one tiny baby step foward...hopefully
 

Lately I have been kind of depressed about my future mostly because I am getting older and I'm still trying to get my bachelors degree and I am still working at Wal-Mart. It's depressing because lately I've noticed that even though I'm still in my twenties I am about three or four years older than the other people in my age group at work for the most part. Also my only job experience is retail. I'm grateful that I have a job because I have to support myself but I also feel limited and held back by my job as well.

For my major (Communication media studies) I need plenty in field experience either through internships or club activities. But my time is limited because of my job and some the best internships are in major cities where I would have to relocate for the duration and I can't do that with my job. Finding quality internships locally is a challenge. Also all my professors tell me that it looks good on a resume if you have studied abroad and that students should take advantage. There is no way I could do that unless I take a short leave of absence from my work and financially I'm not able to do that. A lot of my fellow students are still responsibility free or still live at home so they can jump at that stuff.

But last week I got an email that was sent to all communication majors of a job opportunity on campus where they needed new staff for the school blog and if you are interested in writing to apply. It would only be ten hours a week and there would be meetings only every two weeks and I think I can swing that. I applied, there are only four more spaces left so I hope I get it. It is very small but I figure this is one little baby step forward to get some actual experience in my major and have on my resume other than retail. At my age I kind of need it.

I love to write so this would be perfect for me,, I don't know if Ill get a spot I was told a lot of com students applied but at least I can say I am doing something to take control of my life and earn a little experience and maybe make a little money as well to fill that gap week (I get paid bi-weekly at Wal-Mart). If anyone likes to pray, pray I get this. :D And if I don't at least I can say instead thowing another pity party for myself. :oops:

That sounds awesome, Sage, and I will keep my fingers crossed for you that you get this opportunity. I hear you about the job thing though. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English, and there's really nothing out there, though I did see another online tutoring opportunity, and I'm seriously considering taking it if I don't hear from the other online tutoring company soon. I'm giving them until at least August or September to take me off the waiting list. If they don't, I'm going for the other job and the heck with it.

It's hard when you look for opportunities in your college field and realize that there's nothing out there. I'm gonna tell you a secret though. You college degree does little more than open doors for you. Once you've been out for a couple of years, it's experience that counts.

I started my work career in retail. There's little moving up there unless you're willing to move. You've gotta find some ground floor job where you want to be. If you want to be in communications, go see what entry level stuff is at the local tv or radio or newspaper. Sales in radio is a great entry job and keeps you on the inside for other jobs down the road.

The other thing is you may not get a job in your field and end up being really good at it. I really don't work in my field. My degree is in marketing and management.....but I work at a bank in risk management. Wasn't looking for that, but I'm good at it. And when you're good at something, people take notice and open other doors for you. I'm about to be promoted again to my first 6 figure job (which in Alabama is huge money). Don't turn anything down. You never know where it will lead you.

Awesome advice, Katie, and congrats on your promotion. Honestly, I think online tutoring is the best thing I could do. I've done tutoring before when I was in college, so I do have experience at it and really enjoyed it. Plus, I'll be able to work at home so I don't have to worry about transportation, which is a good thing.

Hope things are getting better for you, Sage.