Overcoming Post Graduation Blues

​It’s typically presumed that as soon as students have graduated and left their university life behind, they’re filled with excitement about what the ‘real world’ has in store for them. Yet, this isn’t the case for everyone. In fact, some new graduates find it extremely difficult to contemplate their life without the structured education they have always known and are anxious about what comes next. 

While thinking about leaving behind the university bubble may seem painful at first, you’ll soon grow accustomed to the new challenges that lie ahead, providing you allow yourself the time to explore the opportunities that await you. 

If you’re a recent graduate and have been struggling to find a grad role that meets your goals, you can check out Inspiring Interns’ latest vacancies here.

What are the signs of post-grad blues?
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• Feeling anxious and stressed about the months ahead
• Not wanting to go out and socialise, or participate in your usual hobbies
• Feeling like you’ve lost hope 
• Difficulty concentrating

If you can relate to any of these signs, you’re not alone. Here are 5 ways you can aim to overcome post-grad blues and get yourself on the right track:

Stop comparing yourself to others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of looking at your peers and wondering why your life doesn’t mirror theirs. However, what may seem like a perfect reality isn’t always the case. What you may hear or view on social media may seem as though they’re having the time of their lives, but everyone has their own struggles – just like you.

Maybe one of your closest friends has just secured a graduate job and you still haven’t got anywhere after multiple interviews. Or, your course friends are off travelling on a gap year, but you simply haven’t got the funds or yearning to venture too far.

Remember – everyone makes their own decisions. Comparing yourself constantly is exhausting and isn’t going to help you in any way. Don’t allow yourself to fall victim to the imaginary timeline that everyone believes they must follow in order to be successful. Life can take some interesting turns that may take you on a path you never expected. Just be patient and see what happens.

Open up to friends and family 

Don’t feel you’re the only one struggling with post university life. You may not realise it, but most of your friends are probably feeling the same way. Hearing that you aren’t alone and talking through your worries can help you see more clearly and come to terms with the chapter of your life that has now come to an end.

You may feel a sense of ‘grief’ that you won’t be seeing your friends everyday or fearful that you aren’t ready for the workplace. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to have these emotions – they’re all completely normal.

Remind yourself that while things may seem unsettled right now, there are exciting new challenges and opportunities out there for you that you don’t know about yet.

Set yourself realistic expectations

Not everyone is going to find a graduate job right away. There is so much competition out there in the weeks after graduation, that it may take you several months to find a position you even want to apply for. Appreciate that success doesn’t happen overnight and you deserve to give yourself the time and space to find the job role that is right for you.

Set small goals along the way to make your journey more manageable – those minor wins can make a massive difference in boosting your confidence and helping you see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Invest in personal growth

If you haven’t found a graduate job just yet, dwelling on your worries is the least productive course of action. Instead, invest in your personal growth, whether it be starting a new hobby, joining workshops or classes, or even considering applying for a master’s degree. Post university life doesn’t always mean jumping straight into a graduate job if you don’t feel you’re ready just yet. Look for ways to improve your CV through volunteering or embarking on a London internship. Then, once you have given yourself some head space, re-consider your options of what you want to do career-wise.

Author

Inspiring Interns is the UK’s leading graduate recruitment agency, connecting the best graduates with top companies worldwide. We work with everyone from the most innovative start-ups to the biggest multinationals, including Virgin, Lloyds, and M&C Saatchi Mobile. Please take a look at our website for the latest graduate jobs vacancies and careers advice.