It’s graduation day at my Alma Mater today, and as I look at the gleamy eyed smiling graduates and happy statuses on Facebook I find myself becoming somewhat nostalgic.
Ok, maybe not nostalgic because I was dying to be done with college, but definitely contemplative.
As I look back at this past year I see that I have made some incredible strides since my anxiety ridden panicky vodka drinking chain smoking thesis writing days.
I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but every once in a while it’s nice to remind ourselves that we’re okay, even if life isn’t what we expected.
Since graduation I have moved back to an incredible city, reconnected with old friends, found a job, started this blog to help other grads, got my finances in order, started investing, set up a retirement account, started putting my health first, traveled around Europe, took up yoga, launched a portfolio, and started a business.
Of course, I have made some sacrifices, namely a budding social life and sleep, but I spent enough time (probably too much time) partying in college and I can sleep when I’m dead. Right now I’m more focused on being my own boss, getting healthy, and helping others.
After all, you only live once and youth is temporary, so if you want to start that business or chase that dream DO IT NOW.
Now as for something with substance, below you will find a list of things I have learned in my first year of post-grad life.
1. Grad school will always be there, your youth won’t.
Ok, I actually have no intention of going to grad school any time soon. Why would I want to have my head stuck in a book or write yet another thesis when I could start my own business, travel, and basically make whatever life I want? Besides, if I spent 30 grand a year on a masters in English (because really, what else would I get a masters in?) I’d be working in the same place I work now.
The way I see it right now, no grad school = no unnecessary debt.
Maybe later on I will change my mind.
(If you would like to read a piece about how useless grad school can be check out Chris Guillebeau’s The Art of Non-Conformity.)
That’s just me though, and some people really do want to go to grad school. If your dream is to get a law degree, become a doctor, or get a PHD, go for it. If your dream is to launch a business, start a non-profit, climb Mt. Kilamanjaro, or be a dancer, remember one thing: Grad school will always be there, your youth won’t.
Start on your dreams now before it’s too late.
2. The economy sucks, but you don’t have to let it beat you into submission.
Listen guys, I was out of work for six months after college. My business partner, who by the way is a single mother, lost her job as a government employee a year ago because of the recession.
Did we let it beat us?
Hell no.
We figured out a way to make money on our own. And while it’s a long learning process we’re taking baby steps, it beats the hell out of crying over the fact that the recession is kicking everyone’s ass.
Apparently, we’re not the only ones because 30% of America’s workforce is independent.
Now I’m going to lay some cold hard truth on you: the economy is going to keep sucking for a while, so stop crying and do something about it.
With so many people who have succeeded out there, you really have no excuses.
(Need some ideas? Check out My Ode to The American Dream and 20 Side Businesses You Can Start on Your Own).
3. Health comes first.
Yes, I do yoga. Yes, I have a personal trainer who I am seeing religiously.
Why? Because I’m not healthy and I haven’t been for a long time.
I could literally feel an internal shift in my body in the last couple of years. I wasn’t fit, I was getting sick, and I felt like a stranger on my own body.
Turns out my inklings weren’t in my imagination, as I later found out my body fat percentage is way too high for my age. This basically means that a good portion of my weight is in harmful tissue. Later on in life when my metabolism slows down (30 is the first shift) or I have kids, I would probably gain some serious weight, be at risk for numerous diseases and conditions, and it would be much more difficult to get in shape.
So I’m starting now. I’m going to be in this body for the rest of my life so I figured I’d better start treating it right.
And those are the three main lessons I have learned.
What have you done since graduating?
Hello! You have an amazing blog! I found your blog when I was searching for Miami based bloggers on 20SB. I currently live in Greensboro, NC but am moving to Miami in August. Any tips, cool websites or suggestions on places for a MIA newbie to visit? I am looking forwars to reading more of your blog posts and hope to hear from you soon! -E
Miami is full of things to do! The first thing all Miamians must to do is get a cortadito (a little tea cup of cuban coffee and milk) at Versailles (first Cuban restaurant in Miami). It’s like a rite of passage.
You can also literally close your eyes, randomly put your finger somewhere on a map, and find a restaurant with that country’s cuisine.
Send me an email and I can send you a list. I do this all the time for my students
Excellent post. I decided to quit bitching and become proactive about my goals – and you’re right: there’s no looking back.
Seeing all of the pictures and footage of my classmates graduating does bring a nostalgic tear to my eye, though.
Haha ok I admit it! I had a nostalgic tear too
Luv this post. Thanks for putting it out there
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it
Totally true on all counts! You can’t wait around for opportunities to come your way, you have to go out and find them or make them yourself. And health is really important. I have made it a priority in my life the past few mths too and I may not be losing tons of weight but I feel better and am more fit. I also enjoy cooking more and therefore buy processed, pre-made food a lot less. NOW is the time to get healthy, not in 10-20 years when you are middle-aged and it’s too late to prevent serious, chronic health issues. Sometimes I get nostalgic for school too, but the cost keeps me in check – if its not something I really need to get to be successful, why bother? BTW I am planning on sending you my guest post this week – I haven’t forgotten! lol
EXACTLY!!! Amen to all of that!
Such an inspiration! I can relate to you on soo many levels. I was out of work for 5 months after graduation (from grad school) I was totally discouraged and ended up moving to a city I don’t like for employment. Fast-forward almost two years later and I’m still living in a city DREAMING of pursuing a fulfilling career. I majored in journalism and received my masters in multimedia journalism. So writing is my calling.
This year, I have vowed to travel more, become healthy (which will lead to weight-loss) and take the a few steps in the right direction on my journey to where I want to be. I’ve become more healthy and have recently lost 10 lbs, traveling somewhat, but the third— not so much. I enjoy reading posts from those who were gutsy enough to jump outside their comfort zone and take the risk of doing what they love. Cheers to you for being successful during one of the worst economic times in history and for motivating me to steer my life in the direction I want it to go. Rock on! I’ve subscribed to your blog and look forward to reading more from you
I’m glad you found inspiration from my blog! I’m just like everyone else though, figuring it out as I go along