I think I may have graduated in one of the most difficult times to find a job. This year after graduation, all the recent graduates are all fighting against each other for any “entry level” job that we can find; many of us without success.
According to an article from our partners at MainStreet.com, the current unemployment rate is at 5.7% leaving 8.8 million people looking for jobs. This number doesn’t even include the people who have given up looking for jobs, which is also high at 1.6 million. These numbers are just unbelievable! All of these people are fighting for the few jobs that may be left out there.
I am one of the lucky few who has been able to secure myself a job, but not without some ups and downs first. Everyone is facing the same battle and every day I feel for my friends that are still trying to find a job or the right one for them.
There are so many aspects that people must consider when looking for a new job (or your first job if you are a recent graduate like myself).
MONEY – One of the most obvious concerns for many is money. With some entry level jobs not pulling in enough money for graduates to survive on, they are forced to look for a second job (one that they could have gotten without a college degree). Although money is of extreme importance, it is not everything. Taking a job that offers more money but is not what you want to do will not be fulfilling to you in the long-run and you will once again find yourself in the job market.
LOCATION – I am someone who can definitely say that location is of extreme importance. I was offered a job down in Dallas that paid a lot more money than the job I actually accepted in Boston, but I just knew that I didn’t want to move to Dallas and be so far away from my friends and family. I know that many are okay with a move, but it just wasn’t for me. It is definitely something that you really need to consider though. You don’t want to be upset that you are located somewhere that you aren’t happy. And you certainly don’t want to be spending all your income on flying home to your family/friends all the time! One of my best friends is struggling with this decision right now. She isn’t sure if moving to NY is for her, but is unable to find a job anywhere else.
TIME – Some jobs out there have you working 7 days a week and long hours. If this is for you, then definitely take it! But remember, more than likely you are getting paid on a salary and do not get overtime. Are you willing to give up your weekends and spend the time at work instead?
BENEFITS – The benefits of a company are extremely important. My job will offer me benefits such as onsite day care, ATMs, a gym, food, etc. Other benefits to consider are the type of health insurance and coverage that your job will offer you. You want to be covered but at the same time don’t want to have to put a ton of your pay check just towards the health insurance. Another concern is whether the health insurance will also extend to your family (if you have one).
People are also concerned about whether their job will actually hold up. When I got offered my job, they said I had a tentative start date of September. Because the economy isn’t doing so great, my start date is no longer September but could be pushed back all the way until January. They did offer me an internship-type position to hold me over, but obviously I would be more happy in my full-time position.
Others classmates that I graduated college with got offers in their Fall Semester of Senior year, but by the time the Spring Semester rolled around, the company realized that they would no longer be able to afford all of their new hires and laid people off before they even had a chance to start. My friend recently moved from Miami to Boston based on a job offer she received. The company told her that she definitely had the job, but when it came time to start, she was unable to get ahold of them. They didn’t even have the courtesy to call her and explain that they were no longer able to keep her as a hire. Unfortunately, this type of thing is no longer a rare occurrence.
My suggestion to everyone who is still looking for a job is to not give up. Something will come along and things have to start looking up with the economy eventually (fingers crossed). Believe me, I know firsthand how overwhelming and redundant applications and interviews get, but in the end your hard work will all pay off.
Unfortunately for those recent graduates, we just got unlucky that the economy had to be in a downturn this year. Keep your head up and just push through the hard times! If necessary, take a temporary job for experience and money to keep yourself going in the short term. This way you have more to put on your resume and you can get some money to hold you over.
© Photo courtesy of Kenn W. Kiser
Related Articles:
Saving for Retirement During a Recession
You’re Fired! Fixing Four Lingering Effects of Job Loss
Top Part-Time Jobs with Benefits
Add New Comment
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment