Managing Burnout Before Graduation

I’m not going to lie—I’m burnt out. Between learning and working completely online for the past year and also dealing with isolation and lack of socialization, I am drained. I constantly have to remind myself that while this way of living has become the norm, it is not normal in the slightest. As students, we have been pushed beyond any sort of expectations we had in a pre-pandemic world—not only to be adaptable, but to be just as motivated and productive as we once were. I am here to tell you that nothing about that should be accepted as “normal.” 

So what’s next? How do we work to combat and navigate this burnout? While I certainly do not have all of the answers, I will offer some thoughts that have been pushing me forward.

Don’t Over-Apply

I cannot stress this enough—do not over-apply to jobs if you are already struggling with burnout. Trust me, I understand the stress of having a job nailed down by the time you graduate, but settling for a job that you aren’t passionate about will not solve your exhaustion. Instead, apply for a handful of positions at places that you really admire. Quality goes far beyond quantity when it comes to applying for a job while also struggling with burnout. Over-applying to positions at organizations that you aren’t passionate about will make the interview process very challenging. Employers will most likely be able to sense your lack of enthusiasm, so it’s better for everyone for you to remain true to yourself. I promise everything will work out as it should.

Consider Taking a Break

It is very common for recent college graduates to take a bit of time before jumping into a full-time position. Burnout after college is very real, so recognizing when you need a break is so important. Even if you decide to just take a summer off to give yourself a break, you will most likely come out of it feeling rejuvenated and prepared for what’s next.

Now, it is a privilege for many to be able to consider taking time off from working. Depending on your situation, there may be potential to cut down on hours or look for a part-time job that can cover you for a couple of months. No matter what you do to try to ease into your next stage of life, make sure that you are prioritizing your mental health above all else. Pour your time into yourself and your passions. This will set you up for success once you feel ready to dive into working full time.

Negotiate a Later Start

If you are offered a position at an organization that you really admire, consider negotiating a later start date. If the organization is willing and able to accommodate, that will give you the chance to breathe a bit after graduation before you begin working. If you are able to negotiate even just a couple weeks, it could make the world of a difference as you jump into a full-time job. It never hurts to ask—the worst they could say is no!

If you are an upcoming graduate struggling with some burnout, I hope this validates some of the feelings you may be wrestling with. You are not alone. Best of luck to you as you begin to navigate this new phase of your life—you got this.