Navigating the uncharted waters of post-grad life, discover the heartfelt truth about the loneliness that lurks beneath the surface
We’ve all been there—freshly graduated, armed with a degree, and ready to take on the world. But what happens when the excitement fades and the reality of post-college life settles in? Loneliness can sneak up on you when you least expect it, leaving you feeling lost, disconnected, and longing for the carefree days of yesteryear.
RELATED: 5 Fun Ways to Catch Up With Your College Friends
I couldn’t help but wonder, what happens to our friendships after we toss our graduation caps into the air and step out into the real world? As a recent college graduate myself, I eventually started pondering the truth about loneliness in this post-grad life.
I sat down with newly grads, and let me tell you, their stories hit me like a well-worn pair of heels. Caryll, a 22-year old grad from MINT College, shared, “Once you’ve had that long-term friendship, it will become a low maintenance friendship in the end.” Ah, yes. In college, we were inseparable. Lunch dates, late-night escapades, and adventures galore. But now, as we juggle the demands of adulthood, friendships become more like a cozy sweater we slip on when we can. It’s not that we don’t care; it’s just that life has us running in different directions.
@essie.soosay I really need to stop making TikToks with so many words. But anyways anyone else relate to this…?
♬ gilded lily – 𝐥 𝐨 𝐯 𝐞 𝐲 𝐨 𝐮
Margo, a 25-year old journalist, confessed the struggle of staying connected, admitting, “I wasn’t hitting up most of the time or would forget to reply.” It’s the classic case of life taking over, leaving us gasping for breath. The days of constant texts and spontaneous hangouts become relics of the past. Loneliness creeps in and we yearn for the days when friendships were effortlessly maintained.
Chlarine, a teacher-turned-writer, reminisced about the carefree days of college, where summer vacations were a whirlwind of camaraderie and late-night project frenzy. But as we step into the professional world, projects turn into assignments, and the once-unified bond seems harder to grasp. The nostalgia seeps in and we miss the unfiltered excitement of those wild collaborations.
But let’s not forget the silver lining. Margo found solace in virtual connections, saying, “My social life is just chatting with them, watching movies online.” The beauty of technology lies in its ability to shrink the distance between us. We may be miles apart, but the internet brings us closer, creating a sense of togetherness despite the physical divide.
Here’s the thing: loneliness is an unwelcome guest in this post-grad life. It can leave us feeling adrift, longing for the close-knit friendships of our college days. But just as Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with.” Our friendships may evolve, but the essence remains. We may not always discuss our industries, like Sean, a newly graduated designer from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, pointed out, but we connect through shared passions, dreams, and those late-night heart-to-heart conversations.
@dylanssii feeling lonely in your 20s 😢#fyp #foryou #lifelessons #advice #relationship #relatable #love #viral #asian ♬ In The Stars – Benson Boone
So, my fabulous graduates, loneliness may knock on your door, but don’t let it steal your sparkle. Embrace your alone time and indulge in self-care. Dance to your favorite tunes, lose yourself in a good book, or slip into a bubble bath. And when the opportunity arises to reunite with your friends, seize it with both hands. Cherish those moments of laughter, tears, and unforgettable adventures, because they are the threads that weave the tapestry of your life.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Reach out to others who might be feeling the same way. Take comfort in knowing that countless graduates are navigating the maze of post-college life alongside you. Embrace the messiness, the uncertainty, and the magic of this chapter. Trust that as you embark on new adventures, you will find your tribe, your kindred spirits who will continue to uplift and inspire you.
And so, keep walking with your heads held high. This post-grad life may be a bit of a roller coaster ride, but it’s a journey worth taking because in the end, it’s the connections we make, the friendships we nurture, and the love we share that truly define our path. And together, we can conquer anything that comes our way.
