If you’re graduating soon (or you just did) and you’re staring at your bank account wondering how you’re going to make the next few months work — this episode is for you.

Kristin breaks down the “no man’s land” between graduation and your first paycheck: boards, licensure, credentialing delays, moving costs, DEA fees… and how people accidentally start their career buried in credit card debt before they even earn real PA income.

Inside, you’ll hear:

• The real timeline of the gap (and why it’s often 3–6 months)
• How to budget the gap the right way (so you know the number you need)
• What expenses to plan for beyond rent (boards, license, DEA, admin fees)
• How to negotiate reimbursements into your contract (and what to get in writing)
• The biggest trap that ruins your first year finan ...