5 Books to Help the Post-Grad Blues

Graduating from college is an exhilarating time! There is something special about celebrating your “lasts” of your favorite things you have been partaking in since freshman year. Decorating your cap, modeling your gown in front of the mirror, and walking across that stage to receive that beautiful (expensive) piece of paper you have worked tirelessly for are all moments to embrace.

That wave of sudden excitement soon washes away and reality starts to sink in. The thought of loans, bills, job searching, and the sheer fact that you aren’t living next door to your friends anymore are sure to make any recent graduate feel a little blue.

With all this new free-time you have before going to bed at 10:30 p.m., a great way to occupy your mind and perk up your spirits is by diving into a good book.

Here is a list of books that are sure to cure even the darkest shades of post-grad blues:

“I’m Only Here for the WiFi: A Complete Guide to Reluctant Adulthood” by Chelsea Fagan

If you are ready for a good laugh then definitely pick up this book by “Thought Catalog” writer Chelsea Fagan. She illustrates a realistic viewpoint on what life for young adults really means. She understands your struggles and pens them perfectly in this quick and easy read.

With chapter titles ranging from, “Going Out or How to Justify a $12 Cocktail By Screaming ‘This Is My Song’” to “Love And Dating Or How To Appease Your Mother When She Asks If You’re Seeing Anyone”  it is difficult to contain your laughter as you soak it all in.

“The Book of Awesome” by Neil Pasricha

The aftermath of college and graduating can be a bit bleak which just means you need to realize all the good aspects in your life. What better way to assist you in realizing that awesomeness than “The Book of Awesome”?

The hope is that you start having an appreciation (or deeper appreciation) for everything life has to offer, even the smallest of things such as the smell of rain on a hot sidewalk or the feeling when there’s still time left in the parking meter when you pull up. This book shows you that there is good in everyday and in every stage of your life. Go and find the awesome in your life!

“52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life” by Andrea Owen

Eating potato chips and binge-watching reruns of “Sex in the City” while Pinteresting your future wedding can be a fantastic way to spend your day. But it does also get really old really quickly. You might be feeling a little stuck or confused about your life post-graduation.

Andrea Owen, a life-coach, is the motivation you need to get kick your life back into high-gear! She makes even the tallest hurdles seem like speed-bumps on your path to success. With 52 quick and easy suggestions on how to kick-butt at your life there is no reason for you not to at least try.

“I Just Graduated…Now What?” by Katherine Schwarzenegger

The daughter of famous parents Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shiver beautifully compiles narratives from famous and successful names ranging from actors to CEO’s to entrepreneurs.

The narratives are short and sweet but incredibly impactful. While working your way through this book, you might read a narrative that parallels your life or one that provides you with a great sense of hope. Just because you aren’t satisfied with what you are doing right now, doesn’t mean you won’t end up where you want to be (or somewhere better) years down the road.

Remember that the windiest paths often lead to the most beautiful places.

“Lean In for Graduates” by Sheryl Sandberg

This is a must-read for all recent graduates, especially young female graduates. Sandberg follows up her original bestseller “Lean In” with “Lean In for Graduates” which includes six additional chapters and fresh advice for readers.

If you need to know how to negotiate your future salary, learn how to sit at the table and lean in, while reading about women who came to understand the myth behind being able to do it all, Sandberg is your go-to girl. This book will leave you feeling empowered and ready to scoot up to the table in your big, comfy boss-lady chair.

Have you read a book not listed that might help others kick those post-grad blues goodbye? Well then, please feel free to comment and share! 

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