In just 2 weeks I will be approaching my 2 year anniversary working full time for the Retail Office, that’s 2 years since the end of my exams and of being in the “real world” – a scary thought.. am I really that old? This past two years have taught me a lot about myself and a  few important lessons, that I wish to share with you.

1.       Your friendship groups will change

After graduation your friendship group will gradually get smaller, and you quickly realise who your real friends are. You will have those friends who will stay in your life forever, the ones you will watch proudly as they move through the stages in their life (new jobs, engagements, buying their first homes), but you will also loose contact with many of them – an occasional Facebook ‘like’ may well be your only social interaction. But that’s ok. One thing I’ve learnt since graduating Uni is that a small group of true friends is much better than lots of flaky ones!

 2.       Enjoy what you do

We spend the majority of our waking life in work, so make sure it’s something you really want to dedicate your time and energy to. Follow your heart, and do what you love.

 3.       Travel as much as you can while you can.

At 23 I am just starting to make the most of this opportunity! This year I have made it an aim to travel to places I have never been …  I’m looking forward to Belfast, Basel and Rome in the next few months! Fast forward a few years and it may not be so easy, make the most of this free time while you can.

 4.       Make the most of now.

Live for the day! The future doesn’t really exist – well not yet anyway! Make today count and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow! Life is so unpredictable who knows what’ll happen!

 5.       It’s ok to be you!

Outside of university, people are generally more accepting. Be yourself! I am now totally cool with the fact that I spend the majority of my Saturdays at home in front of the TV, it’s who I am!

Pia.