You’d think your time on campus was enough preparation for the outside world, but no. Those years were just the tip of the cold, unforgiving iceberg also known as life. Unfortunately, there is no course called Real World 101, and neither is there a post-graduation survival guide. But damn, there should be, because college never taught you:
#1. How to complete tax forms…
“W-2, W-4… How many W forms are there, really?”
#2. … Or any government form, for that matter.
“Okay honestly, how many of these do I have to send out?”
#3. How to manage finances.
Yes, college had economics classes and maybe some basic budgeting, but let’s be real here. Investments, credit scores, 401ks, what do they all mean?!
#4. How to be a boss at Microsoft Excel.
#Seriously #thestruggleisreal.
#5. That the job you hate is not the end of the world.
Even if it feels like it is. Sadly, even the good jobs don’t last forever, so you better believe that neither will the bad ones.
#6. That the job you want is often not the job you get.
Hold onto your dream, honey. It’ll happen someday.
#7. That adult clothes are an actual thing.
It’s Forever 21, not Forever Pushing 30. We’ve all got to learn to let go.
#8. That no one’s really expecting you to have it all together.
Take the pressure off, and just do your best. Or more. Definitely do more.
#9. That insurance policies are not forever.
“What do you mean I can’t stay on the family plan forever?! Don’t you love me?!”
#10. That you have to start eating healthy.
And you can’t survive on take-out and microwave meals. You’ll have to learn how to cook a dish with a recipe that doesn’t just say ‘add water.’
#11. How to cope with the realization that your college degree isn’t as useful as you thought it would be.
The world isn’t exactly as enthusiastic as you are that you topped that marine bio class or that you minored in medieval literature. Sorry, buddy.
#12. Practical self-defense skills.
Because we live in a big, bad, world.
*Panic setting in* “What are all these knives and forks for? Where do my elbows go?”
#14. How to get through (and out of) unemployment.
“I went to four years of college for this job and you’re telling me I need at least two years of work experience before I can get it??”
#15. Survival skills. Seriously.
From fixing a clogged sink, to surviving a zombie apocalypse. “I don’t know how to change a flat tire, but at least I know calculus!” — said no one, ever.
Bravo, college. Bravo.