POST GRAD BLUES
Having had the best four years of your life, there isn’t a whole lot of talk about life beyond college. Besides the knowing fact that one must find a job and start a new life, I don’t think many college students realize exactly what that new life means until they graduate. For me personally, I’m a huge planner girl, always marking out in my calendar what my next move is. Every year leading up to graduation, you always know what is next; the next grade, the next set of classes or extra curricular’s. Moving into college, the literal best four years if your life, these rules still apply except they’re amplified with the endless possibilities of freedom. Being able to go out to bars every night (if you so desire), going to fraternity events, having a wine night with your roommates, it’s literally the best! I never gave much thought to life beyond this until my senior year when graduation and job applications creeped into my mind. A separate group of people say that life after college gets even better (these are different people from the ones who believe college is the best years). Though I may believe this, you still have all the freedom you had before, if not more, and perhaps more money, but things are a tad daunting at first. This is the first time in one’s life that the next move is uncalculated and uncertain. Your best friends are all either moving home or spreading out across the country for various jobs prospects. You have the task at finding a job if you weren’t the lucky few to have one lined up from an internship, and you now have to be a real life adult. Some people are eager to finish college, but for many this unknown can bring anxiety and fear, often leading to thoughts of one’s purpose or goals. Though, this is extremely common I’ve found for most graduates, I’ve found it to be important to stay busy. For me, I had a goal for what my next step is, not necessarily a big life long dream, but what is the next step in the journey to achieving that big dream, a baby step if you will. This gives you a clear vision of what is next without tasking yourself with something unobtainable. Another key I’ve found is communication and courage, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I know that sounds super cliche, but its so extremely true. Don’t be afraid to move to a new city if a job offer comes up, ask a new girl to grab a drink with you after work, go to a bar alone, join a local club or group with people who like to do similar activities. I’m not just spouting out ideas here, these are real things I did myself and they actually worked. I’m no master, I’m still trying to grasp post grad life myself, but with a little persistence, courage and positivity, you will make it out just fine.
