When you’re unemployed and desperately searching for work—and your student loans are already in repayment—it makes you wonder exactly why you’re paying those bills. While some may follow the lead of a woman who sued to get her tuition back, there are other avenues to securing income and making ends meet.
The Job Search
Searching for a job is a humbling experience. Never have I felt so rejected in my life; however, you must keep plugging along. During my own post-grad-school job search, I applied for over 300 jobs nationwide before I found one… literally. Was this job the “job of my dreams?” No. Not even close. However, it did allow me an opening to work hard, learn a lot, and seek out promotions. As young professionals, we have worked hard getting through school, but we also must remember that we must “pay our dues” to land that dream job—especially in this economy. This struggle oftentimes ranges from finding a job to the first few years at a new company. Just remember that you’re not alone.
Making Connections
Remember the Career Center at your university? You can always utilize this service as an alum. Additionally, there are always broad alumnae networks that can assist you through your university.
Other than that, network like crazy! Call up those old professors who loved you, asking for letters of recommendation, references, and leads on any potential jobs. Call up an contacts who live in cities where you may wish to work. Network at social and professional events: Let it be known that you’re not only amazing (obviously), but you’re also looking for a job. If all else fails, hit up your well-connected relatives. Have no shame in order to survive.
Making Ends Meet
While it’s tempting to ignore those bills and your problems, you’ve got to “man up” (for lack of a better term) and handle it. First thing’s first—call your student loan companies! Tell them you are unemployed, and after some annoying paperwork, you’ll get an extension on repayment.
Step number two is budgeting. If you’re used to living a certain lifestyle, it can be very, very difficult to change this lifestyle. For some it may be ending those shopping sprees or going out to dinner. For me, it was going from drinking Fat Tire to PBR… cringe…. And when you actually sit down to budget, you realize what you can and cannot afford. Even going to Walgreen’s and buying a few items here and there may be a luxury you can no longer afford. And while budgeting will most likely affect your social life, it doesn’t have to end it. There are many free things to do in the city!
Allison MacMunn moved to Chicago in 2008 after completing an MA in Women’s and Gender Studies from Rutgers University. Currently, Allison serves as the Executive Coordinator at Chicago Foundation for Women. An active member of YPC, Allison serves as the PR Manager on the Marketing Committee.
