Why It Is Okay To Not Have A Full-Time Job After Graduation
Hello there, lovelies! After months of wanting to write this, I’m finally sharing my experience about not working right after college. I wanted to explain why it is okay to not have a full-time job after graduation, and why you shouldn’t feel the pressure and follow your peer’s steps. We all want to go in different directions. Also, it can be a tricky topic. So many things to have in mind! For example, money.
A year has passed since I graduated college, and I can’t believe how time flies! Also, a little more than a year has passed too since my quarter-life crisis came to hunt me. In a way, I have to thank this crisis for all the things that made me realize and for helping me to find something I really enjoy. I’m a huge believer in the phrase “everything happens for a reason”; and in this case, I can completely apply it.
I have to add, that at the end of the post, there’s a gift for you! I hope you like it!
In a way, I have to thank my quarter-life crisis for all the things that made me realize, and for helping me to find my path. Click To Tweet[title align=”center” type=”line”]Life After Graduation[/title]
It’s December of 2016, I just got my Bachelor’s degree in International Business and I’m officially ready to find a full-time job. Or that’s what everyone else was thinking, but I wasn’t ready nor even interested in pursuing a career in business. I was lost, scared, and stressed.
I was regretting all my decisions of the past, and in general, just being super hard on myself because I wasn’t fitting in our society’s mold. It was very upsetting. Not only because of my choice of career but also because I wasn’t feeling ready to be an adult. In my head, I just wanted to feel happy and motivated with something I love. The problem? I wasn’t even sure what that ‘something’ was.
Since it was summer, I said to myself that I would give myself the last long summer break before I would enter the workforce. After that was over, I would start looking for jobs around March. Sweet deal for me. I wouldn’t have to think about jobs, my decisions or be stressed over things I couldn’t control. Like finding a job after graduation.
Fast forward, March was here and the reality of my situation was starting to catch me. So what did I do? What was expected, start looking for jobs; but not only that, I also started this blog! You can read that story here. Because you know what? I wasn’t just going to spend my time being unhappy looking for jobs that weren’t appealing to me. So I started Elephant on the Road to do something I love and keep the balance, that as a Libra, I constantly reach for.
I just got my Bachelor's degree. I was officially ready to find a full-time job. Or that's what everyone else was thinking, but I wasn't ready. I was lost, scared, and stressed. Click To Tweet[title align=”center” type=”line”]The Job Hunt[/title]
Can we talk a little about how ridiculous companies are in regard to job experience? Because it’s something that really annoys me. I read many absurd job description. The worst one yet? A company looking for an assistant with ten years of experience to answer emails, book plane tickets, with amazing organization skills, and SOME knowledge of Imports. Guys, you have no idea how many times I wanted to reach out and send an extensive email explaining why you don’t need 10 years of experience for that position.
First, it’s not fair for the person who has those skills but has little experience; and secondly, the person who has those ten years of experience is looking for something more challenging than being an assistant with such basic requirements. A person with those many years in the corporate world has learned many things along the way. Therefore, he or she needs: 1. a better salary and 2. a better opportunity! That job had neither.
So yeah, the hunt for a full-time job after graduation wasn’t going as planned.
I was feeling hopeless, stressed, insecure, and disappointed. While my other classmates already had jobs, I was glued to my computer sending my resumes everywhere. It was super frustrating. Because not only it was a draining experience, I was applying for jobs I didn’t want to do. Do you know what else I was doing? Overthinking! Why wasn’t I good enough? Did I write the right phone number? Maybe the person in HR didn’t like my name? Or maybe I simply wasn’t what they were looking for, you know… because I didn’t match with their psychological test so my way of thinking didn’t align with the company.
- Related: 5 Ways To Stop Overthinking At Night
That part felt like Tinder in a way. I received two different emails from different companies saying: “Thanks for participating, but we don’t like the way you think”. So yeah, we didn’t match. That only made me feel worse! I was starting to believe, that actually, the problem was me. The reality of the situation was that I wasn’t going to find a job unless I made it myself. At least, that was my conclusion after four months of trying.
