Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

In an earlier post, I talked about how I became a substitute teacher due to the lack of jobs. Well, almost three weeks after my name was put on the last, as well as a bunch of networking with teachers and teacher assistants, I have a few days lined up for this month. Tomorrow will be my first class. I'm also signed up for another class on the 8th and is suppose to be subbing for a class at the end of the month. 

I'm very nervous for tomorrow. It's at a junior high school. I do realize now that any experience is good experience, and my resume can now have something written below "Work Experience" on my resume.  Tomorrow will definitely an interesting day. 

I've applied to more than six jobs since my last post. I applied to two of them and took a test for another yesterday, and had an interview for one the day before. I honestly think I bombed the interview. One of the questions they asked was "What would you do when confronted with a disgruntled customer?" I said I would figure out the problem is and give them a discount, because it's important that they continue their services with us. If they are out of hand, I will get the manager.  Yeah...

It also didn't help that one of my references went missing. When she printed out my application, it only showed two of my references instead of the three --- which is required. She said it was okay, but I felt like my chances of getting the job at that point was slim. After the interview I asked her when will I know the job is filled or whatever, she said they would have to call for a second interview before making a choice. *sigh*

I've been pretty much crossing this job out of my mind since the interview. I know I should probably write a thank you note or something to the interviewer that would perhaps increase my chances. I don't know...  I think I'm holding out for the other jobs than this one anyways because the others pay more and is actually full time. 

Only time will tell. *Crosses fingers*

Most College Graduates With A Bachelors Degree Have A Job Says BLS

According to a BLS jobs report in August, only 5% of college graduates holding a bachelor's degree is unemployed. Those with some college experience or with an associate's degree has an unemployed rate of 8%. The unemployment rate climbs with less education -- those without a high school diploma has an unemployment rate of over 14%. 


As someone who is apart of the 5%, I find this a bit false. I've seen people who have gotten jobs who don't have a college degree. As a matter of fact, I know someone who was recently hired at two jobs that doesn't have a high school diploma. I can't get a job at Wal-Mart, but a high school drop out currently has two jobs. It doesn't make sense. Most people I do know have a job -- whether they have a college degree or not. Of all my friends, I'm the only one who is out of college with a bachelor's degree and is unemployed. 


In about 6 weeks, it will be time to start paying back my student loans and I have no income. Hopefully I will be approved for a deferment or I'm screwed. 

Should An Unemployed College Grad Go For A Masters Degree?

Due to some family problems that ended with me staying a hotel for one night, I was able to have a talk with my pastor. We discussed the economy and how my being unemployed is causing problems with my mom and step-dad, even though they know I'm looking. He told me that I should go to grad school. Well, being unemployed, it should be the wise thing to do, correct? Well...


Right now I owe so much money in student loans. I know by the time I graduate from grad school, I will probably owe over 80k in student loans. What's worse is that money options for grad students are more limited than undergraduates. Being unemployed college grad with no experience, it would be hard to pay to further my education. 


Right now, I feel as if the pressure is on to complete the GRE or the GMAT to get into a graduate school. I would like to go into a different field than English -- perhaps getting my MBA, MPP, or MPA. If I do make the decision to go to grad school, it will probably be January 2013. 


Another thing my pastor told me is that he would think it would be best if I go to grad school in a different state. Honestly, I think that is a good idea. I live in Mississippi -- a place where it's more of an attraction for those who want to retire rather than going to college and settling down. 


Until January 2013, I will not stop trying to find a job. And I hope within a year that I would have educated future/current undergraduates on picking the right major, because let me say that being a unemployed college graduate is not fun. 

Me? Teaching?

Since I was having no luck in finding a job, a church member of mine told me I should teach. Teach? Really? Yeah.. Since I have so much pressure of me to find a job, I decided to apply to be a substitute teacher in my district. Two days ago, I had to go to a substitute workshop where I had to be finger printed and listen to a retired teacher explain the rules and regulations to substitute teaching. After about 20 minutes, I was allowed to leave since I had a college degree and would not have to take a test. 

Four hours later I got a phone call from the retired teacher saying she forgot to send me to be interviewed by the district administrator (Yikes!). I've only been interviewed once and that was for an internship -- which I did not get, so I was nervous. But I did well. As a matter of fact, the DA told me "Well, I don't need to tell you you passed the interview." *laughs* 

I should be receiving calls within the next month. I was all for it until I went on Pro Teacher and read horror stories of substitute teaching. Will I be able to handle it? Should I still do it? What if I mess up? 

There were also stories of those who've barely been called and are struggling financial wise because of it. It makes me wonder is it worth it. 

For some reason, I decided to go on the school district's website and I saw two schools currently looking for a teacher's assistant. I've already turned in a teacher assistant application months ago, so all I have to do is pay a visit to the schools. 

I honestly do not know what to do at this point. I am now being pressured to go for my teacher's certification! Yikes! My mom is already trying to borrow books from a fellow church member. I believe 2012 will be an interesting year.

It's Been Over A Week...

And still no reply from the casino job. What's so bad is that it was my former uncle-in-law that told me about the job. Not only that, I put him on the application as family. I guess knowing someone doesn't work either. I'm trying my best not to give up. 

I have loans to pay in a few months, but I do not think I will be able to pay. Over 25K + interest for a measly English degree. If I could go back in time, I would slap myself silly for doing it. The only thing that came from the degree is the friends I made --- and they are having as much trouble finding a job as I am, or they haven't graduated yet. 

There are three jobs I saw that does fit the criteria of my qualifications. Two of them are the same job at a hospital, just at different times. The other job is working for the city. Honestly, I wish I had someone to help for my resume because I am having the hardest time to make it stand out. 

One of the other things I am happy about is that I have only been an "official" college graduate for nearly 3 weeks instead of 6 months. Although I do have time, I feel like time is running out for me. Hopefully something comes up soon. 

Officially a College Graduate

As of two weeks ago, I am a college graduate. You would think I would be happier, but all it means to me that I would have to pay back loans in 6 months and is still without any source of income. I did apply for a job yesterday, so I am waiting to hear back from them.

I think another priority of mine will be to lose some weight. I'm not overweight -- I'm obese. Many people will not hot hire someone that is overweight. Study shows that the skinny girls are the ones getting the jobs. Sad isn't it?

About Me

I cannot start a blog without giving a bit of information about me. My name is Antoinette and I am a 22 year old college graduate. I will be officially completing my BA in English in August. Because of high unemployment, I am having trouble finding a job in ANY field. I cannot get a simple job as a cashier at Wal-Mart. Sad isn't it?

The purpose of this blog is to educate those going to college and  hope my struggles finding employment in America would inspire those to make the right decision pertaining to their college major.

I chose English because I loved to write, but I wish those at my college's Career Center would have told me that I would be facing rejection after rejection of  even the lowest paying jobs. Sometimes it is best to choose a major that you hate because it's recession proof.