The infamous post-grad life - a season of new beginnings, endless opportunities, and/or the unfortunate unknown. After posting my likes and dislikes of post-grad life on TikTok, I received numerous comments from recent graduates experiencing similar sentiments. Although post-grad life or new seasons can feel like a rollercoaster, there's always more to the unfolding - an opportunity to grow and learn what God has in store for you. Let's take a deeper dive into 3 lessons that I've learned while on my post-grad journey. i hope that these lessons or essentials will give you light in your storm.
Lesson 1: It's okay to not have your prayers answered yet. The blessing is bigger than the waiting.
I often share my post-grad struggles on TikTok in which I've mentioned quite a few times that I am still on the hunt for my big girl job in public health. I'm currently still employed with a contract role at my university, however, I am ready to start making big girl coins and for something new! I never imagined that I would still be in the job market 4 months after graduation. Although I'm grateful for my current role - because I could be unemployed! - this isn't my post-grad dream job. A prayer that is still yet unanswered.
Now this first lesson is something that I'm still struggling with... I couldn't even count the number of prayers or conversations that I've had with God in asking Him to bless me with my big girl job. Every time I open LinkedIn or submit a job application, I say, "Help me Jesus." Because no, forreal. Help me Lawd! I'm tired. I often feel defeated. And on many occasions, I've simply felt like giving up. But what keeps me going is that I know that there is a reason for my waiting. Even as I am typing this blog post, I just realized that perhaps God is making me wait because I needed this moment, this season to rely solely on Him. To know that God is the only being that can help me. And when I come out of this valley, it was all God.
So this is your reminder that if you are experiencing your waiting season, keep on waiting girl. It's okay to not have that prayer answered just yet (heavy on the yet). It's okay to not have your dream job just yet. Things take time. The blessing is always bigger than the waiting.
Lesson 2: There's no timeline to figuring out your life.
Can I be honest for a moment? I was deeply dreading my 28th birthday earlier this month. In fact, when people would ask, "Hey! Are you excited about your birthday? What are your plans? If I know Xi, she's either planning a birthday trip or party." In actuality, I was planning to hibernate myself with my depressive thoughts under the covers, in bed all day. I wasn't excited for my birthday because I wasn't happy about where I currently was. Not having my dream job or big girl job after graduating with my doctorate was a huge hit to my ego and overall mental health. I've finally completed my academic journey, but with no job to show for it, what was all of this for? I felt as though by 28, I should have my life together by now. I should be thriving!
So the 2nd lesson that I've learned while in my post-grad season is that you will always be on a journey of figuring out your life. Society has really misinformed us that we need to have our lives figured out in our 20s - and especially if you don't have it together by your 30s?! SHAME. But that is far from the truth. There's no timeline to your success or having everything figured out. It's okay to redefine yourself at whatever age you choose to do so. It's never too late to start over.
Lesson 3: Finding joy in new seasons.
Lately I've been on a journey of self reflection as I'm nearly approaching month 5 of post-grad life. And I've come to the realization that I suffer from destination addiction – the belief that success or happiness is a destination. I often find myself chasing goal after goal after goal, only to reach that said goal and not celebrate what I've accomplished. Or better yet, I believe that once I've achieved said goal, then I'll be happy. I've often told myself that once I get my big girl job, once I start making big girl coins - then I'll be happy.
Please know that this is not a good mindset to have. I shouldn't place my happiness in achieving the next goal, in a place where I currently am not. Joy and happiness should be wherever I am are. And the same goes for you! Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are.
So I'm choosing to find joy wherever I am. In my post-grad life, I find joy in having no academic stress. No more studying or completing homework assignments - I actually enjoy my evenings and weekends now. I find joy in having more time to spend on my wellness habits such reading for fun, filming content, journaling, spending time with family and friends and more. I also find joy in experiencing the slowness and flexibility of this season. No more traveling for work. And because I work from home, I often visit local coffee shops to work from. Finding a cute, aesthetically-pleasing coffee shop (with good WIFI and coffee, of course) has been the highlight of my post-grad life.
So take it from me, learn to find joy in your current season.
Well, friends. I hope that these lessons have resonated with you! Remember to always show yourself grace! There's a lesson in every season. Get ready for the harvest.
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