By far one of the scariest days I've experienced was the realisation that I've finished university. I didn't have any work to think about for the first time in years, you'll know if you're also a graduate, you'll feel like you've been thrown completely into the abyss. Last month I was so proud of myself for graduating from the University of Sunderland with a BA (Hons) in Photograpy, Video & Digital Imaging, even prouder for making it there with a 2:1. But as soon as that day was over, I had that sinking "what now?" feeling. Currently I'm lucky enough to have a part time job (in a cake shop no less), so I've got income coming in while I try to figure out what my next steps are.
I know a lot of you will have been in this same position, these days, guaranteed dream jobs straight out of uni are few and far between, even more so if you've studied a creative subject. I'm working hard to eventually become a self employed freelance photographer, but that's easier said than done, especially with the pressure of moving out etc. I know that this phase won't last forever, but I had a really tough couple of weeks, worrying about my career, feeling like I'm floundering around not doing much and to be honest I still feel like that, but I know thousands of other graduates do and I'm pretty sure it's part of the process!
How did you feel once you'd graduated?
I finished uni 2 years ago and I had exactly the same feelings as you! It's completely normal, it's so rare that people go into a job straight away and I know so many people who took time off to go travelling etc.
ReplyDeleteYou'll find the right opportunity eventually and it's so good to wait and not just rush into any job. It sounds like you're going about it the best way, working part time while you figure out the next steps :) I wrote a post not too long ago about this.
sammy
xx