I am here to share the lessons I learned that no one told me. You're lucky you have me to tell you *insert wink*
You’ll end up quitting a job you like (at least once)
So I had to experience this awkward situation first hand. When you're younger and working at a Taco Bell you walk out and quit out of frustration. When you're older with a career sometimes you have to leave a situation to help your finances but, you love the people, the job and all that comes with it. How crappy and awkward is that? "Hey I love working here, but I am poor and can't afford my student loans. So bye !" Filling out that letter of resignation with love for the job was such a sad day. I wish someone had told me!
You have to “mom” yourself
When you graduate you think: "Wow all this time! Time to party! Time to go out!" Turns out with a full-time job and life responsibilities you have to set curfews for yourself just like who? You have to make yourself healthy food instead of pop tarts and Cheetos, like who? Your mom! You have to "mom" yourself despite the desire to have fun. You will burn out. You will be tired. you will get sick. I wish someone had told me!
If you’re bored you’re boring!
This is a really hard pill to swallow, but very true. You don't have a campus activity board planning events and marketing them for you to come. If you are bored in your house/apartment it's your own fault. Join a club, exercise, ask your co-workers out, take up a hobby (*cough cough* like me with writing) --whatever you do have fun with it! I wish someone had told me!
Talking about an issue does minimal for “the movement”
College is our chance to expand our cultural awareness. We can become wrapped up in being allies and a part of whatever movement is currently popular. We attend discussions, post it on our social media, and go on and on about it to our friends. Awareness is important and helps the cause, but after graduation, it's time to become a valuable citizen and help. I wish someone had told me!
Over time you don’t want as many friends as you had
Friends are great! Group chats are great! I am sure you're thinking "I love all my friends! I would never want to downsize my friend group!" but honestly as time goes on and you take a partner or partners your time gets delegated. Add a hobby. Add civic engagement. Now having 7 best friends doesn't seem so great anymore. After you graduate do yourself a favor, let the "hangers-on" drop like flies and spend your valuable time with those who matter and the things that matter. I wish someone had told me!
