Post-Graduation Blues
The ultimate goal in a millennial’s life is to graduate within at least the first quarter of their life (approximately 25 years). Their whole life consisted of going to school, getting educated on as many different things their brain can maintain. Applying that information to life and learning to grow as a human being. Deciding on “what you want to do” is a constant thought in a teenager’s and young adult’s life. For some, it’s predetermined because of pressure from parents in positions of power. For others, it’s an endless climb to make something of yourself without knowing exactly what you’re supposed to do. There’s one common denominator; it’s never easy.
It might have been easier in days past when college tuition was a fraction of what it is now. There’s heightened pressure from financial strains and the competitive nature of the current job market. Societal standards have played a part in post-graduation blues, with social media and people posting their successes and triumphs. Creating comparisons to the lives of others who seem more successful eventually leads to psychological strains. An article on CNBC’s website by Linda Ha speaks on life after graduation, saying “The APA reports that on average, millennials experience the highest level of stress than any other generation, suggesting a need for more conversation surrounding mental health and the pressures facing recent graduates.” This emphasizes the state of college graduates nearly everywhere. Mental strains are often overlooked because of the difficulty of diagnosing and being an intangible aspect of health. The dialogue surrounding students and post-graduation is focused heavily on mental health.
Mental illnesses have been more prevalent the past decade, with many reports of mental health problems that have psychologically affected people — whether it be a celebrity committing suicide over mental instability, war veterans suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), athletes dealing with life after professional sports and students stressing over life after college. I talked to a friend who recently graduated and is working in a field he didn’t think he’d ever be in. Mikey Jagacki, former Rutgers student, said “I started my academic career studying business because that’s what I thought going forward would the best way to make more money. I always liked basketball though, and I decided to coach it. Now I’m coaching the JV basketball team of my former high school, a freelance journalist amongst other things. I still haven’t gotten to where I want to be, but it takes time.” He still has student loans to pay off but because of the multiple forms of income he has. It’s a confusing transition in a person’s life.
The uncertainty is what makes it difficult to predict. The dialogue needs to continue to mitigate mental damage and ease the strain of overwhelming stress to help people reach their ultimate goals.
