Life After College 1
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Graduation day. For years, you've imagined the day your deserving hand grasped that crisp diploma. Through exhausting tests and early wake-ups, graduation day seemed like some elusive, unreachable date on the calendar.You've earned the right to tread across the stage and into the vast horizon of possibility. The rite of passage into real adulthood has happened as the familiar dr. Seuss book has told you, you're off to new places. You're off to your dreams.
It's thrilling. The optimism of what awaits you incites celebratory feelings and the tossing of graduation caps.
We all love a good commencement speech, even if the rest of the graduation ceremony drags on. Hope and inspiration are palpable, but the words are easily forgotten in the excitement of graduation. I've come to appreciate the things I wish every high school senior/ college graduate knew before stepping out of doors for the final time.
Tips to transitioning to life after Highschool
1. You'll miss those days.
I couldn't wait to step out of those doors for the final time. Now, though, I can appreciate that despite the hardships, frustrations, mood swings, and mean girls, some of my best life moments happened in those high school hallways. Treasure the final moments because someday, you will want them back.
If you're graduating from high school, you're a few months away from one of the most significant inflection points in your life.
There's no other time in your life when you have so much freedom, and your life is ripe with so many possibilities. There's no time more ideal for taking risks, getting into an epic adventure, and writing your script.
So in no particular order of importance, I'd like to share what I've learned on this journey.
Chances are you've given a lot of thought to the following question.
What do you want to do with your life?
It's a loaded question because, despite what you might think, you hardly know who you are. You've only lived a small fraction of your life. You might be tempted to answer that question with how you plan to earn a living. But there's a difference between what you plan to do with your life and how you plan to make a living. So often, you inherit your goals from the world around you instead of basing them on your lived experience.
When you don't limit the answer to that question to how you're going to pay rent, you open yourself up for a hell of a ride.
Even though you've probably spent the last 20 years of your life searching for the right answers to get good grades, pass ap tests, get into the college of your dreams or land the highest paying job, and become masters of the universe, I'm not sure there are any right answers. And even if there are, I encourage you to search for interesting ones.
Make a list of everything you plan to do with your life.
Write it down in a notebook and always carry it.
Don't worry about how crazy or insane it sounds or how it's ever going to happen. Just make a list.
At the end of every year, see how many things you've managed to cross off.
The greatest thing that you can do with your life is to make it enjoyable.
One of the best ways to do that is with experiences. Unlike your possessions, your expertise will be with you until you die. Your memories will remain timeless.
When I was looking around my living room the other night, I realized I don't have any of the material possessions that I acquired in my 20's. There's a diminishing return on the happiness of material goods. Everything new becomes old, and everything eventually becomes your new normal.
As you get older, fatter, and slower (which I know sounds unlikely to you right now), some of the experiences you're curious about might not be possible. This is true for physical activities like surfing, snowboarding, and anything else that might cause you to break a bone. You will eventually reach a point when broken bones don't heal.
Maybe you have a plan, even a career in mind. Do you want to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer?
Maybe you've had this conversation at your kitchen table with your parents. I wish someone had told me that you don't have to choose from the options in front of you. There's a whole set that you'll find if you're just willing to look for them.
Which takes us to the question
What is a school for?
To attend the most excellent party of your life and have lots of sex if you weren't cool enough to do that in high school?
To change the world?
A college campus is a world filled with possibilities, opportunities, people to meet, and things to try. There's so much more for you than the ability to study and get good grades. Give people a reason to find you attractive. Don't let the options in front of you blind you to the possibilities that surround you. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up and get a real job because when this time is gone, you'll never get it back. Embrace your curiosity. Study how to make films, cook delicious food, make good art, and do other things that seem to have no practical purpose.
