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Completing your education, whether graduation from university or secondary school, is a significant milestone in your life. It is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and personal growth. For so many, it’s filled with excitement, relief, and a sense of accomplishment. However, after the celebrations and the initial beginning moments fade, and the cap and gown are put away, a new and often daunting question arises: ‘What’s next?’ You will find yourself thinking deeply about this.

You will find other people asking you this, too. People often mean well, but it can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when you have no clue, but you are not alone. Finding yourself after graduation can be a challenging journey. It’s also an opportunity to discover who you are beyond academic expectations.

Embrace Uncertainty

The period after graduation is often filled with uncertainty. The structured and predictable routine days of classes, assignments and seeing your friends every day are now gone. There is freedom with this, as you can choose how you spend your day and what you want to do, which can be exhilarating. Contrastingly, it can also feel overwhelming (cue the song ‘Scream’ from High School Musical–classic!).

However, this uncertainty is standard. It’s important to remind yourself that not having everything figured out right away is part of the process. In fact, embracing the unknown can open doors to unexpected opportunities. After all, life is about making mistakes, learning more about yourself, and having fun in the process! Who says you have to do just one thing for the rest of your life? Try different things, explore, and learn what excites you, as some of the most meaningful experiences come from moments of uncertainty.

Try not to put so much pressure on yourself (I know it’s hard, but you’ve got this!). Whether through travel, internships, volunteer work, or side projects, stepping outside your comfort zone will help you grow.

Redefine Success

Success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone; it certainly doesn’t have to happen simultaneously. Trust me, I know it’s so tempting and easy to compare your journey to that of your peers, but try to remember that everyone’s path is different. Everyone’s timeframes are unique to them! Some people might quickly find their footing in a new job, while others may take longer to discover their true passions. It’s crucial to recognise that this process is deeply personal, doesn’t follow a set timeline, and is normal. 

During school, success is often measured by grades, exams, and academic achievements. However, life after graduation requires you to redefine what success means for you. It’s essential to shift away from external validation and focus on what brings you happiness, joy, and fulfilment. This could mean pursuing a career aligned with your passions, finding a job that supports your desired lifestyle, or dedicating time to personal development. 

Have you ever wanted to take up a new hobby that seems like the perfect fit for you? Now is the time to do that. Prioritising your time for things that make you truly happy is so important! Whether art, music, writing, cooking, or fitness, dedicating time to activities that bring you joy will improve your mental well-being and help you better understand who you are. 

Your passions can also provide valuable insights into potential career paths. Sometimes, what starts as a hobby or side project can evolve into a full-fledged career. Even if it doesn’t lead directly to a job, the fulfilment you gain from these activities will fuel other areas of your life, giving you the clarity and energy needed to navigate this transitional period.

Set Goals, But Stay Flexible

Setting goals is an essential part of finding yourself after graduating. It allows you to gain more clarity and insights and prevents your mind from feeling muddled. When in doubt, always write things down!

These goals give you direction and purpose as you transition into the next phase of life. However, it’s important to remain flexible. Life rarely goes according to plan, and rigid expectations can lead to frustration or a sense of failure. By keeping an open mind and adjusting your goals when necessary, you can adapt to new circumstances and embrace opportunities.

Start by setting small, achievable goals to build momentum. These can be as simple as improving your CV, learning a new skill, sending emails and enquiring about different opportunities, or networking with professionals in your desired field. Over time, these small steps will help you gain confidence and clarity about your next move.

Build a Support System

Graduation often leads to changes in your social environment. You might move to a new city, lose touch with classmates, or no longer have the daily interactions that came with your previous student life. Building a solid support system is important in this transition. Feeling alone or lonely is very common during this phase of life.  Surround yourself with people who make you happy, understand your goals, share your values, and can provide encouragement during tough times.

A network of friends, family, mentors, or colleagues will help you stay grounded and motivated. Additionally, connecting with like-minded individuals can provide new perspectives and opportunities. Joining professional organisations, attending networking events, or engaging in online communities are great ways to expand your support network. Looking on Instagram or Facebook is another great way to find groups of like-minded people in the same boat, so give it a try!

Be Kind to Yourself

The most important thing to remember as you find yourself after graduation is to be kind to yourself. The pressure to immediately have everything figured out is immense. It’s important to recognise that this process is not a race. Growth takes time, and making mistakes along the way is okay.

Celebrate the small victories instead of dwelling on what you haven’t accomplished yet. Every step you take is progress, whether it’s gaining clarity on your goals, landing a job interview, or simply maintaining a positive mindset. Practising self-compassion and patience will make the journey of self-discovery after graduation more manageable and enjoyable.

Overall, finding yourself after graduation is not about rushing into the next chapter of your life. Instead, it’s about embracing the journey of self-discovery. It’s a time to explore, reflect, and redefine what matters most. While the path ahead may be uncertain, it is full of potential for growth and new beginnings, and you are sure to do amazing things… so try not to stress out so much. Everything will work out. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Feature image credit: Dwayne Joe.