Like most naive college students, I thought after graduating I would secure my dream job, be out of my parents’ house, and on my way to being a fully functional member of the community.
Let me humbly tell you that I was very wrong.
Some people do graduate and very shortly after begin their dream job that will launch them into a beautiful career. And some people (like me) graduate with a lot of questions.
I did not graduate with a job, or any clear offers. I did not graduate with plans to move to a new city. I did not graduate with an internship.
And if I’m completely honest, I graduated with a lot of insecurities, a bit of regret, and a good bit of melancholy.
I’m a goal-oriented person, I’m pretty sure that’s nothing new. I graduated high school and went to college. I planned my college semesters as much in advance as I could, and had back-up plans just in case. That’s what I do, I make plans, I set goals, and I do my best to follow through.
Graduating and still being on the job hunt/audition circuit was hard for me. Many of my friends had amazing summer and life plans to boast about, and I felt like I didn’t measure up. I felt like I had nothing to be proud of. I’d been a hard-worker, an over-achiever, someone whose wheels were always on the track. And now, I felt derailed. I didn’t want to talk to anyone for fear they’d ask me about my post-grad plans. When people would ask me where I was moving to, I’d casually say “back to Atlanta”, because saying I was moving home to my parents’ house seemed too embarrassing.
I wasn’t getting auditions for the places I was sending my materials, I wasn’t getting offers from the places I auditioned for. The few offers I did get didn’t feel right (which sounds picky, but sometimes you have to be).
So in a nutshell, after graduating with a 4-year degree, a high GPA, and a lot of performance experience and training, I moved in with my parents. In the city I grew up in, without a concrete plan for the future and no comprehensive contract.
I had no idea how I got to this place. A place where I felt irresponsible, confused, and lazy. Sure, I had some awesome things on the horizon, but nothing was long-term. I started questioning my decisions, my goals, and my abilities. At times I was downright miserable to be around and talk to. I was jealous of my friends who had figured things out, and that made me feel ugly inside – thus perpetuating the misery I had created for myself.
So why am I telling you all this? Why am I exposing “the ugly”, if you will?
Because a couple steps back, some undying support, and some unexpected opportunities later, my perspective has started to shift.
I do not have it all figured out. And I still do not have “the job”. I’m working on it.
But I have realized that small steps need to be taken to make big things happen. You don’t NEED to have your dream career, or even a job directly after you graduate. Taking time to figure some things out is okay. So long as you are productive, active, thoughtful, and open to possibilities, somehow it will work out.
Sometimes you will feel miserable and ugly, but don’t let that consume you. Take breaks, but don’t break your grind. Grit can be just as important as talent. Find mentors, ask questions, seek out help, go after opportunities. Present yourself professionally, but still honestly.
My year is now full of opportunities, and I’m excited and grateful for the work that lies ahead. Persistence pays off, and some of the best journeys aren’t linear.
My advice after this transitional period? Work hard, take those steps, and good things will happen.
