After years of studying hard, it’s all over. You are now a graduate. For some people, there is a sense of relief and elation – all the hard work and stress, and living on a shoestring budget is over. For some people, there will be a sense of optimism and excitement as they enter a whole new chapter of their lives. Some graduates will feel sadness, saying goodbye to the place where they started their adult lives and picked up so many new skills – writing countless papers and making sure that they follow the quite strict MLA format, making sure you hit deadlines, cooking for yourself and basically learning to organize yourself.
You may be feeling a whole combination of emotions! Whatever you are feeling, you are about to enter an entirely new stage of your life, so here are some tips to help you manage the transition.
Don’t panic
Some people have clear plans laid out for them from the moment they have that graduation certificate in their hand. Perhaps they have landed themselves an internship or a prestigious new job. However, if you are like many graduates and don’t have any idea of what to do next, don’t panic!
Take the time to consider your next move, and don’t let other people tell you what you should be doing. There are always options open to you, but you don’t have to come to a quick decision. It is wise to pause, readjust yourself to life after uni, and take time out for your own wellbeing. If necessary, go on a delayed gap year, or look at doing something a little different and very worthwhile, like volunteering.
Know your worth
You may find that your self-confidence takes a bit of a dip after leaving university. This is especially true if you find yourself having to move back home to live with your parents or if you are unable to find a job straight away. It can make it even worse if the friends that you graduated with find their feet immediately and start new jobs and move into their own homes while you are still trying to find your place in this strange new world. However, it is essential to remember that it does not mean that you are worthless.
First off, you have survived university life and come out the other end with a degree while accomplishing many other things along the way. If you begin to feel despondent, take some time to look back on these accomplishments, and congratulate yourself on the many small victories. It is also important that you don’t compare yourself with others. Remember, each person is destined to take their own path in life, so if you continue to follow your passions and dreams, you will be successful in your own way. Base your self-worth on your personal achievements and not on the accomplishments of others.
Life after graduation isn’t for anybody. Life is entirely different, with a whole host of new challenges. However, it is also the start of an exciting new chapter. Hopefully, these tips will help you to find your place in the world quickly and smoothly.
