What to Do If You Can’t Find a Job With Your Degree

by / ⠀Startup Advice / July 22, 2012

There isn’t anything much more discouraging than spending thousands of dollars on an education only to discover that you are unable to find a job. Because of this startling trend, an increasing number of graduates have begun to take jobs in areas that only require a high school diploma or less, such as being a bartender, server, or call center representative.

At a time when the college bills start stacking up and you’re ready to get out there a jump into a fresh an exciting career and maybe move into a house eventually, news like this will feel crushing.

Take a Step Back

The most important thing that you can do is to take a step back and look at the big picture. Think about everything that you have accomplished, that entire struggle that you have gone through which has lead you to this point. Nothing is permanent and the sadness you may feel will soon pass. It’s important to stay focused, driven, and positive on your goal.

Along with this, your stress levels need to stay low. Often times, graduates walk into this situation, become extremely depressed, and end up wasting away years of their life by lying on a couch and thinking about how sad their life has become. To combat this, start an exercise plan or keep in touch with friends from high school or college. Do anything you would normally do to combat stress.

Keep Looking

Despite how aggravating it may feel to keep sending off resume after resume and never hearing any responses back, you need to keep looking and apply for different positions! Every day when you wake up, job hunting should be your number one goal. Along with this, don’t simply limit yourself to the Internet. Plenty of opportunities are out there if you make yourself available. Check the newspaper. There may be job fairs coming up or various conferences that you can network. Keep your eyes set on the next opportunity and you will get there eventually. Patience is the key at this point. Practically no one gets to their dream goals without perseverance.

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Embrace Challenges

Even if you have a degree in something that doesn’t have too many openings at this point in time, don’t be afraid to try something new! Unless you absolutely have to, there is no need to take a job just because it is the first thing that comes your way. If something sounds interesting and exciting to you, go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? You hate it? If so, you have the ability to quit. You never know. An unexpected path has the power to potentially change your life in a positive manner.

Know When It’s Time to Make a Decision

Always keep steady track of your progress and keep in mind how your finances are doing. Although you should choose a career that excites you, often times this isn’t always possible. For someone who has been looking for 6 months and is behind on their bills, usually the first job that comes their way is the best one to take. If you are in this situation, just remember that the job is only temporary. While working on this job, you will be making money and you can still job hunt when you have the free time.

Enjoy This Phase

Keep in mind to always remember and enjoy this time. While it may be stressful, there will come a time when you finally settle into a career and you will ponder how simple life was at this time. Don’t give up, stay positive, and that job you’ve always wanted will come. Happy hunting!

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Karl Stockton frequently writes on business, personal finance, politics and current issues. He is always trying to spread knowledge about reaching success in today’s environment. This article was written on behalf of Compare Insurance Quotes.

About The Author

Matt Wilson

Matt Wilson is Co-Founder of Under30Experiences, a travel company for young people ages 21-35. He is the original Co-founder of Under30CEO (Acquired 2016). Matt is the Host of the Live Different Podcast and has 50+ Five Star iTunes Ratings on Health, Fitness, Business and Travel. He brings a unique, uncensored approach to his interviews and writing. His work is published on Under30CEO.com, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Huffington Post, Reuters, and many others. Matt hosts yoga and fitness retreats in his free time and buys all his food from an organic farm in the jungle of Costa Rica where he lives. He is a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers.

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