Sorry, youths of America. Someone has to tell you the truth about life after college, AKA the time in your life when you are officially an adult.
1. You will look forward to nights where you don't have any plans
This might scare you now since you're probably currently planning a no-pants party, but after graduation you will relish and rejoice staying in during the weekends
2. You can't drink like you used to
Your hangovers will be brutally agonizing.
3. You'll truly be living alone for the first time ever
Unless you enjoyed solo living during your time at college, this will be the first time you'll be absolutely, positively alone. And it can be scary. But you'll eventually learn to love living by yourself, we promise.
4. You will be chained to your computer, job searching
It's soul-sucking but necessary work.
5. You're going to have to update your wardrobe
Sorry, you probably won't be able to wear sweatpants to work. Instead, you'll have to buy clothes that fit into the dreaded Business Casual or Business Proffesional dress code.
6. No more true summer vacations
Three months off? You wish.
7. You don't get snow days anymore
Snow will no longer be a savior, unless the weather is so bad that you can't drive into work. But even then you're probably expected to work from home.
8. Relationships suddenly hit a turning point
The older you get, the more selective you have to be with who you choose to spend time with. Dating around becomes less thrilling and you'll be put into "s--t or get off the pot" situations.
9. You have to do your own dishes all the time
No chore wheels for you when you live alone.
10 The end of the grace period for your student loan payments will come faster than you ever expected
Six months will feel like six days when you get that notice that your grace period is up. It's an awful system, because graduates feel like they are being punished for getting an education. And it will usually come right in the middle of a big life change, like moving into your own place or starting a new job. Just get ready for mountains of stress, kids!
11. You'll realize that going out on weekdays is really only acceptable in college
But you'll be too tired from your new job to even considering leaving the house after 6 p.m. anyway.
12. You'll appreciate naps more than ever, yet you'll never have time to take them
Why didn't you nap more when you could?!
13. You'll start reading books for fun
This is a positive part of life after college! It's truly remarkable when you can find time to read books for pure pleasure and not for a 20-page paper.
14. You're broke
No surprise here. But you might be surprised at the things you decide to splurge on post-college. No more saving money to hit the bar; you'll be all about that nice bedding for your studio apartment.
15. Explaining to people "what you're doing now"
You will get this question all the time. You might be ashamed if you haven't found your dream job yet (but you shouldn't be), so we suggest making up occupations when people ask you about your career path. For example: Space Cowboy!
16. You'll have to live with a stranger for financial reasons
If you're not lucky enough to get a place with a friend, it's Craigslist for you, pal. Please be careful and choose wisely.
17. Bills, bills, bills
This is where all your money will go. Sorry.
18. Happy Hour will become less for fun and more for psychological maintenance
There will be nothing happy about bitching to fellow coworkers about your awful boss, but it'll be necessary.
19. Easy Mac and Ramen Noodles don’t count as cooking anymore
Eat some real food. Learn to cook basic meals and we promise you will be better off.
20. The tax man takes all your money
You have a job now! That's great! And now you have taxes.
In the immortal words of Monica Geller: "Welcome to the real world! It sucks. You're gonna love it."
(Original art by Amanda Oleander for E! Online)