“Classroom to Career”: The Pains of Going into the Real World

“Success is directly proportional to the degree of positive adaptation to change.”
– Vishwas Chavan

Many students find themselves on the brink of an intimidating new reality as the graduation ceremony concludes, signalling the end of one chapter and the start of another. The transition from student to worker is frequently portrayed as a major milestone, a joyous occasion marking one’s passage from the school hallways to the “real world.” Nevertheless, this milestone often comes with many difficulties for young professionals, including stress, adjustment problems, and the burden of high expectations, making the journey rough.

One of the most immediate challenges that young workers face is stress. It can be a bit of a shock to the system, going from an educational setup to an often unpredictable world of work. The pressure to perform and deliver at a fast pace can be a cause for much anxiety and stress.

Going from an educational setup to an often unpredictable world of work can be a shock to the system.

This feeling is often exacerbated by the need to balance personal and professional responsibilities. In contrast to school—where schedules are routine and predictable—work life can bring unexpected demands and longer hours.

Another challenge is the expectations set by peers and family. It is a concept that many of us Filipinos are familiar with, especially coming from a country where “utang na loob” is a huge part of our culture. For a lot of young adults, stepping into their first jobs and being expected to provide immediately is immense pressure.

Students often graduate with high hopes and dreams that were fueled by years of academic success and encouragement. However, few things can prepare them for the dual task of adapting to a new workplace while providing for their family’s needs.

In some cases, the skills and knowledge obtained in academia fail to meet the requirements of the workplace, which can turn a new graduate’s world upside-down. Getting used to a professional setting does not just pertain to managing workloads after all; it is also about adjusting to a new social setting quite different from the dynamic of teachers or classmates. 

The skills and knowledge obtained in academia [sometimes] fail to meet the requirements of the workplace.

It is not uncommon to find many fresh grads flinch at the unspoken rules of office politics and the reality of balancing work and life. Many new hires struggle with finding their place within a team and developing confidence in their role. The initial period is often marked by countless questions and mentorship as they seek to prove their competence while grappling with the responsibilities of their new position. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges is crucial for a successful transition. Support systems, both personal and professional, can play a major role in easing this adjustment period.

Despite the struggles, this whole transition process from school to work is a period of immense growth and learning. Embracing the inevitable struggles as part of the professional development journey can lead to greater resilience and adaptability. The skills and insights gained through this period of adjustment contribute to personal and professional growth, shaping individuals into honed professionals.

In conclusion, getting out of your comfort zone and facing different people from different walks of life is inevitable. Naturally, we would shy away from things that are foreign and new to us but pushing through that challenge will reveal a more improved “you” who is ready to thrive and take on the world.


Cover Photo by Maria Elizabeth on Unsplash

About the Author

Glemir
Glemir Sordilla

Glemir Sordilla is the HAPI Associate Editor!

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