So, What Now Post Graduates?

Like most college graduates, I have a lot of mixed emotions. One moment, I am thrill that I finally graduated – no more late night studying, no more stressful exams, and no more boring teachers and horrible teachers who can’t teach. Yet, the next I’m clutching a graduation program, wearing my cap and gown, and proudly walking down the aisle for my friends and family to see my achievements.  “Congrats, grad!” is what everyone tells you and asks you what you’re going to do now that you’re in the real world. Perhaps you’ve thought about your plans and goals throughout your life and have a game plan, which is great, but not everyone knows what to do even after college. Then you think to yourself, “Is this real?” We are left with confusion and anxiety which is normal.

Like myself, I’ve gone through what most students feel and I am still trying to figure myself and explore my options. Honestly, I’m envious of students who have a job line up right after college or they know exactly where to go from there. As for me, it’s such a hard decision to figure out what I really want to do for the rest of my life. There’s plenty of time to figure out my life and build a stable career. Because what better time than now to be daring and adventurous in our early twenties, while we’re not tied down to family, house, and a job where we can’t leave. The fear of unknown and uncertainty is a killer, but you can’t let those factors consume you to prevent you from learning, growing, and living life.

For many students, this is what will most likely happen after your post graduate life.

1. Travel

Some students have the luxury to go travel for a year or two. Travel doesn’t necessarily have to be in a foreign country many miles away. The destination can be somewhere local or a few hours from your city. It’s a great getaway for a post graduate student to celebrate, relax, and have fun from all the many years of hard work from school. You deserve it!  You definitely should travel if you can, it's a great opportunity! To have these adventures and experiences such as this, it will challenge us, grow, and make us learn about who we are even more. Perhaps through your travels and discovery, you will find out what you want to do in life.

2. Job Applications

This is the most tedious part right after college. You’re finally an adult now being responsible actively searching and filling out countless job applications. Due to the bad economy, it’s a lot harder now to get a job than it was once before, but don’t let this discourage you from applying. No matter what, just keep applying. If you are in no rush picking up a job, take your time looking for jobs and enjoy your free time now. If you get a job offer, work in the company for a few years, and you realize that you aren’t too fond of working there and/or you don’t see yourself working there in the long term, it’s ok. At least you can give it a try, obtain some work experience, and get paid in the meantime while still off to the side looking for jobs. Your dream job won't come walking onto your door step-you have to find it.

3. Forever a student

Most students don’t want to go back to school right after because they just finally finished college and want to take a break. Perhaps they want to go back to school in a few years to get their Masters which is fine. With a Masters you’ll be more competitive and it’ll look good to future employers. It all depends on your career and whether or not your career needs more schooling such as doctors and lawyers. Perhaps you have a change of heart and you want to go back to school for a different career path which is ok as well. There’s lots of roads for you to choose from! This is the time to explore and truly figure out what you want to do.

4. Volunteer and/or pick up a hobby

If you don’t get a job right away or if you are waiting to hear back from job offers, you can always use your time wisely and effectively. Use your time to pick up a new hobby or go volunteer instead of staying at home watching TV. Choose a volunteer agency where you are interested in helping. There are many agencies where you can volunteer, do good deeds, and give back to the world. Perhaps you've always wanted to try something new, but never got the chance to. This is the time to do so.

5. Sun will be rare

Once you get a typical job from 9-5, your entire attitude towards sunlight will change. You will be mostly indoors all day sitting at your cubicle, and you will never see sunlight until the weekends. You will be sad and try to make excuses just to go outside to get some sun and warmth to make you feel alive again. For others, it's even more depressing when you have to commute to work really early in the morning and leave in the evening. You'll be stuck in traffic and either way you still won't see sun.

6. More free time

Now that you aren't in school anymore and have a job, you will have more free time on your hands.  Whereas, in school you will have club meetings and late night activities if you are an active member in school. With no school all of a sudden some people handle this freedom differently. After work hours some people go home to relax, catch up on your lost hours of sleep, or go to a bar and/or restaurant for happy hour to grab a few drinks with your friends. This is where you can talk about your life which consists of 3 main topics: Life,  job/career, and love life. While others are more home bodied who will watch TV and movies at home on Netflix.

7. Circle of friends will shrink

In college, you have access to thousands of students on campus, especially if you live on campus and get involved in campus clubs and organizations. You will make new friends, maintain current friends, and have fun with friends which are all not difficult to do. When you graduate and move away, this ends. You quickly learn who are your friends, who will still keep in contact with you, and this is all that matters. Most of the time, you'll lose quite a big chunk of your friends from college, but that's ok because quality of the friendships is better than quantity. Once you get a job, you'll make a new circle of friends. The cycle repeats itself.

Things will definitely change after graduation. In the end, I think it’s all about happiness. How happy we are with our careers and our lives in general. You just have to make the best out of your situation.