5 Ways Your Life Drastically Changes Once You Graduate College

Graduating from college is one of the most exciting moments in life. For most, it’s a chance to move out of town and explore new cities. It’s also a moment when you get to decide which field you want to pursue and start thinking about what the world expects from you. It’s also the time you think clearly about what it is that you really want out of life. You feel more than ready to take on the world by storm. But are you really ready? 

Leaving college is the first step you take towards adulthood — and all the glories as well as the struggles that come along with it. It can be one of the scariest chapters because it’s the first time you get to call the shots and create your own rules. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Ultimately, the more freedom you have, the more responsibilities you have to manage. 

Your life changes as soon as you step out of college and here are five ways how. 

1. You start job hunting.

As soon as you graduate, you have to find a job in the field that you have studied. With the internet, it’s easier to search for companies and work opportunities. But it’s also challenging given the number of applicants with more years of experience. As a fresh graduate, it’s difficult to stand out because you have nothing on your list yet. It’s stressful and you will receive tons of rejections. But there are many recruiters who are willing to hire and train new graduates so just keep on searching.

2. You start paying your own bills. 

Being on your own will make you realize how many utilities and maintenance bills your parents pay monthly. Now, it’s your turn. Apartment rent, electricity, internet connection, insurance, student loans, gas, weekly groceries — these are just some of the responsibilities you have to carry on your shoulders. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that because there’s so much to remember. But as time goes by, you will learn how to be responsible. You’ll figure out how to budget your expenses and you will start focusing on your needs instead of your wants. 

3. You part ways with friends. 

Your college best friends won’t be with you forever. They will move to a new city or even live in a different country. You won’t see them as often as you used to since you will all be busy with your individual lives. Sometimes, you will forget to check how they’re doing. But that’s okay. True friendship is not measured by distance or how often you talk. Rather, it’s about being their support system and shoulder to cry on whenever they need you to be one. Your willingness to listen is what counts the most and that should never change no matter where you are in the world. 

4. You doubt yourself. 

Your 20s are probably the most confusing years in life. You’re already an adult and people expect you to act like one. But most of the time, you still feel like a kid thrown into the world of grownups without a clue what to do next. You doubt and start questioning your goals and motives in life. But don’t let your fears stop you from achieving your goals. Nobody figured out what they wanted to do overnight. Even successful people have been in this stage of confusion and they managed to survive. You will too.

5. You pick yourself back again. 

This is the time for you to make mistakes. You’re young and you have the energy to start all over again no matter how many times you fall down. Use this to your advantage, learn, and explore different opportunities that will help you grow as a professional and individual. If you fail, just pick yourself back up again and do it better the next time. 

The world holds so many opportunities for those who are brave enough to chase their dreams. Your fears and doubts are real but never underestimate your strength. You are stronger than you think. 

Featured image via Satria Perkasa on Unsplash