Is Your Post-College Life How You Imagined or Plotted it Out to Be?

I've always considered myself a good writer, but as soon as I started working full-time, I realized that some of the lessons and skills I learned during my college years aren't as practical as I'd hoped. The only thing that stands out is that the master's degree on my resume really makes a difference in interviews.

Looking back, college life was surrounded by a community of peers to help lift one's spirits, share experiences, and provide emotional support. Now, it's just me. As for love, it seemed to be the most permanent thing during college, but now, it's just me navigating the complexities of adult romantic relationships.

Birthday parties and celebrations were eagerly anticipated during college. Now, the excitement has turned into a routine, and it's just me trying to find reasons to celebrate. I've always had pretty vague notions of what the future would hold. There's an old saying, 'No battle plan survives the first shot,' meaning that our plans for the future often face unforeseen challenges. We all have fantasies about what life will hold, but they often become just dreams.

Ancient Aspirations Versus Realities

Many students come into certain majors, like computer science, completely infatuated with the idea that it's 'the one true path' for them. However, they often lack an understanding of the practical aspects of the field or the necessary skills. I had a similar experience. I wanted to be a civil engineer but quickly discovered that I didn't enjoy calculus or statics, which are essential to my desired career. Nevertheless, I don't worry about whether plans are going according to the blueprint as long as things are still going well. My plans should be open-ended and flexible.

Reality Hits

Surprisingly, post-college life has slowed down compared to what I anticipated. One thought was to quickly secure a job, advance rapidly in my career, buy a house, a luxurious car, and live a dreamy lifestyle. However, the reality of life after college is quite different. The house and the exotic car are just a few more items on social media. What's important is the everyday life. After a hard day, simply sitting down for a short break is challenging. The reality involves coming home exhausted, sitting down for a minimum of 15 minutes, and immediately diving back into work or other responsibilities like meal prepping and spending time with the dog.

Friday night, the time that once held the promise of adventure, now tends to be filled with self-imposed limitations. My typical Friday might start with a few half-hearted attempts to justify why I can't go out and have fun, eventually leading me to call it a night and sink into the comfort of video games. It's not exactly what I expected from post-college life. Instead, I've found that it's a blend of pre-college life, but with a richer experience and slightly longer vacation breaks.

What's Next?

Post-college life can be a significant transition, filled with new challenges and unexpected turns. Here are some tips to navigate the post-college period:

Set Realistic Goals: Don't expect to immediately achieve all your career goals. Enjoy the journey and set achievable short-term objectives. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for self-care, whether it's exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Evaluate Your Interests: Reflect on what truly excites you. Sometimes, a change in career path or lifestyle can lead to greater happiness. Seek Support: Lean on friends, family, or mentors for support and guidance.

Ultimately, post-college life is a blend of the past and the present. It's about finding a balance between expectations and reality and embracing the journey.