There's no recipe for life after graduation

plan, learn, work - blog

There’s no recipe for life after graduation

Posted by Rob on June 10, 2013

June is the time of year when post-secondary students are making that short walk across the stage. You should be so proud of yourself for accomplishing your goals. I was in your shoes around this time, one year ago. I also remember asking myself after the ceremony, “all right, I’ve graduated – now what?”

I think the biggest piece of advice I can give any person about what to do next is to accept and appreciate the fact that there is no recipe for life or for “the next step.” There just isn’t.

Since grade 7, I was always “that guy” who had a plan. I wrote lists, I set goals and I was always one year ahead of myself when it came to my education. I planned all of my high school courses up to and through grade 12 before I even started high school. Before I was accepted into university, I was set on the classes I would take and what my major and minor would be. There are things I just knew in my heart. For the most part, I followed through.

This isn’t to say that you can’t plan for your post-grad life. You absolutely can plan. I still plan! My plans, however, are much more fluid and subject to change now. Sometimes things just don’t work out and sometimes it’s for the better! Since school is no longer your full-time job, the flexibility to explore your interests, hobbies and career paths skyrockets.

Maybe, like me, you might realize that after graduation the plan you had through university wasn’t the right fit after all. That’s a scary feeling, but it’s also empowering in some ways. After graduation you may land the job you went to school for or maybe you’ll stumble into an unexpected career path and fall in love with it.

So, no, there isn’t a recipe for “what’s next” or “now what” when you graduate. But I also think that’s the beauty of the post-grad life. It kind of becomes this big, choose your own adventure story.

What’s your advice for people who have just graduated?

Check out our resources on:

Facebook Services for Youth – new tips and facts every day!
How to find a job
How to plan your career