Started from the top. Now I’m here.

Mason Miles
Sep 8, 2018 · 3 min read

What they don’t tell you about a 8–5 job


Graduated college. Got the ideal job. Started working 8–5. Rented an apartment. Paid for toilet paper. Went to lunch with co-workers. Made email folders and calendar invites.

I’ve checked as many boxes as I could…So now what?

Anyone else feel like they went from the top of world (i.e leadership roles, best friends 24/7, endless best nights, vacations...) to the bottom of the community train (i.e working, routines, loneliness, planless Friday nights…) post graduating college.

Platforms and popularity were my reality. Paperwork and bedtimes seem to have taken their place.

I had no idea how hard this transition would be.

This was the part that no one seemed to talk about. Chasing dreams and apartment living… sure, but the nitty gritty — not so much. It quickly became near impossible for me to celebrate others. These past years at college had me rejoicing over everyone every accomplishment, and now I’m finding myself hanging up the phone weeping after friends tell me great news.

It’s insane how quickly my goals and dreams hoped for (just 1 year ago) happened and now I’m sitting here (in my bathtub) wondering if it was all worth it.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

The other day I was walking through Hobby Lobby when I saw all of the Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations ON SALE. I laughed at the fact we rush seasons… then God dropped a thought into my mind:

Mason, Don’t discount your season before it even happens”

BECAUSE HOW EASY IS IT TO RUSH AND DISCOUNT A SEASON BEFORE IT’S EVEN HAPPENED?!?

Story of my life. When I was an 8th grader I couldn’t wait to be a high schooler. In high school I so looked forward to college. College, becoming 21. Once 21 couldn’t wait to graduate. Graduation-Job. Job-Marriage.

you get it.

Up to this point in my life the goal has always been how quickly can I move onto the next. Here are some things I’ve learned (things they don’t tell you)-

  • Working is exhausting. (Emotionally, physically, mentally)
  • Co-workers aren’t your new best friends.
  • Community is built and revolved around intentionality.
  • Post-grad makes relationships sweeter, every interaction holds deeper meaning. (Sara Haag said this at some point)
  • You have to buy toilet paper and ziplock baggies (dorm life ruined me)
  • Copier machines.
  • Starbucks runs, and buying your bosses fav drink, will mask any late starts to the morning.
  • You are not the expert regardless of your degree.
  • You’ll make more money than ever before, but you’ll hand over majority of it. (Water, heating, trash, rent, WiFi, etc.)
  • WiFi isn’t cheap.
  • Bedtimes aren’t a suggestion
  • Business professional is fun for the first week, and then becomes an expensive lifestyle.

It isn’t easy. And things change really fast. I’ve really learned to be present and not worry so much about the rest. It’s okay to feel all the things (and cry when needed.)

I not going to sit here and say I’ve become an expert at all things post grad, but in these past 6th months I have good days, bad days and learned that flexibility is key and to take full advantage of every single day. I’m not headed to the sale section. I want the full experience.

I’m back at the bottom, and I’ll see you on Monday.

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