We've all been there. As children, some of us wanted to be superheroes and scientists, actors and doctors, and best-selling authors. But as we have grown into adulthood, we realized that some of our dreams were not feasible. One day, you wake up and realize that the world is actually NOT your oyster.
Not to be negative, but someone has to be realistic. For example, I used to LOVE science growing up. I thought I'd be curing life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and cancer because it was in my family I wanted to be the one to save everyone. Fast-forward to high school and college, I realized I simply couldn't do it. I couldn't do well in science when I hit college- it just wasn't my strong suit.
Then, I had to think, what am I actually good at out of all the subjects I take? I am not good at memorizing, so no history or science. I was terrible at math once I hit high school. I'm not good at computers. Then, that other dream from when I was really young set in- I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to write books. But knowing it was hard to make it, I needed to make a skill of writing usable, so I majored in Journalism. Fast-forward to a year and a half later in the major, many jobs and internships I applied to and never heard back from made me nervous.
"Is writing something that can make you money?"
My family asked. The truth is, yes, but you need to get your foot in the door somehow. It is always that first step that is tough to get through. The issue is writing, along with other artsy jobs such as fashion, acting, singing, etc, is a risky profession. It is not your typical 9-5 job, well depending on what kind of writing you do.When graduation is almost around the corner, and you are not hearing back from any jobs it is very nerve-wracking. You may be asking yourself: How will I feed myself after I graduate? How will I manage to pay off my student debt? My other bills?
Well, there really is only one answer. Look reality in the face and get any job off the bat you KNOW will make you money.Apply to be a receptionist, a stocker in a grocery store, a cashier in a restaurant or store. Maybe become a waitress and bartender. Anything that FOR SURE will help you pay your bills while you are chasing that dream that everyone makes you doubt you'll achieve. DON'T listen to the negativity. But DO listen to reality.
Do not be stubborn. Take whatever job you can get and don't feel discouraged, your time is coming!If you are like me and really want to make money off of writing, do some research and do it on the side. One day, you may get your big break and get that dream job you are chasing. That is because the goal is NOT to be miserable when you are working. So even if you do have to settle for a while, let that motivate you. If it is risky, it is also exciting. So yes, give yourself reality checks, but don't give up!