For those of us reaching the end of our collegiate careers, the question, "What am I going to do after college?" is playing on a repeating loop. For some of us, the answer is getting a job. For others, it's going to graduate school. And for a large majority of others, there is no answer, which is a pretty scary thought if you ask me.
For those of us looking to get a job, the pickings are slim, and even slimmer are the jobs in our specialized fields. For instance, I recently got offered a job that is not only not in my desired field, but it's a job that I'm sure a monkey could handle. In other words, if we are going to spend 16+ years in school working towards doing something we love as a career, shouldn't we actually be able to do it?
The concept that we are actually going to graduate and be thrown into the "real world" soon is pretty hard to swallow, so I have come up with a few stages of acceptance that I am currently going through to help my fellow student realize that it's normal to feel the way you are. Growing up sucks, as does getting a real job.
1. Denial. Putting the thought of graduation and job-searching out of your mind because it's way too scary of an idea. For now, all you need to worry about is getting the last of your frat parties in and making those college memories.
2. Annoyance. You're just over your family constantly asking you about what you have planned after college. "Idk, something will come up," and "I'm starting my job hunt soon" are the usual responses; can't they just be happy with that?
3. Realization. Your friends start talking about what they have planned after they graduate, which does not entail laying on the couch with Netflix like you had planned.
4. Panic. "Oh shit. I'm actually going to graduate in four months. Wtf am I going to do for work? What if I don't get a job? How am I going to buy food? I have no idea how to do my taxes or what a 401K is. I can't make it on my own," are the thoughts circling your head when you realize you're actually going to have a career.
5. Reason. You think, hey, it won't be so bad. So what if I don't get a job right out of college? I could use some time off anyways. And even if it's not my dream job, I'm sure I'll get there some day.
6. See stage 4.
7. Acceptance. After all your worry and panic, you finally accept the fact that you, like every other person on the planet need to get a job. Even if it is not your dream job right out of the gate, it's okay. Not everyone gets their dream job, and certainly not right out of college. You might need to pay your dues, but you will get there someday. And for those of you taking some time off or going down a different path, have faith that everything will work out for the best. You didn't come all this way for nothing.
