TL;DR: Post-grad life isn’t a straight line — and that’s actually a good thing. This blog offers blunt but empowering advice for new graduates on how to build momentum, handle setbacks, and define their own version of success.
The first few months after graduation are simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. For the first time in your life, there’s no built-in timeline; no semesters, no grades on your work (well yes, there are, but it’s different), no grade promotions. But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there is no guaranteed next step.
In the workplace, there’s no universal calendar of advancement. Some of your peers will get promoted fast, while some won’t, and you can never assume your path will match anyone else’s.
This isn’t unfair – this is how it works.
Why There’s No Straight Path After Graduation
The notion of a “dream job” is a myth, especially right out of college. Every time I’ve met someone who thought they landed one, quickly learned that reality is different from fantasy. Every role has grunt work (yes, even CEOs), politics, and frustrations.
That being said, don’t let this deter you from aiming for high. It just means that you shouldn’t wait around for “perfect.”
Get a job. Any job. What matters is that you learn from it and how you use it to step into the next opportunity.
Careers are built on momentum, not by waiting for lightning to strike.
Stick It Out (Unless It’s Toxic)
Once you get that first job, it’s important to stick it out for as long as you possibly can. Unless you’re unsafe or in a truly toxic workplace, commit to at least a year, ideally two or three. Leaving a job after a few months will brand you as a job hopper, and employers will quickly notice.
Those early years set the tone for your entire career, and staying put long enough to contribute meaningfully makes you much more valuable down the line.
Early Financial Moves That Set You Free Later
Start. Saving. Now. Even if it’s just putting away $50 a month, this will help you in unimaginable ways down the road. Put the money in a Roth IRA or a 401k if you can so you can’t touch it unless you really, really need to.
It can be hard when you want to have a good time but skip a few dinners out with friends. Drink soda instead of cocktails – or alternate water, cocktail, water cocktail. Only go out when it’s a corporate happy hour. Every time you get a raise, increase your savings.
The power of compounding interest cannot be understated, and your future self will thank you for buying the opportunity of having options early.
Build a Life Beyond the College Bubble
You love your college friends,and you should, but don’t expect them all to be with you forever. I loved going to college (go Carls!), but as you establish yourself in your post-college life, build new circles. Meet people through work, community-based activities, and trying new things. If you can, move somewhere new.
When my son graduated college (my rival school, by the way), he knew that he couldn’t stay in Minnesota because it was going to be too insular, so he moved back to California, then eventually Chicago, and he says that it was the best thing for him. He now has a rich social life and is flourishing because he built his community by meeting people at work, joining a choir, and making friends out and about.
Define Your Own Version of Success
While it may be scary, there’s no plotted-out path for your career. But that’s a good thing. That means there’s no singular “right” path, no “dream” job, and no universal definition of success.
You get to decide what success means for you, and the earlier you start building momentum, the more options you’ll have later in life.
Listen to my podcast on the topic here!