Not Landed that Dream Job?

Okay, you have a dilemma: you definitely need to work, but you just spent years of college and thousands of dollars to work in a specific field(s). Unfortunately, you are finding that there are either limited opportunities out there, or loads of competition. What do you do? There are basically two main things one can do. You can, while you’re in college, save up or sell something valuable. This will give you a financial cushion to allow you to extend your search. You can also try moving in with a friend or relative, and share living expenses. (Note here: don’t wear thin your welcome, always offer to pay as much as you can possibly afford, even if it’s only physical labor.) It also might be a good idea to seek part-time employment. Work doesn’t even have to interfere with your job hunting. You can deliver newspapers, pet sit, work at an online job or a night job. This will allow potential headhunters to see that you are employable. Just make sure you show up on time as scheduled and do your job well, because hiring managers will check. I probably don’t have to tell you this, but be sure to give present employers as much notice as possible (without losing your new job opportunity) so that they can work on replacing you ASAP.
There is also another option: you can get a full-time job doing something that you hadn’t planned on. Here is a leaf from my page, as a real world situation. After five years of college and over $50,000 in debt, I’m working in maintenance at a race track. The pay is less than $5000 than what I need to truly be able to begin to support myself. However, it has hours that will allow me to either, A. keep scouting for a good-paying full-time job, or B. will allow me to take a second job. This is not my dream job, but the employers/employees seem great, it’s union and there are a few perks (like a $2 all-you-can-eat buffet for employees every shift). I may even find that I wish to stay in this position, if there’s chance for advancement. I have an acquaintance that started out wanting to work in business administration. Today he sells farm equipment in Vermont and adores his job. If finances are getting close to the bone, you don’t have to settle, but don’t necessarily walk away hungry, either. You may be passing up the feast of your life.