Real Talk: Life Post Graduation

 Hey, everyone and welcome back to my blog. For those of you who are new, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Rachel and I am a 22-year-old fashion/lifestyle blogger and recent college graduate. Nine times out of ten, the immediate response to hearing that phrase is "Congratulations! You must be so excited" and my immediate internal thought is not quite as excited as they would have guessed. While I usually like to keep things upbeat and fun here on Rachel Lynn, this has been something that has been weighing down on my mind lately. I've been inspired by other bloggers telling their story and being real, so for today's post, I'm going to take a few minutes and be real with you guys.





A friend of mine explained education and post grad in a way that really stuck. We are programmed our whole lives to move forward-- to move up. We go from grade one to two... from five to six... all the way up from junior to senior. Each year, we progress forward. And this progression is inevitable. It's what we are taught from an early age. If you aren't progressing-- moving forward, moving up-- there's something wrong. You've done something wrong.


When I graduated I felt the world at my feet. I walked across the stage at my department graduation and could image all the different paths my life could take me. At times now, I honestly have the same feeling. I am young. I will be the first to admit that. If I want to up and move across the country-- or across the world for that matter-- I could. There's nothing, save finances, holding me back. But as I sit in my apartment right now, contemplating my future, I don't feel the same excitement I once felt. And that's because life isn't always a constant growth.


Sometimes you sit still and wonder where the path you're on is leading you.

You wonder if it's leading you anywhere worthwhile at all.

And that's where I'm at right now.

"Where is this taking me?"


Because quite honestly, at this point in my life, I'm at a standstill. I'm a waitress at a restaurant in town. Cool. Good job. Glad I got an education for this. I spent my entire collegiate career convincing everyone who asked that an english degree wasn't a waste of time. That I could do something with my time when I graduated college. They all looked at me with skepticism. They all questioned who would want to hire an English Literature graduate.

And I was so confident that someone would immediately hire me. I got great grades, made the Dean's list, took up not only one but two leadership positions and studied abroad in a foreign country in a language intensive program. I helped produced an amazing musical, helped coordinate a service sorority with over 200 members, completed over 150 hours of service, got an internship with the government and worked my ass off to finish undergrad a full semester early. I am a dedicated, loyal, hard working individual, but if someone asks me what I'm doing postgrad? oh... I'm a waitress.

Now, I know something will come my way eventually because it's not that I haven't gotten job offers. Common sense and my dedication to finding the right job tells me that it will eventually find its way to me if I keep working hard. It just takes time finding the right job.

And this is what they don't tell you when you graduate. While there are some individuals who go on for more education and individuals who get hired right out of school, there are some who wait. Sometimes, you don't move forward. Sometimes you stand still and wait. And while I'm enjoying this odd time in my life, I can't help but wonder when it will end.


So I'll continue to fill my time with blogging, serving tables and anxiously awaiting interviews, because I know eventually I will get hired. Eventually, I will take that first step. It just takes some people longer than others. And for those of you out there in limbo with me, seriously, you're not alone. It happens more than you know. Hang in there & keep doing what you're doing.












xoxo,


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29 comments:

  1. Ohhhhhhh I totally feel you.

    I'm 5 years past where you are now, and it was a struggle, unfortunately I took the first job that came along and ended up stuck there instead of stuck looking for my path.

    DON'T get stuck on a bad job path, it's worse than waiting tables, I promise.

    I watch a lot of friends. I don't know why when I watched that show as a kid I thought they had their lives together.. the whole series is about how they DONT have the jobs, relationships, successes they want (until close to the end of the series) it's comforting

    xxox
    Laura @ www.cookwineandthinker.com

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    1. That's definitely part of what I'm struggling with. I don't want to take just any job, but I don't want to be too picky and be out of a job for the next year. Ya know? It's an odd middle ground, but I'm sure I'll make it past this eventually :)

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  2. It's definitely a tough adjustment post-college. Like you I was an English major, excelled in school, but the real world is different. I'm 28 now and while I have a good job (I ended up going for my masters in library science and now work as a librarian), there are many times where I still feel this way. Sounds like you've got a good perspective about it though!

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    1. The real world is 10x's different. It's good to hear other English majors are getting along just fine :)

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  3. I graduated right when the job market hit the floor. I had one of the BEST internships in the city at THE sports television station and instead of hiring interns they had to let 20+ employees go. I had no chance. I didn't want to move to the middle of no where to take a scum of the bucket TV job so instead I decided to go to grad school and after that graduation I did land a great job! Fast forward 5 years and I work from home, have a beautiful family and couldn't be happier. You will find your path...I promise!

