Chapter 1: The Transition from Student to Adult

In April 2023, I completed my last exam at university, and by June, I was celebrating my graduation. Interestingly, we didn’t toss our caps, leaving me with a rather uninspiring memento from the day. As time has flown by, I’ve realized that nearly a year has passed since I walked across that stage. You might expect this piece to be filled with guidance on navigating the first year after graduation, but I’m afraid I’m not quite that skilled, and your hopes may be misplaced.

After graduation, I returned to my summer job, which I’ve held since my second year in university, thinking I would work part-time while seeking writing opportunities. During the graduation ceremony, we were told, “Now is the time to apply your skills from insert money-driven institution’s name to the workforce; any employer would be lucky to hire you!” However, they conveniently left out the fact that www.guaranteedjobsforunigrads.com is a fantasy.

As a graduate with an English degree, it’s no surprise that finding employment has been challenging. I cherish my degree and the years I spent immersed in literature and writing, yet I doubt employers are particularly interested in my extensive reading list of Thomas Hardy's works. While I value those experiences, they don’t translate into the qualifications employers seek. It seems that merely stating, “I possess four years of writing experience and have read countless books,” isn’t sufficient. Unless that reading and writing occurred during a prestigious internship, those years might as well be forgotten. And for heaven's sake, don’t touch my Marian Keyes novels; I’m still working through Again, Rachel.

I often find myself pondering where I’m supposed to gain the "5+ years of professional writing experience" that job postings demand. I struggle to even secure a retail position, let alone one that involves writing! The first year after school feels like an exhilarating new adventure, yet when September arrives and I realize I’m not in class, I’m at a loss. After eighteen years of structured schedules, the absence of that routine sometimes makes me nostalgic for high school—what a revelation!

While I’d love to claim that I spent the year building an impressive writing portfolio, the truth is that I didn’t! My creative spark seems to have vanished, likely lost somewhere in the depths of my university’s library after writing countless essays on the theme of female discrimination in male-authored literature. I suppose I should go retrieve it soon, as I can’t keep filling the void with yet another Netflix series about a girl caught between two love interests.

Creativity can’t be forced. Throughout the year, there have been fleeting moments of inspiration that ignited my passion, only to fizzle out abruptly. At times, I felt like I was on the verge of becoming an emerging Canadian female author—until I wasn’t. This leads me to plead: What inspires you?

Let’s shift gears and focus on the positive, shall we? Here are some insights I’ve gathered during my first year as an adult.

Section 1.1: Life Lessons Learned

• Realize That Opportunities Won't Just Come to You: Throughout life, we’ve been guided by reminders and goals, leading us to expect the same in adulthood. However, post-graduation, there are no participation trophies or celebratory pizza parties—unless you’ve found a solid group of friends who don’t say no to pizza.
• Embrace Exercise as a Fun Activity: Believe it or not, getting out of the house can be enjoyable! Finding a local gym, preferably with women-only hours, has helped me feel more at ease with working out. For someone who thrived on academic validation, this is a rewarding experience that feels like a mental checklist.
• Invest in Your Relationships: This past year, I’ve made and lost friendships, which is entirely normal. Not everyone will accompany you through this new chapter of life. Focus on nurturing the meaningful relationships and letting go of those that no longer serve you.
• Create a Routine, Even Without School: If you thrive on routine, you can establish one without the structure of school or a full-time job. Designate times for waking up, eating, exercising, reading, and writing. And if you struggle to stick to it, don’t be too hard on yourself. Life is unpredictable, and our journeys are filled with ups and downs.
• Remember That This Is YOUR Life: It’s a radical thought, but we are often shaped by institutions like schools. Once you leave that student identity behind, it’s essential to explore who you are beyond the classroom. Your worth doesn’t diminish without the academic label—take the time to discover what you enjoy.

Section 1.2: Conclusion

Now, back to the original question: Did I waste the year? I don’t believe so. Could I have penned a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece? Probably not, even if I had glued a pen to my hand and only paused to eat. Could I have read more? Certainly. As for landing a high-paying job in my field, the answer is uncertain. If such a position exists, I trust I will find it if I keep searching—unless someone finally launches www.guaranteedjobsforunigrads.com.

Video Description: Did I waste my gap year?

This video reflects on the experiences and feelings associated with taking a gap year, exploring whether it was a wasted opportunity or a valuable time for personal growth.

Video Description: What it (actually) feels like to waste your life

In this video, the host discusses the emotional turmoil and realizations that come from feeling like one is not living up to their potential, providing insights and encouragement.