First of all, this isn't a fun subject to talk about, and there are many many people who try their best to hide it, but it's there. And they need help.
Most new college graduates around the nation that have yet to find jobs have experienced some form of depression, sadness, discouragement, or hopelessness. Many have been living through all of them. As the unemployment rate in America reaches higher and higher into the double digits, and as a good portion of recent graduates having little or no experience in their chosen profession--those of them that actually know what they want to do--continue to look for jobs, depression has made its appearance in a big way. And once depression sets in, often times it is very difficult to recover. Not impossible, though.
College is a great time in a person's life. You learn new things--some of which you probably didn't want to know--and you meet new people--also some of which you wish you'd never met. Still, all of it is a growing process. You learn from your mistakes--hopefully--and you try and focus on the positive things during your journey through academia and just every day college life. Finally, you come to the end of this chapter in your life, you walk across that stage (don't trip!), and you grab hold of that diploma--and your freedom. You accept the congratulations from everyone, and you can finally look the world in the face with confidence and pride.
And now, on to the next chapter...which starts with one question: So...now what? This is a question I know quite well, having wrestled endlessly and mulled extensively over it myself, as I know many others have, as well. Maybe it's an easy question for you, maybe not. For the latter, I know what that fear of the unknown can do to a person--the fear that your future is not going to be anywhere near what you want it to be. And it's terrifying.
For those who have not yet gotten a good job, or even a job at all, there's a deceptive little voice inside you that starts whispering to you. Barely discernible at first, but as time passes by with no job and no hope in sight, that little voice is all you can hear--except now you agree with it. "You're not good enough, you don't look good enough, you've gained too much weight for anyone to take you seriously, why would anyone want to hire a pathetic, incapable person like you anyway?" the voice says. Eventually, you may have to talk yourself into even getting out of bed every day, with the question constantly on your mind being, what's the point anyway?
Like I said before, this isn't a fun subject to talk about or think about, but the problem is everywhere; and it is truly heartbreaking to know that so many people are hurting so badly behind closed doors. To the ones that are hiding their hopelessness and pain and their total loss of self-esteem, I'm asking you to please don't give up. God has a purpose for your pain and for this particular chapter in your life. Maybe it's to strengthen your faith and help you to lean on Him instead of depending on yourself. God is the only One in whom you can put your hope. Everyone else, yourself included, will let you down and will disappoint you. Maybe it's because He's preparing something somewhere else for you--in that case, you will have to learn patience. But know for a fact that there IS a purpose, and it's for your good. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and His name is Jesus. Keep looking at Him, and stop listening to the voice that lies.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
--Jeremiah 29:11-13
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to His purpose."
--Romans 8:28
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
--Philippians 3:12-14
Comments
Continually amazed at your wisdom. This applies not only to new grads, but to many, many adults as well. It would be of great value to your readers if you could more tips and ideas on how to deal with the practical, boots-on-the-ground aspect of these challenges.
Several tips to recommend for folks in this position. Facing the day without 'purpose' may lead to bouts with depression.
1. DO not self medicate. Reduce your intake of caffiene, nicotine, and alcohol.
2. Folks need a purpose each day. Volunteer! There are many places looking for volunteers and this can lead to an offer of fulltime employment. Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America, Ameri-corps are good places to begin. Many times you may be working side by side with someone who can offer you a position with their company. I was once offered a position as an administrator with a company by the guy I was framing a house with at a Habitat project.
3. Watch what you eat. Depression eating is one of the biggest risks for those who are depressed. They tend to take in too many calories and have a sedentary lifestyle which only exacerbates the problem.
4. Get more exercise, it costs nothing to take a walk in the park. Find a friend to exercise with, it won't feel like work!
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