quater life crisis...

LADIES I NEED someone to talk some sense into me, I'm a senior graduating in December.. and I and sooooo scared. I have no Idea what I'm going to do after school. I don't want to move back home, I have crazy debts to pay off, and I can't seem to find a job, because of the way my classes run.

And most of all, my boyfriend lives in Long Island, where I go to school, and I live in Brooklyn. Between both of our schedules, I'm afraid that if I have to move back home It's going to hurt us.. I don't do well with long distance.

I wanted to get an internship but there is no way, I can take that on while I'm in school right now and i'm afraid that if I don't get one now, my chances of getting a job are going to be slim to crap. And also, I really can't do anything in the field i want to go into with out at least a Graduate degree, but I refuse to taske out any more loans under my name for school right now, I just feel like i'll be in debt for the rest of my life if I do.

Any Advice?

[Jadey28]

PhisigWarner,

Take a deep breath and be excited to be in your last semester of college. While it is very overwhelming, you don't want to miss out on all the fun things that are occurring around you. After all, once you're a graduate, they will be fond memories of your college years. (Trust me, I have only been out of school since May 2002 and I feel like I missed out on a lot of things because I was so worried about what I was going to do after graduation.)

Here's my advice: 1) Get your resume posted on monster.com and careerbuilder.com. You might not have your degree yet, but every bit of exposure will help you find a perfect job. 2) It might sound silly, but can you get a job waitressing or bartending somewhere? That's how I got myself through college and paid all my bills. Quick money, not too stressful (okay, I'm lying cause some customers can be a royal pain in the butt), and you can usually work around your school schedule. I know it's not an internship, but you'll make some money. Most internships aren't paid (atleast they aren't around Maryland) and unless you have mommy and daddy paying for everything, college students like us can't afford to take one. Yes, it is a foot in the door to the "real world," but sometimes you have to do what's best for you.

As far as you and your boyfriend go, how far apart are Brooklyn and Long Island? I have never been to NY and I have no clue! I know, "What, she's never been to NY and she lives on the East Coast?" I'm pathetic Anyway, back to what I was saying. If your relationship with him is strong, you will work it out. Sounds like mother advice and I know it seems like the end of the world, but everything works out in the end. True loves withstands anything and everything that the world can throw at you.

I know my advice isn't the best out there, but I want you to know that a sister in Maryland is thinking about you and hoping your last semester of college is worthwhile. It's hard for people who aren't in your shoes to understand what it feels like. But, I've been there and I didn't have anyone giving me advice on how to get through it. But you know what, everything worked out for me, my job, and my relationship. Never stop reaching~you're a Phi Sig~Aim High....and keep your head up.

You can PM me if you ever want to chat.

LITP,

Jadey

[MooseGirl]

I think Jadey gave you some pretty good advice.

Me, personally I did everything you don't want to do, but it worked out well. I did move back home - nothing like free rent to cut down on the debt.
And I did take on more student loans to go back and get my Masters. (Just started yesterday, yay!)

AS for the boyfriend thing...I too am clueless how far apart Brooklyn and Long island are from each other....I actually thought they were close.. (maybe it's just that being Canadian everything in the states seems closer together)

I did do a long distance thing for 2 yrs when I was away at school...it was while i was dirt broke and could only go home for xmas and no other time, and he was broke too so only visited me once the first year and not at all the second. He didn't dump me til after I got back I think the only thing that would have been different is we would've broken up a lot sooner if I was still in town cuz then I'd really get to know him better....Wheras you and your man already (i assume) have a solid foundation, so yeah it sucks you won't see each other every day, or even every week, but that won't last forever!

Just don't worry yourself too much...things will fall into place eventually....

Thanx so mich girls I really needed that. I am breathing. But I guess I just have to face the facts, I'm just not ready to be on my own just yet. But I am trying. BTW, I know this is silly but Brooklyn and Long Island are 45 min away by car. But like I said before, with school and work, we might not see eachother for days or weeks. I know things will work out in the end, but i am one of those people that just need to plan years a head..
Thanx for writing back...oxoxoxoxoxo
L.I.T.P.
-KC

[pirepresent]

This might sound ridiculous, but seriously think about doing the bartending thing. I used to bartend/cocktail waitress at a country club while I was in school, and it seriously is a great way to network. Especially at a place like a country club, where the clientele is predominantly wealthy and it's nice, quiet environment. It's a great way to meet people who can help you, and I think you'll find that if you're friendly and can have a good chat, a lot of people WILL help.

I have a job now but I know the only reason I have it is because I knew someone who could get me an interview. It is SO not "what you know" but "who can get you an interview"... once you're in for the interview, I know you'll ace it.

But seriously... network, network, network. And research firms that you might want to work for, and don't be afraid to just cold-call the people in charge - thats how I got my internship... I seriously just looked up companies and called. Most people think that takes a lot of guts, which it does, and even if they don't have anything open, they might refer you to someone who DOES have something. It really works if you're tenacious enough, I promise!

Also moving back home is a huge help - I promise! Not only are you saving money but I found being home with my family was very calming. It might almost seem like 45 minutes is no sweat - you might end up seeing your boyfriend more than you think!

What does your boyfriend say about this, by the way? Is he confident that things will be fine??

All in all, just stay calm and have fun... last semester of senior year is the greatest. As the girls have said already, you'll find that things just fall into place.