Life after college

[nottheprincesspeach]

I didn't respond initially because I am the odd bird here I think, but I love school so much I am pursuing my PhD and planning on becoming a professor. I want to stay in the college type learning environment doing research and active learning as well as teaching as long as possible. I would be messed up if I didn't have school. But someone who doesn't feel this way could be happier out of it.

[emsimes]

Thank you again for all the responses
Its nice to see all the opinions on this forum
I definitely have respect for those of you who love school and want to keep pursuing their education. While I couldn't handle that, I am humbled by those who can!
Also, thank you to all those who have told me their experiences. It's definitely something to keep in mind for thr future!

[Kristin91]

I just wanted to step in and say thanks emsimes for this thread- I'm graduating in May and wasn't really sure what to expect. This thread helped a lot!

[silvermoonfairy3]

You know.. I do miss school because I like learning and researching and writing, so you may not miss those aspects.

But I also just miss some of the circumstances and mindset of college. I like the change. I like that classes are different every semester, I like that I have the ability to tailor my schedule a bit. With work, it's the same job every year, no switching each semester. (Even though individual projects, etc. might change.)
And as people said, have friends around and not have quite the same level of money stresses and adult responsibilities.

That said, being out of college isn't all bad. Making more money is nice, and there are plenty of good things about adult life.

I think one major difference is the approach in what you're expected to get out of it. In college, teachers are concerned about you learning, you're there to get information, to be intellectually stimulated. Depending on the jobs you seek and where you end up, that might not be the case with work. It can be more, you're there to provide a service and perform in a role. Now, you can often make of that what you will, and your outlook on it will influence it, too.. and there are plenty of jobs that are still intellectually stimulating. But it's different approaches.

[kittyo9]

But I also just miss some of the circumstances and mindset of college. I like the change. I like that classes are different every semester, I like that I have the ability to tailor my schedule a bit. With work, it's the same job every year, no switching each semester. (Even though individual projects, etc. might change.) And as people said, have friends around and not have quite the same level of money stresses and adult responsibilities.

That's another thing I didn't think about that I also miss. I've been having a very difficult time lately coming to terms with the idea of doing the same thing every day for the rest of my life. It makes me feel very existential and question my goals.

[silvermoonfairy3]

That's another thing I didn't think about that I also miss. I've been having a very difficult time lately coming to terms with the idea of doing the same thing every day for the rest of my life. It makes me feel very existential and question my goals.

Yup.. I totally get that feeling, too. Sometimes even when I'm excited about a job or a project, I get this little part of my brain saying, well sure, but are you still going to like it in 10 years?
Hehe.

I think in my ideal world, I would be able to afford to work part time, like 3 days a week, and spend the rest of the time writing, growing more of my own vegetables, trying new recipes, teaching a yoga class.. stuff like that. Give some greater variety to my day, and some freedom, while still having structure and work I obligations.

[Jaac]

I'm so looking foreward to life after uni!!
I mean, I find my study very interesting, but I just want it to be done.
On the other hand...
Everybody here is so stuck in the 'normal way of life' > go to school, go to uni, have a job, have a family, retire.
Ugh... What kind of excitement do these people have in their lives?
I'm so excited to not do that!!
I have so many plans for after uni.
I will go live with my SO in the bush in South Africa. He will work as a game ranger and I can go to a nearby hospital to work.
I can help people who don't have money for health care or help out on the reserve.

To bad i still have 3 years to go A good thing I can do my intership abroad. But thats also about 2 years away.

[peppypenguin]

I'm sort of mixed. I didn't love college either (didn't dislike it though!) and I worked full time almost the entire time, so for me being finished with school was really easy because all of a sudden I had so much more free time. But I do miss it sometimes! I miss the freedom and flexibility of the scheduling, and as other people have mentioned, it's a lot easier to make friends when you are in school.

I don't think life after school sucks at all. It can get more stressful, pressures to find a job, big life choices, etc. But it's just a different stage in life so I'm trying to enjoy it while I am in it!

[mremy92]

Aww, I hope things get better for you, ruby!!
I guess because I've never really liked school, it's hard for me to imagine missing it, but maybe I will one day ^^

I just graduated, and I'm about to go to graduate school for the next 5-7 years. I have ALWAYS hated school; I'm not one of those people who learns by listening, more by doing...anyway, I had an internship last summer in my field and watching what I would have to do with just a bachelor's looked positively dreadful. Plus, I don't feel like dealing with the "real world" at the moment

[Kristin91]

I'm so looking foreward to life after uni!!
I mean, I find my study very interesting, but I just want it to be done.
On the other hand...
Everybody here is so stuck in the 'normal way of life' > go to school, go to uni, have a job, have a family, retire.
Ugh... What kind of excitement do these people have in their lives?
I'm so excited to not do that!!
I have so many plans for after uni.
I will go live with my SO in the bush in South Africa. He will work as a game ranger and I can go to a nearby hospital to work.
I can help people who don't have money for health care or help out on the reserve.

To bad i still have 3 years to go A good thing I can do my intership abroad. But thats also about 2 years away.

I don't want to discourage you, and it's great to have dreams, but remember things change and don't always turn out the way you planned. My plan was to graduate with a job offer, move home for a month, and then be out on my own. Instead, I'm working part time in retail and praying I find a job sooner than later. I just don't want you to be crushed and depressed when the time comes.

[ashleecarol]

It isn't that I miss the college experience...I just love to learn. I could do without the grading scale! I JUST finished college this past May and I am in that awkward transition phase of finding a job.
I believe people have a negative view on life after college that because you don't have the freedom that college gives you anymore once you get an "adult" job. You lose your breaks/vacation time. Now you have to get a job where you are only allowed 1-2 weeks vacation time (if that, with beginner jobs) and you have to plan it out strategically on when to use it. Also, sick leave and all that fun stuff where having time off becomes a struggle with the company/facility that hires you.
Instead of going to class for a few hours and getting to go home, you have to work a 40 hour week or so. Therefore, you have less freedom and it takes up your day.
Losing my freedom of being able to go to the gym at noon or early afternoon is going to suck for me. Not only that, but I'll be a registered nurse. Our typical shift is 12 hours long 3-4 times a week. So, instead of getting out at 5 PM, I'll be working from 7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM. Doing things after that is going to be difficult...

So, that's what I have to say. I did enjoy my college experience, but I enjoyed it more for the learning rather than the testing. I'm a sponge for new knowledge

[Yaaamiii]

I miss college like crazy. Mostly the experience than all the studying. If I could go back I'd change my major. If I could do it again I would. Those were the best years I've had! A part of me wishes I could have gone to the school my husband went to. Real life is alright, but I loved being able to hang out with my friends, go out and do random thngs, take random trips, etc. Those were the days xD.

[arntsen92]

(my first post also, yay!)
But I've just finished University, and in the process of find my first full time job.
It is a big change, and is interesting reading on here about different views.
I miss living away from home and having my own independence, also enjoyed having tasks to do... the spare time now is driving me crazy!
I'm hoping it isn't going to take too long to get a job, but I know the industry isn't great