Life after graduation: the ugly truth

As I approach the two month mark since I kissed my undergrad career goodbye, the 22nd to be exact, I figured there's no better time to write a post about my transition from an irresponsible college student to a full time adult. After all, two months is more than enough time to grasp the idea of adulting right? WRONG. 

Although I've done nothing but complain over the last two months, adulting really isn't THAT bad, I'm sure it could be better. But right now? It's okay -- minus the fact that  I have to be up for work at 6 a.m. Monday-Friday, which if you know me is a struggle considering the fact I don't usually go to bed until 4 a.m. Aside from that, I'd like to say I'm adapting pretty well. For those of you who don't know, I moved to Charlotte the day after graduation (probably the worst thing I could've done to myself was make that 3 and a half hour drive hung over. but I did it!) I knew since Fall semester I wasn't staying in Atlanta, I just couldn't. I had been there for four years, and felt I needed something new. People would ask me what my plans were upon graduation and I would frantically tell them I was moving to Charlotte, which brought them to the next question-- why? "Well what's in Charlotte?" I didn't like to tell people too much of my plans so my answer simply was, and still is everything. 

With Charlotte being the third largest growing city in the states, and on the rise for the black community, I figured why the hell not. It's literally a city full of opportunities. Plus, with the help of my mentor, former sports Journalist, Bobby Jones, I had the right connections in my corner to help me pursue my career as a Multimedia Reporter/Anchor. I was plugged in, so of course I was going to go for it. At first, I didn't know what job I would be taking once I got to Charlotte. I just knew I would jump into my field immediately. But to my surprise, the freelance writing position I had my mind set on taking, I didn't take. In fact, the job I'm in now has absolutely nothing to do with my field-- a shocker to all. I ended up taking a position with American Honda Finance Corporation doing Customer Account Relations-- it has absolutely nothing to do with my field, it’s quite boring but it pays extremely well plus I get benefits. At this point, many of you are probably wondering why I took a different route when I had a Copy writing position sitting in my lap. The answer is simple. That job wasn't in my designated area of interest, they wanted fashion writers and to be quite honest, I could care less about fashion and the latest trends. With that being said, I convinced myself if I took the fashion gig, I could risk losing my passion for writing by settling. And while I could've waited around for the next gig to come my way, there was no telling when another offer would come even with the connections I had built. So here I am, working a 9-5 in Corporate America. 

By now, if you're still here I'm sure you all are wondering what exactly is so 'ugly' about my post-graduation life. Seems like I have everything under control, right? As of now, I suppose I do, but it didn't come together over night. Fourteen consecutive days I cried. Stressed because everything appeared to be falling apart. I had no job and my plan I was banking on for months no longer existed. I had nothing to fall back on, and nothing to look forward to. I hadn't applied to any grad programs either so really, I was stuck. While 14 days doesn't sound like a lot, when you're as dramatic as me and a Virgo to top it off with the perfectionist trait, it felt like an eternity. I told myself I would apply to regular minimum wage jobs just to get me through the summer, but my pride wouldn't let me. I was embarrassed to settle when I had just received a college diploma. Plus, I thought to myself, what would I tell people or better yet what would they think if they found out this job I boasted about for WEEKS was Target? Then came the 18th day, I received an offer for the position I'm in now and my post graduate blues quickly turned around. 

The truth is, life after graduation is hard-- but not for the reasons I thought it'd be. I use to think the hardest part about post grad life would be bills or having to wake up at 6 a.m., surprisingly I've mastered the art of both. It's the little things that no one ever shared with us like the fact that we have no real ending. I mean in school there was always an end to look forward to-- after summer there was school and after school there was another break, whether it be summer, winter or spring.. it was still there. As an adult, we don't get that luxury. For me, the hardest thing to face after graduation was reality sinking in that I couldn't freely live my life and come and go as I please. As grateful as I am to be 21 with a Corporate Job, I have my moments where I wish I didn't jump right in. You know, enjoy my last summer as a 'child' and just relax. I find myself watching people's Snapchat's in envy because they have the freedom to waste their days doing absolutely nothing. 

I can't speak for everyone, but I'm sure everyone can relate to the stress that comes with figuring out life after graduation. It's hard. It's ugly. It’s depressing. But it's okay, because things will fall into place. We can't put a time on greatness. It's sort of like rushing a blessing God has in store for you-- you just can't. I haven't even been in Charlotte for a full two months but it was definitely one of the best things I could've done. As cliché as it sounds, I know I was destined to be great in this city and really find my calling. Moving almost four hours away from what I knew definitely was a big leap, and I had no choice but to step out of my comfort zone, but so far it's paid off. Since I've been here I've been able to network with multiple Multimedia Journalists, brand myself, and get first hand experience in ways I never thought I could. At this point, I've basically told all about my post graduation life, at least that's what you all think. There's so much more that could be said, but I'll let my hustle show for it. Until then, catch you all later.

XOXO, Alix