What to Do When You Feel Lost After College
Remember when you couldn’t wait to graduate from college?
You couldn’t wait to start getting a steady paycheck and not having to go to class and take tests.
You were ready to travel the world and move out on your own and start your dream life.
But you didn’t know what was coming soon after you graduated.
You didn’t realize that it’s not always glitz and glamour.
You didn’t know you would feel lost after college.
But it’s okay.
It happens to the best of us.
And we’re here to give you 15 things you can do to find yourself again.
But first, let’s talk about what it means to feel lost after college.
Feeling Lost After College
Many recent college grads will go through a period after graduating where they feel lost.
You go through college in a controlled, structured environment, and then you graduate and you’re on your own.
No more structure; you have to figure things out.
This feeling of being lost doesn’t have to be something that’s as crippling as depression; it can start small and pile on and eventually start to make you feel down.
Here are some examples:
- You feel like life and time is passing you by and you don’t know what to do
- You compare yourself to others your age and feel like you’re way behind
- You feel like you’re not in control of your life
- You feel a little lonely because you haven’t seen your friends in a while or made any new friends
- You’re not sure what to do with yourself on some days after work or when you’re not working
The list goes on!
It can get to you and keep you down for a while.
Here’s what you can do..
What to Do After You Graduate from College
1. Don’t Compare Paths
Before you begin to compare your path to others’ – don’t. So many recent grads fall into this trap and it can lead to jealousy, anger, and even post college depression.
It’s going to be difficult, but when you find yourself comparing yourself to those you graduated with, understand this: your have your path and they have theirs.
What other people do with their lives does not concern you and it certainly will not interfere with what was destined for you.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else does but YOU!
2. Take a Vacation!
Before you dive into the working world, be sure to take a break and get some sun on a beach in the Caribbean! Treat yourself before you dive into the world of bills and 9-5 workdays.
3. Connect with Alumni
Connecting with fellow alumni will give you a new sense of community. Reconnect with those you knew that graduated before you and see if they can give any insight on being newly graduated.
4. Make Work Friends
Work friends can be a saving grace sometimes. Make the days easier by making pals you can joke around with at work when you need it most during those long days.
5. Further Your Education
Hey, who said you had to stop being a student?! If you are in the position to do so and want to, go for it and get that graduate degree!
6. Connect with Family/Old Friends
Make time for those who matter most. Gather around family and friends from high school to remind you that some things never change.
7. Identify Your Dreams
When you can get yourself aligned, then you can move forward. Look at what you want to accomplish and start doing things that will get you to where you want to go.
[GOOD PLUG FOR A GOAL SETTING OPT-IN]
8. Reach Out
You might find yourself suffering from post-college depression and it is totally normal. If you find yourself fighting it, you should reach out for some help from others.
9. Dive into Self-Care
Life after college may be difficult to navigate. When you find yourself in a whirlwind, make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Related: 17 Things You Need in Your Self Care Routine
10. Volunteer
Nothing feels better than helping others and giving back to your community. Dive into some volunteer opportunities at an organization that you support.
11. Create a Routine
This is one of the main reasons many recent grads feel lost after college – your typical routine is done and you have to make a new one!
Figure out what new habits you want to develop and add them into your daily routines.
Creating routines like morning, daily, self-care, and nightly will help you feel grounded and less like you’re merely drifting and letting time pass you by.
12. Write It Out
It may sound silly but keep a journal and write out all of your thoughts and feelings. It feels good to let it all out and reflect on how much you’ve grown and where you want to go!
13. Start Your Own Support Group
If you are finding yourself talking to others who feel the same way, take matters into your own hands and start your own support group! You can even transition it to just a weekly or monthly get together!
14. Be a Regular at the Dog Park
Post grad depression is going to take a toll on you – mentally and physically. Get yourself out into the sunshine and surround yourself with lots of adorable and sweet pups! Your pup will also thank you for the exercise!
15. Perfect Your Craft
Whatever your favorite thing to do might be, start learning how to perfect it. This will help kill some free time and develop a useful skill!
Let us know what you’re thinking!
Are you a recent grad or well into your 20s?
What was your experience like after you graduated?
Have some more tips that could help recent grads?
Comment them down below!
