Coping with post-graduate stress disorder

It’s May, so of course I’ve been reading about post-graduate stress this week—called post-commencement or post-graduate stress disorder by some.  It’s a new label that describes an age-old transition— the process of shifting one’s identity from student to worker and stepping more fully into the adult world.

The process of stepping in and stepping up to a new set of priorities and responsibilities is a big job unto itself. While most of the material I’ve read is written with 20-somethings in mind, I think the take home message is good for all of us, regardless of our age or station in life.

The confusing thing about being a student is that no matter how well you do it, it’s a position you’ll quit or be fired from at some point (unless you become an academic, I suppose).  I’m not talking about folks who identify as life-long students and find learning in every opportunity.  I’m talking about that special time time when one’s job is partitioned into semester-long portions, when one reads, writes, and tests more than one probably will in most any other job.

So, if you’re feeling cut adrift in the post-graduate landscape, feel free to steady yourself by taking hold of a few of these tips.

1.)    Compassion.  The fastest way to sink yourself after graduation is to be harsh and unforgiving about your progress or prospects.  Now more than ever, the post-graduate landscape offers lots of competition for jobs.  You know this.  So, stop expecting yourself to land a job right out of school like your parents did.  (Also, criticism is a huge demotivator for most people.)

2.)    Create structure.  Most people thrive with a little bit of structure, and most colleges and graduate programs are great at infusing student life with lots and lots of structure, options, and purpose.   One of your biggest jobs after graduation is to discover or create new structure in your life—for leisure, work, and home life, too.

3.)    Get hungry.  Let your mind get curious about possibilities and then get hungry for facts and information.  It’s hard to move forward if you don’t know your options.  It might be a consultation with a career counseling specialist, or a list of ideas on the back of a paper napkin—just let your mind mull it over some.

4.)    Enjoy the meanwhile.  It can be hard, especially for go-getters, to enjoy scenery on its own terms.  Even if things don’t come together right away—as you’re waiting to land that job, or waiting for application results to come back— try to enjoy  the meanwhile.  Life is happening.

5.)    Find a friend.  Pairing yourself with a friend or mentor who’s a few years or a couple of steps ahead can be extremely helpful.  Sometimes you’ll miss the forest for the trees—a good friend can help you keep perspective and look ahead for you.

What helped you get through post-graduate life?