Senior year of college, people think it’s the perfect time to give you unsolicited advice. They do it out of “love,” encouraging you to change your entire career path and either “follow your dreams” or “do what makes money.” We’re 22 years old, cut us some slack! We don’t need to have it all figured out yet. Next time you think about giving an almost-graduate some advice, just know that (despite our smiles) this is how we’re reacting on the inside.
1. “What are you doing next year?”
What you say: “I’m not entirely sure yet, but probably trying to find a job in my field that will offer opportunities for advancement.”
What you’re thinking: “Hopefully never having to answer this question again.”
2. “What’s your major? How are you going to apply that to real life?”
What you say: “I’m an English major. I think English applies to every job, really, because most careers require people to be able to write and use language eloquently.”
What you’re thinking: “English, and I will be applying it to intelligent conversations with my coworkers at Starbucks in Brooklyn, thankyouverymuch.”
3. “Can I give you some advice?”
What you say: “Sure!”
What you’re thinking: “I mean, no matter what I say, you’re going to, so… yes?”
4. “You’re going to be getting coffee for people for a long time.”
What you say: “Haha, yeah I know, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get into this field.”
What you’re thinking: Well I guess it’s a good thing I’m damn good at walking and carrying coffee at the same time.
5. (When you make any claim about what you might want to do): “Wow, so you sound like you’ve got it all figured out.”
What you say: “I’m not so sure about that, but I hope I will soon.”
What you’re thinking: “Wait was that actually convincing? I can tell my overbearing relatives the same thing at the holidays?”
6. “It’s all about networking.”
What you say: “I’m doing my best with networking with alumni and through LinkedIn.”
What you’re thinking: “I do have almost 900 Facebook friends. I’d say I’m pretty set.”
7. “You know that doesn’t pay very well, right?”
What you say: “Yeah, I know. I’m okay living with roommates for a while.”
What you’re thinking: “No, I was under the impression that my minimum wage internship paid WELL.”
8. “Ooh, that field is really hard to get into.”
What you say: “Yep! That’s why I’m starting early!”
What you’re thinking: “Oh my god, really? I had NO idea. Maybe that’s why I’ve been working so damn hard for the past three years.”
9. “I hope you don’t mind having a job on the side to make money.”
What you say: “It’s okay, I’ll waitress or something.”
What you’re thinking: “Honestly, I do mind, but thank you so much for reminding me how little free time I’ll have.”
10. “So what are you going to do if that doesn’t work out?”
What you say: “I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”
What you’re thinking: “I will become a beggar and live on the street.”
11. “So, are you ready?”
What you say: “I hope so!”
What you’re thinking: “Not even a little bit.”
Before you ask a senior any of these questions, make sure you think about how many times we have been asked the same question just in the past week (answer: too many). Do us a favor and ask us about something we’re much less worried about – you know, like our dating lives or how classes are going. Just remember that we’re plenty stressed out about our futures on our own and we don’t need constant reminders that the real world is coming at us fast. Next time, instead of pounding us with unsolicited advice, just be supportive of us when we bring up the future ourselves.
Featured image via Stanley Morales on Pexels
