When I graduated from college, I didn’t really know what to expect. To be honest, being a first-generation student and all, I had no idea what coming out the other side would feel like. Not to mention, I had a GFS (Global Field Study) trip that I had to complete prior to even receiving my degree. So on the day of graduation, I didn’t stay back with the other graduates who were grabbing their degrees from the red-lined tables, I just left with my family. In a way, that only contributed to everything going by so fast.
Then the next day, I was on a plane heading to Germany, trying to keep my head together because this was my first time abroad and I was extremely nervous. On the bright side, I end up finding out that my nerves are unwarranted because I had the most unforgettable two weeks of my life. Before I knew it, I was back on a plane heading back home. I finally had the realization that I had graduated, and in the following weeks, my degree came in the mail. Would you believe me if I said it was still in the cardboard canister it had been mailed in?
Anyway, wonder what I’m doing now? Well, I’m applying to jobs and I’m exploring both part-time and full-time opportunities. At the same time, I’m adjusting to paying rent, utilities, filing for insurance, and praying I have money for snacks and hot pockets. Thank god for Dollar Tree.
While I’m still unemployed, I’ve stayed afloat. How do I do it? Well, first and foremost, I saved a lot prior to moving out, so that helped a lot. Man, remember when bills weren’t a thing? I do, it was great.
In addition, I’ve had the benefit of having freelance jobs here and there, and the extra pocket change is always beneficial. I’m also grateful for the opportunities I’ve gotten interviews for, but the waiting game of it all is utterly excruciating. Mostly because I’m pursuing job opportunities that have multiple interview processes, and apparently, this is the standard? I’m just a young adult here, so I’m learning as I go. Also, I have a roommate/boyfriend who is employed, so at least someone in this house has a job.
Aside from trying to enter the rat race that is the workforce, I’m trying to stay busy with personal hobbies. Which currently includes playing with the ice cream maker I got for graduation and making ungodly amounts of ice cream, forcing myself to start new TV shows I’ve been procrastinating on watching, and trying my darndest to be social despite everything being so expensive. But hey, I have a degree.
I’m trying my best to be patient, but I find myself mostly anxious about being unemployed. Not only about the financial aspect, but also because my days are so long and empty. Most days, I wake up with nothing to do, which was fun for the first month or so. Now it’s August, and everyone is going back to school, and I am still unemployed. It’s a hard pill to swallow. I feel like most of my peers have a more solidified plan, which is difficult to chew on, but I also wanted to reassure people who don’t have a plan. Despite not having a full-time job, I was able to successfully move out of my mom’s house and graduate from college, so success can look like a lot of things. One day, I hope it’ll all fall into place, but until then, I’ll keep playing with my ice cream maker.
Featured image by Ethan Rodriguez on Canva.
