Well, hello everyone! A few weeks ago I posted on my Instagram story asking you guys if you were interested in hearing about how I found community after college and the response was an overwhelming yes. I feel like this is such a heavy topic and even though everyone has a different experience making the transition out of college, we all face challenges in the process, like everything else. For me, this part of my life was and still is one of the most challenging and I really want to share it with you and hear about your experiences. So, here it goes!
My Transition from College to Post-Grad Life
For me, college truly was the best four years of my life so far. I had nothing to hide behind in college. I lived away from my family, I had to make friends, join groups, involve myself and grow up. And I did just that. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone was the only way I was going to make it and it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I think that’s why college meant so much to me…because it was not only four years of education, but it was four years of exponential growth and opportunity that essentially unlocked my happiness.
Isn’t it crazy that we are on this straight road called education for so many years of our lives and then all of a sudden the road stops at a four way million way intersection and we get to choose our own path? For some people that is really exciting, but for the worriers like me, it was so overwhelming. I’ve been out of school two years and I still have no idea what direction I want to take. Sometimes, I find myself wanting to go too many directions and that isn’t good either. I experienced some of my darkest days in the last two years. I have felt depressed, incapable, lost, lonely, confused, scared, hopeless and really truly frustrated. If you’re in the same boat, let me be first to tell you that it’s normal and you’re most likely not alone. We are supposed to go through this phase and learn what we don’t like, what we do like, where we want to go and how we’re going to get there. I want to share with you five tips to survive this time of your life. Trust me, you are going to be fine.
5 Ways to Survive Post Graduate Life
- Spend time with other people or animals. This helps so so much. I cannot tell you how important this is. Community is everything. Even when you feel like you need to be alone, it is so important to spend time in fellowship with other people. It doesn’t even have to be people. Spend time with your dogs and actually engage with them. When you go places, interact with others. Be present in the moment because you never know who you will meet.
- Get a hobby and stick with it. Find something you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, it really won’t help you. If you don’t have a hobby, try everything. I have have gotten into painting, bible journaling, reading, blogging, working out and traveling. I have found that when I start feeling like I’m in a rut, I need to plan a trip, even if it is small. I always come back feeling refreshed.
- Join a group. It isn’t as easy as going to the student union and signing up for a club, but it is still possible. I recently joined a young adults group at a local church and it could not have been a better decision. Try to find something that fits your interests so it’s something you look forward to every week.
- Travel. My motto is go everywhere, talk to everyone, learn everything. It couldn’t be more fitting for the beginning of life after graduation. Life is too short to stay in one place. If you don’t explore, you’ll never know what is out there. Traveling does not only introduce you to new places and people but it allows you to gain new perspectives and sometimes that’s what is missing.
- Find a purpose. Whether it be through work, volunteering or a hobby that you love, find purpose in something. For me, it was starting my blog. I know it’s still new and it isn’t much yet, but creating a positive outlet where I can go with my thoughts and ideas and help inspire other people has been truly amazing for me.
Life is different for everyone but these five things really helped me throughout this journey. I have learned so much about myself these last few years and I am so excited to continue on this road to figuring out what life has in store for me. Comment below what helped you after graduation!
Great tips! I got married my last semester of college so that was a huge change!
Wow, I bet that was a big change. Exciting though!
I was so happy to graduate last spring and have been travelling consistently ever since. It’s one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made! 🙂
If I didn’t have a horse I would be doing the same thing. I love to get out and see new places.
Spending time with animals sounds like the best way to survive the post graduate life
I was anxious to start my adult life after college. I think that I had a full-time job within a month. It wasn’t in the field that I ultimately ended up in, but it gave me a sense of purpose (and money!) while I figured things out.
Hobbies and travel are the best! Do it while you can. As you get older it’s almost as if you have to schedule time for yourself. So take advantage of all these wonderful opportunities in your youth!
These are all great tips. I graduated last year, and it’s definitely a challenging adjustment! I’ve been traveling a lot though, which keeps me inspired because I am meeting new people and seeing new places all the time…just like when I was in school!
These are great tips! I loved college, but I was SO READY for it to be over. Once it was, though, it was like…now what? I’m glad you addressed this — I think a lot of people go through it but don’t feel like they have people they can talk to about it.
This was a great read! I was sooo bored once I graduated and realized that I was actually done lol That changed really quickly once I got my first job though!
Finding a hobby is so important, it’s inevitable that once your career kicks off it’ll be priority especially at first but it’s all about balance 😉
These are all great tips, the main thing is to find a purpose, love it