Don't Waste Time, Post Grad

Fall is quickly approaching. While some of us twenty somethings are preparing for new classes, homework, studying, and college life, the majority of us are dealing with the real world. The first fall semester after graduation can be difficult. You look back and start to regret. You think about that class you should have taken, the parties you should have attended, or those extra curricular activities you should have joined.

But now is not the time for regrets. It is time for growth! You are probably in that terrible transition time of leaving college and looking for a job. You can sit and rot on your couch or you can take action.

If you're currently looking for a job, make sure you're networking like crazy. Join Linkedin and get recommendations from your previous bosses or colleagues from jobs or internships. If you're only job searching on the Internet and on social networks, that is a great start, but you can do more!

Find out about clubs or groups that meet in your area pertaining to the job you desire. Meeting with people who work in the field can get your foot in the door just about anywhere. Attend job fairs at local colleges and pass out your resume. You never know who you may meet!

If you feel like you're job hunting constantly and getting nowhere, take a break and do something beneficial for yourself. Regret not taking that web design class in college? Find one in your area and go for it. Finding hobbies or classes that relate to your potential career can give you an edge on the competition.

Lastly, enjoy this time! Many post grads can get into a funk feeling as if the fun of college is over and the real world is one big downer. Use your newly acquired free time to see friends and family, take care of yourself, and enjoy life before you're busy with your new job.

"Do what you love and the money will come."

Some people may scoff at my choice to start my post grad career doing freelance work and odd jobs. It is often quite hard to explain exactly what I do because my schedule changes so often and I do many little jobs. I've definitely heard "Why don't you just get a real job...a 9-5 where you'll make tons more money?" Yet what I'm doing is real...for my happiness and well-being.

I am very certain I would be unhappy with a 9-5, sitting at a computer type of job. A job where I would have to get up early, get ready, sit in traffic, head into an office for eight hours, then drive in traffic home...all while dreading getting up and doing it again tomorrow.

This article describes my point of view perfectly. This man decided to ditch his six-figure earnings "real job" for a no-routine life as a freelancer. The way he writes it is so great and really resonates with me!

While I may never make a ton of money and be able to have super expensive gadgets or a mansion, I don't care. I will gladly give these things up for the happiness I feel day to day. Instead of going to the same place five days a week, I can spend my days writing in various locations, working at home, taking a few hours to see a friend, spending time with my family, babysitting, and where ever else my life takes me.

At times it sure is stressful to focus on different jobs or focus while working at home, but I am lucky enough to have such amazing people I work for. I am reminded that I am doing a great job, even if I get busy and can't get to something right away. They know I will.

I truly believe in the quote "Do what you love and the money will come". I may never be a millionaire, but I know I can live a comfortable lifestyle writing and doing what I truly love. I hope to continue to maintain a "no routine" lifestyle, where my surroundings and daily projects change day to day.