Sup seniors? How are my fellow sesquicentennials doing on this lovely fall morning? If you’re not a senior and wondering what the heck sesquicentennial means, this article might not mean much to you. Unless your CSOM roomies already have jobs as underclassmen, in which case, GOOD LORD, READ ON.
There are a lot of things you could be doing right now (don’t you have a project due tomorrow or a reading assignment, or four that need to be done?), but you chose to read this article instead. In that case, I can probably answer my previous question about how you’re doing.
Bad. Very bad. Stressed and anxious and freaking out.
How do I know this? Because you, like I, have roommates in the business school that already have their entire life planned out. They had a kick ass internship this summer, which extended them a job offer. Now they’re soaring sky high, not really stressing about school, and suggesting going out every night because heck, any money they spend this year they’re going to make back ten fold when they start working.
I feel you, home skillet.
In this article, you may be expecting me to give you some advice on how to land an equally enviable job for next year. How do I get my life planned out? What steps should I take to get my perfect job? But I have a question for you instead.
Why do you feel you have to?
Where did everyone on campus get the notion that at the age of 22, you need to start your career? Get your dream job and begin living through your life plan. Maybe it was on a sitcom. I must have missed that episode.
So if you’re looking for all the answers, I suggest you stop reading. You’re not going to find them here, and I trust that there are a few applications you could be doing or a resume that needs updating. Instead, if you want a moment to step back, a chance to relax and look at the world a little differently then perhaps our CSOM buds do, then pat yourself on the back. (You thought I was going to suggest you read on, right? Well, you can do that, too.)
Congratulations! You’re still reading and that means you are ready to RELAX. When I suggested that as a recent college graduate, you don’t need to start your dream job, I meant it. Mind you, I don’t suggest you move to Portland, OR, take up painting, and smoke a lot of weed (although I may or may not be guilty of joking that this is my post-graduation plan). But actually, if that’s what you want to do, do it (minus the illegal drug use).
Post-graduation is the perfect time to move to a new city, or country even, that you’ve always wanted to visit. It’s a great time to explore opportunities, whether that’s in the form of grad school, a job, or a volunteering position. It’s a great time for self-discovery. No, I’m not going to get all philosophical on you, but just think about it.
When is the next time in your life that it will be acceptable to say “I’m not really sure yet” when people ask you what your plans for the next step are? At age 40 when you’re potentially married with kids, I don’t think this would go over too well. But a college senior or recent college grad that is still in their early twenties? This sounds like a perfectly acceptable answer to me.
We constantly tell high school seniors and college freshman that it is totally fine that they don’t know what they want their major to be yet, so why shouldn’t the same be true for college seniors and first year grads regarding a job?
What do I say? I say it is totally fine.
Next time that CSOM roommate or friend talks about their job, be happy for them. Be genuinely excited and proud, not envious. And if they ask you what your plans are, I hope you take my viewpoint into consideration. It’s not for everyone, but I hope it eased your nerves a little bit. At the very least, you know you’re not alone.
Photo Sources:
http://blog.earnmydegree.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/college-stress.jpg
http://www.zazzle.com/funny_college_grad_card-137945074089019446