We all know the question -- a nicely phrased variation of, "What are you going to do with your life?" Your family means well, really they do, but it can get frustrating and discouraging having to admit that you're broke and thus far jobless to more than 15 people on several different occasions. Here are 11 unique ways to explain to your family that you actually have no idea where you will be in May.
1. Tell them you are not really graduating this year.
This is especially useful if it is true. They will definitely stop asking you about your future plans at that point. If it is not true, it can still be a fairly effective tool to get people to stop talking, but be warned that it might scare your parents half to death. Tuition is expensive.
2. Announce right off the bat that you are not going to talk about it.
As soon as you walk through the door, let everyone know that you would rather not discuss what you are doing post graduation. Literally say that before anyone has a chance to ask. It will probably surprise them enough that they won't bring it up again.
3. Tell them you dropped out last week.
This will shut down the conversation in an instant. Guaranteed.
4. Act super confused about how to apply for jobs, how to make a resume or where to begin to search for jobs -- you get the idea.
If it worked for Rachel, maybe it will work for you. Perhaps they will really believe that you genuinely do not understand. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
5. Make up a totally random profession (but be completely serious about it).
They are either forced to go along with it and are terrified for your future, or they see it is a joke and recognize that you are refusing to take their question seriously. Either way, it could be pretty entertaining.
6. Pretend you have already gotten your dream job.
You have been in college for four years now. You know how to play it smart. So do it. Besides, this will motivate you to try extra hard when you apply for your dream job because it would be super awkward to explain why you are not working there once you do actually graduate in May.
7. Admit to being homeless and jobless.
At the very least, they will feel sorry for you. Plus, honesty is a good policy -- and now you have an excuse for crying!
8. Tell them that you are hungry and afraid.
Explaining that you are so broke that it is a struggle to get groceries will alert them to the true desperateness of your situation and will hopefully prevent them from prying too much.
9. Run away screaming.
Let's be honest. You want to run away and cry every time someone asks you the question, so why not just do it?
10. Ask them to give you a job.
If they are so dang curious about what you are doing, why don't they decide for you? Surely they know someone who is hiring. Not to mention, at this point you are a little desperate.
11. Give them the stare.
Sometimes, silence is a powerful tool.
No matter which option you choose, remember to be consistent. Offer the same response every time, so that they only have one answer to talk about after you leave. And do not give up! You still have months to figure it out. You've got this.
