From Graduation Gowns to Question Marks: Navigating Career Anxiety One Step at a Time

The transition from student life to adulthood often feels like stepping into uncharted waters. Suddenly, we're bombarded with weighty decisions: 'Further education? Job market? Gap year?' The possibilities are endless, yet we stand at the edge of a vast ocean, unsure of which way to swim. Meet Jade Tan, the creative force behind this poignant poem comic. She beautifully illustrates her personal journey through the tumultuous waters of career anxiety. As a fresh graduate stepping into the new phase of adulthood and job search, it's a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty. She felt alone and believed she was falling behind. The mere thought of the unknown can be paralyzing. Jade, like many of us, hesitated to ask for help. She initially believed that career decisions were a test of independence. However, embracing the unknown and reaching out for guidance was a turning point that boosted her confidence and made her career search less intimidating.

Personal Note from the Illustrator, Jade Tan:

Dear anyone who needs to hear this,

Whether you're finishing secondary school or higher education, you'll know the uneasy feeling you get when you hear someone ask "what's next?". The world is your oyster; but when you don't know what to do with it, you're bound to get swept up by the tides of the vast ocean. We are in the same boat - you are not alone.

I am the proud owner of a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Illustration, but I won't forget the rollercoaster of a journey it took to get here. Flashback to my last two years of secondary school; I already had a blooming interest in making art and was keen on taking that route. At first, my parents were very reluctant as they were worried about the career prospects and seeming instability of the art industry. But after multiple university visits and lots of research, they began to support my interests in many ways. 

Throughout university, I was faced with the next issue of choosing a career path for post-graduation. From that point onwards, anything career-related petrified me because I didn't want to think about what I didn't know. I was reluctant to ask for help too, as I was stuck thinking that anything career related was a test of independence. However, taking the reins into my own hands with no guidance and direction only doomed me further. 

In my mind, I felt so alone. It seemed like I was falling behind everyone else attending internships, updating their LinkedIn profiles with exciting opportunities they experienced and the many jobs they've already applied for. However, in reality, everyone is actually feeling the same way; my peers, friends and family alike. When the anxiety kicks in, it's easy to feel alienated in your thoughts and responsibilities.

I made this first poem comic to shed further light on the struggles of career anxiety and pressures that students endure (based on my personal experiences) and the way I solved it, by reaching out to my family and friends. It's not easy to ask for help but once you do, it gets better. Letting myself receive the help I needed really boosted my confidence and made navigating my own career search less intimidating.

So, please turn to loved ones you trust and care for. It's okay to reach out for help. 

- Jade Tan