Ep. 168 The Truth About Life After Graduation with Christiane Palpant

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Episode SummaryWhat if the biggest thing no one tells you about life after graduation is that it's not supposed to be linear?

In this episode, I sit down with professor, author, and speaker Christiane "Professor CP" Palpant to talk about why your twenties can feel so confusing after college—and why that uncertainty is actually a normal part of adulthood. We dive into the pressure to have everything figured out, how social media makes us feel like we're falling behind, and why comparing your timeline to someone else's only adds to the confusion.

We also explore one of the biggest questions every twenty-something faces: How do you know when it's time to keep going versus change directions? Professor CP shares practical questions you can ask yourself when you're feeling stuck, while I share how I've navigated career pivots, entrepreneurship, and the unexpected twists that ultimately led me to coaching.

Whether you're a recent graduate, questioning your career path, or simply wondering if you're doing adulthood "right," this conversation is a reminder that there is no perfect timeline—and that's exactly what makes your journey your own.

In This Episode We DiscussWhy life after graduation feels so overwhelmingThe myth that adulthood follows a linear pathHow to know when it's time to pivot versus push throughWhy so many twenty-somethings feel behindThe value of mentors and "hidden allies"Why your college degree doesn't have to determine your careerThe difference between following your passion and funding your passionLetting go of the "shoulds" that keep you stuck

Who This Episode Is ForThis episode is for you if...

You're about to graduate college or recently graduated.You're wondering if you're on the right career path.You feel behind compared to your friends.You're debating whether to quit your job or stick it out.You're navigating a quarter-life crisis and don't know what's next.

Key TakeawaysLife after graduation is rarely as straightforward as we expect.Feeling uncertain doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.Use your values—not fear—to decide when it's time to pivot.Every career experience teaches transferable skills.Your degree doesn't have to define your future.Social media is not an accurate measure of success.Seeking advice is different from copying someone else's path.Growth often comes from the challenges you'd never choose for yourself.Your passion doesn't always have to be your paycheck.Let go of the timeline you think you're supposed to follow.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy does life after graduation feel so hard?

Because the structure you've followed for years suddenly disappears, leaving you to make decisions without a clear roadmap.