“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.” — Alan Watts
There have been numerous times during my academic journey when I thought, “This is it. This is where I fail because I can’t possibly figure things out from here.”
However, I have learned to be patient with myself during those times of discomfort, understanding that this is only a part of the human experience. I remind myself that I CAN DO HARD THINGS! This is not the first bump in the road I have experienced, and I am sure it won’t be the last.
An even greater realization is that not everyone is seeking an easy ride. Most people do not mind life changes; they only need to discover the necessary skills to overcome periods of change and get to the other side of the gap with minimal damage to the psyche.
I currently find myself in that in-between space, hoping for a positive outcome. After spending 11 years as a full-time student and now learning to navigate work life, I feel like I am in a gap. I am not where I was, nor where I will be. I am here in the Now.
In the following blog post, I will share some things that have helped me navigate this “gap” in life (or “the in-between”) after graduation. Hopefully, you can glean from this article that you are not alone. Those feelings of uncertainty are natural and only part of becoming who you were always meant to be, dear one.
What are the 5 Tips to Figure Out Your Life After Graduation?
1. Develop a Mindfulness Practice:
Staying grounded during times of change isn’t always easy, but you got this. A mindfulness practice can be tailored to fit your needs. Some people practice sitting meditation, but I have found quick 15-minute walking meditation helpful.
Walking meditations are exactly what they sound like. I like to focus on the nature around me while walking and listen to my breath. Some people find music helpful, but I want to focus on the orchestra of nature around me. That way, I feel more in tune with my environment, leading to feeling more grounded.
An evidence-based practice known as EMDR, which Bessel van der Kolk, M.D talks about in his book The Body Keeps the Score, is closely related to the benefits of walking meditation due to its lateral eye movements.
2. Ask for Help:
I have found that vocalizing my fears and concerns during this transitional phase helpful. People are more receptive to giving advice once you are clear on what you need help with. I have started asking family members and friends with careers for help while navigating the new terrain of full-time employment.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to tutors (like the ones at Tutor Map), mentors, career advisors, or professional networks as well.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.3. Journal About Your Experience:
I have been an advocate for journaling for years now! While I have never been entirely sure what evidence-based research exists on journaling and well-being, I can 100% say that it has completely changed my life.
I have kept a journal since I was in middle school after tragically losing my father to cancer. It has helped me cope with the myriad of emotions that occur after loss, and I love going back and reading old entries.
If anything, journaling helps with self-reflection, which can be helpful during transitional periods in life, especially once you are on the other side.
Journaling can also help you track your progress and see how far you’ve come, providing a sense of accomplishment and clarity. Try not to overthink this step. Start small with a single journal entry. You can discuss what you feel or find a simple journal prompt online that helps with navigating transitions in life.4. Be Kind to Yourself:
We are often our worst critics. If we really took the time to stop and think about it, we would see that we are harder on ourselves than we are on the people in our lives who are also experiencing a similar situation.
We tell ourselves that we should know what to do or aren’t trying hard enough. We often show ourselves little grace. But imagine what would happen if we started treating ourselves as kindly as we did someone we were madly in love with. Think of how our relationship with ourselves would change.
We might find more internal strength there than we initially thought. Never underestimate the power of kindness, especially toward yourself. You could move mountains with that type of energy.5. Embrace Uncertainty:
One of the most challenging aspects of life after graduation is the uncertainty.
Feeling unsure about your future is natural, but embracing this uncertainty can lead to incredible growth.
Instead of fearing the unknown, view it as an opportunity to explore new possibilities. Take risks, try new things, and be open to the unexpected. This mindset can help you discover passions and paths you might never have considered. Remember, some of the most outstanding achievements come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Bonus Tip:
Create a Vision and Set Goals: Transitioning from student life to the professional world can be overwhelming, but having a clear vision and setting goals can provide direction and motivation. Start by envisioning where you want to be in the next few years.
When I first began the process of looking for scholarships as a high school senior, I wrote down a list of scholarships that I wanted to obtain to help pay for my education.
Break down this vision into smaller, achievable goals. This process helps create a roadmap for your future and provides a sense of purpose.
Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed, celebrating your achievements along the way. Goal-setting can give you a sense of control and help you stay focused during times of uncertainty.
