So you finished graduate school, but it seems like higher education is a thing of the past. Now you spend your days Netflix-binging as soon as "Kathie Lee and Hoda" go off the air.
If you’re anything like me, those two activities aren’t exactly brag-worthy when you do them every single day of the week.
When you were in college, relaxation was a desirable and distant action. Now it’s just another reminder that you’re jobless with two degrees (ugh).
However, there is hope! So turn off "Orange is the New Black" and follow the tips below. By this time next year, you’ll be tired, desperate for boredom and employed. Cheers to that!
1. Volunteer
Oftentimes, the best thing you can do when you’re in a rut, upset or discouraged, is to help someone else. You’ll almost instantly feel better and more fulfilled, and whatever you felt was lacking is instantly restored when you see someone else smile.
So Google some cool non-profits or help out a local family in need. You’ll forget you're unemployed, and it could help you network and build relationships.
2. Fix Your Résumé
I’d think by now most people wouldn’t have Chuck E. Cheese on their résumé, but if you happen to have outdated information, please delete, delete, delete.
Highlight your strengths and list all you’ve learned and excelled in. Speak two languages? List it. Published 10 stories on Elite Daily? List it. High GPA? Who cares? Don’t list that.
Just make sure you keep it to one page that’s easy to decipher and follow.
3. Read
You finally have the time to read and write whatever you want. When I finished my masters, I read three books in one week. Sure, I’m a pretty fast reader, but this mostly occurred because for the first time in two years, I didn’t have to read some boring book on how to take a good photograph or AP Style.
More importantly, the amount you read has a direct correlation to increased vocabulary, knowledge of current events, writing skills and a greater sense of imagination. We need more imagination and creativity in this world, and you’re just the person to get the job done.
4. Take Up A New Hobby
I’m hoping as soon as you start this new hobby, one of those 50 jobs you applied to on LinkedIn will call and ask for an in-person interview. But if they still haven’t, you now can learn to scuba dive, train for a marathon and try becoming a vegetarian.
Doesn’t that all sound fun? Just do something different and try something exciting while you have the time and freedom to do so.
5. Be Patient With Yourself
This might be the most important of all the tips listed because without patience, you’ll miss the lessons in all the little things. Patience sucks, but without it, you’ll think too much and compare yourself to everyone else who is sipping champagne on a boat, living large and making mad money (according to Instagram).
Good news is, they’re probably all lying. Just be patient and enjoy the moment to breathe, pray and give thanks. Remember, you have not one, but two degrees (maybe even three) and you will have that job soon.
Photo via Tumblr
