[SuperJon]

Yeah, that's insane.

I'm very likely going to take a full-time internship that pays a little less over a full-time gig if/when it's offered simply because it's the better opportunity. I know that not everything is about money and that the time to take the risks/get the experience is when you're 23, not married, and don't have kids.

[BJWilliams]

In the mind of a lot of grads (and folks in their 20s), they think that as soon as they get out they are gonna get dropped into a 50k+ a year job with full benefits and unlimited vacation...that ain't gonna happen...Jon is one of the wiser ones frankly...I mean I know that freelance writing (and broadcasting youth baseball) aren't exactly the most glorious jobs out there but I'm not gonna turn down a job just because, in the words of the girl JK was talking about, "it isn't enough". Id be doing back flips if someone offered me a 35k a year job in my field. Of course not everyone is going to start out that way. You're going to have to pay your dues and that may mean taking a job that doesn't pay as much but at least gets your foot in the door. If you keep working at it, people are going to (or should at least) take notice and more or greater opportunities will open up as God sees fit to make those doors available in your life

[ATrain]

I took the first job offer I got, $32K plus comprehensive state benefits package. I'm not gonna lie, I like the benefits

[rueful]

yeah, benefits are nice. I graduate on saturday and thought ahead to the fact that there would be alot of youth pastors graduating in may, so I should look ahead of time and so I did, and last november got hired by a church, started in january, and yeah, its not in the ritziest town, but its a great church, pay is great for a new youth pastor, and im already gaining experience instead of waiting around for a better offer. Praying for all the graduates, but man im glad I didnt wait.

[JDUB]

I'm having trouble because I want to get a really good job, and I have enough money to live on from my part time job. I can't decide if I should hold out for something more related to what I want to do, or take a full time job with lower salary and less appeal just to be full time with benefits? I'm leaning towards the latter right now

[Sly Fox]

My only advice is to remember that when you are young & unattached it is probably the only time in your life when you can feel free to chase your dreams. Once you are married with children you won't be in a position to gut out your dreams.

[PAmedic]

agree with cactus-boy.

Do what you love.

[4everfsu]

I'm having trouble because I want to get a really good job, and I have enough money to live on from my part time job. I can't decide if I should hold out for something more related to what I want to do, or take a full time job with lower salary and less appeal just to be full time with benefits? I'm leaning towards the latter right now

If you can get even a part time job with doing what you want to do, along with the other part time job at least you can get your foot in the door.

[olldflame]

If you can live off the part time income for a while and that then frees you up to more actively pursue your ultimate goal, then it might be better to hold off on the security while you are young and independent. It is possible to continue going after your dream while working full time, but it's harder to do, and it gets easier and easier to settle for what you have as time goes bye.

[ToTheLeft]

Just as an update...

I've got nothing. Been applying for every job I can (Searching LinkedIn and Monster daily for jobs, applying to probably 150-200 that I am qualified for, and a handful more that I'm not). Decided not to pursue my masters, since I felt like I didn't have a passion to do anything in particular in graduate school, and would just be putting off finding a job.

It's extremely frustrating, and with my student loans sitting around collecting interest, I really need to find something, and quickly.

I'd rather not get any more "constructive criticism" about my decisions thus far, because the things said about me and to me on this board relating to this topic have really stuck with me for a while and caused me pain and doubt. The fact that the person refused to apologize is definitely salt in the wound, and is certainly something I'd rather not repeat. Advice, counsel, pointing me in a certain direction to find a job is welcome. Prayer is obviously welcome. Anything besides these things, regardless of how you choose to deliver them to me, are not welcome.

[SuperJon]

If you're wanting to stay in athletics, I'd start searching the minor league hockey scene for game ops positions. They don't pay too much but with your experience, especially with your internship, you should be able to be on the short list for some.

[ToTheLeft]

Honestly, at this point, I'm not really caring about athletics. I'd much rather get a good, stable job in the business world. I know my degree now becomes pointless, but it was probably a mistake all along. Loving sports and wanting to work in them are two different things, and while I am sure there are things in sports that I'd enjoy doing for work, I don't think at this point it's worth pursuing...

