THE MONTHS leading up to graduation are filled with excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. From thesis deadlines to toga fittings and job interviews, everything seems fast-paced and full of promise. 

When the cheers die down, an unexpected silence typically takes over—a break between the jubilant finish and the unsure beginning. Fear is a powerful, unsaid feeling that emerges during this liminal moment.

This “grad-waiting” period—between the final college class and the first steps into adulthood—is more than just a gap in time. It is a crossroads where idealism and realism collide, and youthful enthusiasm meets the weight of duty. 

Gen Zs are not immune to the fear of what will come next. In fact, due to their increased sensitivity to global issues, personal expectations, and mental health awareness, many people feel this anxiety more strongly.

The Quiet Panic After the Applause

Graduation is usually portrayed as a finish line, but for many Gen Zs, it feels more like the start of a marathon with no clear course. After years of being groomed step by step, they are now entering a new chapter completely clueless. 

While some peers may already have job offers, others may be locked in repeated application cycles, unsure of what they want or how to get started. Some people feel pressured to succeed immediately.

Furthermore, scrolling through social media doesn’t give much help. Seeing curated posts of classmates finding jobs at top firms or relocating abroad can leave even the most capable graduate feeling behind. 

This comparison culture heightens the fear of failure, not having everything worked out, and not progressing quick enough. But here’s the reality: fear is normal. Most notably, it is not a stop sign.

Embracing the Journey

Patricia Aquilizan, a 22-year-old Bachelor of Arts in Communications graduate from Far Eastern University (FEU), told republicasia that fear is gradually creeping in as she realizes what lies ahead for her.

“To be honest, I am scared of facing reality after graduating. Years ago, I always thought that if I graduated, it would be a fresh start and finding a job would be easy. But now, it is the complete opposite,” she said. 

“It feels like I’m stepping into the unknown. What I am feeling right now is actually mixed emotions. I am happy and excited since I will be finishing my academics, but I am really nervous about what comes next in my journey.”

“It’s like, I’m overthinking everything that could possibly happen—failing and being broke. But sometimes, I assure myself that it is normal to face challenges in adulthood and it would be part of my growth as an individual,” she added.

Just as Aquilizan, her college bestie, Krizha Helena Vebora, is under the same pressure to plan her next endeavour immediately. This is due to her desire to find a profession that she truly enjoys.

“Wrapping this chapter of my life and moving on to the next, I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t intimidated after graduation,” the 22-year-old Vebora said. “Because a part of me is still scared to figure out my next step.”

“Actually, I have uncertainties about my future career. I worry that my credentials and my work experiences might not be enough for me to get into the job I am aiming for.”

“I’m anxious about whether I’ll get to enjoy my future career because I don’t want to end up hating the things I’m passionate about working on,” she went on to explain.

Trust The Process

Fear often has a bad reputation. We’re taught to get over it, suppress it, or ignore it. But what if we redefine it? What if fear isn’t an indication that we’re going to fail—but a sign that we’re about to experience a big growth? 

Whenever we venture outside of our comfort zones, fear appears. It always appears when we are trying something new that challenges us. That’s exactly how life after college is: uncharted territory. 

Whether it’s starting your first job, navigating unemployment, or simply taking a break to think things out, these are all acts of courage disguised in uncertainty. For Gen Z, the future shouldn’t be rushed; it must be planned.

“Actually even after graduation, I am still continuing to be part of my internship site since I know that I will learn a lot from them. I will be there until October since it will be released in cinemas soon,” Aquilizan shared.

“After all this, I think “PMA” is what I want to do, which means “Pahinga Muna Ako.” But legit, I will rest for a couple of months then search for a job that I would love and a well-paying workplace,” she added.

Meanwhile, to ensure that everything falls into place, Vebora wants to take some time off and return to her province. She believes that taking a step back would allow her to analyze her future without rushing.

“For now, I am planning to take a rest for a few months and figure out which career path I should take. Also, I will take this opportunity to take a breather, since I have lived in the city far from home for almost 4 years,” she said.

“Despite these uncertainties, I have higher hopes for the new chapter of adulthood. I wish for happiness and fulfilment in all aspects of my adulthood – whether it be career, personal growth, relationships, and daily life.”

“I know life won’t always be easy, but I believe that my college experience has helped me build the resilience I need to stand on my own and face challenges of daily life,” she went on to say.

Do It Scared

Learning to move forward despite fear doesn’t imply that we are covering it up. It means embracing the fear and proceeding regardless, since progress doesn’t come from keeping safe; it comes from doing difficult things, even if your hands shake. 

Gen Zs must redefine what success looks like after graduation. For some, success may mean obtaining a job that resonates with their ideals. Others may take a gap year, return home to rest, or simply learn to accept the fact that they don’t know everything yet.

In a culture preoccupied with deadlines and productivity, adopting your own pace requires a radical act of self-trust. Understanding that fear will always be a part of the path. But it’s not the villain; it’s a comrade. 

So, to the “grad-waiting” Gen Zs peering down the tunnel of adulthood, hesitant and a little terrified, know that you’re not damaged, and you’re not alone. Fear doesn’t imply failure; rather, it indicates that you’re on the verge of doing something big and new. 

Allow it to guide you, not stop you. Understand that the following step does not necessarily need to be perfect; it only needs to be yours. Do it anyway, even if you’re terrified.