I’ve managed to put off job hunting for an entire year and, now that I’m here, it sucks just as much as I thought it would. The good thing is I am able to work full time while I hunt–having a family business helps with that. I spend two afternoons a week searching job postings online at my local library. Since beginning the process a couple of weeks ago, I’ve discovered that job hunting is really hard. My mom told me that looking for your first job is like throwing jello at a wall: you throw out possibilities and hope that something sticks.
Part of my dilemma is that I’m not really sure what I want. I feel like my mental image of the future changes every other day. One day, I’m dreaming of moving closer to the cities. The next, I’m imagining life in a small town in the northern part of the state. I want to stay in Minnesota and, ideally, don’t want to be too far from my family. But… what do I actually want to do? I think I’d be good in an administrative/receptionist position. But the problem is… so are lots and lots of other people.
How come there isn’t a magical job fairy that looks at your skills and then bestows you with fitting work?
So far, in addition to a number of secretary positions, I’ve applied for a couple temp-to-hire agencies in the Minneapolis area. My resume is currently circulating around my mom’s vast network of professionals around the state. I have also reached out to several of my friends who have recently found jobs and picked their brains for tips and cover letter samples.
I feel like I’m not asking for much… an entry-level job that won’t suck my soul, will build on my skills, and will keep the bills paid while I apply for graduate school and get my masters online.
In many ways, I’m exactly where I was a year ago: a college graduate living with their parents, pulling weeds full-time on the family farm. But, unlike a year ago, I’m ready to move on. Heck, I’m even willing to throw jello on the wall to get out of here.
Hopefully, something will turn up.
