“60% of employers say applicants lack “communication and interpersonal skills” “44% of respondents cited soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration, as the area with the biggest gap.” “One thing that does appear to make a difference is internships...” “Harris Interactive found a huge gap between students’ perceptions of their abilities and managers’ perceptions of those same skills.” “Part of the problem is that you don’t know what you don’t know, as the saying goes.”
Should I say it out loud? Are things really that bad? I'm just having a bad day; well, many bad days. I'm a little moody, so what?! So Sick of People! Tired, Very tired...
Some of the many thoughts that may go through your mind. These are some of the thoughts that I have had over the last few months. Lots of Tears, Frustration, and Anger -- to name a few of the points on the emotional roller coaster.
WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN?
NOV 2010: Approximately 1 month from graduation, I had submitted 100+ applications.
MAR 2011: was Informed about Company Merger; I NEED to Step Up my Job Search.
JULY: the Last Business Day of the month, I was laid off (but I knew it was coming back in May).
AUG: I returned to my Previous self-made Home for an Interview.
High Hopes
Lots of Resumes
Some Interviews
No Job Offer
Alone All Day
No Car to Get Out
Nothing but Tv
THIS IS ROUGH
JAN 2012: Returned home and Reluctantly Applied for a Job, but continued other Endeavors.
FEB: Officially employed at the end of the month.
APRIL: Finally going to New Hire Training.
More Disappointments...
JULY: Lucky 7s
Disappointment, Frustrated, Tearful, Upset...
AUG: Trying to Push Through...
SEPT: Things are going Down Hill...
OCT: I better say something Or I may loose my Job...
Diagnosis: DEPRESSION
Yep, I suspected I could be on the path... Looks like things are Worse than I thought.
JAN 2013: SEVERE Depression
FEB: Time to Recoop. Impending Change to a 3rd Medicinal treatment, alongside Weekly Counseling.
Unintentional weight loss, Loss of appetite, Numerous ailments, Body aches, Exhaustion, Distracted, Overwhelmed, Stressed, Hopelessness, Irritable, Sleepless, Tossing, Turning, Nightmares, Tearful, Withdrawn...
It takes a Toll on every aspect of your wellbeing. It's not easy and a huge challenge. So how do you handle all these feelings and all these problems? TALK TO SOMEONE & GET HELP!
Every Appointments has its tears and another Realized Contributing Cause to the Place I live in Now.
It's not always obvious... the only people that Know For Sure are the ones I've informed; the rest are oblivious.
So, how has it gone undetected by the general public, near and far? Because my analytical skills are in tact and in practice. I consciously made it a point to focus on the stories around me so that I wouldn't get so lost in my own world, shedding light on my circumstances.
to Those Experiencing Any of the Above Thoughts and Feelings: don't be afraid to Speak Up. The most important thing is just that: SPEAK UP. Otherwise, you can sink into such a darkness, that death may seem to be the only way out. As long as you walk this earth, you have a purpose. Leaving this world too soon not only impacts loved ones and friends, but those lives that go untouched as you had not left your mark, made your impression, and changed their path.
to Those Involved: reserve judgement. LISTEN. You may not understand, you may not agree but the Most Important thing is to Be Supportive. doN'T be Discouraging. Allow them to get the Help he/she needs, instead of blowing off his/or concerns, stating that he/she is being pointlessly dramatic.
Depression is NOT Shameful. It can be hindering, exaggerate the problems, and deteriorate your happiness. Depression can be Temporary. It may seem like a lifetime of downfalls and disappointments, but it can end. Depression can be Conquered. Through help and treatment, talks and disclosures, and even a few tears and tissues, you can find a light at the end of the tunnel.
As I walk towards enlightenment, seeking relief and restored joy, I WISH You All the BEST.
Now that I have left the orchards of opportunity, returning to the murky waters, I have began to brainstorm about potential employers and industries to search out. So far, here's my list:
Banking
somewhat in the door, after my phone interview, awaiting for the opportunity to meet in person...
continually
Education
preschools and daycares
network: returning to my high school to speak with my former Spanish teacher, now a assistant principal
Industrial Companies
I've been told, by one in the industry, that you can't rely on all of the openings to show up on Career Builder, Monster, etc; I need to check the company's website, directly.
Hospitals & Dental Offices
I'm thinking that I best bet will be administrative work, considering my work experience within the bank, I have the acquired administrative skills and the understanding of confidentiality.
Cell Phone Sales
Generally speaking, I'm not crazy about sales positions, for a few different reasons, however, I'm a "gadget geek" and I believe this would be the area of sales in which I could remain interested, motivated, and successful. Two brands come to mind, as I can stand behind the service and benefits, outside of those, I'm a bit reserved.
As if I don't already have a laundry list of options to sort through, I have another to add onto the list of consideration: Child Life Specialist. Have you heard of it? Maybe not, if you are within a small town, but they are best found within the hospitals of Large Cities.
I first heard about this profession within one of my FACS classes. We were given the task of giving a presentation, at the end of the semester, that provided information on a profession of interest.
The specialist helps children and their families cope with the challenges of short-term, long-term, and chronic illnesses.
I've added this to my list of prospective professions because it speaks to a desired goal, born many years ago:
Working as a healthcare professional with a child specialty.
As I continue to evaluate professions allowing for the utilization of my talents and natural gifts, this is surely a contendor!
Some of us know exactly what we want to do and stick to the plan outlined in the catalog. For others, it's about exploration, and although there is a clear distinct road map available, why not take the road less traveled?
As previously mentioned, there are several fields of investigation. In particular, chiropractic school. You see, I attended once before. While there, I must have been the youngest in the class, not to mention: degree-less. At the time, it was not required to have completed a Bachelors; you could complete the required hours, acquiring the Senior classification, and enter into the program.
I was finally in a "big" city, with opportunities galore! I began exercising the skill (or lack there of) of multitasking. It didn't work out too well for me, but in the midst of despair, revelations appeared and glimmering hope dazzled.
While I began to contemplate my situation, I began to take council from some of the individuals of the school, and one person comes to mind. One of my classmates sat down with me to discuss the possibilities. I spoke of completing my undergraduate degree, possibly in nutrition, although it wasn't a huge interest but could potentially enhance practice. He asked: What are your interests? I mentioned psychology and foreign languages. His suggestion: Why not major in one of those fields? Based upon the completed degrees of others and the seemingly logical, I thought that a science-based field would be best. But he stated that the program will provide all the courses and information that I need, therefore, I can use my undergraduate degree as a time to study another interest.
LIGHT BULB
Especially since I have a background in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, etc. I DO have an opportunity to study something else! As I began to ponder the possibilities, another student came to mind. He had a bachelors in Business. Why did you major in Business? Answering my question with a question, he said, "As a chiropractor, you own a business, right?" Yes. Therefore he saw it best to study business, since the science would be included in the next phase of education. That makes perfect sense!
LOOKING FORWARD
As I continue to compare and contrast the pros and cons, dreams and desires, I keep in mind:
the things that I want
it's my decision, as an adult
(No One is Paying My Bills)
fulfillment comes from within
satisfaction is a priority
I have taken the fairly orthodox option of going straight into college, after high school. Although I have had a few hiccups, in the end, I have completed my degree. Now, I want to step outside of the box, and seek the opportunities that will allow for the fulfillment of all areas of my life.
So regardless of the path you take, Remember that there is a light at the end of the road.
"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destinations." --Don Williams, Jr.
