I feel as though I have reach a particularly unique point in my life. I finished my major courses last semester and am taking only eight credits right now to complete my two minors. It is amazing to have a lot of free time after being in school, well, basically forever. I planned for this semester to be this way because I really wanted to take my time with the job search — doing research, weighing my options, networking etc. Ideally, I will have a full time job in place before April. I have definitely made the job search a priority over the past couple of months, and despite all of the free time as well as the contacts I have, I get pangs of stress and self-doubt when thinking about my future. I think this is because of a mixture of things. Although I know what I am passionate about, I’m not exactly positive about what job title would be best. By the same token, though, it has always excited me not knowing exactly what will happen (as long as I have a strong foundation and/or something to fall back on). Again, it is a unique point in my life because I go from being confident in my accomplishments and my endeavors to kind of freaking out about what’s going to happen.
I currently have two job offers on the table; neither of which I want. The first is with the marketing firm in Phoenix, Arizona where I interned this past summer. While this was a valuable experience, I know that I can get a better salary and would like to work somewhere larger — this company had only about 15 employees. The second offer is a sales position in D.C., and while the money would be good, they seem a little scummy. Hence, I am experiencing a lot of moral dilemmas and prioritizing when considering my next steps. Will I sell out for something I’m not passionate about? Do I want to move across the country and start fresh? Will moving to a big city right off the bat be too expensive? How much risk can I take? So many questions! Need answers! Clearly I am currently experiencing the “freaking out about what’s going to happen” side of my new dual personality. Granted, tomorrow I could wake up and not have a worry in the world.
Actually, I’ll try to switch to “not a worry in the world” right now. At the end of the day, I have offers, so I know I can get a job. I have a fabulous Excel spreadsheet with all the many places I’ve applied and status updates for each place. I have met INCREDIBLE people here at Penn State, many of whom have graduated and have impressive connections and advice. The College of Communication’s Career Fair isn’t even until April 7 (this scares me, but reiterates the fact that many in my college aren’t even concerned about getting a job right this second because the hiring process for comm jobs is usually very speedy). I may have an in with Teen Vogue! I have been chatting with a women at the Game Show Network! Everything will work out the way it needs to.
However, it should probably work out soon, or I might get a little too cranky.
As a sophomore, I am already nervous about not finding a job that I want. Notice, I said that “I want.” As an engineer, I am sure I will be able to find a job somewhere, but will it be the right job for me? Like you, I want to consider the location, the other employees, the atmosphere, the salary, etc. It is a stressful process I am sure, but you seem to be on the right track. You sound very organized and if you’ve already completed your major classes and have two minors, I am sure any job would be lucky to have you. Hope it all goes well!
Nicole,
If anyone can do it, I have confidence that it’s you! You have incredible presence, and I’m sure even if you choose to wait until the comm career fair, you’ll have options!
One thing I wanted to offer you is the idea of working to live rather than living to work. I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I want to do–I certainly enjoyed interning with the company that I’ll now be working for but I still have qualms about settling down with one job because I’d like to continue exploring my passions. Whether you choose a job that is your absolute perfect job or one that might just be a good learning experience for the time being, i hope you continue to work to live, have a great time being young, alive and free. And please, please come to visit after graduation we can seek out those experiences together!
Good luck! I know you will be amazing wherever you go!
Anj
Hi Nicole! You’ve certainly hit a new benchmark in your life! I can sympathize a tiny bit with the feelings you’re having, as I’m currently hunting for a summer internship and definitely fluctuate between being confident I will score one I like and feeling desperate to just track down anything I can. Obviously, your situation is a bit more high-stakes though. I think you did have a good analysis at the end — you have a lot to be positive about, and I’m always of the belief that everything will work out the way it should if you put the effort in and aren’t complacent about life. You certainly aren’t being complacent. Good luck with everything! Like you said, try not to worry too much, as you are way ahead of the game!