“We did everything we were supposed to,” said Stephanie Morales, 23, who graduated from Dartmouth College in 2009 with hopes of working in the arts. Instead she ended up waiting tables at a Chart House restaurant in Weehawken, N.J., earning $2.17 an hour plus tips, to pay off her student loans. “What was the point of working so hard for 22 years if there was nothing out there?” said Ms. Morales, who is now a paralegal and plans on attending law school.
It's really not about Morales* specifically - (I suspect she'll be getting plenty of criticism in the comments & other blogs - keep your head up my dear!) - this whole article reeks of entitlement. Kind of like the whole Millennial generation - I count myself on the cusp, so this is self-critical as well.
It's really not about Morales* specifically - (I suspect she'll be getting plenty of criticism in the comments & other blogs - keep your head up my dear!) - this whole article reeks of entitlement. Kind of like the whole Millennial generation - I count myself on the cusp, so this is self-critical as well.
Bubble Disclaimer**, but these days, isn't having a job at 22/23 a win in itself? Forget four years, what about those out of grad school or with work experience that don't have prospects? And if the job applications I've reviewed this year are any indication, most four-year degrees don't even include basics on how to write a cover letter or construct a resume, so it's difficult to be enthusiastic about getting these people into the workforce.
Suck it up. Usually, on the path to your perfect career, you take many detours. And what you envision yourself doing at 22 is likely not what you'll be doing - or want to be doing - 10 years later. If you have to take an unpaid internship to learn your industry's skill set and build a network, or bartend/barista to make cash while you land an entry-level job, this is not the Universe shitting on you or even a sign that you did the wrong thing. Building a career, like all noble pursuits in life, requires patience, realism, perseverance, and a sense of humor. And above all, awesome friends for the in-between time.
*Side note to Morales and others considering similar options: law school is not a panacea. There is a major problem lately with a glut of talent in law, lack of jobs, etc... sound like any other industry? Be sure you're going for the right reasons and that the price tag is worth it - and not just the financial one.
**My environment is not indicative of mainstream America - like Irene, NYC avoided a lot of the economic turmoil of the last few years, and my circle in particular has been overwhelmingly gainfully employed, and even moving up in their careers. Luck of the draw? Right place right time? We shall see...
Suck it up. Usually, on the path to your perfect career, you take many detours. And what you envision yourself doing at 22 is likely not what you'll be doing - or want to be doing - 10 years later. If you have to take an unpaid internship to learn your industry's skill set and build a network, or bartend/barista to make cash while you land an entry-level job, this is not the Universe shitting on you or even a sign that you did the wrong thing. Building a career, like all noble pursuits in life, requires patience, realism, perseverance, and a sense of humor. And above all, awesome friends for the in-between time.
*Side note to Morales and others considering similar options: law school is not a panacea. There is a major problem lately with a glut of talent in law, lack of jobs, etc... sound like any other industry? Be sure you're going for the right reasons and that the price tag is worth it - and not just the financial one.
**My environment is not indicative of mainstream America - like Irene, NYC avoided a lot of the economic turmoil of the last few years, and my circle in particular has been overwhelmingly gainfully employed, and even moving up in their careers. Luck of the draw? Right place right time? We shall see...
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Love all of this, especially this: most four-year degrees don't even include basics on how to write a cover letter or construct a resume, so it's difficult to be enthusiastic about getting these people into the workforce.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm trying not to snark at a 23 year old who is surprised an arts degree has not gotten her far enough, fast enough. You say it nicely, well done.