Life Post Grad: One Year Later

5.15.2013

Then | The best thing about this picture? The guy in the pink shirt in the back.

Today, May the 15th, officially marks one year since graduation. Three hundred and sixty five days. Twelve months. 

Where did the time go?

There was a part of me that was nervous for this day to come. No, actually I was dreading this day. I was scared this day would come and go and I would still be in the same situation: jobless and searching. This fear was accelerated a few weeks ago during my spring cleaning extravaganza when I came across my diploma in my closet and freaked out...a bit. I removed it from the shelf and gave it to my Dad with specific instructions: "Put this away before I burn it."

OF COURSE I would never actually burn my diploma-I worked too hard and went through way too much to get it. But seeing it brought about so many negative emotions. While I have been mostly positive in the last year, any emotion I had felt at some point during the last few months came rushing forward. Frustration from the many rejection letters telling me I'm a completely qualified candidate, but that there are no positions available at the moment. Regret for not doing XYZ during undergrad, even though XYZ was usually impossible. The feeling of failure because at 18 I thought I would graduate, have a job, and be on my way to owning my own business by the time I was 30. (That was one of many life plans. The other involved becoming an MTV VJ...) Then the "comparison anxiety" began. How come friend A has a job and not me? I know her GPA and qualifications were definitely not better than mine. If only had friend B's connections. I probably should have transferred to a bigger school like friend C. On and on and on and on.

Now | GPOY

I'm grateful that as I have gotten older, I've become wiser and know that while my feelings may be warranted, they are usually not true, and don't define me in any way. I'm also grateful that I have such an amazing support system, especially my parents, and friends A, B, and C. More than that, knowing that I am not alone in this situation is definitely a relief. Talking with friends and others that have been through it puts it all into perspective that "Hey,you're not a failure! You're just in the midst of a super crappy job market."

While the current hiring situation is out of my control, one thing I am in control of is my future. This last year has not just made me stronger, but has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life so far. What I never understood in Accounting and Excel during undergrad (and called hieroglyphics,) is almost second nature to me now. I've become semi-conversational in Italian (parli appena lentamente per favore), I've discovered so many new places in my beautiful city, and I've picked up some fun new hobbies. More importantly I am dreaming bigger and taking things into my own hands. I've started expanding my jewelry locally and on Etsy and I'm 99.99% sure that that venture I briefly mentioned here, is becoming a reality and I am starting my own business.  Does this mean I am completely giving up on the job search? Absolutely not. But am I going to try and pursue a few of my own dreams in the mean time. Absafreakinglutely.

I am happy that with each new day, I can see my vision of where I want to be down the road, and how I want to get there. I don't know what's to come, but I'm excited. I just know that when I look back at this post in a years time I will think, "that was only the beginning."

14 comments :

  1. This is such a well thought out post–I have a post-grad post going up next week, and I seriously can't believe so much time has passed. It feels like yesterday, doesn't it?!

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    1. It seriously does! As I was texting my friends for their grad, I just kept thinking "at this time I was leaving the house," or "I just got my diploma." It is SO crazy!

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  2. Mine has been 2 years- I can't believe how old we are! That picture is HILARIOUS! I can totally relate to everything you said, too. Many of my friends got jobs sooner than I did, they can buy expensive things because they don't pay loans, etc. but I know I worked my ass off in college and it will all be worth it soon enough :)

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    1. I am a firm believer that those that work the hardest receive the greatest rewards in life. That hard work has to pay off in one way or another!

      I have that picture saved on my phone for any time I get discouraged. Gotta love a meme.

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  3. I NEEDED to read this!!!! I can completely relate because, of my current situation (recent grad and jobless!). Thank you for sharing your experience!!

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    1. Yay! I am glad you were able to relate. I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us!

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  4. I'm many years removed from college and sometimes when I stop and think, I can't believe it all flew by so quickly. I still remember everyone hunting for jobs the last month of their senior year and into the summer. Some found jobs, others didn't. Everyone took different paths and now, we're all ok. So don't worry, things will work out. I think you've got a great outlook and knowing what you want is the first step! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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    1. Thank you Yi-chia! It really helps hearing others experiences, because while I hope (and know ultimately it will) it will all work out in the end, it's nice to know that it truly does, one way or another.

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  5. Trust me, Alyssa...you are certainly not alone in this! Had I not had a connection at my current job, I have no doubt that I would STILL be trying to find a job and I've been out of graduate school for 3 years!

    The job market is tough and unfortunately, so many young people right out of college receive the "you don't have enough experience" statement. Then how in the world do you get experience if no one will hire you?!?!?

    A job will become available...I am certain. It will take time but have faith that when the right one comes along, you'll know it. :)

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    1. Yes, some of the requirements, especially with experience, baffle me. "Recent college grad w/ BS, 5-7 years experience." Huh? How!

      But, wow, THANK YOU! Your comment truly means a lot to me! This whole experience has definitely been a test of faith, but I truly believe that gut instinct will tell me "this is the one!"

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  6. Man, I get this post so much. I'm not a college grad, but I'm at a weird crossroads too. And when I look back to where I was last year, I have mixed emotions. On a personal level, I've grown tremendously (just like you, although I can't speak Italian! lol) but professionally, I'm nowhere with my book. And after all the work/time/energy I've put into it, that's kind of depressing.
    I don't have any great advice to give you because I'm going through the same thing, but I think your handling this really well. I should take a few pointers!

    xx Nina

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    1. I definitely don't think you should feel depressed by it! You have set out doing something that so many wish they could! If this one perhaps doesn't work out, who knows, maybe another one will! You are way too talented of a writer to give up/not be published!!!!

      We can go through it together. I think Paris just may be the restart we need!

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  7. p.s. I'm really enjoying these more "personal" posts :)

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    1. ahh, thanks! I thought doing them would sacre me, but they actually come quite naturally!

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