From graduation to the job market

We have now entered June, which for many marks the end of their student years. No more exams, curriculum, internships, and learning schedueles – now the job market and a "grown-up salary" await. This is often a time of joy, but for some, the end of student life can also bring about sadness.

I graduated with my master's degree in psychology in the summer of 2020. I was happy to have completed my thesis and excited about what might be "on the other side." Yet, I was overwhelmed by sadness once the celebration was over. I didn't understand what it was about; what did I really have to be sad about? Since then, I have talked to several people – both other psychologists and professionals in other fields – who have had similar experiences.

The Frameworks During Education

When we are in school, we are under clear frameworks with a clear goal: to graduate. We spend many years in school or pursuing a degree, and we get used to its structure. There is a plan, a goal, help to reach that goal, and scheduled breaks along the way. After completing our education, there is often no longer a clear framework or plan → we are on an open road and must choose which path to follow.

This gives us the freedom to pursue our dreams and desires for our lives, and many opportunities can open up. But with freedom can also come a fear of making choices – what is the right thing for me? What should I do? What should I prioritize?

The End of an Era

If you experience sadness and grief after finishing your education, you are not alone. For many, the end marks the conclusion of a long era in life defined by being a student. It is a significant change, which can bring about feelings of grief over the "lost identity" – this is entirely normal and very understandable. It is also common to experience existential fear over what comes next and be anxious about making wrong choices.

What Can You Do?

Allow yourself to feel sad, scared, or frustrated. It is a major change, and it is entirely okay for it to bring about feelings of sadness. You are not wrong for feeling these things – even if your inner critic might be telling you a lot of stories about what you should think or feel. Give yourself a break and make room for the feelings you are experiencing.

Even though graduating is a joyful event, it is also perfectly okay to feel sad at the same time. It is an overwhelming event and subsequent period, and it evokes a lot of – often contradictory – emotions. This is completely normal and perfectly okay.