Things I wish I knew as a fresh graduate
Lucky to be Young
1. It’s okay to still be lost
You already graduated and you still don’t know what you want to do with your life? Apply for a Master’s degree right away? Work for a year (or more?), and then apply? No clue whatsoever? Yeah we’ve all been there, and you know what? It’s Okaaaay! This will go on for a while. Actually most people ramble through life not knowing what they’re doing at all ages, so don’t think you need to have everything figured out to get going. Just go with the flow. Start somewhere (anywhere is fine!) and take it from there.
2. You won’t find your dream job right away
It’s not just that you won’t find your dream job as soon as you graduate, you might not find *any* job for a few months, and that’s okay too. It happens to the best of us. Make sure you don’t start comparing yourself to others. Sometimes it seems like people have it all together. Sometimes they’re faking it, and sometimes they really do have it together (good for them!). Regardless, don’t let it get to you. We each grow at our own pace, and everything will be okay eventually.
3. People will pressure you
This one’s the absolute worst. Whether it’s your parents, your family, your extended family, your neighbors, their dog, your parents’ friends, their neighbors, their dog, your own friends or even their parents, everyone will ask you whether you’re working yet or not on every occasion they get. They will worry about how you spend your time “doing nothing”. They will offer you their uncalled for advice because they think they know better. Some will even offer their prayers (your grandparents for instance). They will all contribute to making your days a little more annoying. Remember: don’t let them get to you! You don’t owe anyone an answer as to how you spend your time or how long it takes you to get going.
4. Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted
You will waste time, but that’s okay, because as John Lennon said: “Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted”. Take all the time you need for yourself. Even if you chill for a whole year, remember one year is nothing in comparison to a lifetime. You have all the time in the world to become whoever you want to be. It’s never too late or too early to start. The world is your oyster.
5. Time flies
Bear in mind that time goes by quickly though, so do try to make the most of it even if it’s not work-related. You don’t want to wake up 6 months later just to realize that you haven’t achieved anything at all. Travel, read books, start taking the Italian classes you never had the time for, learn how to play tennis, become a yogi… Whateeeever floats your boat. Me-time is sacred. So make the most of it!
