Let’s get real for a minute. You’ve spent 4 years working your butt off for this day. You’ve invested tons of your time and money towards receiving this diploma or degree. And while graduating is a HUGE milestone—congrats!—it can be terrifying. For 4 years, you’ve had to attend classes, maybe work a part-time job, and have home life responsibilities.

Basically, you know how to be a STUDENT, so how do you simply ADULT?

Adjust

woman standing in front of Eiffel Tower, graduating
Photo by Atikh Bana on Unsplash

You just graduated, okay? Take a moment to fully appreciate that. Deep breath in, deep breath out. You’re free from school. In fact, you have so much freedom that you may not even know what to do with it all. So, enjoy it while it lasts. Go on that trip you’ve been dying to take or meet up with friends and chill. The prospect of finding a job may be looming over you—I mean, you’ll have to get one at some point—but it’s okay to take a small breather.

Takeaway: You did it! Enjoy this moment of freedom.

Plan

planner and mug
Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

Now that you’ve enjoyed your freedom, it’s time to think about your next steps. Are you contemplating more school—Masters, Certificate, or a whole other degree? Are you ready to jump into your dream job already?

There is a lot to consider when you’re graduating. So, write everything out in a step-by-step manner. Determine what needs to be done first. If you’ve moved back home, are you thinking about finding your own place? Are you freelancing until you find that 9 to 5 position? Are you saving up for that bucket-list trip?

Takeaway: Figure out your next steps so you can make them happen.

Talk It Out

three people laughing
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

If you’re not sure what you want to do, talk to someone about it. Whether it’s a friend or family member, they’ll lend you advice and support that will make your decision FEEL less like the end of the world. It’s totally fine if you’re still figuring things out. That may take you a while, but don’t internalize it. By chatting to someone else about it, you open yourself up to new perspectives and ideas.

Takeaway: Change can be difficult but asking for advice doesn’t have to be.

Job Hunt

silver iMac with keyboard and trackpad inside room
Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash

Job offers will come and go. Don’t simply take something that’s easy or safe—an internship may get you in the door and offer practical experience but can pay next to nothing. A safe job may offer WAY more money, but can be totally boring. Be true to yourself and accept an offer that’s what you really want to do. This is the perfect time in your life to explore your options and see what’s out there.

Don’t worry about feeling unqualified for a job. We’ve all been there. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for it if it’s something you seriously want to do. For more information on this, read After Graduating University, I Still Feel Unqualified For A Job.

After graduating, you may be afraid of jumping from job to job, but that’s normal. The temptation to snatch the first available option will be difficult to ignore, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right decision—unless it’s the job you really want, then go for it! There are SO many positions out there. Don’t settle for something you couldn’t care less about. Go for your dream job.

Takeaway: Explore new things until you discover what you want to do.