Graduating college was supposed to be a happy experience. It was supposed to be a moment where I could look back on the last four years of hard work and celebrate my achievements. It was supposed to be the platform from which I leapt headfirst into the future.
But when I sat on the field at Fenway Park a year ago among thousands of others in black robes and square caps, barely listening to the president of my university make a generic speech about accomplishment, any joy I felt was overshadowed by a tremendous amount of fear. It seemed like all of my friends had good jobs lined up and were on track for successful careers in their chosen fields. And I felt aimless.
It took me a long time to realize that these feelings were normal; that time was on my side, and even though I didn’t know my next steps, that didn’t mean I was behind. Here are the top few lessons I’ve learned in the year since I graduated on navigating post-grad life:
1) Don’t be embarrassed to move back home.
Some people act like it’s a concession or a failure to move back in with family. But if you have the ability to do so, it’s a great way to save money and plan for the future in a stable environment. When you don’t have to worry about paying rent or buying groceries, you can devote that energy to figuring out your next steps. Additionally, being in a place that’s familiar can help you feel safe, supported, and comfortable as you navigate this challenging transition.
2) Build a routine.
If you don’t have classes or work anymore, it can be easy to fall into a cycle of sleeping in and watching TikTok all day. While it’s definitely healthy to take part in some well-earned rest after the last few decades of being a student, it’s important to build a routine that gives your day some structure. For me, that meant getting up each day and leaving the house first thing. Starting my day with an errand (or a sweet treat) helped me to feel productive and accomplished by the end of the day. (Sweet treats are my weakness.) Getting myself something special, like a latte or a pastry, also helped motivate me to go out in public, be around other people, and work on something productive, whether it be a creative project, like writing music or editing videos, or looking for jobs.
3) Seek connection.
The biggest thing you can do for yourself is realize that you aren’t alone in what you’re going through. Take the time to meet up with old friends – it’s worth the effort. Put yourself in a position where you’re able to find support. This could mean talking about your feelings with a friend, or even just hanging out in silence in the company of another person. The physical act of being around other people helped me get out of my head.
4) Create a goal.
Having a goal prevented me from feeling stuck or stagnant where I was. Giving yourself something to work for – whether it’s saving money for your own place, working on a project, training for an athletic event, or taking a class–helped me find purpose during a time where I felt aimless and alone.
Acknowledge that periods of change and transition are hard. Give yourself credit for doing your best to navigate through them. You’ve gotten this far, and I know you can tackle this, too! Good luck, the future is bright!
