5 Takeaways from Post-Grad Life
This last month, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a Parachute x Kulfi Beauty event with Kulfi Beauty’s editor Samia Abbasi to talk about life after graduating college — the triumphs, the losses, the tough times, and the truth of it all that is often hidden away from us.
While graduating college is an exciting and eventful time of life, Samia and I felt there were parts that go un-discussed, especially as individuals of color.
Let’s talk about it.
1. You will succeed, regardless of how hard it feels.
In families of immigrants, or individuals of color, there is often pressure to succeed in a traditional pathway, leading to a perceived stability and financial independence. Although a traditional career pathway is certainly stable and reliable, it isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay.
What’s also important to note, is that it’s okay if parents try to steer us in one direction — they are only attempting to support us in whatever way they know best. However, you should ultimately follow your gut and passions. If it isn’t in a traditional 9-5 job, make sure you’re aware of all the steps necessary to succeed in your field. Regardless of how hard times may get, things will always turn out for you. You will be fine. You will be successful. Trust the journey, and do your best.
2. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life, and that’s okay.
Whether it be friends, partners, co-workers, or even jobs, things will come and go. And that’s okay — it isn’t always your fault. Learn to go with the flow, and if you’ve made a mistake, learn from it and take proper steps to ensure that you won’t make the same mistakes again. Familiarity can sometimes breed contempt, and what doesn’t serve us well will oftentimes make its way out of our lives.
It’s normal to switch jobs or leave jobs when we believe there is a different opportunity for us that leads to more growth, in whatever way that may be. I’ve moved positions quite a few times since graduating, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I strongly believe each opportunity I’ve had impacted the next and helped me grow in ways I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. As I’m freelancing now and working in a more creative space, I greatly appreciate the corporate positions I’ve held before. That being said, after spending time in both worlds, I know which one I like best and which one I believe will help me grow professionally and personally.
In terms of friendships, friends will come and go. I think too much value is misplaced in knowing someone for X amount of years. When you’re friends with someone for a long time, it can be easy to forget and ignore red flags that arise throughout the friendship. Friendships are there to support you, nurture you, and make life easier. If they aren’t doing so, it’s time to move on — just like anything else in life.
3. Growth is uncomfortable.
You’ve heard the phrase; growth happens out of our comfort zones. One thing I’ve learned post-grad is learning how to measure success, progress or achievements by using growth and uncomfortability as a metric.
A few months ago, I was extremely uncomfortable leading client meetings, presenting strategy decks or coming up with ideas on my own and executing on the spot. Now, all these things feel fairly easy and ‘inside’ my comfort zone. In my head, that’s progress and success in my professional life.
After college, there isn’t an easy metric like grades to measure how well you’re doing. It’s easy to get lost in work life and forget about pushing yourself to grow beyond your daily expectations, whatever they may be.
Decide what metrics work for you — whether it be taking physical notes on achievements or by noticing how uncomfortable a task makes you feel now, versus in six months from now, and then a year from now. Don’t forget to push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of. You can do it.
4. Show love and appreciation for those around you, even if they don’t reciprocate.
If anything, this last year I’ve really learned how short life is. We never know what may happen within the next day, week, month, or year. Our lives have changed drastically compared to a year ago and no one was expecting it. Show appreciation to those around you, who love you, and who have made an impact in your life.
Compliment people, whether it be in person or online. If you like someone’s work, tell them. If you want to learn from someone, ask them. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to do but hesitate, don’t overthink, and just do it. Show your friends appreciation in whatever way would mean the most for them. Spend time with your family and parents if you have the privilege to do so. You won’t regret it, and people will only show you love back.
5. Not everyone follows the same path. Less judgement, the better.
Five years ago, I thought I would be climbing the corporate ladder in the marketing world. Now, I am freelancing and working in a creative world that I had never imagined. Things change, goals change, and people’s interests and passions may change — or come to life — over time.
Growing up in an Indian community, there was heavy pressure from others (more than my parents) to succeed in a STEM field, attend an Ivy League, take all the AP or IB classes, and score perfectly on the SATs and ACTs. I can tell you now, I didn’t do any of those, and I’m happy. I’m succeeding in a path that makes me happy and that I’m talented in and that’s all that matters.
It would be hypocritical of me to expect others to not judge me for my life choices and for me to make assumptions and judgements based on what I’ve heard or what I’ve seen on social media. If you make judgements, try to step back and think about why. If you sense jealousy, try to turn it into admiration and maybe reach out to whoever you’re ‘jealous’ of and ask them for tips on how they got to where they are. Show support to people rather than passively consuming information. There’s room for everyone to succeed, and no need for (unhealthy) competition.
I’ve learned quite a bit over the last couple years, and I know I’ll continue to learn more. I feel that high school and college are incorrectly glorified in the States, and I wish that we spoke more about the rest of our lives. There is so much excitement, growth, happiness, and success in store and we often forget about what’s to come and fixate on the so called glory days.
Written by Nivita Sriram
