Catching my break & the truth about life after college

Every now and then I talk to one of my college friends about the fact that college doesn’t put enough emphasis on life after graduation. Professors say they are preparing you for the real world, but the messy truth is, they gloss over how hard it is to really enter into the ideal industry and job for you. They glamorize that you’ll be able to get a job right out of college in your degree. And I was one of those starry-eyed graduates that desperately wanted to believe that I had what it took to immediately break into the lifestyle industry.

Side note — Something college professors also don’t prepare students for is choosing a job and industry that allows them to lead the kind of lifestyle they want. It’s not always about getting a degree in what you’re interested in or good at doing, it’s about searching for a job that lets you balance work and life. Do you want a steady 9-5 or does building your own schedule work better for you? Do you want to work alone or meet with clients on the daily? Do you want to be out and about or do you prefer pouring over excel worksheets? Luckily I think I was able to answer those questions when I was still in college but I don’t think is stressed enough.

Anyway, back to that “dream job out of college” lie. I don’t want to degrade the people who did actually get amazing jobs shortly after graduating. But honestly, everyone has different opportunities, different work ethics, and different experiences that lead them to getting that amazing job, and — let’s face it — it takes more than a little bit of luck, too.

I worked HARD in college. I was juggling a double major (and double minor), extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and maintaining a social life. I had a fantastic resume, was confident in my experiences, and yet I got turned down at every job I applied to after graduating.

I finally earned an internship at a magazine in Richmond, and that started my post-college life in the capital of Virginia. And yet I didn’t manage to catch my break in writing until two years after walking across the stage to get my diploma. Yep — after over two years, I was offered a job as a copywriter for a home decor company. (Today was day one!)

All of that to say a few things:

• Hard work pays off. I took up freelancing jobs while I was a barista and doing eyewear consulting just to keep myself in the game. Eventually, someone will notice.
• Sometimes, your work ethic, your personality, and your character speak louder than your resume.
• Don’t take the journey for granted. Of course I would have loved to break into the writing industry sooner. But looking back, I wouldn’t change it. Why not?? I learned so much about myself in those 2 years before getting this job. I gained lifelong friends. I gained more confidence in my capabilities. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
• There is no straight line from point A to B. This relates to the previous point. Even though the journey may be longer than expected, don’t lose sight of your goal.