The Next Chapter, Part 4: Getting to Work

Moving on after graduation can be an incredibly difficult transition. I know because I did it. And several of my friends have done it. Our stories have all been a little different, but we all experienced the challenges of this stage of life. This is the fourth and final post in a new series called The Next Chapter, in which I will detail the steps of the process from ending one chapter to beginning another. I hope you stick around for the ride! If you missed parts one, two, and three, it's not too late to catch up!

Finding a job is a big goal for most people upon graduation. I, for one, was practically obsessed with it. I just assumed that I'd find a job right after graduation-- after all, that's what reasonable, responsible people do, right?

Well, that may be the case, but that doesn't mean it always plays out that way. Despite my best efforts, I kept running into a brick wall. I applied, and applied, and applied-- all to no avail. Perhaps you know just how frustrating and deflating that is. If you do, I'm sorry!

But even if you are having a hard time finding a job right now, you can do this!

You can work on honing your skills. Whether that takes the form of pursuing hobbies that you may be able to monetize later on or just enjoy as a pastime, there is value in having something to do.

You could volunteer or take an internship, get your foot in the door somewhere, and help others.

You could take an entry-level position with a company you like or a placeholder job to have some income until you have enough experience to get a more desirable position.

I know it seems stressful and discouraging. But I also know how incredibly helpful it is to have something to do, something to occupy your time, something to use your gifts and talents.

Without some form of work, I would have gone stir crazy. That's why I suggest to you, dear reader, that you find some work somewhere.

So go out there. Start somewhere. Find a way to use your passions and your talents. Get your foot in the door. Dip your toes in!

You don't have to feel pressured to find a position to occupy for the rest of your life. You don't have to commit to it forever. But having something just might give you some peace of mind in this tumultuous season of transition, something to ground you in your new, adult life.

Have you found that having some work of some sort helps you feel grounded in a new season of life or a new place? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

To read more about transitioning to life after college, check out

my book Ready, Set...Now What? Discovering Your Identity, Gifts, and Purpose in the Real World!