OT: I am now a College Graduate!

[Mrs. Gradenko]

Now time to find a job...

What do you all do for a living? What degree did you get? Was that your plan?

[TheEqualizer]

Congratulations!

After college, I had NO CLUE what to do with life. So I decided to delay going into the real world for a little longer by deciding to go to school a little longer. I had to choose between graduate school or law school. I think I was still waaayy too immature to decide what I wanted to do with my life, so continuing education was a good idea.

[Mrs. Gradenko]

You choose law school, right?

My professors kept trying to talk me into going to graduate school, but I don't think it's for me.

[TheEqualizer]

From a pure economic view, grad school many times can be a very poor return on investment. Depends on what you study. But sometimes return on investment isn't everything.

[Dietmar]

I studied art and design, then I got distracted and did the occasional job while mixing a band for a few years. When I recognized that fame and money were no option for me I studied again to become Judge Dredd. Which is kind of ideal, but it took me a long time to find out.

[ltwoman]

Congratulations!!!

I did graduate school but that was 30 years ago ( tres cheap) and in my field (mental health) you sort of had to. But I'm with EQ on this: not sure in this economy if its a good investment or will net you the results you want in the long run anyway.

[njperry]

Congrats!!

When I graduated with my bachelors degree, I imagined a museum career.

But couldn't find a more than temporary job in musems, so I mowed grass, was a tour guide, had temporary government job, worked for a year for a member of the US Congress, inventory counting, and worked at bookstores.

Once, my career in bookstores was visible, I said, "uh, I guess I'll got to law school." Which I did and have had a fine career in law.

[63falcon]

Don't go to graduate school unless you have a focused, thought out, path in this economic environment. My best friends 2 kids have gone on, but both have full tuiton/board scholarships, summertime PAID study related employment, and GTE positions. This has kept thme both from accruing non-bankruptible/-deferrable student loan debts-very important for any student to keep n mind.
I graduated university in mid to late 80's w/ very little debt, very small savings, and low paying initial wages in a very economy dependant field. My best frien, her husband, and other friends/associates from same field graduating then, were all in similar circumstance-because we all had gone thru jr.hi & hi under the 'peanut carter' economy, and the recessions of the early 80's, and those returned while we were all in college. The East Coast was very affected (my boyfriend who is my age & raised here in Cincinnati did not notice bad times in this area/SW Ohio then), which turned us all in to 'flexible misers'. Alwasy buying 2nd hand clothes/furn/cars for cash, carry no debt, no credit cards unless paid off every month, extra jobs from time to time (whether in your field or not-if it has a paycheck, it can be your field!), and if you have kids ingrain same (those 2 kids above were told how much of their summer job income was going first towards the next years college bills before their own savings/expenses/fun).
Neither of my PT jobs, one of which I've held as either full or part time for 21 years and was an 'emergency job' at the time, is what I came to Cincinnati to do, but by using the cautious-practical-flexible game plan, I have had a really good Life, really do Live. I don't own anyone, am able to pass on blessings from the resources I've been blessed w/ over the years, and don't freak out when big picture employment issues beyond my personal control are in the offing.
So, if you have to, do whatever job, get any debts under control-and then get them gone!-and then put yourself in the path of what life has to offer no matter what the job is. Every set back has lead to the next boost, unanticipated each time. Let yourself feel whatever you need to when a tough time comes along, stiffen your chin and get on w/ things. Congradulations most of all though-you did it.

[moonstone]

Congratulations Mrs G!

I left school at 16 with a handful of O' level qualifications and followed my dream to work with horses. This I did for many years until I had a bad riding accident and couldn't do it any longer. Now, at the age of 47 I am doing a degree in English language and literature which I am enjoying immensely but I wouldn't have given it the time of day when I was just out of school and wanting to ride horses for a living. I had a blast following my childhood dream and even though I got injured, I don't regret a single second of it.

My point is that you should go with whatever you want to do. It's never too late to study again and learn new skills further down the line if there is something else you want to do right now.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[63falcon]

Absolutely, when folks say think out of the box, reply is "what box?"........ all the best Nutter thoughts!!

[giovanni]

Congratulations!!!
Basically I studied as Tour Operator (Turism) and worked for some years for a travel agency, but later on moved to the music world, 360°; now struggling to survive, but I guess I'm not alone nowadays...eheheh

[luddite lady]

Congratulations! What is your degree in?
I first got a BA in French and English literature. After a short and dissatisfying stint as a bilingual receptionist, I went back to school to get my teaching degree. I never had any plan while in school and just took courses in areas that interested me most. It's worked out pretty well. As a teacher, I've been able to travel and work abroad and then settle down and raise a family. Teaching is very conducive with being a working mom.
But I've been a teacher a looooong time now and I'm getting restless. That's why I've gone back to school on a part time basis in hopes of getting a Masters degree in theology. I would never have sought such a degree right after my undergrad years. I grew slowly interested in the subject over a long time. It'll take me forever to finish my degree, but I'm really enjoying my studies. Career-wise, I have no firm ideas of how or even if I'll use my degree once I finish. But right now a career is hardly the point for me.
My suggestion is that whatever you do, make sure you love it. Best of luck with your decision.