge.
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Hire someone to take care of the housework or yard
Let’s face it – they’re professionals and they’ll probably do a better job, anyway. You’ll save some time and feel great that your house is finally clean. If all else fails, the middle-schooler next door will probably go for a $20 offer to rake leaves.
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Start a retirement savings account
Planning for a killer retirement counts as fun in our book. Start by learning about the types of accounts you can open, or check with your HR department if there’s a retirement plan offered through your job.
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Make (or buy) your favorite dessert
Don’t worry about perfection; as with people, desserts show it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Bake your favorite strawberry cheesecake, whip up some cookies, or if you’re looking for a fun challenge, explore the web for traditional dessert recipes that hail from your ancestral home.
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Get tickets for your favorite sports team’s game
Head down to the arena, stadium, or field and see the action up close. If you’re not into watching sports, do something active that you enjoy, like ice skating, tossing a frisbee or taking a walk.
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Pick a day to sleep in
Hey, you’ve got a new job now – you need some time to rest up. Did you know that in most states east of the Mississippi, up to 44 percent of adults are sleep-deprived? You’re probably one of them, so do yourself a favor and start getting more rest.
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Buy yourself flowers
Brighten up your space with some fresh florals…or, you know, a succulent. Again, flowers have benefits beyond just looking pretty. They’ve been shown to reduce patients’ blood pressure and anxiety when placed in their hospital rooms.
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Choose a new wardrobe item for this season
Upgrade your peeling heels or faded jeans for a quality item you’ll wear for years to come. And you don’t have to pay top dollar – many a designer item has found its way to a thrift store for substantial savings.
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Try something different in your city or town
Be a tourist in your own town: Visit a museum or try a tour near you. If you’ve passed the same building, park or coffee shop a million times and never stopped in, now’s your chance. And learning the history behind your city is always fun – you never know what secrets you’ll uncover.
Related: Don’t forget to enjoy these little moments in life >>
Protect What You Love with Insurance
Oh – you’re probably thinking we mentioned fun ideas above. But before you click away, hear us out.
Whether you’ve upgraded your home, purchased a car, or are planning for a new baby, insurance can help protect the people you love and the things you cherish. Get a free quote from Block Insurance to see how simple and affordable insurance can be.
