<p>I guess one question that pops into my mind, blue, is to ask how you might pay for your interim period of travel. If you do not intend to work, and will not be going directly to grad school where you might get a fellowship to support your work, it's an adult thing to be concerned about (and yes, probably secretly want to provide "experienced advice" about) comfortable survival.</p>
<p>it seems if I (or anyone else that is a studnt) isn't doing what someone else wants them to do, it must not be worth doing.</p>
<p>That inference wouldn't occur to most of us at all. Perhaps that's what YOU would think if someone told you they had no immediate plans? Most adults are used to verifying that we'll be able to keep a roof over our heads and put food on our tables and gas in our vehicles, so naturally we're curious (and a bit concerned) when someone who's just about to embark on their post-college life isn't indicating firm plans that cover survival items. We've already passed through our magical thinking stages and secretly worry a little for those we care about who may have challenging times ahead of them. Most likely, those near you who ask multiple times are actually expressing their care and concern for you, hoping your answer has changed since the last time they asked.</p>
<p>Btw, there are two types of islands where you can find enlightenment: 1) the desert, uninhabited island, top of mountain, etc and 2) amongst the multitudes where no one cares whether you exist or not. Waldo tended to get himself lost amongst the multitudes and seem to have a lot of fun doing so. Hence when you find Waldo, you will know that you didn't know where you are at; And now do, because Waldo, always knows where he is but you did not.</p>
<p>whenever someone used to ask me what i was going to do after graduation i'd just tell them, "i don't know, ask me then". either that or, move to australia.</p>
<p>I wasn't the one who brought up the island thing. I said "Uninhabited islands exist??" because marite said something about that and I don't get whether she was joking or not. I thought almost every place on the planet had been evaded by humans by now.</p>
<p>Why not throw the question back on them? Something along the line of, "Geee, I really don't know for sure. When did you decide on a career? Did you know while in college? Did you follow a straight path?"
People like to talk about themselves. You are feeling badly that you are not certain. Adults may actually help you by discussing their own paths.</p>
<p>Personally, my S is still undecided. He could have returned to same lab, but decided to try a different lab. The following summer, he will strive for work at a computer company. Perhaps these summer experiences will help refine his choice of major, but who knows?</p>
<p>Blue, it seems to me that there are several questions here. "How do you plan to support yourself?" is one question people are asking when they ask about your post-graduation plans. That's certainly a question I've asked my daughter (a junior). (My son has many plans for supporting himself.) "What do you want to do long-term?" is another question--one which you've answered. If someone asks you what you're doing after graduation, either question can be answered, or you can simply deflect it, as others have advised.</p>
<p>My question for you is "how do you plan to obtain food and a place to live after you leave the college environment?" Because "I don't know" could well leave you hungry and out in the rain. Colleges have enormous resources--called Career Planning Centers--aimed at helping you answer that question. Take advantage while you're still there!</p>
<p>Blue - if adults ask you about your future, it generally means they're interested in you... adults are just as capable of ignoring you as anyone else. if your answer tends to be "uh, i dont know?" they'll keep asking. you might just give one immediate plan and then say you're going to see where life takes you & then you might ask them what they did after they finished school!? puts the onus back on them & they might even inspire you.... but yes, answering the same questions ad nauseam does become tiring. let your young gracious self take over; consider it practice for job interviews!</p>
<p>also, they may just be delighted they actually know a young adult whose really finishing college... and congrats by the way!</p>
<p>Are you telling me that most students do not travel a bit right after getting a degree?</p>
<p>no
of my daughters friends who graduated last year- most went to work, but a few are in grad school.
She is going to be working and already has a job to take her through the summer- which should give her enough time to find a job to begin in fall- she plans on going to grad school soon, but knows that she needs to work for a while first.</p>
<p>I do know people my age who took a year off after or before getting their degree and traveled- they did things like work as an au pair in Paris or taught English in Taiwan, but I don't really know anyone whose parents or grandparents paid for them to travel, and I know a wide range of people with diverse financial backgrounds.
Once you are in college you are an adult, and responsible for your own decisions and once you graduate with a degree, you are doubly so.
However, perhaps you don't have any college loans that need to be paid back once you graduate- good for you!</p>
<p>Are you telling me that most students do not travel a bit right after getting a degree?</p>
<p>The only person I've ever known who "traveled a bit" after graduation was me. It was the bicentennial summer (1976) and I rode my bicycle across the USA with a group called Bikecentennial. (And even at that, I was back home working by Sept. after graduation.) Otherwise, no. Everyone else I've known, then or since, either went straight to grad school or got a job after college (short-term to enable them to survive while they sorted out their options, or career-oriented for the longer-term). </p>
<p>You are blessed to have grandparents who will foot your bill. Most students do not have that luxury.</p>
<p>i had a friend that used this response for the "when are you getting married" question. He would reply "as soon as i get back from california". then they would ask, "when are you going to california?" he would say, "i don't know!"</p>
<p>*<em>shrugs</em> I don't pay for anything. Never had a job either. Oh well.</p>
<p>I am getting to the point where I will snap and cuss out the next person that asks me. What a pity for them.*</p>
<p>Im wondering "why so stressed"?
Apparently didn't have to pay for college- don't have to worry about paying back loans- and even have leisure time after graduation covered- but you are so stressed that you are anticipating "cussing out" the next person who expresses interest in what you are doing?</p>
<p>"I don't pay for anything. Never had a job either."</p>
<p>Oh, I'm so sad for you. I'm sure you think you're very fortunate, but I'm afraid you're in for a very rude shock, sooner or later.</p>
<p>In any case, that does make your answer to "what are you planning to do after graduation?" very simple. "Live off my inheritance." And people won't even think you're serious.</p>
<p>"i had a friend that used this response for the "when are you getting married" question. He would reply "as soon as i get back from california". then they would ask, "when are you going to california?" he would say, "i don't know!""</p>
<p>"College seniors often feel pressure to be enthusiastic about the future, or to have a set plan that will hopefully *satisfy others *"</p>
<p>This is how I (and I am sure many other people feel). Which is why people shouldn't keep asking questions. Just leave people alone and let them figure it out by themselves.</p>