Are you amongst the millions of US college graduates still clamoring for a job in this crazy job market? It seems all your efforts for a job is fruitless? You may feel frustrated, let-down, and sometimes down-right mad. Have no fear; there is hope!!. Ruminating about the obvious will only increase your anxieties. So you must take steps to normalize the problem by looking outside your personal cubicle; only to see that you are not alone in your quest.
Joblessness can lead to hopelessness and even depression. According to a report from the National Alliance of Mental Illness which stated that, "The World Health Organization has warned that the global crisis will likely cause increased mental health problems and suicides as people cope with poverty and unemployment " (October, 2008).
So how do you see yourself surviving this crisis? Often our expectations in life precedes the reality of our current circumstances. We must make an assessment of the availability of our expectations and make adjustments to suit. Have you considered finding a job that does not require a college degree? Understandably; after all the time in school and all the money expended, you just can't phantom not working in your field or even finding a job in it's equivalent. But have you?
For many college graduates this may do a job on your self esteem and even your self worth; but do not allow the prospect of a lower paying job to fool you into thinking that, that's where you will stay forever, and you become paralyzed and do nothing but stare at the walls. Although you may not find a job in your area of study you can always find a job that just pays the bills in the meantime. Taking a job beneath your post graduation expectations can be difficult; but, "You have to change your thinking in order to change your outlook/outcome."
Accepting a regular job pays the bills for many other Americans without college degrees, so settling in and finding one won't hurt. "It would be a benefit to you in the long-run." Many employers hire their next employees from a pool of already working people (Sounds Crazy, but it's True) In other words... Working Anywhere Could Lead to Your Next job Offer. Adjusting your thinking and focusing on what's before you; Soon enough you will reach the top, but you may have to start low. Why, even the Eagle flies low before soaring/reaching to great heights. A lesson in humility may be too large a pill to swallow , "You think" but believe me you may need to go into survival mode, and not allow failure to determine your future.
You may even consider going back to school, and get an advanced degree, like a Masters, or Doctorate. Sometimes college graduates can earn income through work study; Research Assistant-ships, Scholarships and Fellowships. (From personal experience, after seven months of job hunting to no avail; I choose to pursue an advanced degree. I made use of Fellowships, Graduate Research Assistant-ships, and Scholarships. There are days when I have highs and lows, but all-in-all I found a way to keep the lights on. I never quit, I still job hunt everyday, and maintain a positive attitude and I smile, even laugh as much as possible.
If you are already at the top of your educational goals, take heart, there is a place for everyone. Taking a cooking class,computer class, or volunteering at the local nursing home or hospital (Just Pouring Fresh Water for a patient can change your perspective and will eliminate stagnation.) It may mean the difference between Pride and Perseverance. Sometimes you have to use your skills to create a job for yourself and some other desperate souls. Even starting a small home based business from a personal interest or hobby may lead to income in your pocket. Finally, do it the old fashioned way; check your local Sunday papers for leads on job openings or even the local TV station websites post job openings. Enter contest for scholarships and grant offerings, by writing essays, poems and articles even research proposals can bring that needed extra income.
Hey don't give up!! Persistence is Key
"Winners Never Quit; and Quitters Never Win." . Vince Lombardi.
