Four years and 180 credits later, it’s here: the real world. Thousands of University students will receive their diplomas at graduation this June, but who says the working world has to be the next chapter of their lives? The transition from fraternity parties and occasional class attendance to the nine-to-five grind can be overwhelming. However, many are relieved to hear you don’t have to take that leap into the working world. College graduates may be comforted to find there are alternatives after graduation to those long hours in a confining cubicle.
1. Become a Volunteer
By this point you have gotten to know yourself at a new level. Think about what inspires you and what you are passionate about. Take that energy and give back to the community. Whether it’s training for a marathon to raise money for cancer research or coaching a youth sports team, you will have good karma coming your way.
2. Join the Peace Corps
When will you ever have the opportunity to see the world while helping a global cause? Free of responsibility and commitments, post-college is an ideal time to join the Peace Corps.
You can be sent to 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East. Volunteers are provided with a modest living stipend and receive a transition allowance at the end of their service. They can also defer payment of their school loans.
3. Travel abroad
Not everyone gets the chance to study abroad in college. Filling out a mountain of paper work, soliciting recommendations and committing to living in one country for months was a valid excuse to not head overseas during college. But after graduation, nothing stands in the way of your travel adventure. Whether it’s hopping trains in Europe or backpacking in South America, it is never too late to see the world.
4. Stay in school
Who says four years of college is enough? Especially in today’s economy, going back to school can be not only beneficial for a future career, but a fun way to prolong the good life.
5. Move in with your parents
Be a kid again. Go home and rekindle the fun and carefree days you spent as a child. What’s wrong with indulging in some home-cooked meals and free housing for a while? Although this option may not be appealing to everyone, it is the best way to spend quality time with family while saving money on living expenses.
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