15 Songs For Your Post-Grad Pick-Me-Up

Post-grad life is often a far cry from what your younger, more naive self imagined. In these first wobbly steps into adulthood, mental health issues, college debt, job hunting, moving back home, and a myriad of tedious adult tasks can wear you down and leave you feeling like a failure. Here’s a playlist full of nostalgic tunes, catchy beats, and encouraging lyrics to get you back on your feet and ready to give things another go.

“Walls” by William Beckett

“Oh, girl, now twenty-two years is not that long / you gotta stop stressin’ when all the things went wrong / and start believin’ in yourself ”

This song is perfect for commiserating over how this wasn’t the post-grad life you imagined for yourself, but also for finding the resolve to keep at it as there’s so much ahead of you. Don’t let the reality of this phase of life close you off to others and opportunities.

“Weightless” by All Time Low

“Maybe it’s not my weekend but it’s gonna be my year”

Growing old isn’t as fun when you feel like you’re a stuck in a rut, but maybe this is just one bad weekend before a great year. Yell along to this jam from your adolescence and find the strength to make this your year.

“FML” by K.Flay

“I’ve been feeling so blessed / but stressed all day”

Your twenties tend to simultaneously feel like the best and worst part of your life. This song lets you know that it’s perfectly okay.

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

“Today is where your book begins / the rest is still unwritten”

You’re never too old to have a cry and drive to this song, and then feel much better about your future.

“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

“It just takes some time / little girl you’re in the middle of the ride / everything, everything will be just fine / everything, everything will be alright, alright”

This is the perfect tune to dance away all your insecurities and fears.

“It’s Alright” by Matt and Kim

“Alright, it’s alright, it’s alright / Believe”

When you’re losing sleep over major changes and big decisions, let this song restore your faith in what’s ahead.

“All For You” by The Secret Handshake

“I know that it’s easy to be nervous / I know that you’re so, so scared / I know just how hard you’ve practiced / and baby we’re almost there”

This song is like a pep talk put to a catchy beat. Blast it before a job interview, big presentation or performance, and remember that so many people love you and are rooting for you to succeed.

“Keep On Keeping On (feat. Brendon Urie)” by Travie McCoy

“You gotta keep on keeping on / even with the feeling / that you’re gonna keep losing / you gotta come back strong”

So you didn’t get the job, the promotion, the apartment. That sucks. Have a glass of wine, a long conversation with a loved one, and a good cry. When you’re ready to get back at it, here’s Brendon Urie’s vocal talents and Travie McCoy’s narrative of success to encourage you to keep hustling.

“Win Some, Lose Some” by You Me At Six

“I’m moving on, moving on to better things”

Sometimes it feels like the universe is doing nothing but knocking you down. So get your angst out with this heavier song and dig deep to find every ounce of energy to keep going. You can do it.

“Hold On” by Jonas Brothers

“When it all falls apart / and you’re feeling lost / and all your hope is gone / don’t forget to hold on, hold on”

Let this nostalgic jam from the JoBros give you the strength you need to carry on through heartbreak, professional setbacks, and existential crises.

“Swim” by Jack’s Mannequin

“You haven’t come this far / to fall off the earth”

Although penned after singer/songwriter Andrew McMahon survived having cancer in 2005, many of the battles in these lyrics remain timely to those trying to stay afloat in 2016. Keep swimming, friends.

“Never Let It Die” by Watsky

“And if you get a panic attack / feel like you’re at the back of the pack / an opinion’s exactly that / if they say that your magic is black / just do what you do when you do what you do / keep on pulling that rabbit from hat”

Don’t let where you come from or the setbacks you face along the way keep you from thinking you’re not good enough or that you’re not going to make it one day.

“Just Keep Breathing” by We the Kings

“When what you want’s not what you need / and when these walls don’t feel like home / remember that you’re not alone”

Post-grad life can be full of loneliness and foreign surroundings. Don’t let that get you down. You’re not the first person to feel this, so just keep breathing. You’ll find your place in no time.

“On the Brightside” by Never Shout Never

“You’re only as tall as your heart will let you be / and you’re only as small as the world will make you seem”

Don’t let the world tell you how big or great you can be, only you can limit yourself.  

“Everyday” by Modern Baseball

“Waking up everyday is all about / doing things you don’t want to do / but your reward is that you get to wake up”

Even on the worst days or in the midst of the most infuriating tasks when nothing can completely cheer you up, there is still good to be found. Take some time to appreciate the scenery, cuddle with a pet, listen to an amazing song, or call a loved one.