As a college student, it’s easy to get stressed about a multitude of things. Between school, internships, jobs, and social life, sometimes it feels like there’s little time to just simply be. The second half of college is the time when most students become worried about future endeavors. What does life look like after college? Should I go to grad school? How do I find my own place to live? What do I even want to do for a career???
As a junior, I’ve found myself caught up in many scary thoughts like the ones above. I’m a psychology major with a sociology minor, and I’m working toward criminal justice and social work certificates. I came to college wanting to be a therapist, and now I’m considering law school. My mind changes practically every day regarding my future plans. Do I want to go to grad school? Probably, but I’m not sure for what yet. Do I know what exact job I want? No, but I have multiple ideas. Do I know what I want for dinner tonight? Nope! Like most other people I know, I don’t have a set plan for after college, and I’m here to remind you (and myself) that it’s okay.
It’s honestly a little absurd to be expected to know exactly what you want in life at ages 18-22. We are pressured to pick a major by sophomore year and expected to know what to do with it. The truth is, a lot of people don’t end up working in an area related to their college major. Also, your first job probably won’t be your lifelong career. If you feel like you need to know it all now, you don’t, and remember that it’s okay to change your mind. We are so young and we have the rest of our lives to stress about work; right now is the time to explore different paths, find out your interests (and non-interests), and have fun with the process!
The biggest thing I’ve struggled with this year is feeling unsure about what I want to do. Over time, though, I’ve learned how to accept this and go with the flow. I’ve become aware of how much more time I really have to figure it out. Yes, I’ll be graduating in a year, but that means I still have an entire year to learn and grow. If you’re a senior reading this, and you’re stressed about what’s to come, remember that your first job doesn’t have to be your last. You have so much time to explore different things and change paths if needed. Life after college may feel like the end, but it’s only the beginning — the beginning of a beautiful future.
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