Graduating from college marks a pivotal moment in life. The days of cramming for exams, attending lectures, and balancing social life with schoolwork come to a close, replaced by a new chapter—one filled with endless possibilities, or so it seems. For many recent graduates, myself included, the post-college life starts with a steady job, often a 9-5, and moving back home with parents. This setup is a far cry from the independence many expect right after walking across that stage in cap and gown, but it’s a reality for countless people navigating this transitional phase.
One year into this new routine, I’ve learned a lot about myself, my ambitions, and the world of work. But the question that lingers is: When will I be able to do more?
Settling into the 9-5 Life
For the first time, you find yourself working a regular 9-5 job. On paper, it looks great: you have steady income, benefits, and weekends free. It’s the type of stability that you’ve been working towards for years in school. But the reality is a bit different than expected. The excitement of landing that first full-time job eventually gives way to the monotony of the daily grind. You clock in, do your work, and clock out, only to wake up and repeat the process the next day.
In college, every semester brought a new set of classes, new professors, and a constant sense of progression. Now, a year into the workforce, it can feel like every day is the same, and the initial thrill of achieving “adulthood” starts to wear off. You might find yourself asking, “Is this it?” The job provides financial security, but there’s always that nagging feeling that you could be doing more, experiencing more, achieving more.
It’s an adjustment, learning to find joy and fulfillment in the day-to-day without the constant sense of novelty. The routine can be comforting in its own way, providing a predictable structure that was often missing in the chaos of college life. But it’s important to balance that routine with personal growth and ambition.
Living at Home with Parents: A Mixed Blessing
For many of us, living at home after college is a necessity rather than a choice. Rent is high, student loans are looming, and saving up for the future seems impossible without some financial breathing room. Moving back in with your parents can provide that necessary cushion as you transition from student to full-time employee.
On the one hand, there’s the undeniable comfort of home: home-cooked meals, no rent, and the company of family. On the other hand, there’s a sense of regression. After spending four years gaining independence, living on your own or with roommates, you’re back under your parents’ roof. There are occasional feelings of frustration or guilt, especially when friends appear to be moving on with their lives, renting apartments, traveling, or starting new chapters that seem more aligned with traditional adulthood.
However, it’s essential to recognize the positives in this situation. Living at home allows for financial savings, which can go towards important future goals—like buying a house, traveling, or starting your own business. It’s also a unique opportunity to reconnect with family after years of being away. Time spent with parents during this phase can be more meaningful than in childhood, as you’ve grown and changed. This can make for a deeper relationship as you navigate adulthood together, though with its inevitable friction points, like differing views on curfews, chores, or life choices.
But no matter how supportive your family may be, there’s often an internal tug-of-war between gratitude and a desire for more freedom. The goal is to make the most of the situation, saving as much as you can, while actively planning for the next steps toward independence.
The Lingering Question: When Will I Be Able to Do More?
As you move through this routine—working your 9-5 and living at home—it’s hard not to wonder, “When will I be able to do more?” You see people around you pursuing different paths: traveling, moving out, or starting side hustles, and you wonder when you’ll have the opportunity to break out of your own comfort zone. Will this routine be your life forever, or is there a way to achieve the “more” you’re longing for?
It’s easy to compare your journey to others’, but the truth is everyone’s path looks different. While some people might be jet-setting across the globe or living in trendy apartments in the city, they might also be struggling with their own challenges—debt, job instability, or loneliness. The key is to stay focused on your own progress and take concrete steps towards the goals you set for yourself.
That said, it’s completely valid to want more out of life. The feeling of wanting to break free from a stagnant routine isn’t just about impatience or comparison; it’s about recognizing your potential and the desire for growth. So how do you turn that desire into action?
Finding Fulfillment in the Here and Now
The first step in getting more out of life post-grad is to make the most of the current phase. Even if living at home and working a 9-5 doesn’t feel like the peak of excitement, there are ways to find fulfillment while still working towards the next stage.
1. Set Personal Goals Beyond Work:
Your job may not provide the variety or excitement that school once did, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue personal projects or passions. Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a side hustle, or engaging in a hobby, having goals outside of work will help you feel more fulfilled and provide a sense of progress.
2. Build Your Financial Foundation:
One of the biggest advantages of living at home is the ability to save money. While it might feel like you’re stuck in limbo, this time can be a golden opportunity to build a strong financial foundation for your future. Take advantage of lower living expenses to save aggressively, invest, or pay off student loans.
3. Expand Your Network and Opportunities:
Feeling like you want to do more might be a sign that it’s time to explore other professional avenues. Building your professional network through LinkedIn, attending industry events, or engaging in local networking groups can open doors to new opportunities, whether that’s in your current field or a new one.
4. Focus on Self-Development:
One of the best things about being a year out of school is the opportunity to focus on your personal growth without the demands of academic life. This might mean prioritizing your mental health, working on your physical fitness, or developing a better work-life balance. Taking care of yourself is key to finding fulfillment now and in the future.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
While it can feel like life is on pause, the reality is that this phase is temporary. One year post-grad is just the beginning of your journey. The important thing is to continue working towards the next step, whatever that may be for you—whether it’s moving out, advancing in your career, traveling, or finding a way to balance financial stability with new experiences.
The key is to keep moving forward, even if progress seems slow. You may not have all the answers or a clear timeline for when you’ll be able to do “more,” but every small step counts. By setting goals, staying focused, and making the most of this phase, you’ll eventually find yourself in a position to embrace new opportunities and experiences.
In the meantime, remember that it’s okay to feel uncertain or frustrated at times. The transition from college to adulthood is rarely smooth, but it’s a valuable learning experience that will shape the rest of your life. Keep pushing forward—you’ll get there.