Life Guide: How to Survive Life After College

     To say that life after college is overwhelming is an understatement. You've probably thought that graduating college will give you freedom from all other responsibilities, but nope. I would rather say that life after college is just the beginning of the endless roles and responsibilities that you have to deal with. It is the point where to have to face the "real world" where you are expected to be capable of being an adult (and to pay the bills).

     While some might choose to relax after graduation, some eventually set out to find the road that could lead them to the path where they can make a mark in this world. There is no concise path to how we should live our lives, but if you just graduated from college, it would be really cool to spend some of your time being productive. That is for you not to be ready for the new life that you will face, but for you to be prepared. (There's no such thing as being ready but good preparation exists.)

       As somebody who graduated college two years ago, here are some of my "survival" tips on how to survive life after college. This is also for those who have what I and my friends used to call post-college graduation depression. lol aka I don't know what I'm doing with my life/ I don't know where I am heading.

      It is always great to achieve success on your own, but a little help won't hurt you. One way of getting the right help that you need is by building connections with the right people. May it is a brilliant professor that you know or anyone who is knowledgeable in your field, a good connection can give insights that can be beneficial in your future plans. They can also give you recommendations, tips, notes on where to apply, where to study, or even how to get by in the corporate world.

       Many people failed in getting their "dream job" not because they aren't capable, but because they fail at one of the basics in landing a job just like acing in a job interview. I used to think that interviews aren't very significant. I used to think that they are just random questions, but lately, I've found out that each question thrown by an interviewer has a significant role in determining whether you are the right person for the job or not.

      It would really do you good if you know the loops and holes in job interviews. As for myself, I watch videos, read tips and ask for advice before I go for a job interview. And yes, it would be extremely helpful that you research about the company that you are applying for. Also, don't forget to polish your resume and follow the basic steps in applying for a job e.g  proper job interview outfit. Girl, don't show up wearing crop tops and mini skirts unless you wanna be a lgjdfgkfdxdgf.

      Do your best, not just at first, but to all of your jobs. Build a good platform or base in your life as a professional, but make your first job experience a memorable one. Try your best to be at peace with your co-workers and your employers as well. I just want to highlight this one because I know how easy it is to get caught in a job that you are not passionate about.

      One best example is when you are doing your job only for money. If you are doing that right now, let me tell you, QUIT. Make your motivation an internal one. If your job is your passion, then your work won't feel like work. It may tire you and stress you out, but if you are passionate about it, then you can always find a way to get your work done.

         When I had my first job, I used to be so guilty about overspending. Not all of my money went for nothing, but I still wish I didn't let myself get caught into reckless shopping. One of the main differences between being a student and being a working adult is that you no longer get the allowance that your parents used to give you. If they still do, well, don't you think it's a bit odd?

         At my age right now, I am no master of budgeting or other things related to money. I suck at numbers, but I understand the necessity of it. I cannot give you a thorough detail about how to budget here, what I can only do, at least now, is to remind you to start learning a thing or two about it. I promise I'll do the same.

         It is important to accept that you're not in college anymore, but it is more important to stay being a student. Don't rely on what you have learned from your college days. Chances are, most of them would be a little bit outdated. Remember, experience will always be the best teacher and you can only meet that teacher once you venture out into the real world.

         Learning a new skill and mastering it is also a big bonus. No specific knowledge is useless if you know how to use it. Application is the key. You'll never know where a new skill would take you.

         Focus is very important in realizing whatever goals you have for yourself. Be it as simple as shredding some stubborn fat or as laborious as being in a job that you love. (As if losing fat is so easy lmao) I'd like to think that focus is synonymous to discipline; that both cannot exist without the other.

          As much as focus is a vital thing, it is important to project it in a right way. Focus on your self instead of focusing on others. Focus on what you have achieved other than what you haven't achieved (yet). I've found out that others gnaw into discontent simply because they tend to compare themselves to others. And I have to admit, there are times where I find myself in the same situation. However, when I would reassess my personal goals and divert my focus to what I really want, feelings of discontent would slowly vanish. Still, the battle is constant and we just have to remind ourselves where should we properly dwell our focus, again and again.

        I know exactly how easy it is to get caught in a moment where you ask yourself: "What am I doing with my life?" or if you are more paranoid, you end up comparing your achievement with the achievement of others especially to those who graduated with you. Raise your hands if you are guilty. I am raising mine. Things also get crazier when you find yourself doing something not because you love it, but because it's what expected of you. It's a real bullshit. Really.

       I'll leave you all my love and this wonderful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise shall give hint no peace.

I hope you'll find this post helpful. Do you have any tips on how to survive life after college? Please do share it in the comment section below. I will be more than happy to read it :)

Good luck!

love lots,

Tin