10 Books To Read When You're Scared Sh*tless Of Life After Graduation
Congrats, you graduated from college! The world is your oyster; you now have all the knowledge to make your dreams come true!
After crossing that stage, diploma in hand, it's common to feel on top of the world and ready to embark on your next adventure.
Until, of course, the next morning when you can't help but ask yourself, ”Now what?”
After that, questions begin to unravel: Where am I going to live? What jobs should I apply for? What am I doing with my life?!
At first, all of these uncertainties can hit you like a ton of bricks, and it's okay if you don't know what path to go down or what to do next.
The good news is, this is completely normal and very common among recent college graduates.
There are a variety of books out there that will inspire you and get you excited about entering the "real world."
Here is a list of positively-recognized books, written by actresses, CEOs and so much more to give you the real inside scoop on what it takes to be successful.
These books will help you to get through the struggles you may face in the next big chapter of your life.
#GIRLBOSS By Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso shares her story from how she turned selling vintage clothes on eBay into becoming a founder, creative director and CEO of a multimillion-dollar business.
Find out more about her journey from dumpster diving to owning her business, Nasty Gal.
The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch
The Last Lecture, $12, Amazon
Randy Pausch, late professor at Carnegie Mellon, changed lives with his novel, “The Last Lecture,” based upon his inspiring speech about achieving your childhood dreams.
Pausch shares the obstacles he overcame and how he never gave up on his dream, despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The Marriage Plot By Jeffrey Eugenides
The Marriage Plot, $11, Amazon
“The Marriage Plot” is a novel that follows the stories of three college friends from Brown University, focusing on their journey after graduation.
Eugenides shares the true drama many confront as they grow up and experiences they face along the way.
Not That Kind of Girl By Lena Dunham
Not That Kind of Girl, $10, Amazon
Lena Dunham, best known for her role in the hit show, "Girls," enlightens readers with her experiences everyone faces in his or her life such as falling in love, feeling alone and having to prove yourself.
It covers the reality of growing up and how she made it to where she is today.
Bossypants By Tina Fey
Bossypants, $7, Amazon
The hilarious Tina Fey shares her story of how she climbed the ladder of success after a whirlwind of rejection and persistence.
Tina reveals all, and proves that achieving her dream of becoming a comedian on TV doesn't just happen overnight.
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Dear Sugar By Cheryl Strayed
Tiny Beautiful Things, $7, Amazon
You never know what life will throw at you. Whether it involves love, family or money, Strayed shares her honest stories that many face throughout their lifetime.
Her honest, rich humor will both keep you laughing, while preparing yourself for whatever life has in store.
Yes Please By Amy Poehler
Yes Please, $13, Amazon
Amy Poehler shares her collection of stories filled with photographs, laughs and advice on her journey to success.
Her honest and personal stories will not only give you a new take on life, but also a laugh at Poehler's hilarious journeys and tales.
The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Short Stories By Marina Keegan
The Opposite of Loneliness, $9, Amazon
Marina Keegan tragically passed away at the young age of 22, just after graduating from Yale in 2012.
Together, her friends and family joined together and shared her last essay titled, “The Opposite of Loneliness,” which became an instant hit.
This book is a composition of her life that describes hope, doubt and inspiration.
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps By Kelly Williams Brown
Adulting: How To Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps, $9, Amazon
This book encourages recent graduates not to be afraid of the "real world" and everything it entails.
Brown gives helpful tips on everything you need to know, from what to check when renting a new apartment, to how to avoid hooking up with a coworker.
This handbook will answer all of your questions that'll help make adulthood less scary.
Generation X By Douglas Coupland
Generation X, $11, Douglas Coupland
This novel focuses on a group of 20-somethings who escape their miserable jobs in search of drastic changes in their lives.
Follow their adventurous, twisted story to see where they end up and what they face along the way.
