The Hard Truths of Post-College Life

Embarking on the journey of post-college is akin to stepping into uncharted territory. It's a time of transition, growth, and yes, a series of humbling revelations that many graduates might not anticipate. As you navigate through this phase, here are some candid truths that I’ve learned from experience:

You may not land a job right after graduation.

The fantasy of landing the dream job right after graduation is just that – a fantasy for most. The job market can be competitive, and it's not uncommon to face setbacks in your quest for employment. Most employers get spammed with resumes and cover letters, and it’s hard for them to pick the best candidates if you don’t have a standing relationship at the company already. (On a related note, leverage LinkedIn as much as you can!) Be patient and persistent, apply for anything and everything that interests you, and you will hear back from someone eventually. If you want more lead time, I recommend seniors apply to jobs 6 months before graduating or work a paid internship during their senior year so they can have an opportunity lined up. 

You can’t go out on weekdays like you used to.

Gone are the days of carefree weeknight outings. Post-college life often demands a more disciplined schedule. If you’re working a typical 9 to 5 job, it could be exhausting going out for drinks, staying out late, and having to clock in with only 3 hours of sleep and a hangover. Especially in my last year of college, I was guilty of doing this with my part-time jobs but full-time jobs are a whole different ballpark. You’re expected to be one ping away and those extra hours of sleep could be your saving grace for getting through the day. 

You may not have much energy at the end of each workday.

Expecting the same energy levels after a full day of work as you had in college is unrealistic. The transition to a professional environment can be draining, and evenings may be more about unwinding than engaging in social activities. Wrap up work on time and if you need to, take the end of the day to rest, reconnect with friends/family over the phone, and delve into any hobbies. I promise you, you’re probably not missing out on much by prioritizing yourself! 

You are a baby in everyone’s eyes, even if you don’t feel like one. 

Despite your skills and education, you might be perceived as inexperienced. It takes time to establish yourself in your chosen field. Connect with colleagues at and outside of work so you build on those relationships and make your accomplishments and hard work known to your teammates. 

You’re going to be in your role for a while before you get a promotion.

It's a marathon, not a sprint. Your first job might not be the pinnacle of your career, and that's perfectly normal. It’s a learning curve; focus on gaining experience and understand that promotions often come after a considerable investment of time and effort. No one becomes CEO on their first day of work! Employers love seeing good work, grit, dependability, and consistency and that could only be evaluated over time. 

Your circles will become smaller and your long-term friendships will reveal themselves.

Post-college life has a way of revealing who your true friends are. There are some people I haven’t even talked to since graduation. And it’s not that I don’t cherish them but I’d say a lot of people I thought were close have slowly faded into the background. Your circles naturally become smaller, but this is an opportunity for quality over quantity and you will cherish the relationships that withstand the test of time.

You will feel more alone. 

The post-college journey can be isolating at times. For the first time, you’re taking on the world on your own. But remember that there’s a difference between being lonely and being alone. Being alone can be a good thing. This period is sometimes where people truly establish their independence while finding solace in personal growth as they have more moments of solitude. The best thing for your mental health is enjoying your own company! 

You will do work outside your pay grade. 

Early in your career, you might take on tasks beyond your initial job description. That’s okay because you need to get experience somewhere! It's an opportunity to showcase your skills and versatility. Stretching up with your responsibilities will help you be even more prepared as you move up the ladder. 

You will be broke from paying bills monthly. 

This applies mostly to those who don’t live at home after college. The transition to financial independence may come with budgeting challenges. Prioritize financial literacy by reading books, listening to podcasts, or asking questions to those who have been through it. For those of us living in California, most of us allocate one-third or even half of our paycheck solely to rent. Then when you pay off all your bills, it’s as if you didn’t even receive your check. You’re not going to be broke forever but for now, it’s best to live under your means so you can save for a rainy day and avoid debt– eek. But for those still living with their parents, take advantage of that time as much as possible and save every penny! 

You will be asked about work constantly. 

Expect inquiries about your work life. “How’s work going” is a question you should get used to hearing. Utilize these moments to share your journey and experiences, but also set boundaries when needed. 

You’re going to see everyone’s social media and want to compare. 

In an age of constant connectivity, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey to others through social media. Although, these platforms often showcase curated highlights, not the full spectrum of reality. Focus on your path, not someone else's highlight reel and only compare yourself to your past self. 

You will miss college but also be happy that it’s over with. 

Nostalgia for college is common, but you will also appreciate the growth and new opportunities post-college life brings. You’re able to travel more, learn more about yourself, and experience things that only an adult check can afford. 

You will have no idea what’s next for you.

The infamous question of "What's next?" after graduation. You don’t need to have all the answers. Clarity will come in due time.

Now, I’m not saying all of this to make you scared of graduating or sad for post-college life. But the hard truths aren’t talked about enough because we live in fear of people knowing we don’t have ‘everything figured out’ (whatever that means). The post-college phase is a confusing time where we’re getting used to work taking up the majority of our days and don’t have a clear direction forward. We would just go to school every day, going from grade to grade, but didn’t have control of our path. 

Embracing these truths can provide a realistic perspective and help us navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories along the way. The fact of the matter is– we’re all freestyling life and trying to figure out what drives us and defining our long-term goals for ourselves, both personally and professionally. Establish a solid routine, lean into the discomfort, and allow yourself to reflect on how these factors can actually drive us. There is fun in the process of it all! 

We'll all get through it. Your time has and will come. 

With Love,

Kaitlin