It's college graduation season and it's been a year since I graduated myself, so I'm pretty well-versed in the first year of school-less existence. For all those that are facing the big, bad, "real" world: don't panic! I'm here to give you five tips on how to survive your first year of post-grad life.
1. Don't settle for a job you'll be unhappy with.
This does not mean wait for your absolute dream job, but don't take the first job that comes your way if you know you're not going to be happy with it. This might mean you'll have to make some sacrifices - working a few part-time jobs to pay the bills while searching for a good company or career path, or taking an unpaid internship in order to gain some more experience in the field you ultimately want to be in, but make sure the job you take is at least a stepping stone to where you want to be in the future!
2. Embrace your hobbies.
They may have seemed like lame pastimes over the years, but a lot of hobbies entail some great skills that you can apply to your job search. Find ways to improve or perfect the activities that interest you the most, so you can one day work them into your future career. For example, many companies these days look for candidates who are well informed with how various social media outlets work, and how to use them to their advantage. If you're savvy with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogging, or any other social media outlets, make sure you slap that on your resume!
3. Get out of the house every day,
especially if you're unemployed or working part-time. It's extremely easy to fall into a routine of sleeping in, staying in your pajamas, and watching TV all day. Find a reason to get out and take in the world, without the distraction of your phone or other electronics. Even if it's just taking a walk down to the corner store, being in different environments and seeing and interacting with different people can inspire you to do some great things!
4. Try new things.
Take a cooking or painting class. Visit a new restaurant. Check out the open mic night down the street. Sign up for the 5K that your friend has been talking about.. ;) Take a friend or try it alone. (In my opinion, throwing yourself into something new by yourself may even be a better experience than if you're with someone you already know!) You may come out of the new experience with a new hobby, new idea, or even a new friend!
5. Stay true to yourself and what you want.
Keep your goals in mind, and the steps you need to take in order to reach them. People may criticize you along the way, but don't let that deter you from working towards what you want in life. Just remember that the most successful people in the world were all called crazy before they made it big!
Graduating college is a pretty scary thing to do, but if I can somehow survive the first year out of school, anyone can! Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment, and be happy that you have many more to look forward to! :)
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