plunge in

the great first dive

Stepping into post-graduate life, or “the real world,” marks a significant transition. Early adulthood proves challenging as recent graduates explore their interests and passions outside school. As the academic structure faces, the landscape of professional uncertainties, personal aspirations, and the quest for stability prove daunting. Some authors call this “the paradox of potential,” the fear students have to make a commitment and choose one thing to pursue for what seems like the rest of their lives. Career ambiguity looms large, and graduates navigate an often trying job market. Financial independence proves to be one of the most pivotal challenges, with student loans, bills, and the looming cost of living that demand a new fiscal responsibility. Social settings also change. As recent graduates depart the structured life of clubs and fixed communities, they often struggle to find places where they belong. Decisions about further education, career shifts, and geographical relocation all play a part in shaping the new grad’s future. Unpredictable, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the constant change, but at the end, recent graduates blossom into capable adults in the real world.

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plunge in is part of "the in between," a collection of pieces that dissect curated TV shows, films, books, music, and more media, specifically on life purpose and exploration. Explore the themes of post-grad life through works like these:

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• Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (TV show)

• bell hook’s All About Love, Erich Fromm’s The Art of Loving, Michael Todd’s Relationship Goals, and John Gottman’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (books)

• Sesame Street’s “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” (song)

• Bryce Vine’s “Sour Patch Kids” (song)