19 Lessons I've Learned A Month After Graduating College

Ain't it fun living in the real world?

1. Post-grad life can be judgmental.

No longer can you sleep all day, walk around the house naked and eat roughly seven meals without getting a comment from mom or dad.

2. Some of your friends will get hired before you.

You may have lost that race, but ...

3. Be happy for them.

It may hurt to swallow your pride, but it doesn't hurt to congratulate.

4. Take time for yourself.

Read a book by the pool, slap a mud mask on your face, take a bath, make a grilled cheese (or three) — whatever it is, enjoy some peace and quiet.

5. It's time to clean your act up.

The hungover-twenty-something-who-needs-an-IV-of-apple-juice-STAT look won't pass anymore. Time to spruce it up, kid!

6. College friendships don't end, but they take more work.

Text, call, Skype, FaceTime, etc. Make plans to meet up and live it up like you used to.

7. If all else fails, Netflix.

And you thought you spent a lot of time on it in college. Pssh.

8. Know when to say “no” to plans.

Don't push it, just take a night off.

9. Swearing every other word won’t fly anymore.

Time to clean up that mouth.

10. Put your phone away.

Mostly applies to dinnertime, when with friends, when you go out, etc. Have conversations! Never fear, social media will still exist.

11. Having an exercise routine is necessary.

Remember senior week? Yeah, so do my thighs.

12. Still make it a point to do things you love.

Eat pizza, drink wine and be merry.

13. Remember to network.

Revamp your LinkedIn. Set up informational interviews. It pays off.

14. Take risks.

Go for that dream job, plan a backpacking trip, ask your crush out on a date. Now is the time to put yourself out there.

15. If you're bored, take up a hobby.

Get into DIY projects, bake, find something!

16. Don't burn bridges.

Now is a time for positivity.

17. Be patient.

It may take a few weeks to hear back about a job. Take it easy, young grasshopper.

18. Relax, relax, relax.

Before you know it, you'll be working 9-5 non-stop.

19. After all, you're not alone.

Everything will be OK.