The day Aisha walked up on stage to receive her degree; she had only expected pride and excitement. However, that was far from what she experienced. Her mind overflowed with uncertainty and bewilderment. She looked at her classmates screaming their lungs out, excited that they’ve finally achieved something. Yet, she couldn’t understand their joy as she felt nothing.
School had provided her structure, a clear path, and a sense of purpose for many years. Now, as she stepped into the adult world, she found herself questioning everything. She questioned her goals, career, finances, and even who she was. In this bubble, her anxiety rose very sharply, ruining the joy she was supposed to be experiencing.
Majority of young adults today have experienced post-graduation anxiety like Aisha. This is a stressful and self-doubting moment due to the change from school life to adulthood. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the majority of young graduates question their profession, finances, goals, and expectations by the society which has led to a couple of them having anxiety, ranging from mild to severe cases.
The Reality of Post-Graduation Anxiety
Post-graduation anxiety can manifest in various ways. Some of these include:
- Career Uncertainty: One might have the fear that you won’t find a good job after graduation. Some might feel like they are not good enough for the available roles which prevents them from taking the first step to apply.
- Financial Pressure: Struggles with student loans, rent, and daily expenses can weigh one down.
- Loss of Structure: In school, there’s a laid down structure for students which many graduates are already addicted to. This new change of getting a job and building a social circle for interactions can be quite challenging.
- Syndrome of Comparison: Students tend to compare themselves to their friends who seem successful after graduation. They feel inferior looking at their own advancement on social media in relation to their friends.
Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety as a Fresh Graduate
- Create a Game Plan
Worry begins when there is uncertainty, but with a blueprint, you can relax. As you graduate from college, set career short-term and long-term goals. Break your big objectives into smaller, achievable tasks. You can also set reminders for them and tick those ones you have successfully completed. Keep an open mind about opportunities. Your first job doesn’t define your entire career. You still have the chance to transition to your preferred career path as time goes on.
- Develop a Financial Plan
Financial issues are the number one cause of stress. That is why you need to take the initiative by creating a budget that will help you track your expenses and keep your debt in check. You can also try freelancing or part-time work while searching for a job. While on this, learn basic financial literacy through online courses or books. This will help you to effectively develop your financial plan.
- Build a Support System
Graduation is lonely, especially when you or your friends are moving to another country or state. For you to remain emotionally rooted, learn the skill of remaining in touch with your family, friends, and mentors. They are your great support system. You can also join networking groups and professional organisations where you meet new people and connect. In addition, look for mentors who will assist you in your profession.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health
Your mental health needs to be well taken care of during this transition. Make sure you journal or practice mindfulness to process your emotions. Take enough time to exercise to get your mood and energy activated. If your anxiety is consuming a greater part of your life, consider seeking a therapist for help.
- Embrace Lifelong Learning
Feeling lost is normal for a graduate, but self-improvement can boost your confidence and direction. Take courses online so that you can acquire new skills. You can also opt for workshops, webinars, or conferences that will give you more clarity. Since you will have plenty of free time, utilize it in reading books on personal development.
- Limit Social Media Comparison
Social media can be very distracting for you at this point. Most of the time, it displays only the achievements of your peers and leaves out their daily struggles. This is why you shouldn’t take it too seriously. As comparison has the tendency to increase your anxiety, it will do you well to unfollow accounts that trigger self-doubt. Remind yourself that everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own progress and in the long run, you begin to thrive in your career path.
Finally, post-graduation anxiety is a natural response to a major life transition, but it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. You can be able to move through this problem with ease and confidence when you begin to practice the above-mentioned strategies. Remember, it is okay that you do not know everything at this time. Life is a journey, and development is gained with time.
You can also read: Why Making Friends as an Adult is Hard and How to Start Again
