I’m sure like most people my age, the transition stage from college student to full fledged adult has its trials and tribulations. I mean seriously, if I would have known it was this confusing/difficult/emotionally draining, I would have found a way to stay in college forever.

I think it’s funny that society tells you to go to school, get an education, land a decent paying job, and presto! You’re an adult now. It seems so simple right? Well, anyone who is in/ or has been in this phase in life knows it’s not all sunshine and daisies. I can honestly say I was not prepared for the realities that the “Real World” has to offer.

Being responsible for yourself, paying rent, finding a job, paying bills, without the security of your parents are a few of the amazing amenities college students get to enjoy post grad. (Unless you were an independent student holding it down on your own during college, super kudos to you, you’re pretty much there.)

Never mind the financial pressures post grad students face, it’s really the emotional ones that are a bitch. For me, after graduating, I felt like I lost my identity. For 5 (super senior!) years, I was Taryn, the college student. After the ceremony and all the balloons and confetti were gone, I went from feeling like I conquered the world to feeling like I have nothing to show for it.

I’ll admit I totally was green with envy to my friends and fellow classmates about their achievements and plans post grad. I had decided to “chill out” for a year and go to grad school. I thought it was a solid plan, that was until I found out that I was not “keeping up with the Joneses”.

I think one of the hardest parts of graduating is that your social circle shrinks SIGNIFICANTLY. Many of my hometown friends had transplanted to their respective college towns thus intensifying my feelings of failure. Plus the high school people who stayed local are more concerned with local parties, drama, etc that you can’t relate to. (Not knocking people who don’t attend college, but, let’s be honest conversation topics are few and far between). Even for an extrovert like myself, it’s difficult to make new friends.

One of these days someone needs to create an exit class that all college seniors must take to prepare them for the anti-climatic lull they almost certainly will face after graduation. Hm maybe I’ve found my new calling…