Graduating—it’s something every single college student has in common; we want to graduate. Whether it’s community college or a university—we all want that piece of paper with our name on it in fancy writing, if only just so we can hang it in an expensive frame and put it on our wall to remind ourselves that we survived.
But there’s something that looms over the happiness of almost being done with college: the doom and gloom of the “real world.” I’m talking mostly of the terrifying, stressful, and sleep-depriving idea of finding a real job. Now, there are some people who know exactly what they’ve wanted to do their whole lives. And to you, my dear colleagues, I say congratulations. Because you’ve probably been working at getting that job for some time now, and since it’s your dream job you will do anything to get it.
Then there are the rest of us. Like myself, many of us don’t know what exactly we want to do with our lives past graduation. Remember that one time when you graduated from high school, and everyone and their aunt kept asking you, “So what do you want to go to college for? Do you know what you want to do with your life?” Yeah, it’s pretty much just as intimidating if not worse.
We all know what we’re supposed to do—Find a job that hopefully relates to what you studied in college, make some money, pay off those student loans, and maybe start paying your parents back for everything. Oh, and don’t forget about paying rent and utilities, buying food that’s not Top Ramen, and actually trying to save money. Honestly, it almost seems impossible nowadays.
I have found myself not being excited for actually graduating college, but being so stressed about the next chapter in my life! It is supposed to be an exciting time, but really, it’s just completely overwhelming. These questions are constantly circulating in my head; “Where am I going to move? How am I going to find a place to live with no job? Will I actually have to move back in with my parents? Does my resume even look okay? Why is no one getting back to me about my application? Can I just sleep for 10 years and then try again?” I know I’m not the only one with these questions. Every day I see my peers in the same position. Every week I constantly update my LinkedIn and see everyone else’s success. Times are tough, and I need to keep reminding myself that things will work out. So here’re a few tips for anyone who might be in my same position:
1. Just because you’re graduating does not mean you have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life.
It can be extremely intimidating when people ask you what you want to do. But you know what? It’s OK. Because your first job doesn’t have to be your last job. Maybe you’ll dislike your first job immensely, but you’ll get through it. Maybe your first job is a completely different field from what you studied in college. But it’s all experience. And in 10 years, I bet you’ll be looking back and laughing about how nervous you were.
2. Do not compare yourself to your peers and friends.
This is a good rule in general for life, but especially when looking for jobs. Don't self-sabotage. You will see many of your friends graduating, and some might get jobs the first week after. When this happens, don’t ask what’s wrong with yourself. Don’t start thinking you’ll never get a job. Because really, there’s nothing wrong with you. Someone will hire you. If anything, this is motivation to try even harder. Who knows, maybe your friend was applying to every job they came across. Don’t look at it as a negative thing; let it push your farther and help you obtain your goals.
3. Please remember to enjoy the last bits of your college life.
This is a time you’re never going to get back. Although life is extremely stressful, don’t forget to live it up a bit. Maybe go out with your friend you haven’t gone out with in a while. Go to that party everyone’s been asking you to go to. If you haven’t been to an area on campus, explore it. Take some pictures. Walk a different way to your car. Say hi and smile to some people who look as equally stressed as you do. Sing in your shower. Just remember to breathe and enjoy your college life as much as you can.
Try to keep your head up through all the stress and all the worrying. It might be cliché, but everything will work out. It might take some time, but you’ll find a job, you’ll find a new life, and you’ll find that all the worrying you did wasn’t really necessary. But until then, good luck!
