Dealing with unemployment - anyone else?

[NbyNW]

I think it's rare that anyone has their ideal job just out of school, even when the economy is doing well. However, I may just have a tinted view, seeing as every time I finish a degree there seems to be a recession going on.

Taking a job in the short term to meet your financial obligations and pay for food and the roof over your head does not mean you have to give up your dreams. It may mean putting them on hold for a little while.

You may pick up skills and experience along the way that seemed totally irrelevant, but will help you to succeed at your dreams in the long run.

Waiting tables/working retail may help you hone valuable communication skills; office admin work/data entry could give you the management skills that you could call on to run your own business someday. Working for thoroughly unpleasant people may help you develop your own management philosophy for the day when you are the one calling the shots.

For me, the mental strength has come in small moments: feeling a sense of accomplishment that I was the one paying the bills, and no longer needed to ask my parents for help; getting out of debt and staying out; and for me it was later that I figured out what I wanted to do, so each step in that direction was a moment where I had to dig deep and find the inner strength and the social support to do it.

Like others, I have had short periods where I had to move back in with my parents -- twice due to injury -- and it wasn't my first choice. But you do what you have to do and then you get back out there.

You'll be okay. You've survived the rigors of design school (been there), which means that you know how to work hard. And you know how to work long hours. If you stay healthy and uninjured, really that's all you need.

[jessica47201]

Have you tried getting a job, bartending? The more outgoing and unique the bartender the better, and if you can play the game right you can make some killer tips!!!!

[solobiker]

Have you tried getting a job, bartending? The more outgoing and unique the bartender the better, and if you can play the game right you can make some killer tips!!!!

I would have to agree with the above post.

I work and have worked in the same field for over 15 years and it is not accepted to have pink hair or visable tattoos. Currently where I work they require anyone that has any tattoos on their arms, face, neck, hands..etc that they are covered with clothing and if they can't be covered with clothes then they have to wear a bandaide over them. And their hair can not be an "unatural color" Unfortunately it is just the image it protrays. It has nothing to do with the older generation not understanding, heck several years ago...yes before my time in the work force women were not allowed to wear pants to work..that was huge! My Mom told me how she (she as a PE teacher) had to wear skirts. Now look at how teachers dress. Times have changed. Sorry, I didn't mean to digress.

I wish you the best.

[TxDoc]

Can you go back to school, and like study for an advance degree or maybe a different major? School could be a good place to be - for sure better than venturing into Europe where unemployment is even higher then here. Our hospital laid off many people last year after the hurricane - and I know several that decided to go back to school and use this difficult time to make themselves more qualified and easier to place on the job market.
It could be a temporary solution to the problem - and a good investment for the future. Also, some schools allow you to work part-time in the institution and grant you a small salary - and that would help you with repaying debt or at least make up living expenses.