After graduating college and being unemployed for 3 months...

[Project Grudge]

I finally got a job. It's not a good job and I don't like it. It pays $10.00 an hour and I can't live off of it, but it's something. In this economy and stuff, I just feel lucky to be employed! I start in a week doing 3rd shift cubicle work. (I still think something is wrong when a graduate with two BAs, a 3.6 GPA, and all of this from a Big Ten school can't get a decent job.)


Here's to me!

[sasquatch]

1. Where'd you graduate from

[Patiod]

2. The first job after college sometimes sucks

I graduated from a Big Ten school (well, it is now) in the middle of a recession, and worked as a receptionist (which REALLY sucked).

Ended up falling into a business I didn't even know existed (market research).

One word of advice - you need connections to get a good job. So become a networking machine. Stay in touch with everyone (get on Linked In right now), join everything that you can that doesn't cost much (like the local chapter of the alumni association, arts groups, etc.) Get over any shyness you might have and get out there.

You know what makes people feel important? Helping someone get a job. Tell EVERYONE about your job hunt, especially people older than you - uncles, aunts, cousins - everybody. That nice librarian you always talk to? She might be married to a guy who owns a company and is hiring. That guy on your softball team? His girlfriend is looking for a part-timer (who might have the opportunity to go full time). I know it's old, but it's so true - it's all about networking. Not using people - not pretending to be friends in order to get something - just letting folks know your situation. At parties, at church, at the soltice celebration - EVERYWHERE. If you're not volunteering for Obama, you're missing a big opportunity right there. Get involved with your local Democratic party - it's free, and you'll meet people in your community.

True story: I was painting a set for a theater group I belonged to. My friend Nick, a math major from an Ivy League university, was complaining that he was unemployed. After lunch I was painting with Patty, who was bitching that her company kept saddling her with incompetent people who couldn't add 2+2. I went over, grabbed Nick, dragged him over to Patty, and said "you two - talk about work" and walked away. Patty knew Nick, but had no idea he was unemployed. She ended up hiring Nick, and getting his foot in the door to a good job. *I* couldn't help Nick, but I happened to know that Patty could - so don't discount anyone.

Sorry - Rant over. I feel like I'm getting to talk to my younger self.

[TZ]

3. I graduated in 1991 in the middle of another recession

It took me SIX years to get into my field (biology) it took me six months to find a retail job...
I understand..keep plugging. It might take awhile but you'll get there.

[PfcHammer]

4. Sheet. Any job is a good job. Prolly

pretty soon it'll be,
"There was always a recession..."

[ThomCat]

5. I hope you can move out of that job quickly

and move up into something much better. :hug:

[progressoid]

6. I know people with masters degrees and decades of experience working $9/hour jobs.

Cheers to you. :toast: Hope it get's better for you.

[PVnRT]

7. What are your degrees in?

Two BA's are not a guarentee of work and success. Getting BA's in Latin and Art History may be something you lvoe, and good for you, but the job prospects outside of the Catholic Church are pretty grim.