New Beginnings: School’s Over – Now What?

You have been working towards this day for what feels like your whole life – and here it is!

You may have imagined what it would be like; waking up on that first morning – no rushing, the guilt-free feeling of removing those study notes from the walls, the stress slipping away and you can relax!

Though for some the day might not live up to those well-worn dreams. “What are you doing now?” is a common question that feels like it might haunt you for the rest of your life. When I finished school, I knew where I was going, what I was going to do, how I was going to get there. Though when the next steps came, I realised where I was going was not going to work.

In this process, I have changed direction nearly every year – though now it feels like I am getting a clearer picture of where I am and where I am going – though I have learnt now that I don’t need to know exact details.

The biggest thing I learnt was just to take the next step. Then another, then another. Before I knew it an adventure had begun and I find I am thoroughly enjoying it much more than stressing over every detail.

Though planning is not a bad thing, it can be really helpful – so long as you are flexible enough to know that you may change direction down the track. This doesn’t mean everything is a waste, in contrast, that life experience can teach you a lot!

This is all well and good, though seriously, where to now?

Here are 4 questions to help start the next stage of life with enough direction to take that first step:

What do I like to do?

This seems like an obvious question, but it needs to be asked. Sometimes we desire to do what we think would be great, but often it can be the total opposite to what we enjoy doing. If you are a social person and love team sports, chances are being an accountant may not be your ideal fit. Your choices need to be genuine to you, otherwise it will take a lot of extra energy that could be used elsewhere. Work smarter, not harder!

Is study for me?

We live in a culture that thrives on study! This is great, I love research and study! Though I am really not great at Uni – I’m more of a hands on/practical person. I learn much more when I can apply my knowledge at the same time as learning it. As we are no longer in school, we have the freedom to learn the way that we are best suited for. Explore – experiment.

Do I need a break?

This is important to ask. You may have the first two boxes ticked, but unless you use some self-care, your choices may not work if you carry the stress of school into this next stage! If you don’t need a break, great – though if you do, make sure you take it. Who knows what you might find out about yourself along the way?

Why do I need a plan?

There is no point having a plan if it has no purpose. Lots of people may have a good sense of direction and like to have things set out neatly. Though some don’t and that’s ok. You will probably get lots of questions about what you are going to do next. It is ok to say “I’m still working it out”. Don’t make up a plan just for the sake of giving answers you feel obliged to give. This will only lock you into a plan you are not 100% sold on – which adds extra stress and uses up that precious energy.

So – where to now?

Written by  Jess Mannion
CRED: Grad. Cert. in Family Therapy – Grad Member CCAA
Provisional Member PACFA – 22436

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