The Lemon Life | online magazine offering a fresh perspective on post-grad life.

Words by: Karol Kudyba

Image by: Cristina Gardeazabal

With graduation comes a sense of entitlement. Whether earned or not, after walking across the stage it’s a common belief that your next job will not only be high-paying, but will last for the foreseeable future. Anything less seems like a failure and not even worth the time spent sending an application. But as bills pile up, the difference between a ten and twelve dollar meal became larger and job selectivity decreases, the more important question becomes: is it possible to keep an active lifestyle while still looking for your dream job?

Unfortunately, for those of us whose degrees have no job title pre-engraved on their diplomas, it takes time to realize that a four year degree doesn’t mean much without direct experience. Whittling down the postings to those that are truly within reach sometimes requires major sacrifices in salary and time.

Before continuing, I need to be clear to whom I’m talking. My advice is for those who have just finished their schooling and can afford to stretch out their post-graduation job search for a few months without having to worry about their thumbs being broken by creditors. This is for those who will have the luxury of waiting for the perfect opportunity to come around and aren’t pressed into finding an instant source of income.

However, no matter how well stocked you are, eventually, the credit crunch that happens to all the unemployed will eventually hit. In my case, Friday nights made me nervous when my table started ordering appetizers. If there was no featured drink that night (translation: cheap), I wouldn’t think of ordering it. Price tags dominated my social life. I realized that if I was going to get anywhere I had to take the first step, lower my lofty standards and apply for positions that for which I was actually qualified for. I turned down many a concert before I realized this.

To that end, most ‘temporary’ jobs are taken for the same reason: to maintain a comfortable standard of living while still keeping an eye out for that ideal posting. Most of these jobs are accepted with the phrase “It’s okay, it will only be for a few months” floating in mind. However, while a full time position may finance an extra round of shots and a new pair of shoes, it also drains the will to look for any other type of job. It’s too easy to get comfortable in a position and forget the reasons you took the job in the first place.

The most important aspect of any job search is not to lose track of your goal. Whether it’s to be a graphic designer, reporter or horticulturalist, it doesn’t matter. The advice is still the same. The more time you spend away from what you love the further away your dream gets. Many former students take jobs as servers or clerks only to wake up and find themselves three years older and without the skills they once had.

When starting the very first post-graduate job job-hunt, the most important task is finding a job in a field that interests you. That may require taking fewer hours. There is nothing wrong with a part time job, especially if it gets you closer to your chosen field. Working fewer hours may mean not being able to afford all the desires of a graduated student, but staying close to your interests acts as a constant reminder of what you are working towards and gives you more time to continue your search. Baby steps.

I recommend a full time job in an undesirable field only to those who have the immense willpower to continue their search for a better job while still pulling a nine to five. I’ve seen too many potential anthropologists, geographers and scientists become content with waking up as restaurant managers every Monday. Take advantage of any and all opportunities to delay succumbing to the temptations of a job that pays more and find something that interests you. It may cost a few nights out, but hey, experience has to start somewhere.

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