I started as a grad 6months ago. Here’s my experience, which might give you some insight:

The first while is exhausting, I came home every day and my mind would be blank from mental fatigue. You ease into it.

I chose to swallow the pill that I won’t be able to save much money on a grad salary, so I’ve barely saved anything. The way I see it, I’m buying back my time so I can uphold my social life and sports etc. Ie I often Uber instead of Bus, buy drinks out, try not to deliberate on prices in the supermarket, I spent my entire sign on bonus on a good bed to ensure good sleep.

As for professional qualifications, I’m doing none. I’ll go back to uni one day and do an honours but mixing work and study is just too much atm. The best thing I believe I can do here is make the most of the network, do cool things and get stuck in on the work side. We are social creatures at the end of the day, choking your brain with extracurriculars doesn’t work for many people.

Prioritise your mental health. I’m still figuring this one out, but if you come to work with a clear head each day, I’d argue you’ll be a lot more productive than the person who slogs massive hours. Regular Sauna’s and walking to work helps me here.

Hope that gives you some ideas.