Comparing yourself to Ivy peers with “dream jobs.”
COMPARING YOURSELF TO IVY PEERS WITH “DREAM JOBS.”
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We all felt that invisible weight, didn't we? The one that whispers about expectations, about leveraging that elite degree into something "worthy." On campus, the pressure was palpable. But then you graduate. And suddenly, that pressure doesn't just dissipate; it morphs into a subtle, insidious comparison game, played out on LinkedIn feeds and carefully curated social media posts.
You scroll, and there they are: your brilliant classmates, seemingly effortlessly landing those coveted roles in finance, tech, consulting, or starting impressive ventures. "Dream jobs," everyone calls them. And what about you? Maybe you're still figuring things out, maybe your path feels less glamorous, or perhaps you're simply grappling with the sheer exhaustion of the real working world, a world where mental health is suddenly a daily negotiation, not just a campus resource.
It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, like you missed the memo on how to flawlessly transition from library late-nights to corner offices. That feeling of inadequacy, that imposter syndrome, can hit harder when you’re surrounded by peers who appear to be thriving. But here’s the truth: the highlight reel isn't the whole story. Everyone, even those with the "dream jobs," faces challenges, doubts, and bad days. Their perfect LinkedIn profile rarely shows the long hours, the internal struggles, or the moments of quiet panic.
Your journey is uniquely yours. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, especially not one dictated by a starting salary or a prestigious title. Prioritize your well-being. Define your own version of "dream," one that includes balance, fulfillment, and genuine happiness, not just external validation. It's okay to take your time, to explore, and to not have it all figured out right now. Be kind to yourself.