I'm getting nervous about entering the real world. How do you make the transition?
I'm getting nervous about entering the real world. How do you make the transition?
You put on your big boy pants. Really, nearly everyone does it. It isn't hard. Get used to the thoughts of having more money to spend, less stress, especially on weekends, free evenings...I could go on and on.
Leaving your friends...not a big deal. You are still probably young enough to make new ones.
Thank you for the advice.
I just feel like I've been so "sheltered" while in school. Sure, the work can be hard, but it's not like a real job or anything. The academy feels like home, while the "outside" feels like hell.
You will get used to it soon enough. Give it a year and you will wonder how you ever made it through school.
Do you have a postdoc lined up?