STRUGGLING WITH LIFE AFTER UNI

Dear Coleen

I left university last September and so far I’ve struggled to find a good job and have just drifted from one part-time position to another.

I feel bad because my parents scrimped and saved to pay for my education and I don’t want to disappoint them. I’m living with a friend, who’s working in an office, but I get up at lunchtime, watch telly all day and then go to my bar job in the evenings. I always end up drinking after we’ve closed and frequently wake up with a hangover.

I feel I’m in a rut and don’t know how to get out of it. Can you help?

Coleen says

Yes, set your alarm clock and get up in the morning, be more proactive and don’t get drunk every night because you won’t feel like doing anything the next day – apart from lying in bed watching TV.

You are in a rut, but living the way you are is only going to knock your self-esteem and your confidence more.

The thing is, when you come out of full-time education, it can be hard to adjust and you only left uni in September, so you’re still trying to find your feet.

But I think it would help to talk to your parents and admit how you feel – it’ll make you feel better to get it off your chest and they might have some ideas.

The good thing is, you’ve recognised you’re in a rut and you do feel guilty, but you are also working to support yourself, so it’s not all bad. Perhaps get a parttime job that doesn’t involve staying up late and drinking – and don’t be too hard on yourself.