Why You Should Take the Summer Off After College Graduation

Photo by Tracy Gao

This post was originally featured on The Caffeinated Millennial. 

Around this time last year, all of my friends started getting job offers. One of my roommates already knew where she would be working and was apartment hunting, while others were beginning applications to graduate and Ph.D. programs, taking the GRE and MCAT, and attending career fairs like they were the hottest events of the year.

It was easy to get caught up in this and worry if I was falling behind or not doing the right thing by not already knowing where I would be come May. On top of it all, I was stretching myself thin with a full course load, leading multiple student groups, and saying Yes to every opportunity someone asked me about. Not only was I using every waking hour of my time on school-related activities, but I also decided that I would start job searching in my “free time.”

The pressure to say that I had gotten an offer or knew what I was doing post-grad was high, and though I did have one offer that I ultimately declined, for some time I wondered whether I had made a mistake even though I knew I wouldn’t have been happy. At least I could tell people I had a job! I wouldn’t have to search anymore! Two years in a job and place I didn’t want to be would be fine!

When I walked across the graduation stage in May, I had no plan. My job search dwindled as I decided to soak up every last bit of being at college, and I decided that I would look over the summer and see what happened. So I took the summer off and didn’t jump straight into a career. But now that I am five months out and starting my first (dream) job soon, I can without a doubt say that the timing was right for me. Here’s what I learned from taking off and why I think everyone can benefit from doing the same.

1.     You get to recharge your mind and body.

We all know that college really takes a toll on your mind and body. From all-nighters in the library, wacky nap and sleep schedules, and four years of dining hall food choices, you probably are significantly more drained when you end college than when you begin. Taking the summer off means that you can give your body time to get back into a normal, healthy routine. I’m notoriously a late sleeper and always feel tired, so when I first got home in the summer I didn’t bother setting alarms and gave myself plenty of time to sleep (even if it seemed like too much). I also made sure to choose healthy snacks and foods to fuel my body and now, I am both able to wake up with my alarm at a reasonable hour AND tend to reach for fruits, smoothies, and other healthy snacks over junk food.

2.     You can educate yourself in new ways.

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to read books. Instead of focusing on hefty articles that I have to read for class, I love having time to read about things I actually enjoy. After graduation, I had infinite time on my hands to read books, subscribe to newsletters, and check out podcasts. While I love reading fun novels and beach reads, I started picking up more books from my public library that relate to my intended career field and educational non-fiction books that would expand my horizons. By keeping up with the news and listening to podcasts with leading experts in my field, I am continuously learning in ways I enjoy that will also help me with my career down the line.

3.     You’ll never have time like this again.

It’s hard to imagine, but never again in your life will you have so much free time to explore, travel, and take time for yourself. The rest of your life will be dedicated to working daily, with limited time for vacation and fun, so now is the chance to travel abroad, complete a bucket list, or just spend time bumming on the beach or at home. Instead of viewing this time as a disadvantage compared to those who are jumpstarting their lives and careers right after graduation, think of it as an open-ended opportunity to learn about yourself, participate in new things, and relax!

4.     You deserve it!

Getting a college degree is no small feat. So much hard work and discipline go into being a college student, that you should be proud of your accomplishments and relish in that for a while. Don’t beat yourself up for not being “on pace” with other students who seem to have it all figured out – I promise everyone has their ups and downs even if it looks like they are pulled together 24/7. If you’re having trouble accepting this downtime, write out a list of all the things you’ve accomplished during your time at college, from big projects you are proud of to the incredible lasting friendships you made. We often think that we are behind the curve without taking time to remember all the work we put in to get where we are today. Congratulations grad – you deserve this time off!

Looking back, if I had rushed into the job that I was offered just to say that I was doing something after graduation, I would never have applied to or gotten the offer for my dream job! If you’re in the same boat and are getting stressed by everyone’s job offers, grad school acceptances, and sense of direction, just remember that we all grow at our own pace, and taking the summer off after graduation just might be the right thing for you.