2. A college degree doesn't guarantee your dream job.
Don't get me wrong. I believe in the value of education. I've centered my career around it. However, please understand that earning your degree only opens doors for you. It doesn't mean you'll get to walk right through those doors with ease. It still requires work, effort, and networking to get to your dream job. You might not get that outstanding job you have your eye on right out of college. It might be a decade until you get to where you want to be. Be prepared to work your way up, even after the next diploma is in your hands.
3. Adult life is expensive
I never thought that a sale on vacuum cleaners or water heaters would be a blessing at some point in life. Whenever you feel you've correctly finagled your budget, something will break. That something will cost more than you could ever dream. Even regular life will put a dent in your wallet. The freedom of adult life comes at a hefty price, and your disposable income might not allow for nightly caviar and expensive cocktails.
4. Friends will come and go.
Everyone always talks about high school friendships, not lasting forever.
Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't.
Over the next few years, you'll learn people will fade in and out of your life. It might feel like there is a revolving friendship door in your life. Know that's okay. Learn to be your friend, and be confident enough to trek through life solo. Also, know, though, that as friends make their exit, new people will enter your life. Learn to appreciate the present and who is with you now.
5. Every choice you make can impact your future.
Even seemingly insignificant decisions can lead your life down a different path. Be aware of your choices and impact, but don't obsess over them to the point of overwhelming yourself.
Trust your instincts. Regrets are a natural accompaniment to freewill. Sometimes you just have to do the best you can at the time and understand that everyone wishes they'd done some things differently.
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6. Listen to your heart when deciding your career.
Friends, family, and even society will try to dictate what job you pursue. Be confident enough to recognize it is your life. You are the one who has to work in the career you pursue. Find something that fulfills you and gives you purpose.
7. Salary is only one measure of success.
As a teenager, I thought money equated to fulfillment. I've learned that the equation isn't necessarily correct. Find what truly makes you feel alive and purposeful. Sometimes dollar signs aren't the answer.
8. Don't be afraid to be surprised.
In high school, we're told to plan for the future. However, I've come to realize sometimes the best things in life aren't something we ever expected. We often end up in entirely different places than we could've ever imagined. Surprise twists aren't always a bad thing. Don't be so rigid in your planning that you fear the unknown.
9. Accumulate memories, not stuff.
As I get ready to enter my 30s, I've learned the things that make me happiest aren't the shoes, clothes, or technological gadgets I've accumulated.
It's the memories.
The once-in-a-lifetime moments I've experienced with friends and family are what I truly treasure. Sometimes, it's even small moments like sitting on the deck watching a meteor shower or going to a family gathering. Don't spend your adult life collecting things that someday won't matter. Collect moments with those around you. These are what you will treasure later.
10. You can never be fully prepared, so just enjoy the crazy ride.
No matter how prepared you think you are or how much advice you receive, you can't wholly prepare yourself. Adult life is hard. It's stressful. It's confusing. But that's part of what makes the journey beautiful. No matter what, this is your story. There will be difficult times and mistakes. There will be regrets and mishaps. Enjoy every single moment, good and bad. Don't be afraid to explore, be adventurous, and to change your mind. There's no other time in your life when you have so much freedom, and your life is ripe with so many possibilities. There's no time more ideal for taking risks, getting into an epic adventure, and writing your script.
Tips for Transitioning to Life After College
When your college days come to a close, there are many unknowns about what life will be like. You've been a student for most of your life, so thinking about what life will be like after college can be scary. You are transitioning from college student to working professional, but your social life will also see significant changes. Not to mention dealing with the financial responsibilities of the "real world." Here are nine tips that can make this transition easier.
Make new friends.
A harsh reality of graduating from college is that you and many of your friends will likely head your separate ways. While you should try to keep your best friends close, you may lose touch with a few over time. Try to make friends with people you work with or get involved with your community to meet new people.
Say goodbye to free time.
Your college class schedule likely only took up a few hours each day. You may have even had days off. Once you have a full-time job, days off will come a lot less often. You'll be lucky to get two weeks' worth of paid vacation at your first entry-level job. Learning how to use this free time to reenergize or benefit yourself is key to your overall well-being.
