My social life after grad school

This story has been shared by prominent Twitter personality Witty Academic Librarian (@WittyAcademic_).

The transition from graduate school to semi-professional has been challenging. Although my social life is still vibrant, it doesn’t include as many people as it once did, and now my friends are mostly mine and my partner’s friends. 

I feel like this transition has caused me to lose much of my own identity, in a way, because I have always been a student. When I wasn’t a student, I had to start fostering my new identity — Academic Librarian-ish. Researcher. Friend. I’ve made strides to reach out to old friends, and not let my fear of failure or rejection stop me from doing so.

As far as coping, my number one strategy is hula hooping. I don’t do anything fancy, I just have a weighted hoop and spin it. Sometimes I do this outside with music, and sometimes I do this in my living room while Queer Eye is playing. Hooping helps me reach a mindful state, where I can be present in the moment instead of with my thoughts.

The rest of the transition from grad student to professional will come when it does. I just have to be patient.