I'm 21 years old and in a few months I will be graduating from college. Scary thought. The worst part is that I have no idea what I'm going to be doing after that point. If you're like me this might give you extreme anxiety. I've never been much of a planner but in a few months I'm expected to become a contributing member of society. Unfortunately, I don't have my dream job waiting for me when I come out of college. But I've learned that it is okay.
I know we all have this perfect picture where you graduate, you move into your little cute apartment, and have your great paying job waiting for you. But not everyone's future is going to be like that. If you're like me and have no idea what your future plans are I'm here to tell you not to worry. I've chose to look at my unknown future as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn about other things that interest me because lets face it- just because you major in something doesn't mean you like it. The last thing you want in life to end up working a job you hate. I refuse to let that be my future. So take this time to work a few different jobs, we're young and this is the time to find out what you like and what you don't.
Know that it's okay to have to move back in with your parents. It's okay to still be working that retail job or that waiter/waitress job. Save your money. Do internships. Take other classes. Just because you majored in Economics doesn't mean you can't go get your personal trainer certification. There's no better time to do it than when you get out of college and don't have a steady job to hold you down.
My sister is a perfect example. My sister graduated with a degree in English. Throughout her college career she worked at H&M(clothing/retail) and when she graduated she continued to work there. Slowly but surely working her way up in the store. Through an internal job posting system the company had my sister see there was an internship opportunity in NYC for corporate H&M. She got it and worked her butt off! She was eventually hired and is now doing publicity and marketing for the company. She did this through her love of fashion and incredible work ethic. It took nine years from the time she started as a sales associate to this point. Remember, nothing in life comes easy.
If that doesn't inspire you, remember, at 23 Oprah was getting fired and Walt Disney was declaring bankruptcy. Ray Romano, Danny Glover, and Alan Rickman didn't start acting until their 30's. Don't get discouraged just because you don't have a $100,000 a year paying job waiting for you when you graduate. You will find your niche. Just work hard, think positive, don't think you're the only 20-something year old in this spot, and remember to take a deep breath every once in a while.
Sincerely,
Someone in the same boat