I was starting to believe, that actually, the problem was me. Click To TweetDid I not try enough? Maybe, but after four months I was done. It wasn’t the career I wanted to pursue in my life. I wasn’t interested in that side of the business, and I wanted to be more creative. It was something I needed. I was tired of trying to fit the mold I knew it wasn’t for me. What I wanted for myself is to fit in this world, and be successful in my own terms.
I was tired of trying to fit the mold I knew it wasn't for me. Click To TweetI had that conversation with my dad. I told him I had different views of the world and better ideas. That I could make it with my way of thinking. Sadly, he didn’t agree. Our world is how it is and we just have to adjust to it, he said. What bummer. So I tried something else. Create a business related to my degree, instead of finding a job after graduation. I wanted to build my own business by following everyone else’s rules, but with my touch.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. It wasn’t for me and I wasn’t passionate about it. In the end, I knew at the bottom of my heart, that I didn’t want to do anything related to my degree. I felt bitter about the whole situation and upset with the Melissa of the past for making bad decisions.
I knew at the bottom of my heart, that I didn't want to do anything related to my degree. Click To Tweet[title align=”center” type=”line”]Why It Is Okay To Not Have A Full-Time Job After Graduation[/title]
A whole year has passed since my graduation, and I have learned a lot on the way. It was a hard situation. No one wants to be unemployed (especially when you compare yourself to others) but I’m grateful for having the opportunity of going through that.
Not having a full-time job right after graduation, is not bad a experience. I mean, yes, it’s stressful. Especially if you are expecting that to happen, but look on the bright side, you can learn or try new things! Just take a look at this article to have an idea of what you can do after college instead of starting a full-time job. The possibilities are endless! Don’t stress over the fact that you haven’t found a job.
Not having a full-time job right after graduation, is not bad a experience. I mean, yes, it's stressful. But look on the bright side, you can learn or try new things! Click To Tweet1. Your Path To Success Is Different
I know, it’s all over social media. Friends and acquaintances are getting jobs, and it seems so easy. It’s almost unfair. You ask yourself over and over again why that can’t be you. The reality is, we are all different, so the way we reach our goals is not the same for everyone.
The fact that you couldn’t find a job after graduation doesn’t mean you are a failure (even if you feel like that). Everyone has their own ways to make it happen. Some take longer than others, and you don’t have to compare yourself. Just remember, it’s all about you. You aren’t less because you couldn’t find a job. There are some things that you can’t control and you will need to try other ways.
The fact that you couldn't find a job after graduation doesn't mean you are a failure (even if you feel like that). Everyone has their own ways to make it happen. Click To Tweet2. You Will Have Time For Other Activities
I mean yes, not having a job is not ideal, but have you thought about all the things you can do with all that free time? You might want a career change, or you might want to turn your hobby into something more serious. Or maybe you want to learn more skills that can help you to get the job of your dreams.
There are many reasons why that free time can turn into a blessing or into that something you didn’t know you needed in your life. You just have to think more about it. It can be hard sometimes, especially if you don’t know where to start, but with the right attitude, you can make the most of this situation.
Not having a job is not ideal, but have you thought of all the things you can do with all that free time? Click To Tweet3. It’s A Great Opportunity For Getting To Know Yourself
Sometimes you feel lost, or maybe you are in the middle of a quarter-life crisis. It doesn’t matter the problem you are going through. Take that time to get to know yourself better, to find what motivates you. Make lists and let yourself dream about what do you want in your life.
Maybe, what you thought was right for you, end up not being the best. There are many things that can influence you at a certain moment. We are in the transition from students to real adults, and that can be a difficult change.
It doesn't matter the problem you are going through. Take that time to find what motivates you. Make lists and let yourself dream about what do you want in your life. Click To Tweet4. Use That Need Time To Figure Out Your Next Step
Another possibility is, you might know exactly what you want, you just don’t know what to do next. Or you need time to figure out a nice plan for a new business. In that case, take that time. Don’t listen to others and focus on what it feels right for you. Like I said before, you don’t have fit society’s mold. If you want to take a risk, go for it!
