Graduating During This Economic Climate: Part 2

For recent grads, no matter what you majored in, odds are you’re trying to figure out how to conquer this economic monster known as the recession. It threatens to leave you jobless, hopeless and aimless in the pursuit of your independence and career happiness. 

I know the first time I stared the demon in the eyes, I felt paralyzed. How do I get my foot in the door to becoming a journalist? Who’s really hiring writer’s right now? What type of pay should I expect? Is writing really going to pay the bills? Did I pick the right major to bet my life’s stability on? Doubt, fear and uncertainty became an overwhelming cocktail of emotions to take down.

So instead of trying to tackle the infinite obstacles racing through my head all at once, I pulled back and reverted to “baby stepping” my way through the turmoil. It may sound juvenile or even too simple a method for such a complex problem, but it helped me maintain my sanity and it might help you too. The negative stories, headlines and statistics about the recession and how it was slamming young grads' dreams didn’t stop from appearing. What changed, however, was my attitude towards those challenges.  

While factors and circumstances affecting each of our futures vary tremendously, here are the three issues I felt could be relatable to most. 

Challenge #1: Stereotypes of the “lost generation”

The “lost generation” is described as those ranging from the ages of 16- to 24-years-old just starting their careers. It’s believed employers will lose the vitality of fresh young minds in the workplace as recent grads are deprived of experience and lose motivation in light of rising unemployment rates. Possible solutions to maintaining your drive: take the lull in the workforce to pursue higher degrees, seek out paid internships as a potential means to employment or perhaps look into entrepreneurship and apprenticeship programs. Creativity and resourcefulness are vital to helping you remain motivated.  

Challenge #2: Unemployment statistics

In a recent story, msnbc.com reported the nation lost another 85,000 jobs in December. Since the recession's start in 2007, it brings the total of jobs lost to more than 8 million. Depressing, I know.

Possible solutions: while full-time positions may not be readily available, reports have indicated companies adding over 160,000 temp positions since July. For those of you still looking for work, the following link provides some direction to the industries now hiring. Companies Hiring This Month, MSN Careers.

Challenge #3: Becoming boomerang children.

As the name, many young grads may be moving back in with their parents after moving out to help bear the brunt of the economic downturn. With years of college experience, a degree and a taste of independence, it’s probably the last predicament you’d want to find yourself in. If this is your reality, a possible solution for coming to terms with the situation is: think of your parents more as your roommates. Hopefully the ground rules will be flexible, the fix is understood to be temporary and after all, being back home essentially means a roof over your head, a place to sleep and just a means to an end in the long run. Try and let go of some of the negative preconceptions associated with living at home and realize in hard times being able to turn to family for help can truly be a blessing in disguise. 

As for me, luckily a year after my graduation date I find myself writing for a well known entertainment and lifestyle magazine, part of the editorial team for a new publication debuting later this year, heading the public relations department for a fabulous up and coming fashion designer and guest blogging here for TheOnlineGrapevine. Some of my writing work is paid while other projects are not, but they are definitely worth the experience. Am I exactly where I want to be with my career? Not necessarily. But I’m a little bit closer than I thought I would be, that’s for sure.  

Hopefully by sharing some of the positive details I was able to turn to throughout the previous year will help turn some of your sour lemons into a sweeter cup of lemonade.