When I attended college, it was considered “untargeted” by big corporations, which some saw as a disadvantage. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I made a conscious decision to shift my perspective. I asked myself, “How can I make this situation work to my advantage?”

I realized that while my school didn’t attract big-name corporations, it had access to small businesses. This led me to seize opportunities that others may have overlooked. By working with small businesses I was able to gain invaluable experience as a marketing consultant and financial advisor apprentice with minimal to no prior experience. This work experience gave me a competitive edge as I entered the job market.

Traveling wasn’t something I could afford growing up, but once I got to college, I was determined to change that. Although I didn’t have the resources, I looked for opportunities that could fund my travels while aligning with my interests. This led me to participate in programs and events that covered travel expenses, and along the way, I developed a passion for interviewing. These experiences not only allowed me to travel at no cost, but they also enriched my resume with unique stories and skills.

With my experience participating in programs along with my work experience at small businesses, I landed a job offer at Goldman Sachs.

Considering the big picture: When I was deciding whether to move out of state for a role at Goldman Sachs, I had to weigh the pros and cons. On one hand, I didn’t want to leave my friends and family behind, especially since many of my peers were securing great offers at smaller companies nearby. But I knew that making this move would open doors for my career that wouldn’t be available otherwise. Taking that leap of faith paid off—less than two years later, I transitioned to a new role, doubling and nearly tripling my salary.

When I moved to Utah, I knew it was a temporary step to advance my career before eventually returning home to be closer to family. With that in mind, I decided to focus on saving as aggressively as possible. I downgraded from my luxury apartment and lived with the bare essentials—a single bowl, plate, pot, and pan. To maximize savings, I even slept on an air mattress for months until my family finally convinced me to buy a cheap twin-sized mattress. It wasn’t glamorous, but those sacrifices taught me the power of delayed gratification and helped me reach my financial goals faster.

As time went on and I moved back home with a more comfortable income, my priorities shifted. I realized that while saving aggressively had its place, I also wanted to enjoy life. I began focusing on spending quality time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, and living more in the moment. With a solid financial foundation already in place, I no longer felt the need to sprint toward retirement. So, I upgraded my living situation, bought a comfortable bed, treated myself to meals out, and picked up hobbies like rock climbing.

Your finances should reflect your values: In Utah, I valued saving and career growth above all else, so I was willing to make sacrifices. Later, as I focused on finding a balance between enjoying life and being financially responsible, I adjusted my spending accordingly.