O.k. to my graduates in the recession I know you're feeling the blow to the market. I have to say this, keep your head up. It's easier said than done. You want to know why? Well, for one I have uprooted out of my home state to Chicago only to feel like I'm STILL not doing shit. Yes, I am a writer and we live a lifestyle that's pretty free, even bohemian in some cases. I write from the downtown public library which is the craziest place to get work done. There are so many different things going on from a someone amping on a librarian for a frozen computer to the stranger who decided it was a good idea to tap me on the shoulder to say, "GOTCHA!" Yea that really did happen. Anyway, at the moment I feel like a total loser. I'm definitely not getting paid for what I do. I often beat myself up because I've opted out of going to graduate school. For some reason I feel I can make it by just doing what I love without formal training.
On my days off from a part-time retail job, they are work days. This is where I write in my journal, search for jobs, work on my resume, and click the refresh button on my email hoping a new networking opportunity will change the number on my inbox. It's a sad thing, but it is the life I live. Oh to feel even more like I loser, I'm staying with my family. It sounds smart because I don't have to really struggle. I have to say I feel pretty damn worthless when I have yet another day off and can't fill it up with anything else. I've decided to use this blog, to strenghten my writing and God help me a fan base. Now my blog is also a column for The P3 Power Boost, a professional women's magazine. I think it's quite appropriate for young people who feel like they're alone in the struggle to find work. Even if it doesn't get to someone like myself at least I know it's getting read.
So whether you're with the 'rents or a family's place, staying with 5 roommates, or alone living in what looks like walk in closet, you're not alone. I was told that this is the time where I'm really free to do anything. Then I thought about my bank account, yea right. However, it's not all about money (in the long run it is), but while I don't have kids, a mortgage, or a spouse I can do whatever I want. I can go hang out at all hours, work for free, and change my mind on anything.
I keep telling myself that this is a great time in my life, but why I do feel like such a bum?
