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College is a joyous (albeit usually sort of sloppy) time in people's lives, when drinking on weekdays is encouraged and the future seems brighter than that Orbit girl's teeth. But if college is like the shining midday sun, life after college is kind of like the clouds that roll in during the afternoon, making everything overcast and gloomy.
OK, maybe that's a little dramatic, but post-grad life certainly is a bit less carefree. Not sure what to expect after graduating? Here are 10 things nobody tells you about life after college :
1. Job Hunting is a Necessary but Terrible Evil
If you've ever been one of dozens of people vying for the last shirt on the sale rack, you have some inkling of what job hunting after college feels like: an every-man-for-himself fight to the death. And it does not feel good.
Somehow you're supposed to stand out from the hundreds of other applicants who have your exact same degree and level of experience, and all you can think of to say in your cover letter is "I'm a good problem solver."
2. You May Not Find the Job You're Looking For
Not only is job hunting a seemingly hopeless and never-ending endeavor, but despite sending what feels like hundreds of resumes and cover letters, you still likely won't end up in your dream job.
Instead, you'll probably find yourself somewhere that's "fine" or "OK for now." If it makes you feel better, people rarely love their first jobs-- you aren't alone.
3. There are Frugal Days Ahead
If you thought your days of ramen and Kraft mac and cheese were behind you, there's bad news: You still have a couple of years left. For one thing, in college your student loans seem blessedly far away, but after graduating they sneak up on you pretty quickly.
And between those, bills, other grown-up expenses, and a starting salary, you'll find yourself budgeting like an Extreme Couponer.
4. Your Drinking Habits Will Have to Change
Not only do hangovers become exponentially worse during the years after graduating from college, but showing up to work hungover is no longer as charming as it used to be (and let's be honest, was it ever really charming?).
Sure, you used to be able to roll out of bed, go to a class or two, and head home to sleep it off, but working a 9-to-5 with a hangover is a whole different story.
5. You'll Grow Out of Living With Roommates ... But Your Bank Account Won't
You may also find yourself relishing the nights you spend sober and by yourself, rather than wanting to go out every night (congratulations, you're an adult!).
This love of alone time will translate into a desire to live by yourself after years of splitting tiny apartments with roommates. Unfortunately, if you don't want to sell your soul, you may not be able to afford a one-bedroom apartment by yourself just yet.
6. Your Closet May Have to Go Through Some Upgrades
No longer are sweatpants and tennis shoes going to cut it on a daily basis. Sure, you've probably amassed a few business-formal basics, like a nice blazer and a few button-down shirts, but those won't take you through even a week at a full-time gig.
Also, you'll find yourself looking condescendingly upon the miniature shoppers in Forever 21 as you bypass them for Ann Taylor Loft. It's just part of adulthood.
7. People Will Start to Ask About Your Job All the Time
Every time you hang with your friends or Skype with your family, they'll ask things like, "So, how's your job going?" and "What's new at work?" Also, when you meet new people they'll unfailingly ask what you do.
And, OK, it's not like that's the worst thing in the world, but anything becomes a little annoying after hundreds of repetitions. Soon you'll be saying things like, "Oh, I'm an evil mastermind currently plotting the end of the universe, and you?"
8. Your Bedtime Will Change
Remember when you used to scoff at your older friends/parents/siblings who went to bed at 10:30 p.m.? Yeah, you're about to be one of those people.
A 2 a.m. weeknight is doable every once in a while, but you'll start to just want to go to bed earlier and earlier.
9. Hanging With Friends Will Take Some Effort
Once all of your friends get jobs, start hanging out with their co-workers, get into relationships, and in general start living separate lives, you'll find yourself struggling to pencil in time with them.
Keep making an effort, though. Relaxing buddy time is essential.
10. You Will Be Completely and Totally Lost For a While
It's true, you will. But what nobody tells you about life after college is that everybody is just making it up as they go along. You're not the only one endlessly sending resumes and subsisting on fast food and ramen. The great news? It only gets better from here.
