Time to Grow Up: How to Navigate Life After Uni
BY ROXY ALLNUTT
Let's get this shit show on the road!
28 JUN - 2023
Here’s to the next chapter of your amazing lives.
Alright, listen up, you freshly minted, degree-holding chums! It's time to face the music and realise that the carefree days of uni are behind us. But it's going to be okay because we’re here to talk about this strange transition into the so-called "real world" from a gal who’s been through it, and is finally over the rough part. I know you're probably feeling like a deer in the headlights right now, wondering what you're supposed to do with your life. But it will start to make sense. This piece is a somewhat love letter to myself 2 years ago.
Embrace the Chaos
After years of living it up in the uni bubble, it's time to burst and embrace the chaos that awaits. No more hangovers on weekdays, late-night kebab runs, or skipping classes without consequences. It's time to wake up, put on your big-girl pants, and face the adulting challenges with the resilience of a warrior. Trust me, we're all from the same boat here, and there’s no way that lifestyle is actually sustainable. Welcome to the seething hot world of meal prep!!
Job Hunting? Get Ready for Some Frustration
Ah, the joys of job hunting! It's like looking for a needle in a haystack while being slapped in the face with rejection letters. But gals, you can push through it. Grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), tweak your resume, and start networking. Hustle your way through the job market, all of your old and new contacts and remember that every "no" brings you closer to that big "hell yeah!" I swear 90% of the jobs that my friends and I have secured have stemmed from knowing someone. If you don't have access to names in industries you’re destined for, one of your pals might, so always be on the prowl. There’s something so special about this new class of young women who are so adaptable and eager for anything. You may start in the world of business advisory and then a year later, find yourself in a public relations role.
Don’t feel like the jobs you have your eye on today are going to be the end-all for the rest of your career.
(Try to) Say Goodbye to Procrastination
In the land of post-uni life, there's little room for procrastination. Those all-nighters and last-minute cramming sessions won't fly anymore. You've got deadlines to meet, bills to pay, and responsibilities to handle. So, bid farewell to Netflix marathons and YouTube binges (at least during work hours) and learn to prioritise your shit. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.
Be Financially Savvy
Speaking of bills, it's time to get your finances in order. Budgeting, saving, and investing might sound as exciting as watching paint dry, but they're the key to your financial freedom. Start by tracking your expenses, creating a realistic budget, and understanding how to make your money work for you. If you have goals to do a 3-month stint in Europe, plan your money route there. Being a financially savvy babe is not only empowering but also damn sexy!
Friendships Take Effort
Remember those epic uni nights with your gals where you were inseparable? Well, life after uni is like a reality check on those friendships. People move, get jobs in different cities, or dive into their own personal dramas. Maintaining friendships requires effort from both sides. So, pick up that phone, schedule those catch-up sessions, and make an effort to stay connected with the people who matter. Having one social occasion a week has worked amazing for me and on those weekends when you decide it's time to stay in, you’ll know you’re putting yourself first - which is so adult of you.
The Balancing Act
As you navigate the post-uni life, you'll quickly realise that balancing work, love, and your sanity can be a real mindfuck. But here are some bits of wisdom from my rough first year out. First and foremost, you’ve got to prioritise your mental health. Don't let the pressures of adulthood consume you. Take breaks, practice self-care, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. As for relationships, well, it's a bit like dating in college but with less binge drinking and more grown-up conversations. Keep your standards high and don't settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Life after uni can be a bewildering and occasionally terrifying experience. But you're not alone in this crazy journey. You'll deal with noisy neighbours, broken appliances, and the never-ending struggle of grocery shopping on a budget. Trust me, it's an adventure you don't want to miss. Embrace the chaos, stay resilient, and remember to inject a sense of adventure into every step you take. Adulting might be a daunting task, but with a sprinkle of profanity and a pinch of humour, you'll navigate it like a fucking champ.
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