The Weight of Expectations
The moment a student graduates, society assumes they have everything figured out. Parents, relatives, and even friends start asking, “What’s next?” The pressure to secure a high-paying job, pursue further education, or even start a business becomes overwhelming.
Many graduates find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, comparing their progress to peers who
seem to have everything together. For some, the weight of expectation comes from family sacrifices. Parents who struggled to pay school fees expect their children to “make them proud” by landing prestigious careers. Others face the silent judgment of a society that equates success with financial stability. The constant need to prove oneself can lead to stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression.
Reality vs. Perception
The truth is, not every graduate lands a dream job immediately. Some struggle with unemployment, others settle for jobs unrelated to their degrees, while some opt for unconventional paths like entrepreneurship. However, these realities are rarely discussed.
Instead, social media is flooded with success stories, creating unrealistic standards that make struggling
graduates feel like failures. The idea that success must happen instantly is misleading. Growth takes time, and every journey is unique. Some paths are straightforward, while others are filled with detours, lessons, and moments of self-discovery.
Coping with Graduation Pressure
- Embrace Your Own Pace: Success isn’t a race. It’s okay to take time figuring out what you truly want.
- Block Out Societal Noise: Focus on your journey rather than comparing yourself to others.
- Develop New Skills: The job market is competitive, so keep learning and improving your skills.
- Seek Support: Talk to mentors, career coaches, or even peers going through similar challenges.
- Redefine Success: Success is not just about wealth or titles-it’s about growth, fulfillment, and happiness.
Conclusion
Graduation is not the finish line; it’s the starting point of a lifelong journey. While the pressure and
expectations may feel overwhelming, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out immediately. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Your journey is yours alone-embrace it.
Written by: Desmond Opiyo
