Post College Depression

As I was reading other blogs about the transition to from college to career, I came across a term that I think is worth discussing: Post-College Depression.

The likely causes of a post-college depression would be the realization that one has no idea how to survive on their own. That school is over, and it's time to work on a career. The word career, itself, might strike a depressing chord in the heads of wandering twenty somethings.

As we see the trend of moving back in with mom and dad becoming more popular, so might the numbers of those suffering from post-college depression increase. Let's face it. Most parents will never see their children like adults. And the last things any young adult trying to stand out on his own wants, is to be treated like a kid. He/she needs respect. They need to know their word is meaningful and poignant. And having to ask mom and dad for money to go out, just kills any chance for this sense of self.

So what are we to do? Let the fear of the real world scare us into the ground. Sit around moping? No. We take action.

As I mentioned in my tips for job hunting, persistence is the key! If the cause of post-college depression, is a fear of the world, then we must persist in challenging those fears. It's just like trying to conquer your fear of heights. What do you do? You go up to the 100th floor and you face it. You conquer your fears. And the fear of making it in the real world is no different. It can be conquered, and you can do it.

If at this point, you're saying to yourself "No, I can't do it. Not me" I want you to take a look around at the other people who are doing it. Watch a talk show. There are tons of maniacs on those who manage to make ends meet and survive without the help of their parents. Then, I want you to realize how much better you are than most people. You are ambitious, you have goals, and you have a college degree.

So if you're feeling afraid of what comes next, persist in conquering those fears with constant research into how you can succeed. Look for that job you've wanted, and grab it. Don't hesitate to try out many different options. If you try enough, you're bound to figure something out.

Decisions Decisions

You might be reading this blog because you're nervous about what you are going to do after school. If you are still in school, then there's good news. You have time to sit and think.

Plan your future. What do you want to do. This is where you'll have to be honest with yourself. Do you really want to go to law school? Are you just doing something to please your parents. Consider your options. And while you do that, consider what you want, and figure out what your options are that are most closely associated with that. This is your life, and you don't want to harbor any resentment. You make the decisions. Remember that.

If you decide that you want to head out into the workforce right after school, then start looking for jobs now. If you wait until after graduation, you are not as likely to find the job you want. When you find the job you want, see what you can do to increase your chances of getting that job. Find out if there are any internships or classes that will better your chances. Before you apply for any job, make sure your resume is as polished as it can be. Take your time with it.

Save money. Where ever you can add a dollar to your savings, do it. It's important not to go out into the world without any backup money. Things come up, and you might not be used to paying for everything on your own. So put some money in your savings account every month, at least.
If you decide to go to graduate school then start looking into the financial aspects. Find out if there are grants or low interest loans you can take out to pay for it. Do your research so that you will not be surprised by the costs you incur paying for grad school. Also, don't forget to check out the schools you apply to. You don't want to be stuck at a school or in an area that you don't like. Check it out.

The main thing is to think your future through. This is likely going to be your first time on your own. Plan for it so you're ready for everything. It'll benefit you in the long run.