Graduating college is a big step in your future. Congratulations – you’re about to become a full-fledged adult! The world out here is not going to be as easy as you think it’s going to be: just fair warning. However, all pessimism aside, you need to celebrate. You deserve it. Here are some options; things you should consider doing to thank yourself for the hard work.
THROW A FAMILY PARTY
As you go through life, your friends will change, your relationships will change, your lifestyle will change, everything will change constantly; except for your family. Your family will be there to support you every step of the way, as you continue to work your way through life. Throw a big party with your family! It doesn’t matter if you are the first in your family to graduate college or if you’re the 101st. Your family will enjoy every minute of celebrating your success.
GO SOMEWHERE
I got news for ya, traveling does not get easier as you get older. As someone who has been out of college for a few years (apparently I’m really old now?!) but has experienced a great deal so far, I’ll tell you that taking a trip only gets more difficult. Borrow some money if you have to, but go celebrate your four(+) years of hard work by going somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Some go for a week, some go for a year, but do what makes you happy. You’ve got the rest of your life to work…
NOT-SO-FUN-BUT-STILL-PRODUCTIVE STUFF
GO BACK TO SCHOOL
I know what you’re thinking, “I just flipping graduated!” I get it. But the fact of the matter is, if you want to stand out in today’s society, either you have to build something on your own (if you can dream it – you should do it!), or you should get yourself a Masters degree or even more. Education is very valuable, and every organization throughout the world places a great emphasis on bringing in talented, educated individuals. Not to mention you’re going to be worth more salary-wise. Maybe you thrive on knowledge, maybe you aren’t “done” with the college lifestyle yet, whatever the case may be, consider heading right back in. As with the trips, every year it’s going to get harder and harder to convince yourself to go back to school; so if you’re ready, make it happen!
FIND YOUR DREAM JOB
Ok, so this sounds easier than it is. It also is more than likely not going to happen with your first gig out of college. However, search high and low, and you stand a good chance of finding it. Interview a lot, worst case scenario you’ll truly learn how to interview well. Give yourself options. The more offers that are on the table, the better. Every offer you have gives you more negotiation leverage with the one that you truly want. If you have one, two, three, or more offers that can provide more money, benefits, bonuses, etc., you may be able to convince the job that you want to hire you for what you want. If you’ve only got one offer, that’s fine, but the negotiation power stands with the hiring party. Just like in relationships, businesses always want what they can’t have. If there’s other interested parties, you instantly become more attractive. Work hard for a few months on this one, it’ll pay off for the rest of your life.
Whether you choose the “Fun route,” the “Not-so-fun-but-still-productive” route, you deserve one hell of a pat on the back. Enjoy yourself, or get to work, either way, be proud of what you’ve achieved.
Callie Kollenbroich
Callie Kollenbroich has been the Operations Coordinator and Content Writer/Editor at Rent College Pads since 2015. When she's not working, you can find her at home, eating peanut butter out of the jar and bingeing an unhealthy amount of Forensic Files. She's not as lame as she sounds.