Setting proper expectations for entering the job market post-graduation.
By Marissa Mitchell
While you’re wrapping up your high school years and preparing for your next step, people begin to warn you about how hard the “real world” is. However, without proper explanation, that warning can be rather mystifying. If you’re anything like me, you might even dismiss the warnings, because you believe you have it all figured out. Well, two things are true. First, the warnings are warranted. Second, you do have it all figured out. But sometimes, that is the very problem. Sometimes, we are so well-planned and expectant, that we can trip over ourselves. Sometimes, we get in our own way.
When asked to provide guidance on the first couple years of post-graduation life, I can best summarize it by these five key pieces of advice. I can assure you, based on the wins and losses I experienced first-hand, these tips will definitely help you:
1. Be humble enough to start at the bottom and work your way up.
There are many different studies and trends that state the position of the economy. Moreover, there are many opinions about the state of the economy. In short, we are trending steady. Not booming, not tanking, just staying put. It is difficult to say if this is a “good” or “bad” thing. One thing that I can tell you - the job market is very slim. To add insult to injury, wages are stagnated. And for some extra salt in the wound, the cost-of-living continues to increase. I don’t tell you this to worry you, I tell you this to caution you. Be cautious of your spending, your expectations, and your decision-making.
2. Don’t chase money. Chase your dreams.
In this market, you have to play the long game. This market is tough for
everyone—whether you have a degree or not. The best thing you can do is develop as many skill sets as you can, so that you can be as versatile as possible. Remember, most people are not making much money, so that should not be your expectation. Instead, your main goal should be finding a work environment where you feel stimulated and fulfilled. Be patient, be humble, and work tirelessly.
3. Always have a side-job.
Unfortunately, there is no get-rich-quick scheme or fail-proof career path. No matter what you choose to do, you are going to need to work hard and be consistent. Whether you decide to go straight into a 9-5 job setting, enroll in college, enlist in the military, or start a trade, you should always have a “Plan B”, a “Side-Job”, a “Passion Project”, or anything of the sort.
For example, maybe you get a job working as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, but you happen to love photography. Instead of throwing a fit that you don’t get to be a photographer, this is what I want you to do: Keep showing up for your day-job and be appreciative for that job. When you are there, be the best employee you can be, be respectful, and refrain from talking about your personal life or other interests. However, on nights and weekends, you are your own boss. You run the show. You should be working your craft/hobby/or side-job as much as you can. Explore creative avenues and network to find potential clients that you can collaborate with, or even to sell products or services to. Depending on how serious you are about your side-job, it could potentially turn into your own business, which might even replace your day-job. Now, this won’t happen overnight. But believe me, if you stay after it, you can really make this work for you.
4. Keep your vision, but let go of your expectations.
I can’t stress this enough -- L E T G O of your expectations. Always, always, always have a vision of what you want your future to look like, but for your own sake, let go of your expectations. We can’t control life, or what happens to us, but we can at least control our perspective. A lot of times, we break our own hearts with our expectations. At almost every milestone of my life, I have ended up being disappointed. Usually, it was because I had dreamed up some idealistic version of the event, and then when the milestone finally came around, I was let down, because it couldn’t live up to my fairytale. Everytime I graduated, I also experienced this same type of disappointment or depression. I kept thinking “Once I graduate, I’m going to get an amazing job, I’m going to move to some great place, I’m going to get married...” and blahblah blah. Now, all of those expectations are reasonable, but my timeline for it was unreasonable. Of course, all those great things are going to happen for me, especially since I worked so hard for it all. However, it did not all happen quickly nor at the same time. Give yourself time. Give your destiny a chance to manifest. Standards, goals, plans, and all of that, are great, but you can’t let them overtake you. Have some faith and let go.
5. Be fearless.
Now, that you’ve read the warnings and cautions, and heard the stories. Pick out the parts that apply you to the most. Implement the suggestions into your life, when applicable. But other than that, go forth and learn and have fun. Go be fearless. Give it your best shot and JUMP IN! The best time is right now. Don’t be ordinary. Go be extraordinary. Good Luck Future Leader!!!!!
Marissa Mitchell is a 25-year-old Doctoral Student. She resides in Southern Arizona, where she is also a business owner, a writer, and a substitute teacher. Mitchell received a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and a Master’s degree in Sport Management. She has been writing for LaTeen/American Teen since high school.