How to answer the big question: What are you going to do after graduation?
‘Be homeless’
I don’t know about you, but personally I don’t know what I’m going to have for dinner, let alone what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life.
In an age of options: here are some of yours.
Stay calm and cool with these lines during the inevitable interrogation.
‘I’ll be a garbage man’
This was my father’s comeback when he was in college, and I think it’s terrific. Low expectations are great when you know you can beat them – and hey, what’s wrong with being a garbage man?
At least Bob Ross would paint you the happiest garbage man around.
‘There are many paths, and each way is a way out’
This is a nice way to answer the question with a riddle. If you use a philosophical tone and even throw in that it’s a quote from Homer or Nietzsche, they probably won’t continue with any further questions because they will reflect on their own life choices.
Or just be plain confused.
‘I’ve got my box ready – I’m going to be homeless’
This might be a little of an exaggeration, but sometimes the question calls for it.
So play it up for a bit, tell them you have a large box and you will travel and always have the best backyards. They can come visit whenever they want, as long as they bring food.
‘Get some of that experience stuff every employer ever wants’
It is a fair line to use because every job application asks for it and it is the most frustrating thing ever. How am I supposed to have four years of experience and a Ph.D for this entry-level position?
Can you find it in the fridge? Is listing the amount of all-nighters spent in Club Clem an acceptable form of experience?
‘I don’t know, and it’s OK’
College is tough, picking something worth studying for four or more years is tougher, and deciding what to do for the rest of your life is the toughest.
Do not panic because everyone is just winging it no matter what they say.
‘Be happy’
The short, sweet, and honest answer we should all give. Do whatever the hell makes you happy. Want to raise a family? Do it. Want to cure cancer? Yes, go for it. Want to build bridges? We need those.
Who cares what you are going to do, just be happy doing it. If you decide it’s wrong or you don’t like it – do something else! It will all work out in the end.