Adjusting from the collegiate to the employee ranks

It seems like in every transition of either education or working, there's a moment were we take a step back and think "wow this isn't what I expected".


Also, it seems like during each education level, we go through this each time. The transition from elementary to high school was hard, high school to college harder, and college to work life has been the hardest. Each level has certain challenges and rewards that present itself, and how we meet these challenges determines what kind of rewards we get.


In relation to college and work challenges, there are many similar things. Deadlines are first and foremost, for assignments, projects, etc. Schedules are another, we must ad heed to meetings with our superiors, other classmates/employees, and even outside acquaintances. Homework is another (somewhat), where we have to take our work home with us, stay late, think about ideas for tomorrow, etc.


There are differences also. One is attendance. In school, if we simply didn't feel like coming to a class that day, we didn't have to. At work, you have to. Other people are relying on the job that we're doing, and it's important to still maintain that work as best you can for the day.  Expectations are another. In school, if we fail on a particular test or assignment, we're able to shrug it off and learn from it. In the workplace, if we fail at something, other people have to step in and help us with whatever it is we we're doing. Finally, in school we have freedom to dress how we want to, act a certain way (to a certain extent of course), and express ourselves freely.  In the workplace, we have to adhere to the companies culture. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but we may not always be able to be fully ourselves, and that difference may be something that has to get used too.


These are only a few specific differences, there are certainly many more. But there is definitely a change in lifestyle, perspective, and many other things when transitioning from college to work life.  It something to always keep in mind when joining the workforce.


-Frank Hudson