Whether you graduated feeling more lost than ever because you might have picked the wrong major, more sure than ever that you studied what you definitely want to do, or more afraid than ever because life really is about to change and you're not sure you're ready to "adult" yet," I promise you this: you're going to be OK.

Dear Grad,

Somewhere along the line we began to cling to the notion that graduating means we need to find a real job...immediately. We began to accept the lie that there must be something wrong with us, if we don't. But I'm here to tell you, that's not true at all.

It's OK to not have it all figured out yet.

It's OK to not be sure. It's okay to change your mind. It's OK to not really know what you're going to do, where you're going to go, or who you're going to be. It's OK to be scared. It's OK to be frustrated. It's OK to go through the motions. It's OK to not be OK.

I promise, you're not alone. We've all been there. Existing in the place where we're expected to have our lives figured out because we've left school and entered "the real world." Uncomfortable in the presence of people who ask "so, what's next?" or some variation of a question that we honestly don't have an answer to. Nervous at the thought that we might have slept a little too much and studied far too little. Anxious about the fact that we might not even find a job doing the thing we studied.

There's nothing wrong with feeling that way.

In fact, it's OK to have no clue where you're going or what you're doing. There's no rulebook of life that says that you have to figure it all out before you leave school. There's not a manual that states that you're a failure if you don't. And anyone willing to make you feel like lesser for not knowing everything right now isn't the kind of person you need in your life anyway.

Remember that.

Remember that the past four years weren't a waste just because you don't know what the next four or forty, might hold. Remember that the past four years of your life were spent growing, changing, and most importantly, learning. Remember that who you are today isn't who you were when you started your journey. Remember that you're better because of it. Remember that there was good in spite of the bad, highs in spite of the lows, connections in spite of the heartbreaks, victories in spite of the sacrifices, and ultimately there will be success in spite of the "failures" standing in your way.

Life is unpredictable.

So give yourself a pat on the back. Give yourself a round of applause, a standing ovation, a high five, a hug, because you did it! You survived four years of hell (even if they were the best four years of your life). And no one can take that away from you! You made it this far and you deserve to be proud of that. So don't let anyone diminish that accomplishment just because you don't know what's coming next. Reality is, at the end of the day, no one really does.

So roll with the punches and go wherever the wind takes you. Don't forget where you came from (because it made you who you are). Don't be afraid to face rejection (because it happens to everyone). Don't be afraid to say yes to new opportunities (because they could change your life). Don't be afraid to say no to things that aren't good for you (because balance is necessary). Don't be afraid to do things on your own (because you're an adult now). Don't be afraid to ask for help when it's necessary (because we all need people). Don't get too comfortable where you are (because you'll never leave). Don't set deadlines for when you need to leave (because you'll only stress yourself out). Don't make decisions to make everyone else happy (because it's your life). Do you.

You graduated college. Your life isn't over yet.

In fact, it's just beginning. So let it be the start of something new; the start of something you can be proud of. Whether that means taking time off to catch up on the sleep you didn't get throughout the years, or traveling the world to see places people only dream of visiting. Whether that looks like picking up a part time job or two to keep up with your rent or living out of your car on a cross-country road trip with your friends. Whether that looks like living with your parents until you can be on your own, or applying to every job posting you see until someone decides to hire you.

Do whatever works for you and eventually it will all come together.

Sincerely,

A fellow grad without a job