[SuperJon]

Check out one of the cell phone providers or something. They train and you can make legit money. Not ideal but it's gadgety which I know you like and could be solid for now. My cousin worked for them for a while.

[ToTheLeft]

That's probably my best bet. I had hoped to avoid a commission based sales job, but if it came down to it I'd probably be best suited doing that, assuming there was a stable base pay. I just don't want to be stuck in some crazy, cold-calling door-to-door job, but this is something I know and am comfortable with.

Thanks. It's something I'll definitely look into.

[flamesbball84]

That's probably my best bet. I had hoped to avoid a commission based sales job, but if it came down to it I'd probably be best suited doing that, assuming there was a stable base pay. I just don't want to be stuck in some crazy, cold-calling door-to-door job, but this is something I know and am comfortable with.

Thanks. It's something I'll definitely look into.

The majority of jobs you'd be qualified for outside of athletics would be commission based, especially if you stay around this area. Central VA job market isn't the greatest area for recent graduates, unless you majored in nursing or physical/occupational therapy. I have a masters degree in business administration and several years of experience of different sorts and couldn't get jack until the job I have now - and I only got this one because I knew the boss and he basically hand chose me.

[ToTheLeft]

I'm in Indiana, job market is even worse here.

[thepostman]

I'm in Indiana, job market is even worse here.

the job hunt is terrible..even if you have a job..my wife is currently in a job she hates but its all she can get right now...I feel ya man, its not a fun time...

my only advice is don't get discouraged and don't be too picky...and don't move to tampa. Unemployment is closing in on 15% down here.

[ToTheLeft]

I'm in Indiana, job market is even worse here.

the job hunt is terrible..even if you have a job..my wife is currently in a job she hates but its all she can get right now...I feel ya man, its not a fun time...

my only advice is don't get discouraged and don't be too picky...and don't move to tampa. Unemployment is closing in on 15% down here.

Haha, Tampa is one place I'd love to be. I've applied for jobs down there. We'll see what happens.

[thepostman]

I'm in Indiana, job market is even worse here.

the job hunt is terrible..even if you have a job..my wife is currently in a job she hates but its all she can get right now...I feel ya man, its not a fun time...

my only advice is don't get discouraged and don't be too picky...and don't move to tampa. Unemployment is closing in on 15% down here.

Haha, Tampa is one place I'd love to be. I've applied for jobs down there. We'll see what happens.

Well if you somehow get a job in tampa count yourself as blessed..its a tough place right now..one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and its not getting better...one of many reasons the best team in baseball can only sell 11,000 tickets on a monday night

[PAmedic]

no idea if you have any interest in it or not, but emergency services in most metro areas are always looking for help.

you won't get rich, but if you have a college degree and test reasonably well, most places will at least put you thru the academy. (PD, Fire or EMS)

good beni's and steady work. You will earn it tho.

[4everfsu]

I was at Sam's club last night buying a HDTV, 47" Vizio for $688. I notice DirecTv has sales people in the TV section trying to sell their services. You may want to look into that.

[Sly Fox]

Medic is onto something. In addition to police departments that are often offering signing bonuses in some cities due to critical shortages, you might also consider federal government jobs.

http://usajobs.gov/

US Border Patrol is hiring like crazy and paying VERY good entry level salaries. You will likely have to live somewhere in the middle of nowhere along the US-Mexican border after training but the financials would make it worthwhile. Down here in Texas they are hiring high school grads and often paying them double what they would get enlisting in the military. College grads really stand out in recruiting process.

Your degree would actually be viewed positively regarded at the National Park Service. NPS jobs don't pay particularly well but they are a blast and a great way to ride out the recession in fun atmosphere.

[ToTheLeft]

There's a ton of jobs on that site, haha. I am browsing through them tho, found a couple mainly meant for people right out of college. Office of the Secretary type positions. Thanks for the link.

[Sly Fox]

No problem. It is actually sun looking at some of the crazy positions we have in our government.

[ToTheLeft]

Indeed, and what they get paid!