Set goals.
You've achieved your goal of getting a college degree, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Setting goals for your professional life will be imperative to achieving success. Your dream job won't be handed to you, and you won't climb the ladder in your company with average effort. You'll also want to set goals for your personal life – what kind of life you want to lead, whether you want a family, where you want to live, etc. Setting goals for yourself regularly will keep you motivated.
Change sleeping habits.
While all-nighters can happen from time to time in college, staying up through the night can't happen when you're trying to maintain a working lifestyle. Naps are also typically out of the question. Learning how to get to bed at a decent hour will keep you healthier physically and mentally. Aiming for 8 hours is a good goal (though it doesn't always happen).
Purchase work attire.
Jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts might not be of much use to you if you're transitioning into the corporate arena. While it's fun to have some style, you'll be wearing business casual apparel five days of the week if you're working full-time. Invest in an appropriate wardrobe, and don't go overboard by purchasing from top brands.
Find a place to live.
It is deciding where you want to live after college is a big decision. Some people will move back home to live with their parents and save money. If you don't have a job lined up, this may be your only option – but don't be afraid to look for jobs away from home. Living with your parents after a few years of living can be a difficult transition. If you're not going to live with your parents – Do you want to rent or buy? Do you want a roommate? Do you want to move out of state? These are just a few of the questions you need to consider.
Learn to manage your finances.
As soon as you land a job, you should enroll in a 401k, 403b, or another retirement plan. This will allow you to plan a sound retirement as well as teach you how to save money. You will also need to budget wisely. If you are low on cash for the month and your rent or mortgage is due, don't buy those shoes you have been eyeing. Wait until you can afford them. Furthermore, if you use credit cards regularly, try to pay off the balance in full each month. Once you are in debt, it takes a lot of will power to get out of it.
Be prepared for entry-level jobs.
Even though you have a college degree, don't expect to have the perfect job and bring in a considerable paycheck. A large number of posts available to new grads are entry-level. These jobs often require long hours, low pay, and hard work. Most employers want to see all employees start at a certain level to understand the business better. Working hard at this entry-level job will show your employer that you are dedicated and open up new doors for you.
Network wisely.
As you transition from college life to the working world, don't overlook essential associations that can contribute to your professional advancement. Stay in contact with old professors, friends, or family members who have connections with people in major corporations and organizations. These people may let you know when they are aware of opportunities that could benefit you.
Knowing what to expect after graduation and following some of these guidelines should help launch your post-college life on a positive note. The transition into the "real world" may be shocking at first, but you will become acclimated to it after a while.
When your college days come to a close, there are a lot of unknowns about what life will be like. You've been a student for the majority of your life, so thinking about what life will be like after college can be a bit scary. Not only are you transitioning from college student to working professional, but your social life will also see significant changes. Not to mention dealing with the financial responsibilities of the "real world."
Student's loans
When you graduate from college, you may be more focused on finding a job and getting your first place than your student loans. While the student loan counseling required for graduation may briefly explain your responsibilities, but you must take action with your student loans as soon as possible. Student loans can be an excellent way to ensure that you finish your college education with a minimum amount of stress. Taking on debt sure beats taking every couple of semesters off to work or working all night shifts to pay for the classes that you'll attend the next morning.
On the other hand, the impacts will ripple throughout the rest of your life, possibly impacting other dreams. If you are a high school graduate, then the best approach is to borrow only the minimum amount necessary and pay it off as quickly as possible. Our student loans are a significant impact on our life, even more than ten years after graduation. Student loans tend to seem like a good idea when you're 18, and you want the college experience. You convince yourself that it will be no problem to pay off the debt. Once you're out of school and have a good job, you'll be making enough money to afford the loan payments, so the loans seem logical. If you keep your loan amounts low, earn a good salary, and live well within your means, student loans will likely not be very problematic for you.
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