I’ve watched my older friends don the traditional regalia, diploma in hand, smiling as they pose for photographs capturing the day they worked for after 3, 4, 5, or more years. I never imagined my own 5-year college experience would end so quickly. My friends, gorgeous and handsome in those photos capturing their momentous accomplishment and their own transitions also over time showed me how post-grad, although rightly celebrated, is not always what it seems. What happens after the robe and cords come off, and Monday rolls around? What about when there is no class to attend, no online Zoom to log onto, and you’ve moved away from friends and environments that have been familiar for so many years? The “normal” becomes completely new and many are forced into feeling a little lost. Change is inevitable, but as I am now about to dawn those robes myself and take those photos, I understand that the hard part about post-grad isn’t really the change at all, more so, the waiting game. 

So, your work BFF got the promotion* over you. The one that you "knew you were getting." Sh*t. After letting your feelings out, perhaps having one, two, or an entire bottle of Pinot Grigio to drown your sorrows, get back on your grind. Realize that everything happens for a reason. This opportunity was not meant for you. The "failure" only means that something else is coming, so be patient. And in the meantime, work to be 10x the employee your friend was when he or she got that promotion. Be so skilled and specialized in your work that your supervisors can't ignore you. Be the best on your team and your best version of yourself. Of course, that stems from passion.