It sounds reassuring, but in practice, it’s not that simple.

Some people have networks that open doors for them. Others start from scratch, carrying the weight of financial responsibilities, navigating an unforgiving job market alone. For some, life not being a race means having the freedom to explore, take a gap year, or wait for the perfect job. But for others, the pressure is immediate. Bills don’t wait. Parents are getting older. Younger siblings still need support. 

It’s not about choosing to rush, it’s about having no other choice. The reality is that economic background and family obligations, among others, all play big roles in determining how fast or slow we can afford to move after graduation. This is the reality many graduates may face. The silent pressure of responsibility, the urgency to provide, and the quiet acceptance that life moves differently for them.

And yet, I don’t think we talk about it enough. Society often frames success as purely a matter of hard work and perseverance, ignoring the structural inequalities that shape people’s options. A truth that we need to consider is that not everyone gets to slow down. Not everyone has the privilege to wait for the “right opportunity.” For many, life is a constant balancing act, between survival and ambition, between responsibilities and dreams.

If life feels like a race you never signed up for, know that your pace is valid. But also, let’s recognize that success isn’t just about personal grit, it’s about the structures we navigate. We need to ask: How can we create a world where opportunities aren’t just for those who can afford to wait?