Graduating college is one of the most accomplished feelings there is. You feel like you're on top of the world, like you've finally made it because after four years of slaving away and not getting enough sleep, you finally have that coveted degree. Life is great.
Until, that is, you move back home to your parents house and it's no longer socially acceptable to get drunk and pass out in your pizza every weekend. There are so many things they don't tell you about life after college. So many things that could be considered valuable information. Like, how having a degree doesn't garauntee you a job in your field, or any job at all for that matter.
I wish that I would've known how hard it was going to be to find a job after college. The countless applications and rejections had me so discouraged after graduation. All of the "thank you for your interest but we've chosen a more qualified candidate" emails made me wonder why I spent four years going into debt for a degree I'm not "qualified" enough to use.
They also don't tell you just how much you'll miss college once you leave. I couldn't wait to graduate, but now that I have all I want to do is go back. I was the homesick freshman trying to go home every chance I got. I never in a million years thought I'd end up liking college, but I did. I got involved on campus pretty late in the game so I feel like I missed out of valuable time with the friends I made in my last two years. And you can say you'll visit and that things wont be that much different, but in reality you'll probably only make it to homecoming and talk less with the people who were once such a huge part of your day to day life. It sucks, but life happens.
As for moving back home, I'll admit I have it a little easier than most graduates who move back in with Mom and Dad. Whereas some parents will make their kids start paying rent or a few bills here and there, or even hassle them move out on their own, my mom is pretty chill in comparison. Of course I have to do my part and help out when needed but I don't get nagged about when I'm moving out and I'm not required to pay rent now that I'm a college graduate, so all in all it's not a bad setup.
However, when I was at school, I had my own apartment with roommates and I came and went as I pleased and never had to report back to anyone but myself. I could have parties whenever I wanted and my friends were able to crash on the couch at a moment's notice and I could decorate however I wanted. That's definitely one of the bigger things I miss about being in college. Just as I was making a home for myself there, I was sent packing and I have to admit, I feel a little bitter about it.
Now I'm in grad school working towards my Masters, and a life of sustainable income so that I can pay back thousands in student loans. Being a college grad is definitely a struggle, but people get through it, and so will I.
