Sometimes, It Ain't Pretty
I had my whole post planned out for this week. It was going to be inspirational, motivating and informative. However, I had a change of heart the other day and decided that I needed to talk about what was really on my mind and that I think many of us recent grads can relate to. I sometimes get so focused on writing such a polished post in hopes that everyone will love it, but what I really need to do is to not be afraid of writing things that can’t be tied up all nice and neat into a bow.
That’s the kicker about this transition labeled “post-grad life”… sometimes, it ain’t pretty.
A few weeks ago I had a co-worker kindly mention, “You only have a month or so left ‘til you are unemployed right?” My initial reaction was an eye roll and, “Gee, thanks for the reminder; it must have slipped my mind…” but what he said resonated within me and slowly the uncomfortable twinge from deep inside me started to sound the sirens.
When I graduated in May things were so hunky-dory. Whenever anyone asked me what my plans were following graduation I would proudly state I had an eight month internship lined up in Dallas. I was strutting around thinking I was doing pretty good for myself to have eight months of my life locked down and planned out before I even received my diploma.
Fast forward to six months later, and now it’s less than a month until the end of my internship, and I have no firm career plans to speak of. This lack of a plan should be terrifying, but for some reason I’m not in panic mode yet.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m not just sitting around and waiting for a career to plop into my lap because I don’t even think it is in my DNA to sit around and do nothing.
At the risk of sounding like a stereotypical entitled millennial snob, I believe deep down that I am a pretty great catch for the workforce. I promise I say that as transparently humble as possible. I know that does sound a bit entitled but to a certain extent I believe you have to have a level of confidence that you fully believe you are the most qualified individual (this is especially for my fellow females).
I also refuse to settle. One thing this internship has shown me is that being passionate about your work and enjoying your co-workers make stressful moments and long days way more bearable. I hold myself to a high standard, so why should where I choose to work be any different?
Does this mean I’m going on strike from the working world until offered a high-paying salary, full benefits and paid vacation? Heck no, because life is expensive (can I get an amen?).
But I will be patient for the right opportunity to come my way, always reminding myself to never settle and to acknowledge my self-worth. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and when one rejection letter closes another application could open.
This is a very stressful transition in our lives and it ain’t always pretty, but ten years from now I can only imagine what our lives will look like and how this moment of transition will just be a distant memory for us all.
