A fun fact about me:  I’m the youngest of three girls.  When I would get picked on or beat up by my ruthless older sisters, I would scream at the top of my lungs, “It’s! Not! FAAAIIRRRRR!” Now, even though I am much older and much more “mature”, this favorite phrase of mine still pops into my head every now and then.

For those of you recent college graduates, you will scream this phrase many, many, times. One of the first injustices of the real world you will encounter is when you start applying for your first big kid job. 

When you’ve done 5 internships, graduated with honors, worked a part-time job, and maintained your sanity for 4 years you deserve a good paying job immediately right? Of course you do, but it takes a lot longer than you will expect.

The first 3-6 months after graduation day are strange. Your days of running around hectically all of the sudden come to a stand still. You are job searching, writing numerous cover letters a day and are flat out bored.  The constant rejection from potential employers is depressing and you can’t understand why you’ve worked so hard in college when it’s obviously not paying off.

First of all, let me assure you (forgive the bad break up line) it’s not YOU it’s actually THEM. Almost every single college graduate is in the same boat as you are.  Jobs are hard to come by and most jobs are for people with a lot of experience.  And eventually, you will find something to pay off those lingering student loans. In the meantime to satisfy your busy body needs, here are a few tips.

Volunteer

What a great way to fill up the long days of daytime television and leftover pizza.  Volunteering is not only a terrific way to lift your spirits but it can also build your resume.  Try volunteering for something that relates to the field of work you’re interested in.  You never know, you may discover you’d rather do something else or you may be reassured of you career choice. You may also discover a passion you never knew you had.

Network

Look up all networking events your city or college offer and attend them. Be sure to bring copies of your resume and your best attitude.  While networking with other professionals, don’t whine and moan about how tough the job market is. Talk about how your positive you’ll find something and the line of work you’re interested in. Potential employers will remember the upbeat college graduate and forget about the complainer.

Get your frustrations out

I’m not going to sugar coat it. Being jobless right out of college sucks and can hit your self-esteem.  Remember, it’s ok to be mad and frustrated. Find healthy ways to vent your frustrations.  When I was unemployed and going through my depressing can’t find a job stage, I went to the gym every day and worked out.  While I ran, I thought about my frustrations, fears and concerns. By the time I was finished, I felt like a lot of stressed was released.  If working out isn’t your cup of tea, take up a hobby or ask a friend or family member if you could vent for a few minutes. The more negative energy you get out, the more room there is for positive energy to come in. 

When we were sweating through classes and working wee hours into the night on a class project, we relied heavily on the comfort that we were working towards our first big kid job after college.  When we graduate, we expect employers to be lining up to interview us.  Sadly, this is not how life works. The hard work we did for  four years doesn’t just end--we still have to keep going. But always remember, those who keep at it and keep trying are rewarded. Be patience, remain positive, work hard, be ethical, and you will win at life. 

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