If You Just Graduated Maybe You Can Relate - Post College Stress
Recently I posted a picture on Instagram and wrote a long caption for the first time. I talked about the struggle of figuring out life after college and I actually had responses from people who could relate to almost the exact same experience (caption at the end of this blog). One comment even suggested that I should blog about this - thanks Nick Lapido - so here it is, the blog about the confusion and stress of being a REAL adult for the first time.
1. Why does no one prepare you for this?
Perhaps you’re one the few that was blessed enough to have someone actually prepare you for life after college, but let me tell you, I was not. I was one of the naive college kids that thought that you send your resume out a couple months before graduation, companies flock, you take your pick and get paid $60,000 a year. You can imagine I was disappointed when I was turned down for not only marketing jobs but turned down for a stylist sales associate position at the local mall months after graduating. I was raised with the idea that all you needed was a college degree to succeed. That was true when I was a kid, but now you’re successful if you’re famous online, created something monumental, or have at least a masters degree. None of which I was prepared to do.
I didn’t think there was a need for “preparing for life after college” because it seemed like such a simple task: get a job, get an apartment, be independent. What I hadn’t considered were all of the barriers I would have without connections, as a minority, as a female, and all the competition I would face now that bachelor degrees have become the new norm. I don’t blame my parents or my teachers. Times have changed. I just wish I was “in the know.” Not to mention this year I filed taxes for the first time and I still don’t fully understand why I got so much money back.
2. Don’t compare your journey
Social media in many ways is both a blessing and a curse. Seeing thousands of people your age “living their best life” can make you feel self-conscious and worthless if you aren’t content where you are. Not being able to “show off” on social media has become the new first world crisis. I try to keep in mind that people show they’re best for the world, and everyone has their struggles. I have a lot of friends doing social media fasts and if my blogging and marketing career didn’t depend on it, I would consider doing that as well.
3. So when does this awkward phase end?
I think it takes a while to get it all together. I can tell you right now that I don’t have it all together, and I don’t know when I will. I do know that everyone gets comfortable at different points in their life. I’ve found that the best way to get through the awkward phase of trying to figure things out is being willing to take risks, accept change, and make the best out of your current situation - yes, I know, the cliche “enjoy the journey” lesson.
Take risks by taking big steps towards one of your career goals. You may not know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but if you have passions chase them, and be willing to take risks to get involved in these things.
Be aware that there are lots of changes that happen during this time in your life. Friends will change, circumstances will change, your daily schedule will change... but be aware that these changes are normal and will keep coming, so be willing to accept it.
No matter where you end up, make the best of it. I know I struggle with this because I always want “better” but my time will come and in the meantime I need to be positive and be the best I can be at what I’m doing now.
I’m writing this blog so that I can shed some light on the drastic change and disappointment that often comes with becoming an adult. It’s okay to have trouble adjusting - we all do. Stay positive, humble, and learn to love yourself. Don’t put pressure on yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. Your time will come. Our time will come.
Here’s the caption from the Instagram picture I posted that inspired this blog post:
“I don’t know about you, but I’ve found the freedom of being an adult overwhelming and exhausting. Childhood was so structured, there was a clear path of where to go and what to do next. Now, after finishing school, I have had to create my own structure and it has been quite the mess. I juggle about 7 roles 1) Administrative Assistant, 2) Server, 3) Contract Social Media Specialist, 4) Blogger, 5) YouTuber, 6) PRo member and Social Media Manager, and I’m in the works of being a member of 7) Forner Agency. I’m also trying to be in a long distance relationship, and I’m living at home to save money. I have prayed for guidance since graduating from high school 7 years ago, but I can’t seem to figure out what I’m meant to do. So, I’m basically doing everything. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m working on creating myself. My title. My career. My purpose. If you can relate, comment below ❤️”
Follow me on Instagram @themandanicole and comment below on this blog too if you can relate to these struggles. Best wishes for you and your journey!
With love,
- MGL