Tom's Notes

Graduating. It feels amazing.

You attend the ceremony, hear your name announced, walk across the stage to receive your diploma with honors. You feel proud of completing your student journey. Pure joy.

You snap photos with friends and family, receiving bouquets of congratulations, your heart swelling with gratitude. A bittersweet happiness.

Officially, you’re no longer a student. No more lectures, assignments, or exams. Freedom feels exhilarating.

But then, what’s next?

…

Freedom Means Responsibility.

Should you return to your hometown or stay in the city to find work?

Do you stick to your field of study or take any job just to stay in the city?

You soon realize: you’re at a crossroads, facing choices and changes.

The daily routine is no longer the same as before, when parents provided for you. Now, it’s about earning your own living, and the journey starts from home to anywhere in the city, seeking opportunities.

I call this moment a turning point.

In life, we all experience a few key turning points. No two are alike. Some of us may feel like we’re at a crossroads, having to choose the best path to continue our journey. Others may take a sharp turn, speeding up to avoid missing an opportunity, while some take a slow, steady path leading to a beautiful sunny peak.

The truth is, every fork in the road or turning point is about choices and paths we’ve walked before. And yes, luck plays a part.

At this stage, think of life as a road—there are uphill stretches, sharp turns, and downhill slopes. But if you keep moving forward, if you don’t quit or give up midway, you’ll eventually reach your destination.

Before we dive into how to navigate these turning points after graduation, remember this: change is inevitable. Embrace it as a natural part of life, and trust yourself. You are luckier and more capable than many others who didn’t have the chance to attend university or gain the experiences you’ve had.

Believe in Yourself and Embrace Change!

Confidence and readiness to face change will help you seize the best opportunities and grow in your career and business.

Life Doesn’t Reward the Smartest, But the One Who Creates Value.

This is the key rule you need to understand before stepping into the workforce. The person who creates more value for the company or society will have more influence and more opportunities. So, always ask yourself: What value am I creating?

Whether it’s your first job or your 10th, ask yourself every day: What value am I contributing? Prioritize tasks that bring value to your team or company. The more value you create, the more opportunities for growth and promotion you’ll have.

As I mentioned in a previous post, find your Ikigai—your reason for being. It’s not just about finding a job after graduation but about seeking fulfillment in whatever stage of life you’re in.

Plan Ahead: The Key to Success

Planning is everything. Those with a roadmap achieve their goals faster than those who go with the flow. Start planning now, even as a student. Set goals for your career and every day, work towards those goals. Prepare yourself for the skills and knowledge needed in your future job.

As I’ve shared in my previous article, Studying Smart? Some Know, Some Don’t!, gain experience through extracurricular activities, volunteering, and part-time jobs. A friend of mine worked part-time during university and landed a great job at an international tech company right after graduation. Another worked as a tour guide during their second year, practicing languages and learning about Western culture. Now, they work for a global trading corporation.

Start building your CV and gain work experience, even in simple tasks. This will prepare you for a smoother transition into the workforce after graduation.

With a solid, practical plan for your future, you’ll never be blindsided by life’s sudden twists.

Choose a Job You Love as Your First Step

Your first job, the work environment, and your first manager will significantly shape your career mindset. With so many opportunities available today, you should consider not just the salary but also the company culture, learning opportunities, and the type of leadership you’ll be working under.

While life pressure may not be overwhelming yet, choose a job you love, and work with a manager who can guide you through the first steps of your career. Their mindset and management style will deeply influence your professional growth.

Master Your Personal Finances

You’ve learned to budget as a student, but now it’s time to level up your personal finance management.

Start by organizing your income. You have the freedom to increase your earnings based on your skills and value.

Next, balance your expenses for a stable and sustainable life. Add savings, investments, and even further education to your budget, all while maintaining the basics for daily living (don’t forget to support your family!).

Conclusion:

I hope this article sparks some ideas for a bright future ahead.

We, those sharing our youthful experiences with you, simply want you to feel confident as you step into the real world. Don’t forget to share your challenges and successes with Tom’s Notes—your story will inspire and motivate the next generation of dreamers.

So, here we are, after graduation. Let’s just keep enjoying the journey!

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