Tips for when adulting is hard
You did it! Through the hardships, the stress, the testing, and the busy schedule, you made it to graduation. In the midst of the crazy last four (more or less) years, you may not have processed what life will be like post graduation.
For the first time since you can remember, you don’t have to go to school. Graduate school is always an option, but even that can be quite a change from the college life you’re used to. You may be living on your own, or moving to a new place for a job or internship. Changes are coming. Are you ready?
There’s no question that the transition out of college is a tough one. You’ll probably experience the most life-changes you’ve ever experienced at once, and it can be difficult to know how to navigate them. Our best advice? You don’t have to have it all together. Just be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Here’s a list of things you’ll be responsible for in your post-grad life (to help you get ahead of the game)
Finding Community
College is one of the most unique times in your life for many reasons, and one of the most distinctive characteristic of college is the community you are constantly surrounded by. You live with friends in the residence halls, meet acquaintances while you hang out on campus, and get to know your classmates on a daily basis.
Life after graduation can have a tendency to feel a little lonely—it’s hard to find times when your schedule lines up with your friends’ schedules, and your friends will also spread out across the cities and event the world. They no longer live across the hall.
Be intentional about finding community. Get involved in a small group at your church, plan weekly get-togethers with your close friends from college, and get to know your coworkers. Focusing purposeful time with people who love and care about you will make a world of difference on your transition out of college.
Paying the Bills
The responsibility to pay for everything—really, everything—that you need can be daunting. Groceries, housing, student loans, and car payments can add up faster than you ever thought. You’re not alone in this feeling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and even meet with a financial advisor to get on your feet right after graduation. You’ll feel more at peace when you have a strategy in front of you.
Be sure to make a plan, and intentionally budget. No matter what your working life looks like after graduation, there are many ways to save money on the essentials and make ends meet.
Here are some helpful tips for managing your money both in and out of college.
Making a Living
Whether you graduated with your dream job lined up, or you still feel like you don’t know what you want to do, it’s important to think through how you will make a living.
Working is significant for your post-grad life, so find ways to be productive even if you are in a time of uncertainty or waiting. Set up an informational interview (coffee or a meeting in the office) with a professional in a job you think you might be interested in, take quizzes online to find your strengths, and talk to people who know you well to see if they have insights on work that you could find joy in.
And if all else fails, just get started. Sometimes your first job out of college meets all of your goals and dreams, and sometimes your first job is just a start. That’s ok. Don’t be hard on yourself if your first job doesn’t apply all of your newly developed skills. Any job will give you the opportunity to add more skills to your toolbelt for future positions, and will add experience to your resume.
Still feeling overwhelmed?
Remember that you’re not alone. Talk to your friends, parents, and mentors if you’re feeling stressed about all of the responsibility on your plate. You can do this!
Todd Talks – How to overcome anxiety
Hear from North Central University’s own Todd Monger about how you can overcome anxiety in your life. Whether you’re finishing up the semester or looking adulthood in the face, these tips will help you conquer your anxiety.
