She Strengthens

The Reality Check: Navigating the Challenges of Post-Grad Life

You’ve got a vision of your ideal post-grad life: a high-rise office with stunning views, trendy coworkers, and a social calendar filled with happy hours and girls’ nights. But, let’s get real – that’s not always the reality.

Rethinking the Dream

I used to think that a glamorous job in the city was my destiny, but as I approached graduation, my perspective shifted. Living in New York City for two years had taken its toll, and I began to crave the comfort and familiarity of small-town life back in Connecticut. I still wanted a fancy office, but I realized that achieving that straight out of college was unlikely.

The Job Hunt Struggle is Real

Finding a job in 2017 was tough. With a degree and internship experience, I thought I’d be a shoo-in, but many jobs required three or more years of experience – a daunting statistic considering 61% of full-time entry-level jobs have this requirement. And, to make matters worse, being “overqualified” can also be a barrier to landing a job.

Moving Back Home: A Necessary Evil?

According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of young adults living at home has been increasing, with 15% of 25-to-35-year-olds living with their parents in 2016. While some might blame job scarcity, it’s more likely that lower pay is the culprit. I was one of the lucky ones, scoring a full-time job that paid more than minimum wage, but many of my peers weren’t so fortunate.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

So, what can you do to overcome these obstacles?

• Apply Anyway: Don’t let job descriptions intimidate you. Many companies are willing to train the right candidate, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.
• Start a Side Hustle: Supplement your income and gain valuable experience by taking on a part-time gig, like tutoring or social media management.
• Consider a Lower Cost of Living: Moving to a new place might require sacrifices, but it could also mean living independently, having a larger apartment, and enjoying more leisure activities.
• Continue Learning Online: The internet offers a wealth of opportunities for online learning. Keep building your skill set to increase your chances of landing better job opportunities.

By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of post-grad life and create a reality that’s closer to your dreams.