It's graduation season or as the young folks say and hashtag "gradszn."
Despite what a lot of people say and think (especially when it comes to people of color) school still matters. People who finish and make their way into the workforce make more money over time and set themselves up for success. No I won't go into the whole issue of student debt and what not as my name should be King Forbearance right now, but know, overall, college grads make more.
But what folks don't tell you is that while sun, stars, bottomless mimosas and weekends off with activities fill your head......I'm here to tell you, at least for me.....it's been complete ass for the most part.
The First Job: The Real Masters Degree
I'm of the thought process, and it could just be me, that a Masters in certain disciplines is pretty worthless. As with anything, you can twist any degree into making it sound like you're a fucking Einstein. But by in large, your first job is your masters curriculum.
In my case, journalism is a doing field. So me being in a masters program will have done nothing to enhance my career. At best, I would've been employed in a newsroom part time while working towards an advanced degree. On top of that, a masters degree in journalism is essentially a teaching degree. I have no desire to do that in a classroom setting with how fucked higher education is.
The Role People Play
Life in Lincoln wasn't too fun on a personal level. Mainly because it was so different than what I was use to in Chicago. Even living off and on in Lincoln, the goal was to graduate, pack my shit, leave and never come back to Nebraska except for the occasional football game. Obviously that wasn't the case and God only knows why, but quality people made the stay more tolerable. When you interact with folks, always do so with caution, but understand that almost everyone is a potential friend. Now if you don't mesh, you don't mesh. There have been people in and out of the newsroom that I don't mess with, but that's life. But when you surround yourself with good people, good things will happen.
Finances
The elephant in the room that people in the business don't want to discuss for whatever is the low pay of most entry level jobs. They suck period. I've stood in the line of a payday loan store more than a few times. And that's in addition to two, sometimes three jobs....
"But if you major in something good, you won't have to worry about that."
Maybe so, but most major in their interests because they have a viable future. And it's about long term versus short term. But I digress......
Pay for my first job was terrible. Sorry to my ex-bosses reading this, but it was. But I enjoyed what I did. And again, all the bills were on me. No roommates to split cost with or anything of that nature. Having to borrow money sometimes was a DRAG (still is). Best I can say is learn to live very frugally (although that's easier saying than living).
Yes....it sucks and you have to say no to a lot of shit. But it is what it is.
This is Only the Beginning
One phrase I consistently utter to myself is "All you need is a start. Build from here."
The first job is just that. A start. Cut your teeth, keep bitching to a minimal and do things outside of your vocation that can add to your vocation. I'm writing more, I'm back to doing video. Doing the things that will make me more versatile, because those skills I'll need later on.
Self Care: Do It
First things first, I hate the word "self care." It has to be one of the most annoying words in human existence. But if you really think about it, you need to exercise it. Let's face it, you have to look out for you because companies won't really. Perks are nice and all, benefits are great, but you and I are replaceable. So don't stress yourself out over a job that could get rid of you in two seconds. Find a hobby, work out, write. My de-stresser was the gym and video games (I was also going through a contest prep at the time) so my version of self care was that.
Here's the one thing about it though....self care is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DESTRUCTIVE IN NATURE. If you're going to the bar, knocking back saki bomb after saki bomb, then guess what....you're not caring for yourself.
Working to Get Better
I am always looking for ways to get better and increase earning potential. I have some workshops I will be going to in my attempt to become a better blogger, producer, etc. All this will help. Actively engage in trying to get better at your career field. The people in your newsroom aren't enough. Facebook groups aren't enough. You need real feedback and workshops help. Save it with the whole "I don't have time" excuse. You do and you're being a wuss because you'd rather look at Netflix and fuck around. You're in #postgradszn for the rest of your natural life. Tighten up.
Undergrad life sucked for me, but I just wanted to share my experiences and hopefully give some advice on how to navigate it better. I realize I was all over the place, but you're a degree holder. Connect the dots.
No comments:
Post a Comment