To School or Not to School?

After leaving my last job, I made myself a promise to work hard to find the right next step for me and not just take the next thing that came along just to get something. Some people criticize that strategy in today's economy, but I have had several jobs in a row that were not the right fit for me. What I learned was if you don't have some connection to your work, it can effect everything in your life. I found myself trying to stay motivated both at work and at home. I know that I have something to contribute, I just have to find that place!


In looking for this "right" next step, I have been taking a three pronged approach. I started my own consulting business to explore what it would be like to work for myself, I have been applying for jobs that look like a good fit, and I am applying to a graduate school program. The last one is my focus for this week. My application is due this week and I have had a bit of writers block in finishing my personal statement. I have to really explore why I want to return to school and why I want to enter this program that is very different from my undergrad degree. When I started looking back at the jobs and internships I have had since starting college, I realized that I loved working at a university. You are surrounded by intelligent and passionate people and there always seems to be so much promise and energy. That is when I came across the Student Affairs in Higher Education program at Colorado State University. The program seems to be a practical application approach and encourages hands-on experience in various offices on campus. I explored several other programs, including NC State where I did my undergrad, but decided that I wanted to stay in state for school (partially for monetary reasons). I am putting all my eggs in one basket on this one and hoping for the best. The application has been a learning experience in itself and for that I am grateful.

Happy Sundays

Even when the holidays are low key, they always seem to throw a wrench in routines. As I mentioned in my last post, I try to do something everyday to move forward. For me that can have to do with my job search, consulting work, an exercise goal, or something personal. Really anything that seems fitting or has a deadline. I have gotten a bit behind on my goal setting and routine and let myself enjoy the holidays. I intend to get back to my routine starting by hitting the gym bright and early tomorrow.

Today was a bit of a last hurrah for the holidays: I got to join my family to see the Chargers play the Broncos today. I am a huge Charger fan since I went to school with Philip Rivers. Even though we had a rough season, it was great to see them win live! It was a fantastic family outing to kick off 2011!!

New Year, New You!

Ok, so since everyone sets goals for the new year, I am kicking things off with mine. This blog has been on my list for a long time and here it is!

Let me share with you a little about me. I am a college graduate from a reputable university. I supported my college experience through loans, help from my parents and grandparents, and some work of my own. I participated in all the "resume builders" and made decent, but not exceptional, grades. I enjoyed myself, got my degree in perseverance (as my mother would say) and moved on to my first "fun" job with a non-livable wage. One of those fantastic experiences that is character building, but can't last forever. I moved on to my first "real job" in an equally "fun" industry that was also not a livable wage. So, I did what any post-college kid with great parents does today: I moved home. I took a stable job at a non-profit with a decent wage to get back on my feet and find myself. I found a way to get healthy, pay off my loans, and build some savings with the good intention of moving out as soon as possible. Now, several years later, I am still at home and without a job in today's economy.

With that overview, I can tell you I have, as of today, been looking for a job for one year. I was the student who took all the "right" steps to get me to the next step. Now I just have to figure out what the next step is. I have now found myself in a position I never envisioned: unemployed. What do you do in a saturated market with a degree in Communication? You write. It has always been my outlet and I am getting back to it, starting now. In my one year of job searching, I have learned a lot and hope to share that with you. I have applied for over 200 jobs. Yes, 200. I am diligent (and I'll admit, a bit neurotic). I have developed my own system and try to do something everyday to take my next step. I do some consulting in my field and try to pick up anything I can. I volunteer at several places around my hometown and do anything I can to network.

I will share with you my struggles and successes as I try to find myself and a job in today's world.