Graduation arrived early in Central Ohio this year, with most ceremonies taking place in May rather than June. Our family had the pleasure of celebrating two graduations as our older daughter graduated from college and her younger sister graduated from high school. Both were momentous occasions, and we are understandably proud of their accomplishments. Now that the ceremonies and parties are over, they both will be taking on new—but perhaps distinctly different—chapters in their lives. While our younger daughter heads off to college, her older sister will embark on a new career in an adult world. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for each of them and their peers.

High School Graduates

Graduation from high school is a big event in the life of any teen. It’s also a time of high anxiety as you prepare to enter the world of post-secondary education, the military or on-the-job training. Like never before, you will face a great deal of mystery, and this could make you quite nervous. You may be leaving home for the first time in your life, and never before have you been relied upon to be as independent as you will be in the next few years. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Manage your freedom wisely. Now that you’re on your own, it’s your job to handle your responsibilities. Your parents won’t be around to remind you, and you won’t have the same restrictions you’re grown accustomed to. Nobody is keeping an eye on you—but you.

• Be patient. You’ve grown up in a society that expects things to happen right away. Everything is delivered, emailed or texted in rapid fashion, leaving you to expect that life works that way. The truth is, you will have to wait for some things, earn some things and work for some things.

• Learn from your mistakes. Because you will be managing a great deal of independence for the first time in your life, you will no doubt make some mistakes along the way. While your parents and other supportive adults will still be able to offer their support and guidance, you can no longer expect them to fix your mistakes. That is now up to you.

College Graduates

You’ve been independent for the last four or five years, and some would argue that it’s been a charmed life. You may be saying goodbye to close friends, good times and memories. Now it’s time to take on the responsibilities of an adult, from looking for a job to paying the rent. It’s also time to prove what you know. While this may initially seem daunting, you can do it. Don’t overlook these bits of advice:

• Accept entry-level. You may have graduated from college, but you’re still starting out new in the workplace. For most of you, that means you will more than likely be accepting an entry-level position with entry-level pay. Don’t be discouraged as it is simply an entry into the workforce. If you work hard enough, you will move on. Simply accept the fact that it’s not going to happen overnight.

• Remember that good things don’t come easy. Looking for a job can be a full-time task in itself. But try not to get discouraged; the economy is still adjusting. It’s understandable that you don’t want to settle for a job that falls below your qualifications, but you may have to do that just to pay the bills for a while. If you’re feeling rejected, remember that it’s not personal. Somebody just doesn’t think you’re right for that particular job. Keep searching, and you will find a job that’s right for you.

• Keep the work-life balance. Whether you find a job immediately or it takes much longer, stay focused on maintaining a healthy level of balance in your life. Take time to enjoy your favorite hobbies, socialize with friends and manage your health. These things are important, and you shouldn’t lose sight of them at any stage of life.

David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide                                                             

Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street
Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.