3 Mistakes I Made After Undergrad

The easiest thing to do after graduation is find a job. There are millions of them out there, most of which can and will be filled by any schmo with a college degree.

Although an adult job is what you’ve been preparing the better part of your life for, that 9–5 Monday through Friday doesn’t have to be rushed into. It’ll still be there whenever you need or want it.

There’s nothing more I wanted after college than to use my degree, feel useful, and have a purpose when I wake up every day.

But those things didn’t have to come in the form of a regular job.

Back then, as a recent grad, I didn’t understand that. Now I do. It’s through the mistakes I made in trying to figure out how to land my first big boy job that lead me back to what I wish I’d have done differently.

Maybe you can.

Mistake #1: Worry About Money

By going to college we assume a lot of responsibility. Student loans is the big one.

The other is growing up and becoming independent — paying our own rent, food, and other important bills. A rite of passage, you might call it.

The reality is that loans are probably going to hang over your head for several years. So in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter if you start paying them off now or in six months, a year, or even longer.

Unless you can find a way to pay them all of immediately, interest on your student loans is going to accrue regardless.

Money will come and go in life. Student loans will be payed off. It’s hard to forget about money in the U.S., but try not to worry too much.

Mistake #2: Still Grinding Away

I was burnt out after college. I’d spent the last four years grinding away, working hard towards a bachelor’s degree.

And that’s on top of the thirteen years previous as a student, without a real long-term break.

Instead of taking a moment to just breathe, regain my sanity and energy, I jumped right into job applications. Hours every single day looking for jobs to apply for — constructing cover letters and editing my resumé. I felt like I needed to gain experience right away…otherwise I’d become unhireable.

I’m not saying I should have went backpacking in Europe for a while…but at the very least I should have relaxed and watched movies, maybe hiked or camped locally.

Mistake #3: Not Having an Adventure

It’s cliché, but the world really is your oyster after college. No one should dictate what you do or where you go.

Sure, backpacking in Europe WOULD be awesome — but it’s not for everyone, nor is it actually plausible for everyone.

But an adventure can be anything. Go somewhere in the U.S. you’ve always wanted visit — even if it’s only for a few days or a few weeks.

My mistake after college was thinking that whatever I did needed to help me find a job or career. A frivolous trip across the country would do nothing but burn a hole in my already burning wallet.

It can be tough, but you have to try your best not to put a price tag on being a ‘wayfaring stranger’.

Traveling and see new things feeds the soul, and feeding the soul after college is more important that finding a soul-sucking job.