Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic.
It took me a while, but I was finally able to graduate with the degree I’ve always wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely excited, but I can’t help but be a little scared about what life has in store for me. I mean, my friend, Geoff, already has a job lined up, and my cousin, Christina, will be moving to New York to teach next month! I’m very happy for them, but I wish I knew what was coming my way. Should I be feeling this overwhelmed? Or am I overthinking my future?
If you’re a college graduate, then chances are that you remember the excitement that followed shaking your school president’s hand, grabbing your degree and throwing your cap into the air! Graduation is, without a doubt, a very special moment in everyone’s life, but then a month goes by and some graduates still have no idea what to do. Half a year goes by and your parent’s couch is beginning to feel a little too comfortable.
Listen, we know that this point of your life may be full of uncertainty, but at Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, we want to help you figure out which foot is the best one for you to put forward.
Bumps in the Road
When recent graduates consider their next step, many of them find themselves coming back home. Share on X This might have been an indication of disappointment a few years back, but this trend is slowly becoming the norm.
According to Thomas Plante, Ph.D., ABPP, professor at Santa Clara University, when he asked his college seniors what their plans were following graduation, only one of 20 students had definitive plans. The search for jobs after graduation can be nothing short of chaotic, and there’s a real chance you’ll need a place to gather your thoughts and prepare. What better place than Mom and Dad’s home?
A common set of feelings graduates experience is anxiety, depression and worry. Share on X You go the last few weeks of college preparing for tests, anticipating graduation and going a million miles an hour. It kind of makes sense that, after all of that excitement, your body and mind will begin to wind down.
These feelings can be additionally heightened by the goals set after college, the inability to fulfill them and the complacency that can often set in once the structure and rigor of college life is a thing of the past.
Remember to Enjoy It
Although “I have no idea what to do next” and “Holy cow, am I going to live in this basement forever?” aren’t uncommon thoughts, they don’t have to be permanent ones. So, it may be time to let go of the regret you might feel about not having figured out your next step earlier in the year.
The therapists at Rice Psychology Group want for you to know it really can and usually does get better. It’s natural for your mind and body to need a little time to adjust to a new environment, responsibilities and goals, so give it time.
The first step to feeling like you can take on the world is recognizing your feelings and understanding them NOW. You can additionally find help by remembering the following:
- Let Go of Uncertainty – If you hold onto the anxiety you feel when considering your future and goals, you may keep yourself from reaching your potential. Do yourself a favor and let it go.
- Present ≠ Future – We understand that you probably planned your life out for the next 30 years, but if things don’t go according to your plan, wishing that it did will only bring you endless stress. You may need to go against everyone and everything on this one, so take your time and be realistic with your expectations.
- Enjoy It – Depending on how many degrees you plan on getting, you’re more than likely going to just graduate from college the first time just once, so enjoy it, have fun and let yourself ease into the transition.
Take the Next Step with Us
Whether you’re finding it hard to come to terms with your graduation or having a tough time with what you’re currently feeling, know that our Tampa psychologists are here to help. Your well-being is our priority.
We go to great lengths to ensure that our conversations with you move at your own pace to help you feel at ease. Give us a call in Tampa today for more information about what Rice Psychology Group can do for you.