Some might tell you that the best for you is to find a nice and stable job, but if that’s not for you… listen to your heart; and of course, your brain too. You graduated college after all.
For another experience about not working after college, read this article!
Don't listen to others and focus on what it feels right for you. Click To Tweet5. You Can Take A Gap Year
A gap year full of adventures! Because why not? If you have the money, go ahead and travel the world. You can learn so much by traveling. So many places to see and so many cultures to learn from. Learning is not reduced to a classroom, and there’s nothing better than doing it on the go. In a different country, meeting new people.
Are you are looking for destinations? I have 7 reasons why you should visit Chile.
Also, If you need more reasons why is okay to not have a full-time job after graduation; because, of course, you are still stressing over that and need more reassurance, you can read this article.
Learning is not reduced to a classroom, and there's nothing better than doing it on the go. In a different country, meeting new people. Click To Tweet[title align=”center” type=”line”]What Did I Learn From Not Working Right After Graduation[/title]
The most important lesson I got from all this experience is to not get frustrated easily, things happen for a reason and we need to learn how to deal with the problems that come to our way. Also, follow your heart and your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s because there’s something wrong with that. Don’t ignore it. Because I did that for over 6 months and at the end, I just wasted my time playing hide and seek.
The most important lesson I got from all this experience is to not feel frustrated easily. Also, follow your heart and your intuition. Click To TweetI knew since a very early stage of my blogging journey that being a blogger seemed something that aligned with all I wanted in my career. It’s creative, it’s a serious job (although some might not agree); and I got to be my own boss, managing my time. I’m still in the progress of growing my audience and everything related to my blog, but I’m excited and happy to choose this as my job.
Also, don’t be scared of following your dreams and finding something new that motivates you to wake up happy every day. Don’t let others influence your decisions or shame you for the path you want to follow. Yes, it’s okay to listen to their suggestions, but remember this: they are only suggestions. Suggestions and advice from people who don’t understand what you want and how you want to live your life. It’s about you.
Don't let others influence your decision or shame you for the path you want to follow. Click To Tweet[title align=”center” type=”line”]Freebie[/title]
Like I mentioned at the beginning of the post. I have a gift for you! Lately, I’ve been crazy about creating more freebies for my readers. So I really hope you enjoy this one. It’s a simple goals list, but with a nicer touch. This is perfect for the person going through a quarter-life crisis. It will help you to give your thoughts a direction.
What will you find in this free printable? A space for writing your monthly or weekly goals (or maybe even yearly goals!), a space for writing those new activities you want to try, maybe you want to start a new hobby? And few lines available for those priorities in your life that you can’t lose focus of.
To download this goals list, just subscribe to my email list. After confirming your subscription you will get an email with the link to Dropbox ready to download.
Get this free goals list! It's perfect for the person going through a quarter-life crisis. It will help you to give your thoughts a direction. Click To Tweet
What are your thoughts on this post? Where you lost after graduating college? Or you went straight to the job of your dreams? I want to know! So let me know in the comments. Also, if you feel like you want to start a conversation about it, you can send an email or you can DM me. Whatever you feel more comfortable with!
Sincerely, Melissa
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What a world! I’m going through the same thing that you did before. I graduated in 2021 and since then I did two job interviews and failed both of them. I’ve applied for multiple companies and also been struggling with the feeling that maybe I should have chosen a different course. Also, after four month of search and applying for jobs i’ve decided to go back to blogging.
Although we should not feel like failure, linkedin doesn’t make it any easier. I hope to earn money by blogging or else i’m going back to uni and starting all over again.
I’m grateful that you wrote this blog post, because it makes me feel less lonely.
thank you.
I’m so happy this post made you feel better. I was in your shoes a couple of years ago and I can tell you that it gets better. It’s very hard to go through the job search process, so don’t worry if you get many rejections. Sadly, it’s part of it. Blogging it’s a opportunity to learn new skill as well!