If this is your first back to school season that you don’t go back to school, you may find yourself feeling strangely out of step. For the past twelve, sixteen, or more years, you have lived life looking forward to the summer break and transitioning back to school mode in the fall. Whether you have your first job or you’re still looking for work, it may feel odd not to be headed back to school. Maybe you find yourself watching friends and family members who are still in school and feeling envious. You might devalue your own feelings thinking how you looked forward to this just a few months ago when summer started. We get it. Not only have we all been there ourselves, but at the Center for CBT in New York City, we work regularly with young adults who are navigating this transition. In this blog, we’re going to offer our top three tips for getting through your first back to school season out of school.
Top 3 Tips for Your First Back-to-School Season out Of School
There are many different things you can do to make this transition a little easier for you, and they may work better for some than for others. However, our top three tips to make this transition a little easier include:
1 – Don’t Skip Homecoming
Most high schools and colleges have homecoming and alumni weekends and other events for graduates. Participating in these events can give you something to look forward to and help you enjoy the things you miss about school. Perhaps more importantly, these events serve as a reminder of all the things you don’t miss about school.
2 – Go to Alumni Events in Your Area
In addition to events at the school, many universities have alumni groups that meet up regularly. Even if you’ve settled somewhere far from your school, you might be surprised to find a group in your area. Don’t see an existing alumni group near you? Use social media and other resources to create one. Not only can these events serve as a cure for back-to-school nostalgia, they’re also great opportunities for networking and growing your career.
3 – Study for Fun
Even though you’re done with school doesn’t mean you have to be done with learning. You don’t even need to take an official class to continue learning. Read a book on a subject you find interesting, watch some videos online to learn a new skill, or stop by your local library to find out what kind of classes they’re offering in the next few months. Finding something new and interesting to study will scratch that back-to-school itch.
Bonus Tip – Consider Therapy
Maybe therapy seems like an extreme response to feeling a little off because your seasonal routine is changing, but for many young adults, this first back-to-school season can be a difficult time of transition. By having someone in your corner to help you through difficult emotions and other struggles related to this time can give you the extra support necessary to navigate this transition with a greater sense of stability. Even better, it can help you move through the quarter life transitional period with less stress or discomfort.
If that sounds like something you could benefit from, the knowledgeable therapists at the Center for CBT in New York City would love to hear from you. We often work with young adults who are taking their first steps toward starting their careers and families and generally gaining greater independence. While this is an exciting time, we know it’s also a tough transition, so if you need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out, using our simple online scheduling request form.
