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I’m sure that I am not the first one to use this term. Or the first to feel this way. But it’s been nearly a year since the conferment of my Masters degree and ever since then, I’ve been feeling a little out of sorts.
I’ve decided to call this my “post graduate depression”
Here’s the issue: for almost 2 years, I was surrounded by really smart people. Really smart people that I enjoyed being around. We interacted nearly every day, and worked on projects together that pushed the limits of our cognitive abilities, our communication skills, and our patience, and in the end, we did some great things. We worked hard, barely slept, and in the end, I would do it all over again in a minute. My time at grad school was a life changing experience, in a good way. I learned to be more analytical, I learned that I like finance (who would have thought!), and most of all I learned how much I thrive on intellectual stimulation (a lot).
The issue occurred once school was over. Suddenly, the intellectual stimulation of being surrounded by dozens of smart people was gone, and I for one missed the interaction greatly.
I didn’t actually realize how much I missed it, however, until this year’s trip to South By Southwest. For the first time in a long time, I was once again surrounded by smart people actively engaged in solving problems.
Lets take some pills
Sadly, there is no easy cure for Post Graduate Depression. There are a number of things that I do to keep my brain active, and help “decompress” from events like South By Southwest (I also postulate that South By Southwest is a temporary cure for Post Graduate depression, in and of itself). I listen to TED talks while at work, I read as much as I can, and make a concerted effort to surround myself with other smart like-minded individuals.
When I was in school, we were required to contribute to discussions on a weekly basis. I’ve gone back to this same schedule now, except the discussions are out in the open, on sites like Brazen Careerist and the discussion boards of LinkedIn. I’ve even set reminders for myself on remember the milk (one of my favorite task tracking sites, by the way) to post to discussions and write blog posts (like this one) to keep my brain working.
So what’s next? I’ve been spending some of my time consulting, mostly with very early stage entrepreneurs. Someday I’d like to make that a full time gig; I’m pretty sure my brain would be happy to have that much use 
For now? I’ll see you at South By Southwest in 2011
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Comments
06.01.10
Remember that book "My Quarter Life Crisis"? The post grad blues hit me hard too, but I think I got over it about a year after graduation. My antidote was 35 minute train commutes to and from work with The New Yorker and a notebook. Blogging and emailing my brains out helped immensely as well. That was 5 years ago. Today I'm without a public transport option, which is to say have less time and find myself on a creative hiatus. Not a good place to be!
06.01.10
I kinda relate to what you've written about. Plus for me, being out of work makes me feel worse. My MBA was exactly as you described. I miss the constant debate of ideas, reaching intelligent conclusions and being a far better marketer from the real world learning in the process. And I agree - Brazen Careerist certainly helps in keeping the intelligent ideas flowing through :-)
06.01.10
The phenomenon you're describing is a huge reason I started a blog. I think you also just have to push yourself in-person. I do all the things you mention as well and sometimes there's not a substitute for intellectual conversation in person... great post!
06.02.10
Mike,
Great post! Know that you are not alone. I struggled to find engaging, intelligent, and open-minded individuals post graduate school. I learned that I took my life in school for granted.
The culture of school made me believe that ANYTHING is possible with hard work and the minds and strengths of an engaged group.
Post-graduate school I found myself in a rut, but I think that I finally pulled myself out- 1 year later. You mentioned blogging, and I know that blogging helps me engage my brain and reading other's blogs helps me EVEN more!
I also received certification as an online faculty and starting teaching at University of Phoenix; I love engaging with the students and sharing their journey through academia and learning with them. The online University allows me to continue working in a traditional job while engaging my brain in the type of intellectual challenges I need.
Good luck!! You WILL get to where you want to be!
06.02.10
Everyone, thanks for the comments and encouragement, it means a lot to have such a great support network.
Kelly, I've been thinking about going to teaching route as well, I'd love to hear more about your experiences in receiving your certification to teach at the University of Phoenix.
Mike
06.02.10
Mike,
Here is the process to begin teaching at University of Phoenix:
1. Apply
2. Written interview: you write responses to about 25 questions
3. Phone interview
4. Phase 1 core certification: 20 hours online unpaid certification training. At the end of the training, the facilitator recommends or denies you to move to the next level.
5. Phase 2 specialized certification: 20 hours online unpaid certification training. At the end of the training, the facilitator recommends or denies you to move to mentor phase of the interview process.
6. Phase 3: mentorship: you facilitate (paid) a class with your mentor supporting you. After the mentorship, your mentor recommends you to join the faculty.
The benefits:
1. University of Phoenix curriculum operates under evidence-based education guidelines
2. The faculty receive unprecedented education, support, and ongoing training
3. You can work from ANYWHERE
4. You have the opportunity to engage in a learning environment while mentoring and encouraging students from unique backgrounds who might not otherwise have the opportunity to advance their education without an online option
5. Faculty do not earn tenure; therefore the University maintains quality standards from the faculty who accept course contracts
I highly recommend working at University of Phoenix!
06.02.10
Been there, done that, got a t-shirt.
It eventually does pass, as you learn to engage your brain in new and different ways. Rebecca's blog recommendation is a great one, and there is no better time to network with people in your field (or hell, not in your field).
I loved academia in all its glory, and I find that attending conferences and things like that give you that thinking-too-much-headache. Keep working on it. I see you've found a way to make it work. It gets better from here!
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