5 Things You Can Do After Graduating College

Today marks the exact 3 months and a half that I've been spending at home ever since I graduated from college back in May. Not much have happened, just busy with preparations for my postgraduate studies in October insyallah. I've noticed a funny thing happening among my peers and I in this post-graduation life: We have no idea how to fill our time. And we complaint of not having anything to do while waiting for a job. And then, when we do get jobs, we complaint even more. 

Sounds productive? Hardly not. 

Anyways, if you're in a similar situation like me, either on college break or recently graduated and am wondering what to do with your time, here are some things I can suggest to you, and have seen my peers do to fill in their time until the next adventure comes. 

1. Get a Job (Temporary/Permanent)

Now, bear in mind getting a job requires a huge commitment. I've seen friends grab job opportunities purely for the sake of getting a paycheck without seriously considering if the job suits you and if you're able to give your best in it. Eventually you're gonna hate it and complaint on Twitter of your irritating work mates and how you have no weekends off.

If you have good planning and a good career-strategy and think this job will help you in the long run, then by all means go for it!

Remember: working automatically shifts you into the adult world and this transition can be difficult or easy depending on your mindset and expectations. Make sure you are well prepared for whatever's to come, because obviously the working life is no longer as free and luxurious as your college life.


2. Postgraduate Studies

Like me, I've decided to continue my study for a Master's Degree in the UK for a year. It isn't very long and there are reasons why I choose this instead of the more conventional "kick start an engineering career" move. My motives include getting the experience of living abroad and adapting in a situation beyond  my comfort zone and applying these skills for my career later, as well as learning more about engineering in an academic environment. I also would like to graduate from a reputable engineering institution and challenge myself to achieve something I never dared to dream of.

I do love working (my internship experience in a refinery was amazing!), but I want to study as a student for one more year. And then, I won't mind working the next 2 decades or so. So to me, it suits my personality and aspirations for my future.

This move can be hard when you're seeing your peers slowly getting employed and making their own money. But at the end of the day, it's your life and career choices, and my mantra has always been "Good for them, but not for me!" by Amy Poehler ;)

3. Travel/Gap Year

If you're not keen on starting work anytime soon and think you can live on your own for the next year or so backpacking/travelling and gaining global experiences, GO FOR IT! I have friends who are travelling all over the world in student-exchange programmes or joining global charity abroad campaigns/organizations, and I think it's so cool how they would leave everything behind and embark on that journey, sometimes all alone!

Do your research and figure out a route of plan and see if you have the necessary essentials to survive the trip. It's not easy to take some year off and it's unconventional, you'll probably be subjected to peer/family pressure to get a job and make a living. But honestly for me if it's a year off, it might be good for you and you owe it to yourself to do something for you without meeting the expectations of others.

4. Harnessing Your Talents/Hobbies/Passions

This could correlate back to point #3, but if it doesn't then take whatever free time you have after graduating and develop any skills you've been meaning to improve on (cooking, arts, music, designing, photography, gaming, etc). Think about it, this could be your last long-period of time that you will ever have until you retire or become a boss of your own company. So what passions would you pursue with all of these free time?

Like me, I have 4-5 months of leisure before continuing my studies in October, so I've spent all these months putting most of my energy into my reading passion. I've been updating my book-themed Instagram, chatting to book lovers alike on Twitter, and venturing into the Booktube world to meet more people like me and chat more about books! The great thing about harnessing your passion/skills is that you're directing your energy and time towards something you love. And you will never feel bored or regret doing all of these.

I'm just glad my passion isn't financially-exhausting, but if yours is in the 'spendy' region, I'm sure you can plan on how to maximise your time and assets to good use.

I hope you have fun with it too!

5. Family Time 

I think this remains one of the best ways to spend your free time. If you have working parents, then go and plan something fun for the whole family to do over the weekends. Seeing how I will be away from home in a few weeks, I have spent a LOT of my time with my parents and friends. Cherishing each moment you have with your loved ones will make you happier and appreciate them. 

Because this might also be the last time you have this much time left before you start committing to your work or future family. Make every moment count! :) 

---------

So yeah, those are just some of the things you can start planning to do, and I hope you make use of your time before embarking into another adventure in your life. 

Hope you have a good week ahead! :)