When we enter into college, we all go through different experiences. Some of us end up going off and graduating early, leaving the campus life behind. Some of us decide to go onto more years of school, through medical school or wanting to achieve that Ph.D. I know plenty of people that want to state that they are doctors or lawyers. I do not have that capacity to want to stay in school. I am ready to be done!
I have been in school for 16 YEARS. I did not take a break between transitioning from high school to college. Some people decided to travel abroad or work for a year. The only break I have is this semester and it is not necessarily my first choice. It was for my mental health and safety.
So, besides that, I will be a senior in college. That means I will cross that stage and earn my diploma stating that I finished all of my requirements and I earned that piece of paper through money, hard work, and discipline.
I have this GIANT worry though.
When I officially finish my college career, what next? What is going to happen when I go into the real world and have to acquire an “adult” job That terrifies me. That terrifies me that I will officially be responsible for myself.
Do not get me wrong, I have had to pay my own bills during my years of college. However, I cannot go begging my boss for an extension, unlike a professor that might be more lenient. I do not get to choose when I work, unlike my classes.
I am the WORST morning person ever. I tend to allow my insomnia dictate when I fall asleep. That is why I choose not to take early morning classes otherwise I would be the zombie, relying on my thermos of coffee in order to understand anything being said in that classroom.
When I go into the real world, there will be jobs that will require me to be up by 6 a.m. and off to work at an office desk by 7 a.m. It makes me gag because I am not that person that loves being up at the crack of dawn. However, I won’t get the option unless I get VERY lucky and find a job that has flexible hours.
I will be responsible for me. I cannot go running to my parents because they will see I am an adult. Granted, my parents are my everything and if I went to them for support, they would help me in any way that I can.
However, my parents are not responsible for my well being the moment I finish crossing that stage and earning my diploma. I have to find my own apartment, pay my own bills, and be able to cook my own food. I do this very much so before I finish my degree.
I also have to pick a job. I will have my degree in hand but I have to go out and make the effort to find the job. I won’t be able to rely on the college campus to give me a job or family relatives getting me in with them. I have to create that perfect resumé that will portray who I am. It is terrifying. However, I am glad I am thinking about it now before that final week of college. I want to be prepared for my adult life and that is OK!