By NATALIE SACKET
Columnist
Each day, I remind myself it’s going to be okay.
Maybe not great, but sometimes okay is the most you can hope for.
I’ve always been the gal with a plan, but the looming graduation date keeps reminding me that I have no idea what I’m doing next.
And I’m learning that’s okay.
I believe many of us are beginning to feel the crushing worries caused by attempting to find a post-graduation job.
This is the official insertion into adulthood.
What is perhaps most frightening is losing my idealistic sense of “everything works out.” We were the generation that grew up always hearing that hard work, dedication and hope will ultimately bring you the success for which we yearn. We are also the generation realizing that’s not necessarily true.
You do everything you’ve always been advised to do. I’ve gone my whole life, 4.00 GPA (except for a B in like… third grade), extensive volunteer work, being overly involved in extracurricular activities. My full resume is three pages, 9 pt. font. And yet, I am really struggling to find a job. I’m about three weeks out from looking for waitressing positions.
I’ve applied to probably at least three dozen jobs and counting and have heard minimal positive feedback.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not naïve or conceited enough to think that I’m entitled to a slew of job opportunities. I just never imagined that searching for a job would be quite so scary. And it’s not just me. I know of a 4.0, soon-to-be graduate of OSU who double majored in mechanical and petroleum engineering who is struggling to find job opportunities.
Don’t think I am merely complaining about my current fears of entering the prospect-less job market. I swear there is a point to my ramblings.
Not everything goes as expected. Your plans may not work out, no matter how hard you might work for them. It’s important to be flexible with your expectations. You might not get a dream job, or even a third-choice job, and that’s okay. It’s okay to work an entry-level job for awhile that you don’t necessarily love. All of the cliché quotes about life’s disappointments come into mind, and I’m finding that they are so true. Life will not go as planned, and that’s okay.
It’s all going to be okay.