Feeling embarrassed to say “I don’t know what’s next.”
FEELING EMBARRASSED TO SAY “I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S NEXT.”
Follow for more honest conversations about navigating life post-graduation.
We’ve all been there, standing on that graduation stage, diploma in hand, beaming for the cameras. Yet, beneath the cap and gown, a quieter, often unspoken question lingers: What now? For those of us from institutions known for their prestige, there's an unspoken pressure to have it all figured out. We've been groomed for success, surrounded by brilliant minds, and the expectation is clear: a clear path, an impressive title, a perfectly laid-out career trajectory.
But the truth is, the transition from campus to career is often weirder than anyone warned us about. It’s not always a linear progression. You might look at your social media feed and see classmates seemingly thriving in high-powered roles, while you’re grappling with an entry-level position that feels a million miles from the grand vision, or perhaps even worse, grappling with no clear direction at all. The "Ivy friends, non-Ivy jobs" dynamic can be isolating. We spent years pushing boundaries, and suddenly, admitting "I don't know what's next" feels like a failure, a betrayal of all that intense preparation.
It’s crucial to remember: this uncertainty is a normal, even vital, part of the journey. The value of our education isn’t just about the first job; it’s about the critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability we developed. It’s okay if your path isn't perfectly paved. It's okay to explore, to pivot, to stumble. This phase isn't a sign of weakness; it's an opportunity for genuine self-discovery, away from the structured environment of academia. Let’s normalize the "I don't know" and embrace the journey, however winding it may be.
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