Life Post-Graduation: Breaking Up the Monotony.

11.29.2012


Not being employed five months post-graduation had me in a mood of sorts (hello blogging hiatus…) My professors and parents prior to graduation warned that finding a job would be hard and take time and I knew it would given the current economy, but I didn’t think it would take this much time! I was pretty optimistic in the beginning, but come mid-September into October, I just couldn’t bear it anymore. I was truly feeling depressed.  All I could think was “Why am I still unemployed?!” and have a pity party of sorts.  

I finally came to my senses and to a realization: I am not alone in this situation and this period of unemployment is only temporary. I know I am a qualified candidate and I know the right job will come along eventually. It took a few days to believe it, but I finally did. It’s truly amazing how just a little bit of positive affirmation can turn things around. With a brighter and more positive outlook, I began to see how I could make my situation less miserable and, well, more fun!

After my realizations, it was time to take a close look at my schedule. Having a schedule not just keeps me organized, but gives me a sense of purpose. However, I realized that it was probably causing me more stress than was necessary, as it was a just a little bit too structured. I still (more or less) wake up the same time I did when I was in school and start my day the same way with prayer/meditation and a workout, with the time typically spent at school now replaced with job hunting/research/sending out resumes. While those are all things I need to do daily, what I needed was some more flexibility and spontaneity. Whether it be a trip to the mall, a mani/pedi, or just pinning for fifteen minutes, allowing these things into my daily routine makes me feel more balanced, and even more productive, with the rigidity of my prior schedule gone.

Ultimately, I had to look at my situation in a different light. Sure my main focus and task of each day is job hunting, but one thing I have right now is time. For all those things I’ve been meaning to do, DIYs to try, museums I’ve wanted to visit, books I’ve wanted to read, I can do them now! Who knows when I will have time like this again, so why not make the most of it, right? Since I’ve been meaning to pick back up learning Italian, I finally enrolled in a beginner course at the local community college. The past few weeks have been nothing short of rewarding and fun!
[Clockwise] Keeping Busy:
Practicing Italian.
A beautiful day for a stroll down Fifth Avenue.
Finally got around to this DIY bulletin board! 
When all else fails, a little bit of chocolate never hurts.

For the time being, all I can do is put in the work and effort and continue to be patient and hope for the best. But in the mean time, who says this time can’t be a fun one? Plus, I'll much prefer to save being stressed out for when I actually have a job. I’m hoping I can maintain this outlook going forward and I wish the same for my fellow post-grads!!!

12 comments :

  1. YAY Alyssa!!

    I'm so glad that things are starting to shape up for you, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that the right job will find you. Congrats on enrolling in that Italian class - that's awesome. Sitting in my closet are books on Learning Chinese, Spanish, French, German - I annoy the hell out of myself bc I can't keep on task. Anyways, keep up the positive attitude (and chocolates)!!

    xo, sam
    **Style of Sam**

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    1. Thank you Sam! You are too kind! You have so many great language books! Get to it, haha :)

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  2. Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i
    was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you stop it,
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  3. hang in there! and you're right, enjoy this time!

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  4. Hi! Do you have a LinkedIn?

    I tried googling to find your non-blog identity, and cannot connect who the real Alyssa is at all! You're a great writer and should look at this blog as another network. You never know who is out there reading (and dying to offer you a job or something)!

    The blog is a major resume item :)

    -Christina
    www.christinadoes.com

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    1. Wow, thank you so much for the tips Christina! Really means a lot to me!

      I do in fact have a Linkedin. Feel free to email me.

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  5. I feel like it's definitely a tough situation, and I understand how you wanted your time to be scheduled and structured - but as long as you can afford it, I think its great that you are realizing you can take advantage of your new found free time.
    I'm sure you will find a job soon!

    Chic on the Cheap

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    1. I hope so! I'll just continue making the most of this time "off."

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  7. Blogging hiatus? I haven't blogged for more than 2 months :( Things have been so hectic in my life that it sadly has not been a top priority. I need to get back into the groove of blogging because it is such a release for me.

    About the job search, it is extremely difficult out there. But don't give up...something will happen and come along when the time is right. I know it can get disheartening but don't give up. I promise, the right job will find you well :)

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    1. I miss you blogging!!

      This post will be so great for me to look back on anytime I may feel myself feeling disheartened. Definitely feel more inspired. Thank you!!:)

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