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 real talk on navigating life after our hallowed halls.
We all arrived at these prestigious institutions with a certain blueprint, didn't we? A path, perhaps not fully formed, but certainly imagined. The academic rigor, the intellectual debates, the networking events – they all pointed towards a future of clear direction and assured success. Then graduation hit, and suddenly, the well-trodden path dissolved into a confusing maze. This isn't the narrative they sold us in the admissions brochures.
It’s a peculiar kind of loneliness, isn’t it? Seeing your Ivy friends confidently stepping into high-powered roles, while you’re left grappling with questions that feel too fundamental to voice aloud. The unspoken expectation to have it all figured out after such an education creates a suffocating silence around the simple, honest truth: "I don't know what's next." The embarrassment isn't just about not having a job; it’s about feeling like you've failed to leverage the very privilege you worked so hard for.
But here’s the secret: you are not alone. This "weird transition" is a shared experience, often hidden behind polished LinkedIn profiles. It’s okay to pivot, to explore, to take a job that isn’t the 'dream' yet, or even to just pause and breathe. Our education equipped us with critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability – not just a pre-programmed career trajectory. Let's break the silence and acknowledge that uncertainty is a part of growth, not a mark of failure. Your value isn't tied to your immediate post-grad job title.