(I'd like to preface my remarks by saying that I know how lucky I am to be young, college-educated, and employed at all. I'm not complaining so much as chronicling.)
When I was growing up, I was told that if I worked hard and went to college, I could succeed in life. So that's what I did. I wasn't a straight A student, but I did well. I did extra-curricular activities, ensured that I had leadership positions. I had a part-time job during school. I interned during the summers in my desired field (non-profits). And senior year, I applied to jobs, figuring that even if I didn't get one right away, I'd find something within a few months of graduation, so I could be self-sufficient.
Boy was I dreaming.
After graduation, I moved back in with my parents, and continued applying for jobs. I waited. I waited. I got interviews! and then I waited some more.
Often as not, I wouldn't hear from anyone, even after I'd interviewed. Even following up, via phone or email, didn't guarantee a response. Of course, no response could be better than the email I got from one organization that I'd interviewed with:
"Dear _; We are still interviewing for the position of __. At this time,
I cannot offer you a position here at _, though we are very
appreciative of your time and interest in working here. Good luck on
your job search."
Thanks. Having no one was better than me.
Fortunately, I didn't just sit around. I decided that while applying and waiting, I would volunteer. And, luckily for me, there was a congressional campaign handy.
Well, the rest is history. They needed field organizers, I needed a job. I came on, grateful even for the small amount they could afford to pay. And it was, in many ways, a great experience. But alas, all campaigns must end, and ours ended with a loss. Back to the help wanted ads we go!
(Next time: What do you do with a BA in Useless?)