Q: I am a college graduate and I have moved home with my parents for the summer. While it’s good in ways, I feel so lost and full of anxiety as I have no idea what I am doing for a job or where I am going. Is this normal?
A: I think it is safe to say that everyone is in a heightened state of anxiety now due to the pandemic and feeling so much uncertainty. People’s lives are changing and you are no exception. With so much flux, it really makes it a challenge to come up with making any decisions. Any decision making now is undeniably difficult. Although companies are hiring despite the unemployment rate, you might decide to take a year and do something out of your career field until life begins to stabilize. If you were planning to go to the city, you may want to rethink and decide on a smaller geographical area. It’s important to be flexible and realize nothing is permanent.
Get a daily practice of some ways you will feel more resilient. When you get up in the morning, give gratitude for all that you do have. Take some deep breaths and start your day with calm. Offer to help around the house in any way and contribute what you can as a team player while living with your parents. Think about what you want to do with your day? Do you have an exercise routine, are you looking for local work or would you rather take the summer off? It’s good to write in a journal to get your feelings out. I would suggest this prior to getting on with your day as it’s cathartic.
Stay connected with your friends and if nearby, make arrangements to see them as you can. Perhaps if they can drive to visit or you visit with them for a few days it would be a nice break for you.
Have heart to heart talks with your parents while you are living with them. I would think they would be very supportive and would welcome conversation. If you can have a daily meditation practice, this will help reduce your anxiety. It may also be helpful to seek some professional guidance so you have an outside professional to talk with.
Remember to have some fun and enjoy this special time with your family.