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    1. It must have been so frustrating have the best internship out there and still not getting a job offer after graduation! It sounds like everything worked out for the best, though :)

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  4. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but it will come. I promise. Sending good vibes your way.

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    1. Thank you so much for the good vibes! It's just a waiting game at this point

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  5. Most of us don't find our way for many years after college. But for some reason it still surprises everyone!

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    1. Honestly! I feel like everyone struggles in one way or another. There's solace in knowing that, for sure.

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  6. Mwah mwah I feel ya girly. You know I love you and am so proud of you always for everything you do <3 This was such a brave and honest post and that kind of dedication is going to get you so far!! I have never doubted for a second that you would find your place. First year post grad is definitely weird and hard, and I'm always here if you need to air out some frustrations over a marg or wine!! <333

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    1. Thanks for always being my best friend, Kayleigh :) We've had our ups & downs but you're seriously amazing <3 <3 and yes, to the margs & wine. FOR SURE!

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  7. I know it must be frustrating, but it sounds like you aren't letting that get you down! I'm glad you are in a position to wait for the job that is right for you.

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    1. It definitely can be frustrating, but I feel like its out of my hands, so I'm taking things one day at a time and getting much better at being patient every day!

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  8. Good luck and hopefully you land the perfect job soon!

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  9. After I graduated it took me almost a whole year to get a job in my field. I was also waiting tables at the time. I got so discouraged when I did not have a job immediately after graduating. It sucked. Keep your head up! Something will come along! Good luck!

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  10. It's so hard but so worth it. Timing is everything and the longer you wait, the harder you hustle, the more character you build. Keep your head up!

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  11. Girl, I am SO glad you wrote this!! I just turned 22 and graduated college this past May. You're so right - NO ONE ever tells you the way it truly feels. I see lots of people landing awesome jobs but I also see ones who are in the same boat as you and I. It's comforting knowing you aren't the only one for sure! We can do it! xo

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  12. Love this! I think a big part of the 20's is all about finding yourself and figuring things out. I always thought I'd have everything figured out by now, but at 26 I can tell you I still don't and that's okay. It's all about learning as we go! ;)

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  13. Girl, I feel you. I was terrified of life post-graduation so I went on to get my masters degree. Ha! Now I'm nearing the end of that (graduation in December) and am so freaked out. Post-grad life is HARD! Especially with this economy. AND I'm a MUSICAL THEATRE major! We can both do it, though. It will take time and adjustment but we will both find careers that pertain to our degree. Keep your chin up! <3

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  14. I am SO nervous to graduate this Spring because of the real world. I mean, there is so much pressure to get a great job right out of school and I feel like that is so rare. Crossed fingers I don't loose my mind.

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  15. I love this post because not too long ago I was in your shoes! It's a good reminder to take your time in choosing the right first job because it will help set the tone for your career path - whatever it may be! Thanks for sharing :)

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  16. Girl you GOT THIS! Remember, it's only a season. Keep your head up high because you have so much to be proud about!

    Keep smiling!
    Molly | www.stylemissmolly.com

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  17. Don't worry about the post graduation stuff. You'll be great...you've already have come this far!

    Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com

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  18. I graduated 5 years ago and let me tell you you are on track. At 22 I was working in a insurance office my last semester of college and for a few months afterwards. You will find your path and I think the question I hated was, "What are you going to do?" Because it was like ummm I'm doing it lol

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  20. LOVED this post, and I'm so happy I stumbled across your blog from The Blog Passion Project. I recently began my first job although it involved relocated to Erie, Pa (two hours north of Pittsburgh). Although I wanted to stay in New York, I knew taking this job would be an amazing opportunity and it was worth it. But trust me when I say I applied to SO many job before accepting the one that was best for me. A few months later, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Don't feel the need to rush the process. Once you find the right job, you'll know--I promise! If you don't mind, I want to share this in my October edition of "5 Posts I Loved." This definitely resonated with me, and I'm sure so many recent grads need to read this. Lovely post!

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  21. I absolutely love this post. I am currently in my third year of college and cannot wait to be done. I am so nervous about when I graduate though because I have no idea what direction life will take me afterwards. Right now I know that my next step is essentially going to my next class. I have direction and guidance. Afterwards, who knows.

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  22. I appreciated your post and like your article .

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