Graduation!! Now What?

Welp,

if you’ve seen my posts the last couple weeks, you know that I recently graduated college. YAY! Actually, I am currently in summer school until July, so I am a bit early on the celebrating. However, thinking about being done with school is feeling more scary now than anything else. I have waited years to not be restricted by my class and study schedule (plus a part time job), but as my dream is coming true, I’m freaking out. I do not have a job lined up, competition is fierce, and I honestly feel unprepared. I know many people feel the same way, but I also know there are others who have some of this all figured out. I am trying to exercise patience, which is not my strong suit, but am slowly coming to peace with the idea of not rushing my life.

Applying for jobs can be very stressful and make you feel inadequate. I have already been denied by 3 companies in the last month and others have just not responded. It’s extremely discouraging, and I was beginning to get frustrated. On the bright side, it has pushed me to work even harder. For example, me starting this Instagram and blog has pushed my creative ability, tested my time management skills, and helped me narrow down my dream. I graduated with a degree in marketing, but I never knew exactly what direction I wanted to go, which I’m sure many people can relate to. It seems like it should be simple, but thinking of choosing one career for the remainder of your life is daunting. You don't want to make the wrong choice, but in reality, eventually you will end up where you are supposed to. This thought has helped me take a step back and enjoy where I am currently. It has also helped me see the bigger picture and find what my interests are. For example, I have always loved art in every sense, so I recently realized I prefer digital marketing, photography, and graphic design for my marketing path. I hope you all can sense this from my page 😊 Side note: I also have chosen to up my skills and signed up for a Photoshop class because, man, that program is difficult (new found respect for all graphic designers).

As I have narrowed down my dream, I have also become more zen with the concept of not following the straight path that I expected I would. I was one of those people who had the step by step life planned out in my head. By this I mean high school, college, and then a career right off the bat. However, I have slowly drifted from this road because there are so many experiences I am dying to have. I know I am not unique in this sense, but I want to travel and live my twenties in the freest way possible (while still being responsible and holding onto a job). I think it is okay to put off having the perfect job in order to avoid getting stuck and missing out on some opportunities that may come my way. I envy those that have the courage to pick up and move, quit their job, travel alone, or live life with some uncertainty. This can be even scarier than deciding on a career due to the lack of stability, but hey that's what being young is for.

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Anyway, apologies for the word vomit and slight rant, but gathering my thoughts is easier on paper, and I am hoping that this jumbled post can give some of you a little comfort that I am lost on my future and struggling to come up with a plan. Best advice I can give is to take it day by day and pay attention to the activities and moments that give you joy, and hopefully taking note of these will lead you closer to your passion.