College Burn Out: Taking Time To Dream Big After Graduation

Over the past 4 years you’ve been through a lot. You’ve lived away from your parents for the first time, you’ve been in charge of your own finances for the first time, you’ve taken responsibility for your academic performance and have asked the multi-layered question: What do I want to do with my life?

There are some people who just instinctively know what they want, but I think many of us need some time to reflect, consider our options and decompress from the ordeals (and fun ) of college life. As you’re in this transition mode, there are a few options standing in front of you:

Do an internship. I’ve done several internships, some of them paid and some unpaid, and I’ve never regretted it. An internship is an opportunity for you to work in an industry at an entry level (sometimes below entry level ). The perk of this situation is that you get to see what it’s really like to work in that field. There is no pressure to get the corner office or impress anyone–you are the intern and you’re there to learn. While college was all about books and tests, an internship is learning in the real world without the commitment of having a “real job”. Who knows–you may love it, and you may impress your supervisors enough that they offer you a position. Or, if you don’t like it you move on, and take whatever life lessons you’ve accumulated with you.

The time after you graduate from college can be a time of angst, indecision, worry and confusion, but it’s also a thing of beauty. Your life is a blank canvas, ready for the first stroke of your brush. Enjoy this time, be patient with yourself, and above all never stop learning. You will figure everything out if you take the time to refresh your mind and dream big.

Photo: Dream Big | 9