Five years, three schools, and thousands in student loans later, I have reached the other side. In April of 2013, dazed, wide-eyed, and relying on Advil Cold and Sinus to keep me functional, I walked the stage of my university graduation in high heels and managed not to fall. Mission accomplished.
But unfortunately, it seems I am not the most eligible Bachelor of Arts grad. It’s now November and the only job offer I’ve received is unpaid. While I must be fair in mentioning I’ve only been home for a month, I’m beginning to wonder if I should have listened more closely to all of those starving artist jokes.
You see, I really don’t know what I’m doing. And it’s more than just entering the career world. (I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. Suit jackets help.) I just didn’t expect to feel this way after surviving my university education. I expected to feel wiser, older, and more confident; in reality I feel rather lost. As if what I’ve learned taught me that I don’t know anything.
And while university brought me a wealth of knowledge about critical art theory, philosophy, and Plutarch’s Greek and Roman Lives, it also taught me to wear sweatpants to class, stay up all night building a fort, and that ping-pong and mud wrestling are sports. It kind of lacked in the teaching-me-how-to-be-an-adult department. (Oh, I also learned how to work really hard too.)
Don’t get me wrong; I love cheap cookies, dorm skits and open mic nights. University was awesome. I don’t have regrets. But I do feel as if the shift felt very sudden. I wasn’t prepared for this, and it’s taking some getting used to.
Here are a few things I’ve learned thus far:
1. Don’t try and stick around.
Being at university isn’t the same as being in university. Perhaps this is a no brainer, but during the first few weeks I spent a lot of time on campus with people who are still going to school. It was awkward. While I have no intention of getting rid of my friends who are still in university (I still love you all), it just doesn’t feel the same. Don’t be the guy who five years later is still attending events. Give yourself the freedom to move on.
2. Embrace the change.
This is the time of opportunity. Job or not, you have time now to read that list of books that is taller than you. Or to finally pursue a dream you’ve never acted on because you were too busy burning the midnight oil with all those textbooks of yours. Literally, you have so much time to fill now. Take it from someone who knows. Don’t waste it.
3. Seek out a community of people who share your passion.
A few days ago I attended an event downtown that I found online researching masters programs. It was the highlight of my month, a breath of fresh air. I met people in my intended field and made connections. And no one was wearing sweatpants, used the word “like” excessively in their sentence, or was under the age of 25. So get out there. There are all sorts of exciting things to be involved with now that you have the time.
4. Rest.
You’ve probably forgotten how to do this; at least I know I have. But if there was ever a time to figure it out, it is now. Develop a rhythm of rest before life really gets busy again.
5. Be confident in your talents and abilities.
In a market where a fresh university degree seems to categorize you as either under or over qualified, it can be discouraging. Give yourself some time to really seek out something related to your field. Be realistic; don’t expect the world, but don’t resort to flipping burgers right away unless you have to. University may have not have prepared you for adulthood, but it did teach you some valuable skills. Give it a chance to prove it.
I don’t intend to suddenly become posh. I still stay up late and I will always, always, build forts. I even wear sweatpants on occasion. However, now that the disappointment of not graduating an already successful adult is over, I’m kind of excited to figure this thing out.
Flickr photo (cc) by nasrulekram
