Navigating Change & Finishing University

Whether we like it or not, change happens many times during our lifetimes, minor changes, or drastic changes, both can fuel feelings of apprehension or tension. Small changes could be a new hairstyle, or changing up your wardrobe, whereas bigger changes could involve moving house, moving cities, completing school or university, or making a career switch.

Like many others, I have just finished my degree, which has left me in that uncomfortable, strange in between stage of needing to relax and recharge after a busy three years and being in education for 18 years of my life, but now needing to consider my next steps in the beginnings of adult hood and my career. Previously, during school and sixth form, we had choices laid out for us, to provide those stepping stones into becoming an adult; many of us, chose University. And, even within university, we were still in the ’education bubble’, as I like to call it; however, having more adult-like responsibilities. We are now completely alone in deciding where we would like to be within the next year, travelling, moving away from home, or finding a full-time job.

However, changing the narrative, and having a positive outlook about the end of an ‘era’ and beginning your next journey can be incredibly optimistic and refreshing. As cliché as it sounds, when one door closes, another one opens. It is a moment in life that allows us to stop, and consider our next goals, or consider and re-evaluate long-term goals. Many people, me included, are most likely feeling unsure, uncertain and quite literally questioning, ‘where do I go next?’ as the University chapter has come to a close, or even if a career path is changing. So, if you are also at this stage and feeling somewhat similar, you are definitely not alone!

It is an exciting milestone, and really should allow several opportunities to creep up, as there may be more time now to focus on those goals and work hard towards finding those opportunities! And it is more than okay if you need more than one summer to decide those goals or find your opportunity. There are no deadlines anymore, or specific time frame to follow now. The only time frame to follow, is doing what feel best for you, and your own personal journey.

Another comforting way to see this is, is knowing that nothing is forever, and you can change your plans as many times as you need to in life. If something feels that it will most support your goals and journey at that moment in time, like a different job that will lead you closer to your dream job role, or moving cities to experience a new culture, or dying your hair pink because it suits who you currently are, creating more confidence! Changing, and evolving is completely normal, and allows us to seek more excitement, open new doors, try and test new things, and just experiment with life, because yes, comfortable is nice, but change forces us to be uncomfortable to find comfort in the long run!

Nevertheless, sometimes there is unexpected change, the type of change out of our control, and that at times can feel overwhelming. However, changing the narrative once again, it could just be the universe making space for something that will benefit you more in the future. Not having a plan, or the change breaking up your plan, is a reminder to just let life do its thing, sometimes just go with the flow!

Some Tips to Help Navigate Through Change:

Feel, Feel, Feel!

To come to terms with the change, you need to feel it as much as possible, especially unexpected change. It can create feelings that you need to accept and understand, as they have been presented for a reason. Try to come to terms why the change happened, and why it was needed.

Ask and Seek Reassurance

Ask and seek reassurance to help come to terms with the change or help make the decision to make the change. Staying in your own head, can sometimes make things just that bit more confusing.

 Navigate a Way to Move Forward

Create a plan to move forward with the change, small implementations and steps to make the adjustment just that little bit easier.

Sometimes change doesn’t have to be overwhelming and negative, but it really can be refreshing and optimistic, and most likely can be a blessing in disguise!

Words By Alice Abel