Adulting: Life After Grad School
- Ani Antoine
- Oct 23, 2022
- 3 min read
Hello faithful readers! It has been SO long since I wrote. Life has been BUSY since my last post due to a lot of great things.
Graduated from my Master in Public Health program
Completed my lactation consultant training program and sat for my certification exam
Moved states
Started my career in public health
Joined a sorority, and soooo much more!
2022 has truly been a year of hard work, dedication, and focus. Since transitioning from the academic environment into the real world as a career professional, I've learned a ton about myself and what I want.
FIRST, there is not enough talk about how difficult it is to merge into the 9-5 work life. As a previous student whose full-time job was attending school for the past 18 years, it has really been hard getting used to the change. I'm not accustomed to having free time in the afternoon and I usually feel the need to be productive after the work day ends. In school, I'd be working on homework till 12 am, but now I can choose to use my evenings however I want. It feels unstructured, yet liberating. I now have time to work on new things that I've always dreamt about such as my next steps in career, business, blog, youtube, etc. I highly suggest that someone who is new to the 9-5 work schedule find a hobby to take on in their free time. It's always good to learn something new.
SECOND, I'm learning to take time to rest and enjoy myself. Since moving to a new state, I've been able to have fun exploring new places and meeting new people. I've also learned to sit down some nights and kick back to a good movie. It's nice not to feel pressured to do anything else but rest especially after a long day at work. During these times, I also like to journal and think about my five-year plan. I especially enjoy reflecting on my career and writing about where I see myself going in the next few years. Since I'm new in my career, I'm still figuring out my passions and what I love to do, and journaling is a good outlet that allows me to get all my thoughts, feelings, and big ideas out so that I can start making a plan. Journaling is a MUST for young adults with big ideas who need an organized space to jot every idea down.
THIRD, when you start your career and life after school it's so very important to get your finance straight. I've been thinking about big things that I hope to one day get such as a home, start a family, grow a business, etc and I am realizing that it's necessary that we start financial planning early. Saving and investing can start with your first job out of school, you just have to learn how to do it. I've been taking the time to really educate myself on how to establish a good financial safety net, and I highly advise new grads to do it too.
Adulting after school doesn't have to be daunting. The transition from school to full-time work for many of us can seem scary, but having a good support system, hobbies, and a positive outlook can help with processing and getting through the new changes. I'm writing to uplift all of those individuals going through this process to stay encouraged and lean into the change fully. Be present and enjoy how far you've come because you worked so hard to be here. Savor it.
Again, thanks for sticking with me throughout this project. Bloom Into Womanhood, might have been on pause, but it was never forgotten. Wishing everyone good health and sending positive vibes. ✨
Blooming where planted. 🪴
Ani.
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