College graduation is an achievement that brings along exciting, yet challenging, new beginnings for those transitioning into adulthood. Some people relocate, others begin a graduate program, some stay at home with their families, and many enter the workforce. This transition can be stressful as you say goodbye to roommates and friends and begin focusing on your own career or next steps. It is the time when you figure out your place in the world and realize how everyone’s journey is unique.
It is important to understand that each individual will have their own path and to establish clear expectations about your new life to make the transition easier. What will your schedule look like? For most people, college graduation marks the end of one’s educational journey. Scheduled classes, tutoring sessions, and homework will become a thing of the past as a full-time job becomes your main focus. It is common to feel like you have lost your free time when working a typical 8-hour day five times per week. Although your schedule may be less flexible, it is now fixed and makes planning easier. Once your workday is over, you are completely on your own time without additional assignments to worry about. This can improve your social life as you are no longer balancing classes, a part-time job, and time for family/friends. Oftentimes, this new schedule can result in healthy boundaries between work time and free time. However, it is also important to note that for some people, this transition can cause hardships regarding one’s social life too.
You may be free weekdays after 5pm, but it can be challenging to retain friendships. You could go from spending several hours per day with someone to talking on the phone once per week. Your friends may not live in the same city or state. It may be more challenging to make time for your friends but it is important to fill your free time with things and people you enjoy being around. If your friend moved away but they are still someone who makes you happy, why not put in a little more effort to regularly speak with them? Remember, they are likely experiencing similar changes, which can be helpful for navigating a challenging transition.
Aside from friendships, the struggle to find work after graduation is also inherently stressful and puts extra pressure on the transition. Not to mention the financial instability that many recent graduates struggle with as they navigate unexpected financial crises and become financially independent. Many people assume the job they pick after graduation is the job and career path they will be “stuck with” for life. This is not the case. While you may find your dream job and want to stay at that company for years to come, that is not the likely scenario for most recent college graduates. That being said, it is crucial to remember the job that you choose does not equate to your identity and does not have to be linear. Sometimes trial and error are necessary to know what you want from a job and work environment.
No matter what you find the most challenging about the changes from college to adulthood, this transition can be difficult for anyone. Be patient with yourself. Understand that your life is going to change. Find a way to balance the past parts of your life with the current. You have transitioned before, do not forget that growth and all the challenges you have overcome. Your early twenties are filled with new experiences, friendships, and growth. No one in their twenties has everything figured out. You may make mistakes but those will lead to new developments. Lean on your support system as you navigate becoming an adult. If you are struggling, counseling is a great way to work through your feelings about this transition. And of course remember, you are not alone!