Let’s Be Real

After an extended period of time of not writing, I feel as though I have accomplished all, but nothing in those years. I had written about living in my parent’s basement. That’s still true. I had shared my love for being a chameleon. Still half true. I haven’t been able to create in new ways, so I’m giving myself another chance. I hope you will too.

I would like to keep telling the world, “I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration,” but it’s been about a year. I’d like to say, “I’m still really close with all of my college friends,” That’d be another way of bending the truth. Instead, I’m here to tell you the honest truth of a college graduate in a small town, with a small town degree.

There are plenty of successful people who were able to connect the dots and land their dream jobs. Even my brother was able to accept a position prior to graduation. Before college, I was confident that the only way to work after high school, was with a bachelor’s, or master’s degree in hand. Now, I have one of those and a whole ton of debt, working a job that requires a high school diploma. I don’t want to sound negative, or ungrateful. No matter the situation, it is difficult to find a job. I just want to share my story.

I competed on the track and cross-country teams four years in college, I took one season off (keep in mind there are three seasons per year). Each and every day I took time to practice my sport. After graduating, I had many connections from being an athlete. I believed, I could land a job on my own, so I rarely asked for a handout from my network. After working a post-graduate summer internship, I took a 6 week management trainee position, which would turn into an assistant manager position and hopefully a ladder effect from there. After 9 weeks without a position opening up, I did not want to waste anymore time on myself or with a company I wasn’t passionate about. I then took 4 months to apply for every job possible. I even had some interviews. I was excited about one of the jobs.. After three interviews, I was invited back for a fourth. In the meantime, I was offered my current position, which had nothing to do with my field, but it was guaranteed. I chose to take it, because at that point, I had bills to pay. I don’t regret evading that last interview, but I question the education system. Why was I told that my bachelor’s degree would get me anywhere? Why did I think my athletic network would help me land my dream job? Why did I take time to do everything, but work in college?

One of my closest friends, who’s still in college, is still so pure with hope. I’ve always believed in having that hope and faith in the system. Instead, I get angry that she’s excited about graduating, and landing a job. I want to shake her with all of my strength and tell her to work now, write now, create as soon as you can, because once you’re working the job you would’ve had before school, the excitement fades.

I’m taking this time to start creating again. After all, my co-workers have literally called me a, “weirdo,” out loud. It was eye-opening. I am a complete weirdo. I have so much going on inside my head, I want to share all of it. Bare with me through the tough reads, because I promise my story doesn’t stop here.