Life Post-Graduation: Breaking Up the Monotony.

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!!!