[rige]

I feel this burnout. Finishing up college remotely and starting full-time work without meeting anyone in person has been an odd experience--not to mention political news, social injustice, and climate change looming over all our heads or affecting our lives directly.

Here are a few things that have helped me:

1) I try to remember that I don't have control over (most) external events, but I do control how I react to them.

2) Having a daily routine is good, but change up that daily routine--introduce some randomness--so the days don't feel like they're flying by.

3) Find something to commit to, like a mindfulness practice or workout routine. Walking or running daily can be a great way to bookend your work day and decompress. I know some folks who use walks as a "virtual commute" at the beginning and end of the work day.

[DC1350]

How did you decide where to live once you graduated if you don't need to move near your new job? I'm graduating soon and this is something I'm struggling with. I don't like my hometown at all, my college town isn't great and everyone I know there is moving away, and there's no reason to live near my full time job since it's going to be remote. How do you meet people in real life now that college is over?

[rige]

I actually moved near my new job anyway. It's remote for now, but will return to (mostly) in-person eventually. Looking back, I should have stayed in my college town for lower cost of living -- but at the time, we didn't think the pandemic would last quite THIS long.

If you can, why not try one of the LCOL cities trying to attract remote workers with stipends or relocation assistance? Or, take the time to try out somewhere you've always dreamed of living?

Meeting people is tough, especially right now. You could keep an eye on local groups on sites like Facebook or Meetup. You can try to find people with similar interests that you can participate in safely, like playing outdoor sports or hiking. Some friends have found people to chat with on services like Bumble BFF, but YMMV. I'm trying to more consciously stay in touch with my existing friends--being more open to talking on the phone instead of a quick text, or setting up time to play games online.

Unfortunately, it's just a hard time to meet people.