As the excitement and nostalgia phase passes after graduation, you may notice some changes. Maybe they didn’t happen overnight, but at some point it hits you—wow. This is that “real world” they always told us about. We saw it in movies growing up and heard about it from our parents and older friends, but now we’re actually living it. Whether you’ve already gone through this type of metamorphosis, or are slowly coming to terms with your new life, one thing is clear: things have definitely changed after graduation. Here are some old habits you might need to retire as you become a real adult.
1. Shopping till you drop
Did someone say SHOPPING SPREE?! No actually, no one did, because in the real world you come to realize the importance of spending responsibly and budgeting. Sure, it’s nice to splurge every once and while, but it’s hard to treat yourself when you know you have rent, loans and car payments around the corner. Oh #thestruggleisreal.'
2. That daily coffee fix that costs a latte money…
During college, an iced caramel macchiato was basically the wind beneath your wings, but the oh-so-sad-but-true reality is… it’s a luxury. The thing about swiping your dining card every morning was that it erased the mental sense of spending actual money. One swipe here, one swipe there didn’t seem so bad, but as you swipe your ACTUAL card with ACTUAL money every morning before work, you realize that the daily cup of joe costs a lot of dough.
3. Say 'RIP' to yoga pants...
...during the week, at least. Not all your college staples are going to work out in the real world. As the saying goes, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Those yoga pants aren't going to get you the corner office anytime soon, so take some time to go through your closet and retire the outfits that don't have a place in your life soon. Don't toss it all out though... because on the weekends, it's all fair game.
4. Your inner Tinderella
Dating was (relatively) easy in college. You were surrounded by tons of cute prospects, everyone was at the same place each night, and you had the common thread of university pride. After graduation however, it seems all this disappears. Everyone goes home, or moves to start their new jobs, and suddenly the whole dating game changes. Before you know it, you’re going to happy hour with co-workers and scouting for the next cutie. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, but with time you come to enjoy the thrill of meeting new people completely outside of your usual friend circle. Whatever you do, try and fight the urge to stay in and swipe away on apps every weekend. Although it may be a quick and easy way to meet people, nothing beats good ol’ face-to-face, lock-eyes-across-the-room interaction.
5. Fab > fast food
You were all about the 3 AM runs to Taco Bell in college. We've all been there and certainly won't judge if you revert back to your old ways on a late night or two post-graduation; but this probably shouldn't be a regular thing anymore. As busy girls with busy schedules, you come to find that what you put into your body directly affects how you feel, so if you want to feel good, you have to eat healthy. It might be a little difficult to change this part of your life entirely, but you’ll soon find that each small change makes a world of difference. Say goodbye to fast food and hello to healthy home-cooked meals!
6. Working (out)
Having a gym on campus made cramming in a workout much easier. But in the real world, unless you take the time to prioritize and schedule your workouts, let’s face it—it’s just not going to happen. If you're just starting out, make small changes first, even if it's as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator each morning. But don't stop there; make it a point to schedule in time to exercise, whether it's going to the gym or signing up for a weekly spin class.
7. Stressing about this whole “growing up” thing
One minute you’re tossing your hats in the air, and the next it’s proposals, babies, bachelorette parties, new house, new cars and more babies. Every time you check your feed, someone else is “adulting” way harder than the next. Meanwhile… you’re over here just trying to get your own life together—and that's okay!
