You’re Not Broken. You’re Becoming.

No one really talks about how weird the time after graduation can feel. One minute you’re walking across a stage, getting congratulated and celebrated. The next? You’re staring at job listings you don’t feel qualified for, wondering if you chose the right major, and dealing with this strange, quiet pressure to figure it all out. 

It’s normal to feel lost during this time. You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just adjusting to a massive shift, and that takes time. 

For years, your life had a clear structure. Classes, grades, semesters. You knew what was expected. After graduation, that structure disappears. Suddenly, you’re supposed to create your own path, but no one gives you the manual for how to do that. It can feel like everyone else has a plan while you’re just… floating. 

Maybe you’re back at home, which comes with its own mix of comfort and stress. Maybe you’re working a job that has nothing to do with your degree. Maybe you’re not working at all and feel guilty every time someone asks, “So, what are you doing now?” 

That guilt, anxiety, or feeling stuck is more common than you’d think. Moving into life after graduation can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when it looks like everyone else has it all figured out. Social media can amplify this feeling, making you wonder why you’re struggling just to manage the day to day while others seem so put together. But remember, you’re seeing everyone’s highlight reel, not their full story. It’s okay to be uncertain, you’re definitely not alone. 

The truth is you don’t need to have it all figured out. You’re allowed to be confused, overwhelmed, and unsure. This phase is not a failure, it’s a beginning. And beginnings are uncomfortable by nature. 

Therapy can help make this space feel less heavy. It’s a place to explore who you are outside of school, what matters to you, and how to move forward at your own pace, not the pace of others. At Brightside, we work with young adults every day who are in this in-between place. You’re not broken. You’re becoming. 

If you’re struggling after graduation and not sure where to start, reach out. We’re here to support you with no pressure, no judgment, just real help for real life.