Moving on from your comfort zone
My time as Editor-in-Chief of The Ontarion is coming to an end, and I hope that my final editorial will shine some light on the excitement that comes from change and getting out of your comfort zone. Right now, thousands of people are in the same place as you. You are not alone in this scary, yet exhilarating, journey that is life.
Growing up, we are led to believe that life begins when we are set free in the real world, after we finish our academic journeys. The truth is, finishing school can be a nerve-racking experience. We are searching for jobs, and we’re unsure of what will come next. The thought of leaving the comfort that we have known for so long can be a terrifying experience. Walking out of that final exam, or finishing a contract position that we have grown to love, to move on to other things can be frightening – but it is all in how you perceive it to be.
Accept today for what it is – the start of something new. Go on, take chances, and embrace change freely. It’s the beginning of something magical – live fully.
Everything you have done up to this point in your life has been planned. Now it is time to make a different kind of plan – it is time to plan what you really want out of life. Sure, this may not be an easy task, as many do not know what they want. It is important to recognize that what you want out of life changes often; unexpected opportunities arise, and you may not know where to turn. That’s okay. Life is a continually changing whirlwind of ideas to explore, and an endless amount of opportunities to engage in.
It is scary, but it is also the most free you’ll ever be. It’s time to move on to bigger and better things, and to be thankful for everything you have learned along the way. Getting an undergraduate degree is something everyone should be proud of; you have worked hard to get here, so take a minute and let it all soak in. Congratulate yourself for all of the long hours of hard work you have put in and wallow in your success. You have gotten yourself to this point – now, you can get yourself wherever you want to go. Don’t ever allow anyone to tell you otherwise.
Your undergraduate degree here at the University of Guelph has likely taught you a lot of things. For starters, it has taught you how to be an organized being – or, at least what you need to work on to become more organized in the future. It has allowed you to make contacts with people who will always be a part of your professional circle. It is here that you have made lifelong friendships with people who by now feel like family. It has prepared you for what else is out there. These are only some of the important things you will take away from this experience.
you have worked hard to get here, so take a minute and let it all soak in.
Now, it’s time to move on. It can be overwhelming at times, but it’ll all be worth it in the end. I want to share some things that I think are important for moving on in both a professional and personal sense.
Reintroduce yourself to yourself
The likelihood that you have changed from the time you first moved here for school is quite high. You are likely not the same as when you first arrived – you have grown into an adult, your mind has developed, and you are stronger. The people you have met have made a lasting impression on you, and the knowledge you have gained has transformed your view of the world and your place within it. Take a bit of time to reflect on these changes and to appreciate the person you have become. This will help you decipher the person you want to be in the future.
Introduce yourself to others
After taking some time to accept and get to know yourself again, it is time to introduce yourself to others and to the world. Take time to update your online profiles and get them ready to show off – make yourself known! Filter through your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts – revamp them, because you are ready. You want to be sure that you are showing off your best professional self.
Perfect your resume
Whether you have completed your degree, or are working towards the end of it – it is time to work on your resume. An update is likely in order from the time you last time you looked at it. Finding a more permanent job, or a job that is in line with your discipline and future goals, is different than applying for a part-time position you don’t plan on doing for an extended period of time. Take some time to think about it, ask someone to look it over, and make sure it is ready for when you see a position you’d love to obtain.
Hit the pavement running
Set aside some serious time to put yourself out there – network with people in your field, and find a mentor. There is no better place to find advice and guidance than from someone who is where you want to be in five to 10 years. It isn’t as scary of an experience as you may think, and it is well worth the effort and time. You may not have held a position in your field yet, but you will, and, whether you always feel it or not, you are ready for that next step.
Embrace change
Embracing change is likely one of the hardest things to do, especially if you have felt comfortable where you are now. Try and remember that with change comes growth, and remember that you are worth it. The world is ready for you whether or not you feel comfortable. One of the most important skills you can develop, especially in today’s society, is the ability to adapt to different situations. There are a lot of options out there that you never would have expected coming into university as an undergraduate student. Your degree does not lead to one particular career – it is all about you and the skills you can bring into your future career and life.
Change rarely comes without being uncomfortable for a short period of time – you need to endure those moments and know that you will come out stronger on the other side. Life is what you make of it – nothing is for sure. You have the ability now to create your own destiny – it’s time to break out of your comfort zone and live the life you have always wanted. It may be a scary experience, but it will be worth every moment of it.