'I wish I am done with school so I can start working, make my own money, and be successful.'
'I really want to finish school as soon as possible, get a job, and make enough money before retirement.'
'Schooling is a big scam and a waste of time. The goal is to make money at a young age and enjoy life to the fullest.'
These are very popular statements we hear students make on a daily basis, and of course, I did make such statements when I was a student.
But upon graduating, I began giving a second thought to those statements. "Making money" sounds easy and juicy, right? It's something you can achieve within a span of 1–3 years after graduating, and then relax and enjoy life. Very funny! 😂😂😂
Life after school is not the bed of roses we think or imagine it to be. In fact, it is a whole new phase or chapter of one's life.
While we were in school, it was like living in a world where we didn't need to worry about working to get what we wanted. Our parents step in to ensure that we have everything we need and desire. They work hard so that we can focus on studying and enjoying our school days without having to stress about money.
Whether it is the latest gadgets, fashionable clothes, or those little treats we crave, our parents were there to make it happen. They understood that being a student comes with its own set of needs and desires, and they go above and beyond to fulfill them. While studying, kudos to them.
Contrary to the idealized notion of life after school being trouble-free, after school, you become totally responsible for yourself, and your needs keep increasing. In fact, you automatically become an adult after school.
When you finish school, things change a lot. You are not a kid anymore, and suddenly, you have to take care of yourself. It is like stepping into a world where you are in charge of everything.
After graduation, you need to find a job and figure out where to live. The simple days of school turn into a more complex adult life. You have to make decisions about money, your career, and daily life all by yourself.
While it can feel exciting to be independent, it also brings new challenges. Managing money, looking for a job, and dealing with grown-up stuff become part of your daily routine. Graduating is like a journey into adulthood, where you learn to handle responsibilities and discover what you are capable of.
The reality of making money often turns out to be more challenging than it seems. The journey begins with the job hunt, a process that can be as demanding as walking under the sun for hours. Even after putting in the effort, landing a job within weeks is considered fortunate.
However, the challenges don't end there. The workplace can be a mixed bag, with potentially rude bosses and annoying colleagues making the daily grind more difficult. Oftentimes, the expectation to work overtime becomes the norm, yet the compensation may not reflect the extra effort. In some cases, the struggle extends to dealing with delayed or insufficient paychecks, adding an additional layer of stress.
Work can be tough, and on top of that, there is the stress of bills. Suddenly, the money you worked hard for seems to disappear quickly, eaten up by rent, utilities, and other things you have to pay for. Being an adult comes with a cost, and the struggle to have enough money to cover expenses and survive can make life after graduating less exciting.
Feeling the pressure of not having enough money can be really tough emotionally. Even though you are happy to get a paycheck, the stress of making sure it covers everything you need can be overwhelming. The responsibility and the constant juggling of expenses can make you feel frustrated and sad at times.
And then, there is the additional responsibility of supporting younger family members or helping out your parents financially. The challenges of adulthood can feel even more daunting and tiring. The slang that 'adulthood is a scam' becomes a relatable sentiment for many facing the financial and emotional toll of these responsibilities.
Caring for younger ones, whether they are siblings, children, or other dependents, adds an extra layer of pressure. Education costs, medical expenses, and everyday needs can contribute to a constant struggle to make ends meet. This can lead to a sense of disappointment, as the financial demands seem to outweigh the rewards of hard work.
Similarly, supporting parents or family members can be emotionally taxing. The desire to provide for those who once took care of you can be fulfilling, but it can also feel like a heavy burden. The financial strain, coupled with the emotional weight of seeing loved ones in need, can make one question the fairness of the adult journey, making us wish to go back to the good old days where all we had to do was go to school and get cared for.
In summary, life after school is often not as dreamy as we imagined during our student days. Growing up brings a bunch of challenges, including finding a job, dealing with money problems, and handling the stress that comes with it all.
The transition to adulthood is not a smooth ride. Job hunting is tough, and work environments may not be easy. Making money is harder than we thought. Being independent means dealing with bills, rent, and other expenses, making it a constant struggle to balance the budget.
Supporting family or parents financially adds another layer of stress. The idea that post-graduation life is carefree is just a fantasy. Adulthood is a demanding journey with lots of obstacles and hardships.
