My newsfeed has recently been filled with engagement photos, prenup sessions, wedding photos, family portraits, babies, pets, moving up photos of my friends' children. Woah!

OMG! I've become a Tita of Davao. lol (Well, I'm attending my inaanak's 1st birthday this weekend. I just have to say that for emphasis.)

I graduated off of college in 2009. Imagine, that's almost a decade ago! Some of my friends pursued graduate school, others got married and mostly went abroad to find greener pastures.

When I was younger, graduation looked like one step closer to my dreams. I used to think that if I do well enough with my studies with the least efforts, I just have to get my diploma and woohlah poof! Everything's gonna come right out of a genie's bottle. Wish come true!

And then I realized that graduation isn't the end. It's not even that close to a dream. 

Real talk: Welcome to adulting! 😃 

Adulting (v): to do grown up things and hold responsibilities such as, a 9-5 job, a mortgage/rent, a car payment, or anything else that makes one think of grown ups.

Flashback to 8 years ago:

(this is more of right after I took the Board Exams a few months after graduation hehe coz the review was just an extension of school I guess)

The first few days right after graduation, I just felt so good. I felt excited. I saw myself busy calling and texting everybody when's the next party! hihi Of course, everyone's celebrating everywhere. I was at the beach almost everyday, just partying my heart out. No more thesis, no more exams, no more waking up at 6 for a 7:30 AM Class and then reality hit me: NO MORE ALLOWANCE

Ooops! 

Huhu A month passed and bumming started to sound boring. Channel surfing wasn't fun anymore. (social media wasn't really a thing then) I started to miss school and having a fix schedule. I miss doing something worthwhile. I miss my allowance.

So, what's a fresh grad to do and what to expect after graduation?

1. PARTY - Yup! Spend the last of your student allowance! This may be the last time you'll be seeing some of your friends so make the most of it.

2. RESUME - Sounds so legit, right? First impressions last so make the most out of your bluff skills to that piece of paper. Keep it simple. Make it scream "Hire Me!"

3. E-MAIL - I know. We've been through our most embarrassing email addresses before (veryinnocentGurl_143, sexychick88, niceguy1987, hot_and_yummy69, etc) If you haven't already, make sure to get yourself a new email, something simple and professional. Most people would use their full name, that's fine. Go ahead, it's free!

4. BLAZER/ SUIT - I blogged a few years back about my awful job interview experience where I forgot to wear business attire. I still got the job but the HR Manager reminded me to always bring a black blazer during interviews. It just magically makes you look polished and put together even if you just have your plain white tee underneath. 

5. CLEAN - Shower. Or if you're a goat in your past life, make sure you always smell nice. Look clean and smell clean.

6. SOCIAL NETWORK - Social media isn't just a venue to find what's in, what's lit, what's new or whatnots. Maximize social media to network with the right people who will help you with your next step.

7. DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO - It's a cliche but this is what you're about to enter. 

Your first job won't be as easy as you imagined it to be. You won't even get the paycheck of your dreams - yet. Be patient, everyone's going to get through that. The beginning as they say is always the hardest. Experts aren't made overnight. You'll find yourself paying bills all the time. Maybe you'll be asked to decide on something on your own. Don't fret. You're not alone. You can still watch those cat videos all day on a Saturday or marathon on your K-Drama. Master your kilay and for men, wear a clean pair of black socks. Everyone just gets by. The world won't stop turning just because you have to get your sh*t together. Connect with people who support you and surround yourself with people who believe in you. 

8. DON'T SETTLE - It may contradict the previous statement but believe me never settle. If you find yourself stuck in a job that you dread so much and you can't go up then go out. Be with someone who makes you happy. Someone who pushes you to do what you love instead of undermining your capacity. If you see you and your partner not growing up together then break up.

9. KICK ASS - seize every opportunity that will fill your heart's desire. Go out there and kick ass! You don't have to kiss up every boss in exchange of a good evaluation at work. Let everyone see you shine.

So, to the graduates of 2017. Congratulations! And welcome to the world!