Post Grad Life: 3 Months of Limbo

I sat in a coffee shop with my friend Emily, a large white cup and saucer we both agreed came out of a Friends episode rested between my hands.

“It feels almost like you’re in limbo.” Those were my words to her while describing my life after college so far.

I say limbo because many refer to this time of life as a transitional phase. Transitioning from student to working adult. Education to career. College bubble to reality.

The main aspect of this phase is learning about real life. That’s what makes it intimidating, even hard. It’s learning to accept that you’ve left childhood behind with dependence nearing its way out the door as well.

Don’t get me wrong, being out of college has its perks, and I have been enjoying them. For instance, I truly relish the fact that I don’t have school projects hanging over my head and spending every spare moment hashing out A-quality assignments.

I’ve been able to work toward things that I’ve been putting off during my time in college, like my writing. It makes me feel productive to be working on something I love and believe in. As a result, I feel like I’m slowly making progress toward my career.

At the end of the day, I’m completely at ease with a cup of tea and a good book or script on my lap. Those moments of being satisfied with the work of the day and having no anxiety of the next day, remind me of the sweet taste of freedom.

But here are some things I’ve been learning.

It’s easy to lose yourself within routine. In fact, it’s really easy to lose yourself. Period. Sometimes, I find myself trying to pinpoint my identity by what I’m doing.

Graduate…writer…cashier.

Through all of those questions of ‘who’, I also face daily questions of insecurity. Am I being productive? Am I doing enough to pursue my career? Am I settling too easily?

I find reassuring myself by saying “Hey, you made money today,” helps with the inner nagging. Speaking of money, I’ve recently been welcomed to the full-time working world which is a learning experience in itself. With it comes less time and more sacrificing of things I would rather be doing. But it’s all a part of that real world I was talking about.

I’ll admit I’ve been dealing with the inward struggle of Post-Grad Syndrome, whatever that may be, but God has been extremely faithful nonetheless.

He’s given me two jobs with ample time to keep writing. He’s provided for my needs and has blessed me with things I’ve wanted. He’s given me a loving, supportive family who shows me the value of hard work. Not to mention a place to live.

Through it all, I’m reminded that my identity has always and will always be in Jesus. He is my priority and my Chief Navigator. I’m still His child, and He is merely taking me by the hand through this intimidating season of life.

So, if any of my fellow grads are feeling similarly, I urge you to hang on to your blessings, be alert to what The Chief is teaching you during this time, and look to Him for guidance. Always.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

∼Psalm 32:8∼

If you’d like to read my other post about Post-Grad life click here

And the journey continues…

God bless!

-LJM