Getting A "Regular" Job

[Kenami]

Greetings everyone. Well I guess some background is needed for this post. I am a Graphic Design graduate (I graduated last December) and have been struggling to find a job since graduating. I have been actively looking for work since February and to get by I do freelance projects here and there. They pay well but I'm sure most would agree nothing beats a steady paycheck.

I have been taking advantage of this free time with playing games, network through the net and various gallery events (I am based in New York City), I also shoot concerts so I have been doing that quite heavily; especially now more than ever due to festival season, and taking advantage of opportunities to travel (I am only 20)

But it is dawning on me more and more everyday that to pay back my loans (which take effect next month) I will have to get a job that has nothing to do with my degree (retail, child care, etc.) I am making this thread because I am curious to know if any of you fellow escapists are also going through this?

These are hard times indeed and I am not making this thread to wallow in negativity, but we always have to be real: Life is hard. I am curious to know which of you are working jobs like this with no choice, how does it feel, and how do you simply do it? I know that sounds odd because a job is a job but working a job for the sake of money is something I find uncomfortable, but thats life I suppose? Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can provide.

 

[drisky]

I'm a Design major too and have a year till I Graduate. I'm well aware of how completive a market it is. You said your only 20 right? Do you have a 4 year degree or just 2? Many firms want a 4 year, that could be stoping you. If your school credentials aren't enough you need to continue networking and set your portfolio apart. Until then, yes, get a what ever job you can deal with. Many people's careers don't coincide with with there majors, but you can't let it keep you from working. Don't stop looking for design work though, if your lucky you'll get one later.

 

[Kenami]

I have a 2 year working towards my 4. The odd thing is I've been told several times that I have more experience that Bachelor students, though that degree really qualifies you for higher pay. The problem the city (and I guess a lot of places) are facing right now is that most companies hire you freelance to avoid paying you benefits in the long run. There were times I worked full time hours as a "freelancer" because the money was so good. Also the most insulting thing I've come across are internships that require degrees. Basically they'll tell you during the interview that you'll work for a stipend (sometimes even no pay) for a year and than they "might" hire you.

 

[Proteus214]

After graduating with an IT degree, I spent 3 months working the early morning shift at a school bus depot while searching for a software job. It was just enough to pay for my loans while living with my parents. Those 3 months sucked, but I would have been screwed in the long-run if it hadn't been for those paychecks. Keep looking and jump on any opportunity you get. Even when you do land a "real" job, chances are you aren't going to be happy with it most of the time. Just know that having that job is what allows you to eat, keep a roof over your head, and do whatever it is that you want to do.

Welcome to the rat race.

 

[BonsaiK]

Greetings everyone. Well I guess some background is needed for this post. I am a Graphic Design graduate (I graduated last December) and have been struggling to find a job since graduating. I have been actively looking for work since February and to get by I do freelance projects here and there. They pay well but I'm sure most would agree nothing beats a steady paycheck.

I have been taking advantage of this free time with playing games, network through the net and various gallery events (I am based in New York City), I also shoot concerts so I have been doing that quite heavily; especially now more than ever due to festival season, and taking advantage of opportunities to travel (I am only 20)

But it is dawning on me more and more everyday that to pay back my loans (which take effect next month) I will have to get a job that has nothing to do with my degree (retail, child care, etc.) I am making this thread because I am curious to know if any of you fellow escapists are also going through this?

These are hard times indeed and I am not making this thread to wallow in negativity, but we always have to be real: Life is hard. I am curious to know which of you are working jobs like this with no choice, how does it feel, and how do you simply do it? I know that sounds odd because a job is a job but working a job for the sake of money is something I find uncomfortable, but thats life I suppose? Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can provide.

Get crappy job to get money. Look for better job. Repeat until happy.

I've done it, even recently. Music industry doesn't pay the bills all the time, I do all sorts of weird work from time to time if things are in a slump. Just remember you can do both.

 

[Kenami]

What kind of "weird" work do you do from here to there?