Life after graduation
We have to relax because it’s normal to not know what the future holds after graduation - Even if everything seems to go the way you have planned. If you have made it to graduation, Congratulations, and if you haven’t, congratulations to you too, because what matters is the journey.
Photo @pinterest
It’s not always easy to navigate our way through life after graduating. We may think that at college we are free but it’s not the case as school is a structured environment with specific routines while post-graduate life is not. We have to create our routines without a counselor, a professor or a book to guide us. Life doesn’t get easier or harder. It’s different and this “different” aspect in itself can be hard to manage. We will drastically change because our life becomes about the choices and paths we will take.
Travel
You don’t have to find a job just after college. Take this opportunity to travel and explore as many countries as you can. Once you start working (employee or entrepreneur), you will not have much time available to travel. You can also take advantage of this journey to discover what you like and dislike and identify things you might need to work on. Do not hesitate to try new things.
It never stops
It’s important to continue your self-education by reading because we never stop learning. Now that you don’t have any assignment or lecture to attend, take this time to read as many books as you can.
Work
Applying for jobs can be painful but don't start doubting yourself. Your first job is not your forever job as you’re going to change roles throughout your life. You don’t have to put unnecessary pressure on yourself to find the perfect job out of college. Don't be influenced by your employer or friends' flattering words, especially if you feel the job is not right for you or if you deserve better. These jobs need you more than you need them. You may also change your career path or status: from employee to freelance or entrepreneur. We need to be curious because we’re all capable of change.
Photos @pinterest
Social media
Take some time off social media to clear your mind and focus on yourself. Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok and many more are amazing tools to communicate with everyone but they will always be there when you will be back. Trying to navigate your own life’s challenges and goals as a young adult is already difficult enough. You don’t need to spend time looking at your peers on social media - Comparison can stop your self-discovery period. Be mindful of the way you’re using these apps. Scrolling is fun until you realize you’ve wasted hours of your day there.
Adulting
Being an adult is not bad, it just involves a lot of uncomfortable moments. There are important things you need to handle to get your adult life together. It going to look different for each person but this is what you need to take care of:
Filing taxes
Finding a new place to live if you were in student housing
Subscribe to health insurance
Paying your student loan
Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people, even if that's done virtually
Develop a self-care plan for yourself
Patience
You’re putting in lots of hard work in what you’re doing, but sometimes it can seem like it's not paying off. Post-graduation anxiety is overwhelming and makes you feel like you always have to be productive. That’s why self-compassion is important as you might feel like you’re supposed to have it all figured out, but no one does. Patience is a driving force that gives you time to slow down, take a break and see what you've achieved recently. This will help you to focus on how you can grow and flourish.
There will always be lessons to learn and obstacles to overcome in our life. But Everything will be okay. Let it be all about discovering, creating, caring for yourself, and pursuing the path you truly want. Be intentional with your actions because you are the leader of your life. This is pretty amazing and exciting but don’t overwhelm yourself - You got this.
