Dyslexic Teenagers Becoming Adults

Leaving school can feel like jumping into the unknown. You’re suddenly free from set schedules and teachers, yet you’re also faced with making your own decisions overnight. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying.

In today’s podcast episode, I share my personal experience of finishing school and the lessons that shaped me. I touch on three big decisions I wish I’d made differently and offer a bit of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life after classes end. You’ll find the player at the top of this page, but keep reading for a quick rundown of the key insights.

Why Leaving School Feels So Strange

Most of us have spent our entire childhood with a set routine. Every weekday, we knew this was school time, and everything else fit around it. When you leave school, all that structure disappears in an instant.

The sudden freedom means you get bombarded by questions: “What’s next? Are you going to uni? Is it time to get a job?” No matter how prepared you feel, stepping into new territory can still be stressful.

“When I left school, I felt like I’d stepped off a cliff. No one warned me there wouldn’t be a safety net, and that feeling was both liberating and terrifying at the same time.”

I share these feelings in the episode, hoping to remind you that it’s not just you. You’re not alone in feeling uncertain or worried about your next move.

My Experience of the Post-School Void

Those first few months after school were tough. I went from a packed schedule to what felt like a never-ending to-do list with no clear place to start. At first, I wanted to do everything: get a job, pursue further study, and somehow save the world in my spare time.

I quickly realised I was burning out. Juggling too many goals and not taking the time to step back and plan was my downfall. One day I was ready to take on the universe. The next, I was in a puddle of self-doubt wondering if I’d peaked at school without even knowing it.

On the podcast, I mention how these swings of motivation and confusion are common for anyone who’s dyslexic or ADHD-prone. It’s easy to overcommit when you finally feel free.

The Three Changes I’m Waiting to Make (When My Time Machine Works)

I can’t exactly rewrite my history, but if I could, these are the key changes I’d bring on board:

1. Ask for Help Early
   I used to think I had to figure things out on my own. But talking to a mentor or counsellor about my options could have saved me from months of confusion. It’s not weak to get advice; it’s efficient.
2. Pick One Primary Goal
   I’d choose one main focus. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t explore other interests, but those would come second. If I’d nailed down a direction first, I would’ve had more energy for side projects.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
   There’s a tendency to think everything has to be big and life-changing. Looking back, I should have given myself a pat on the back every time I learned a new skill or tried something outside my comfort zone.

These three steps might sound obvious now, but when you’re fresh out of school, you often end up learning them the hard way.

The Hidden Blessings of Life After School

It’s not all doom and gloom once you walk out of the classroom. One huge benefit is that you get to discover who you are outside of the school bubble. You can try new hobbies, connect with people from different backgrounds, and choose exactly what you want to spend your time on.

Instead of waking up dreading the same old routine, you can explore your passion for baking, coding, dancing, or anything else that sparks your interest. Think of it as your chance to become your own compass.

If you find yourself missing some structure, create micro-routines that suit your life. Make a weekly to-do list or a calendar for personal projects. You’ll be amazed at how a simple plan liberates you from the overwhelm.

Small Steps for a Big Transition

One strategy I swear by is to break tasks into tiny pieces. If you want a new job, do one small thing at a time. Update one piece of your CV today, send it to a friend to proofread tomorrow, then apply for one or two roles the next day. This approach helps keep your mind from going on hyperdrive.

Another tip is to keep a journal or voice notes. Many people with dyslexia or ADHD find it easier to speak thoughts out loud or jot them down quickly rather than stew on them internally. You can even record your progress for a quick confidence boost when you look back at how far you’ve come.

Lastly, don’t forget to give yourself permission to relax. The time soon after leaving school is a big transition. Your body and mind need breaks to catch up with this new reality.

• Check in with a mentor or career counsellor when you feel stuck.
• Try focusing on one key goal. Attempt lots of things if you have the energy, but keep one main theme.
• Keep a record of small successes, like finishing an online course or improving at a part-time job.
• Choose micro-routines that fit you. Some structure is still valuable.

Embrace the chance to explore. You might mess up, but that’s what learning is all about. In the podcast, I chat about how mistakes are actually sneaky lessons, and how they can launch you forward later on.

Takeaways

• You’re not wrong for feeling a bit lost after school. Everyone goes through it in some form.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. You don’t have to go it alone.
• Break your goals into smaller steps. Progress builds momentum faster than you’d think.
• Self-discovery is the real treasure of life beyond the hallway lockers. Seize it.

If you want to dive deeper, I share more candid details in the full episode. Make sure to listen so you can hear how I coped with those nerve-jangling days and what tricks helped me keep moving forward. You’ll find the podcast player at the top, so go ahead and press play. You might just find your next step becomes clearer.