Post-College (Keeping your head above water)

It's very easy to become financially discouraged, whether you're a college student, working your way through student loans, one who has already graduated, or just someone searching for work/income. Catching yourself in any of these less than motivating circumstances can be very drowning, especially for those not easily motivated. Sometimes our circumstances aren't motivating enough, and because we fail to envision our future, our present seems very discouraging. 

In times like these it's very important not to allow oneself to drown in sorrows and pity, we must find motivation, encouragement, inspiration, and anything of that positive nature that can help us move forward. I am a man of faith, and I trust in the Lord, but trusting in the Lord does not mean sitting back and expecting him to do all the work.

In Proverbs there are several scriptures referring to the punishment/failures of the lazy. One particular verse I find inspiration in is Proverbs 20:13 'Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.'

We have to be careful not to become lazy, or in love with sleep. One of the most important health rules to abide by is getting the proper rest, and we do that by going to bed at a decent hour, and waking up at a decent hour. Depending on ones line of work these hours may vary.

It's very important to make good use of your time each day, after all it is the most valuable thing we are given, so make great use of it. If you are one currently without work, ask yourself why you don't have work. Is it because you have been lazy and love sleep? Is it because you are fearful of not being "good enough" for anyone to hire you? Is it because you have fallen a victim to believing past statistics about the economy, resulting in an all time high unemployment rate? There are many reasons we can become discouraged or insecure about our qualifications, but the worst thing to do is to accept these statistics as being part of your reality.

I believe you can create your own reality. I believe you can find work, and make the best of the circumstances you are given. I am currently seeking work, and just graduated college. I have been out of school now for about a month and a half, and have had to come up with ways to bring in some kind of revenue. Here are 4 ways to get you started in the right direction.

1.) Strive for self accomplishment, do something productive, do things for others. These things will give you a boost of confidence and help overcome discouragement.

•  Wash and clean out your car
• Clean and organize your home/room
• Volunteer somewhere locally, homeless shelter, orphanage, local church projects
• Be happy, and start conversations with others. You would be surprised how much you can do for someone just by being nice to them, or having a good conversation. 

 2.) Get rid of anything that breeds negativity into your life! Whether its...

•  "Friends" 
•   Music
•   Naysayers
•   Television "drama" 
•   Drugs + Alcohol

            (You be the Judge)

3.) Make money. If you are like me and tend to keep all of your stuff (Clothes, Shoes, Video Games, etc) Sell these things! You can make more money than you think. Check out eBay  Craigslist or even have a good old fashioned yard sale. Do what you can to get rid of your junk and things you no longer need. Chances are you have a lot of things that you do not need to hold on to, or things that can help you bring in some kind of revenue.

4.) Job search. The process is a pain, yes I know, but it is necessary if you do not have the proper connections. Don't get discouraged when you find your friends getting all the right positions, or getting some really cool job. Keep searching. Sit down and come up with a few days out of the upcoming week that you are going to spend updating your resume, placing final touches on portfolios, and filling out applications while handing out  your resume. There are several job-search websites and apps that allow you to type in the City, category, and even position that you are seeking. Several companies post jobs on these websites to make the process that much easier for them, and sometimes it works out easier for us. Make yourself stand out, apply online, and go in to speak to a manager in person. Remember, first impression is everything. Also, there are several websites available that can help you create a great resume, or upgrade your old one. 

Good luck to you and I hope this post helps.


-Mike