Does anyone else find the transition from college undergraduate to real Adulthood hard?

Hi Brian,

I think one of the reasons why most young people struggle during the transition into adulthood is because of life changes. Going through a life change can be intimidating. The society holds you to a certain standards when you are an adult and many times we are bogged down by the negative opinions and other fixations people have about being an adult. We think the addition of responsibilities and bills are a misery, that's why we are afraid of growing up. However, I think we should shift our focus a little bit. Learn to see challenges as a growing opportunities. Learn to take control of your daily actions and step out of your comfort zone! You'll be amazed by what you can achieve and how far you'll go.

Another thing is you don't have to stop doing something you enjoy doing when you were young. Being an adult doesn't mean you need to give up and let go of your childlike wonder. Be curious, be fun, take chances! Adult life doesn't have to be boring.

Finally, never lose hope. If you don't like your current situation, then change it. If you never take action, you're not going anywhere. Hardships are temporary and they will help you succeed in the future!

Good luck!

Moving from a scholastic environment to a business environment does require some transition but the things that you are doing to insure success in school can be carried over into your career after college. When starting a new job just like a new class you want to get a clear understanding of the expectations that your employer has and what you need to do to be successful in the same way you probably went to a professor to see what they expect from you to earn the best grade possible. Next you create a plan for yourself to be sure you are implementing the employers requests, much like you would follow a class syllabus. Reach out frequently to your supervisor for feedback to see if you are meeting their expectations and adjust your plan as needed. Follow up with your supervisor is the key so you can course correct quickly and stay on track just as you would if you received a lower than expected test score, you wouldn't want to wait to find out what you need to do to insure that you are successful in the class and it is the same in the work world. In addition it is important to have a vision both short and long term. Think about where you want to be in the next 5 years, 10 years. Share your goals with your supervisor and consider the feedback you receive. You want your goals to be realistic and attainable so you may need to adjust them after having a career path conversation with your supervisor. Also it never hurts to get a little OJT in your field if available. There are several companies that offer internships which enables you to try on a career to see if it is truly what you want to do for the next several years and gives you valuable experience that will make you a more desirable candidate when looking for that first job that is truly part of your career path. Hope this helps and best of luck with your endeavors!

Hi Brian.

Adulting is definitely not as fun as childhood. Sometimes you have to make very difficult choices, sometimes you will find yourself living payday to payday and beyond. The biggest thing that will help you is learning good time management skills. Not being able to find a healthy work / life balance can overwhelm someone more quickly than anything. No matter how busy your life gets, take time for YOU. Reset, refresh and conquer. Even when it seems as if things could not possibly be any worse, remember that there is someone, somewhere out there struggling even more than you are and the struggles are not what is important. What's important is how you react. Remember that reaction is a choice, and everything you go through in life will make you the healthy adult you will grow into. And just because you have suddenly turned into this thing called an adult...don't be afraid to still allow the child in your to come out when you are having fun. Find that balance. Take it from this 56 year old grandma that still gets out on the trampoline with her grandkids. Don't be the kind of adult others expect you to be or you won't be happy. Be your own adult. Here are some steps to help you:

1. Adjust some of those college habits — starting with partying
2. Remember: bedtime is not the time for Netflix binging.
3. Create a routine that works for you.
4. Take walks often.
5. Read for fun.
6. De-clutter your home to calm your mind
7. Invest in your relationships
8. Discover the soothing power of meditation.
9. Unplug often.
10. Find a means of exercise you enjoy, and enjoy it often.
11. Learn how to cook.
12. Learn to just breathe when you’re feeling stressed.
13. Accept that you have a lot left to learn – and look forward to it!

Here is a website to learn more: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/02/health-after-college_n_5227100.html

Good luck to you and enjoy life!

I think the hard part of being adult is the responsibility for your actions. When that happens for some is very different. It could be in high school, college, after college or your first job. Once responsibilities come and you are able to balance out handling needs and wants is one of the bigger steps. No one wants to pay the water bill. No one wants to pay for ketchup. These are needs. Once you walk down the path of taking on those responsibilities and balancing them with other priorities, being adult becomes fun. Biggest difference from high school, college, adulthood,  is the level of responsibilities.