Since graduation season is winding down and everyone has already fawned over you and given you plenty of gifts, it’s time to start to settle into postgrad life. But what does that look like exactly? It’s different for everyone. You may still be on your hard-earned vacation in a land far, far away or chilling at your parent’s house trying to figure out what’s next while frantically applying for jobs that are entry-level but require 5 years of experience. Perhaps, you’re one of the lucky ones who already landed a job and are getting settled in a new environment. Though your experience looks different from that of your peers, you all have one thing in common – transition. You’re moving through a time of change and along with that change can come mixed feelings.

Happy

You are finally done! You’re still on the high of knowing that you’ve accomplished a great feat and have a world of opportunities in front of you. You’re glad to be done with those classes that made you want to tear your hair out at night and people partying outside your window at 3 am. You are overjoyed to have landed your dream job. Being at home with family for a while gives you a warm fuzzy feeling deep in your soul. Keep riding that high. Enjoy the moment!

Sad

After graduation, you left a lot behind – a place you’ve called home for a while, friends, and awesome extracurricular clubs and activities. It’s often very hard to let go of the old, especially when you’ve moved to a new place and don’t have the same support structures. Sadness and loneliness begin to settle in as you think about how things used to be. Know that you have a place of rest with God. You can tell him all about your feelings. You are never alone because he is with you wherever you go.

Inexperienced

The funny thing about school is whenever you finish on level you move back to the bottom of the barrel. Do you remember being on top of the world when graduating from high school only to become the confused freshy only 3 months later? Yeah, that’s happening again, isn’t it? You suddenly feel like you have no idea what you’re doing and you’re half right. This will pass as you grow more comfortable with your new responsibilities at work and at home. Just keep an attitude of continuous learning and self-development and you’ll be fine. Besides all the other new hires are feeling the same way.

Anxious

For those who aren’t sure of the next step, living in uncertainty is nerve-wracking. You feel so in limbo while scrolling through all your friend’s shiny Instagram posts. Even for those who are sure, there are still so many worries that pile up as you navigate moving across the country, a new work environment, and making new friends as an adult. That sounds like a recipe for stress. Calm down. Remember, God’s got you.

Despite all the mixed feelings pulling at you in this season, it’s not strange. You’re moving through a transition, stuck between where you came from and where God is taking you. As you trust him, your feelings will follow. The sadness over losing old things will transform into nostalgia. The high will transition into contentment with the new. All your mixed feelings will begin to untangle and you’ll be able to make more sense of where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. I pray your journey through the transition isn’t too bumpy. Either way, hold on tight for the adventure.