Post-Grad Anxiety

A post dedicated to all my fellow post-grads ~

Everyone knows that graduating college is bittersweet. It's a time of celebrating a new chapter in your life, but also a time to say goodbye to your so called "home" for the past 4 years, the friendships, and that consistent and everyday routine. What no one really tells you about life after college is the rollercoaster of emotions you experience after graduation.

Even if you've landed a job, moved to your dream city, or have received enough pay to cover your student loans, it's no doubt you will still feel lost in your career or who you are as a young adult. As someone who has been goal oriented her whole life with each day planned out, there is no doubt that I feel so LOST... in fact I even have post-grad anxiety. Let's face it ADULTING is hard. People seem to think I have it all together and that I'm living my life, but even people like me can experience this type of post-grad stress.

I think it's important to know that you are not alone. In college we obsessed over how our future self is going to play out. Today, right now I think it's crucial to not stress about a 5 year plan but to just live in the moment. It has taken me some time to realize that I need to focus more on the present, appreciate the simple things in life, and be grateful for every moment that has led up to today.

The biggest lesson I've learned since graduating is to stop comparing myself to others. Every person will reach success at their own rate. Although you will have friends who excel in their careers faster than you, you CANNOT compare yourself to their success. You will have your moment to shine. Like I've said in a previous blog post, you must trust the process. Be patient and the right opportunity will come your way. Once you focus on creating the best version of yourself (mentally and physically), you'll feel positive and confident about your goals. There will be many ups and downs during this first year of post-grad life. Have trust that everything will be OK in the end regardless if you don't get that dream job right away or if you were late to your first day of work. The moment you stop worrying about how everything "should" be, you'll see more opportunities to create the life you've always dreamed of living.

Cheers to adulting, creating dreams, and living each day like there is no tomorrow.