Lucas and I will be college graduates in April. Somehow I have been anxiously awaiting this day yet the closer it gets the less comfortable I feel. Not because I don’t want to finish my degree. I definitely do. But, what do I do next? I haven’t planned out my life yet and it’s sneaking up on me. Do I get a real job? Be a real adult? I’m not convinced. The poor college student safety net has become far too normal for me to be 100% excited to leave. Maybe that’s why I spread out my four-year education into five years. Taking the slow track because I don’t know exactly what to do when I leave. Postponing that decision as reasonably long as I can.
People often say that choosing who to marry is the biggest, most important decision you’ll ever make. I agree that the decision is extremely important, however the choice to spend forever with Lucas was the easiest decision I have ever made. If it is the biggest decision, shouldn’t it be the hardest? Trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life, choose a career path, has proven to be an uncomfortably difficult decision.
When I was little, I wanted to be the first female President of the United States. Although I changed my mind a while ago a replacement goal hasn’t come yet. I’ve worked for several years in retail clothing and loved it. Working on the corporate level for any of my favorite clothing companies would be a dream. I think. How do I know? I’ve also spent several years as a bridal consultant, personally fitting ladies with their perfect wedding dress. Could I make a career as a bridal consultant? Probably. It would mean making just above minimum wage my whole life. Not exactly ideal. Should I actually use my college degree and work in a public relations agency? Do I want to write press releases until I die? Not really. How about an event planning route of PR? I don’t have much experience but am gaining more in a current job. So far it is nice. If the economy goes south will the event planner be the first one cut? Maybe it’s not a safe route. I should have gone to nursing school like my sister. There will always be sick people. Unfortunately. But I struggle in the sciences, and don’t want to go back to school. Well, at least I know nursing is out.
During my college career I have purposely gained a variety of job and internship experience to help me figure out where I want to work after graduation. Here I am about to graduate and all I’ve learned is that I can picture myself almost anywhere within the public relations/human relations/business management/interacting with people industries. So much for narrowing it down. Also the short-term nature of college positions has deterred me away from jobs I could have really loved because I didn’t have it long enough to get out of the “newb phase.” You know, the phase where you feel like an idiot on a regular basis due to the little mistakes you make daily because you’re still new and learning the ins and outs of the job.
Choosing a career should be natural, right? Finding a place where you get paid to thrive in your element. What is my element? I’m a decent seamstress and have years of experience altering wedding dresses. The problem is the work is hard and the pay is generally lame. I’m pretty good with people. That’s why I often find myself in sales positions. Yet I’ve never liked sales. The idea that my pay check depends on other people spending money, on expensive and often unnecessary products, bothers me.
Lucas and I feel the same way, stressed about choosing a career path. He probably more than me. Lucas is good at almost everything he tries. The only time I’ve seen him struggle was at ice skating and even then he picked it up fairly quickly. Lucas is an incredibly hard worker, focused, quick learner and naturally intelligent. All positive qualities he inherited from his parents. These qualities are desirable and highly useful everywhere. See the problem? Everywhere. Lucas could be successful almost anywhere. I only say almost because part of success comes from loving your job and I know that there are a few jobs in the world he wouldn’t love. With a degree in political science and economics and an absurd amount of potential, where should he go?
I guess we are scared of the trial and error process. We both want to jump in with two feet to our dream jobs. Wow. That goal sounds far more realistic in my head.
Although Utah is lovely, Lucas and I are excited to move somewhere new. Since we grew up in Northern California, we are drawn to the North West life. Instead of going home right now, we want to explore further north and are looking specifically at the Portland and Seattle areas. Tons of job opportunities there, right? Well, we hope.
From the people that know and love us. What jobs do you think we are best suited for? Where should we apply? Do you know anyone in the North West area that we should contact? We are open to any or all suggestions.
What?!? A post with no pictures? Who am I? Never fear, I’ll repent and post pictures soon : )