Graduating College and Feeling Lost
If you are someone like me and recently graduated college, first off congratulations! Secondly, you may also share the uneasy feeling of navigating the uncharted territory that is full-time adulthood. The stark contrast between the life of a student and that of a working (or currently unemployed) adult can be a bit abrasive, yet wildly limitless. In this post, I will be sharing my own journey of figuring out how I want to spend my working life and how I have been trying to productively fill this time.
I am sure that many college graduates can empathize and relate to the feeling of uncertainty about the next step to take after graduation. This feeling can be exacerbated by the worldwide turmoil instigated by COVID-19. This circumstance is one that I am all too familiar with. As someone who has many interests in the overarching realm of biological science, it feels like an impossible decision to pick just one route and stick with it indefinitely. I went from wanting to become a doctor, to pursuing the path of a botanist, then diverted my schedule to that of a teacher, circled back to becoming a doctor, and at last I am left utterly undecided. The beautiful thing about being in this confusing whirlwind of dream careers is that all the doors are still open to me. I have been finding solace in the fact that whatever I choose to do, it doesn't disqualify me from changing my mind later down the line. The one thing I DO NOT want to do, or have you do as well, is pick a route because you feel like it is the thing you should do or that your family and friends want you to do. This decision is entirely up to you and you alone when it comes time to make the final call. Why not pick the thing that really interests you?!
When it comes to how I have actually been spending the past month of being a quarantined graduate, it can be broken down into three parts: resting/hobbying, soul searching, and reaching out to different people and job opportunities to help clear up my path.
Resting and recuperating is long overdue for any graduate, and it is okay to take some time for taking it easy. I have been shocked with the amount of time I now have to read, exercise, complete passion projects, and relax. It has been the utmost enjoyable time.
The second aspect of this transitional time has been spent questioning where my interests truly lie. Questions such as “What topics in school or work projects felt like they flew by?” or “What tasks or topics were anxiety inducing and caused dread?” have been crossing my mind and I have been taking the time to ponder them considerately. I have also been questioning whether I want to chase a career for societal admiration or if it is actually my calling. The image of yourself is not the one who will be doing the job, and this is something that I must constantly remind myself.
Lastly, I have been a job-applying fiend. Anything that sparks a glimmer of my interest I give a shot. Casting a wide net and seeing what opportunities are possible at the time can help you get experience in a possible career and allow you to really make your mind up (even if it is only temporary). I for one feel uncomfortable committing to more education while simultaneously feeling so indecisive. That is why I am taking the time to hold temporary positions that will hopefully provide me with epic insight. You do not need to achieve your final destination career upon immediately graduating!
Overall, do not feel unnecessary pressure to have your whole life planned out immediately after college. This is especially true considering the tumultuous state of the world we currently live in. It is okay, and even advantageous, to be open to so many options. If you are in the same boat I am in, just know that you are in good company and there is no unspoken deadline you have to reach as a graduate. Honor your own timeline and be willing to explore various possibilities!
