As I write this, it has been approximately 7 years since I graduated university (wow, typing that made me feel insanely old). Since then, I've put up a restaurant, moved countries and fell in love with marketing. So here I am, hoping to pass some wisdom on to you, young reader.
First off, congratulations! You made it through years of studying, exams, lectures... all while hungover. Kidding aside, you've made it and now you're on to the next chapter of your life. The real world awaits, are you ready? Here are 8 things I learned about life after university:
1. Expect & accept things to change
It's inevitable. Everything from waking up earlier to changing the way you dress to your social life being, well, not like what it used to. This may all be negative sounding but, it's all a matter of perspective. Just like anything in life, the way you see things holds the real power. So the sooner you accept that this change will happen and there's no getting around it, the better you will feel. It is what it is so why not use this opportunity for personal growth and learning?
2. Lay the groundwork; network
As early as in university, find or make opportunities for yourself that will get your foot in the door of your industry. Don't know what industry you want to be in? Well, at least get your foot in the door of the real world. Get your LinkedIn profile set up, take an internship, get a mentor, network with other individuals and never burn bridges. Once you get that foundation, you'll find opportunities rising in front of you.
3. Be patient, keep an open mind and persevere
Some people land a job straight out of university, some take a little longer. Unfortunately we can't control what fate holds for us so be patient and keep an open mind. I'm sure you've heard all sorts of stories about how "work life" can be, but try your best to enter into the workplace with an open mind. Leave your expectations at the door, that way you won't get disappointed. Let's be real, it's highly likely that you won't be involved in the major projects just yet but don't feel dejected. Be patient and persevere, your time will come.
4. Your first job won't be your last
It's important to understand too that your first job will most likely not be your last one. So if you feel disheartened with your entry level role, don't worry too much. This is the first stage of your career and as the saying goes, great things take time. So learn as much as you can and take it with you to the next role.
5. Never stop learning
Somebody once told me not to be the smartest person in the room - and it's always stuck with me. By intentionally surrounding yourself with more successful people, you acknowledge that there are still more things for you to learn. So whatever role you land, learn from your higher ups. Have the confidence to ask questions and share your ideas with your colleagues. They have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that will only serve you well.
6. Prepare to meet all kinds of people
If in university you had the option to be with people like you, that's not the case in the real world. You'll be surrounded by all kinds of people in your workplace that you have no choice but to get along with. So just like in #3, keep an open mind and take it as another opportunity to learn - different cultures and perspectives.
7. You officially have responsibilities
Not to say that you didn't in university but, let's just say that was a practice round and now this is the real deal. If in university, your professor let you in the lecture dressed like a slob and hungover, that definitely won't slide in the real world. Not to mention you have to worry about rent, food, utilities... the list goes on. Bottomline, your priorities will change.
8. Don't compare yourself to your peers
Last, and I think the most important... don't compare yourself to others. With social media showing highlight reels of everyone's lives, it's so easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Try your best not to - it's just not healthy nor is it helpful. Remember that you are on your own path, your own timeline. And truth be told, those same peers are probably experiencing the same out-of-university blues you are experiencing. So instead of comparing, connect with your friends and support each other.
If there's one takeaway from all of this, it's to embrace the change with arms wide open, young reader. Be patient, continue to grow and work hard. As the cliché goes, nothing worth it ever came easy.
You got this, I'm rooting for you.
'Til next time, friends.
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