You did it, you finally graduated. Gone are the all-nighters, evening classes, early morning study sessions and all the other extracurriculars. You’ve made it, you’ve got your first job and it is gonna be sooooo much better than school.
Or is it? We polled the 8THIRTYFOUR team and asked them to provide their best advice for new grads, or basically what they wish they knew.
The 9 to 5 is no joke
Even with classes, club meetings, and all of the things that college life encapsulates, there’s something about 8 hour days, 5 days a week that throws you for a loop. It’s different from your typical homework schedule with work shifts squeezed in here and there. A full time job means you’re present and grinding all day long, but on the flip side, you don’t have to hurriedly get work done to meet the 11:59pm deadline. While the daily routine of it can be hard getting used to, there’s something about the freedom of knowing your time is yours. After the work day, there aren’t e-board meetings to prep for or readings to skim. You’ve earned your time, so go enjoy what you want.
Kim Add: Work shouldn’t suck y’all, it can be demanding at times but ultimately you should enjoy what you’re doing but in the words of Lauren Stitt, “a job is still a job.”
It’s a transition
We had a vision that once we graduated our life would be an episode of Sex and the City. We hate to break it to all of you… it isn’t. We’re still the same person we were when we were taking classes and studying for exams. We still get stressed and have questions. There are still things to do and errands to run. It doesn’t all go away the second you get your diploma and a job you love. What makes it easier is knowing that while we have work to do and problems to solve, it’s still an adventure nonetheless.
Kim Add: It’s a lot of what you make it. If you decide to get up and make the best of your day, you’re gonna have a better day.
The Work
We can all agree that the learning never stops. And here’s your reminder that it really doesn’t. Post-grad is the time to learn more about the things you always wanted to but never had the time to sit down and actually figure out. It doesn’t mean that it’s all fun and games, but it’s nice to know that there’s always more to explore and the resources are there. Take advantage of the network around you: ask questions, look stupid, try (and fail) to find a new way to do things. Graduation is in the past, but learning is now… and forever.
Kim Add: All of us are struggling with imposter syndrome and we’re all still figuring out what the hell we’re doing. Just know you are not alone, and Google exists for a reason. Seriously, Google is your new professor. Listen to Google (but find the reputable sources). Also, subscribe to podcasts, read industry articles, tune into virtual seminars, network with other pros and commit to continually learning.
If you’ve got more questions, stop by our office. We love chatting about what we do.
