It seems as if it's almost implied that, after graduation, us seniors are supposed to go straight from school to our dream job. It's incredibly difficult finding a job these days, and the pressure is on as graduation becomes less of a fantasy and certainly more of a reality. But unlike what most people say, you shouldn't necessarily jump on the first job that falls in your lap just because it's money in the bank.
Job searching can be crazy difficult. From sending countless numbers of emails for connections at companies you are potentially interested in to online job searching and finding absolutely nothing, the job search process can be horrifically discouraging on a daily basis. So take a step back, even if it's just for a second, and step away from the real world. Breathe. You probably won't think so, but a paying job isn't the most important thing to focus on the last few months before graduating.
It takes four years to graduate from college and even afterwards we still sometimes don't know exactly what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Grabbing a hold of a job you think you'll like, but secretly aren't even excited about, isn't the route to go. Grasping onto the things you do and do not like in a job are incredibly important, and working at a company you're not invested in just because it pays isn't how it should be. Taking a second to step back and figure out what you want, is more important than getting paid. Maybe an internship at a company you're interested in is the route to go, or maybe starting at a company you're invested in at a position you're not absolutely certain you adore is a great idea as well. It's easy to move about within a company, and it may take several roles before deciding on the best role for you.
Accepting that you don't (or think you won't) have a job the moment after you graduate is something that's hard to get a hold of. It's a difficult idea to hold onto, but it's something that will calm your nerves and help you job search more effectively. It gives you sufficient time to relax and have less of a freak out. That first call you get is great and incredibly reassuring, don't get me wrong, but there needs to be a line that is drawn. Over-stressing about not having a job is going to get you nowhere. It won't help your schoolwork, further your job search, your social life or any other aspects of your life. So take a deep breath, fend off your parents, travel cheaply and remember it isn't always about the first job you have, it's about finding the right job.
