Ep. 168 The Truth About Life After Graduation with Christiane Palpant

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

What if the biggest thing no one tells you about life after graduation is that it's not supposed to be linear?

In this episode, I sit down with professor, author, and speaker Christiane "Professor CP" Palpant to talk about why your twenties can feel so confusing after college—and why that uncertainty is actually a normal part of adulthood. We dive into the pressure to have everything figured out, how social media makes us feel like we're falling behind, and why comparing your timeline to someone else's only adds to the confusion.

We also explore one of the biggest questions every twenty-something faces: How do you know when it's time to keep going versus change directions? Professor CP shares practical questions you can ask yourself when you're feeling stuck, while I share how I've navigated career pivots, entrepreneurship, and the unexpected twists that ultimately led me to coaching.

Whether you're a recent graduate, questioning your career path, or simply wondering if you're doing adulthood "right," this conversation is a reminder that there is no perfect timeline—and that's exactly what makes your journey your own.

• Why life after graduation feels so overwhelming
• The myth that adulthood follows a linear path
• How to know when it's time to pivot versus push through
• Why so many twenty-somethings feel behind
• The value of mentors and "hidden allies"
• Why your college degree doesn't have to determine your career
• The difference between following your passion and funding your passion
• Letting go of the "shoulds" that keep you stuck

This episode is for you if...

• You're about to graduate college or recently graduated.
• You're wondering if you're on the right career path.
• You feel behind compared to your friends.
• You're debating whether to quit your job or stick it out.
• You're navigating a quarter-life crisis and don't know what's next.

• Life after graduation is rarely as straightforward as we expect.
• Feeling uncertain doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.
• Use your values—not fear—to decide when it's time to pivot.
• Every career experience teaches transferable skills.
• Your degree doesn't have to define your future.
• Social media is not an accurate measure of success.
• Seeking advice is different from copying someone else's path.
• Growth often comes from the challenges you'd never choose for yourself.
• Your passion doesn't always have to be your paycheck.
• Let go of the timeline you think you're supposed to follow.

Why does life after graduation feel so hard?

Because the structure you've followed for years suddenly disappears, leaving you to make decisions without a clear roadmap.

How do I know if I should change careers?

Look beyond temporary frustration and ask whether your current path aligns with your values, supports your growth, and protects your well-being.

Is it normal to feel behind in your twenties?

Absolutely. Everyone's timeline looks different once college ends, even if social media makes it seem otherwise.

Does my college degree determine my career?

Not at all. Many people build careers outside of their major while still using the skills they developed in college.

Should I follow my passion?

Passion is important, but it doesn't always have to be the thing that pays your bills. Sometimes your job funds the life you're trying to build.

• Why You Feel Behind in Your Twenties (This Is Not Your Forever)
• The Psychology Behind Your Quarter-Life Crisis
• This Is NOT Your Life: Stop Living Everyone Else's Plan
• How to Make Your Next Move When You Feel Stuck

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: coach.jessdiamond@gmail.com

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Connect with Christiane Palpant:

Website: https://www.cuethelifeboat.com/

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-mus