First of all, how has it been five months since I last posted on here?! I feel like I say it all the time but time goes by so quickly, I'm sure it never went this quick when I was younger. I can't believe it has now been over a year since I graduated. I think we can all agree that 2016 has been quite a year to put it lightly, and I have to say that my first graduate year has been pretty all over the place too.
I have talked before about dealing with the uncertainty of grad life, and I think a huge part of the stress was due to the fact I really had no idea what to do next and having no one to coach me through it. Once I received my degree unease waved over me and reality kicked in. For three years my life was solely about completing my studies. I loved having my days planned out and organised, knowing exactly what I had to do and by when; as a graduate that goes out the window. Fortunately, I had another course lined up (CELTA) and I was able to jump into learning once again, which kept me busy for a number of months.
Then, I achieved my CELTA and I was once again thrown into uncertainty and confusion. Go abroad? Stay? Go travelling? Intern? Volunteer? Get a job? What kind of job to get? I felt sick with worry and stress. My love of learning and supporting others (as well as my experience in ELT) led me to go down the route of working in education. I submitted my CV to an education agency, was quickly put on their books and ensured I would get a job asap. They didn't explain that schools rarely recruit near the end of the school year so I was basically 'left in the lurch' for a while. I applied for numerous internships and jobs meanwhile and heard nothing back. My confidence took a knock and I genuinely thought I had nothing to offer. I kept myself busy while job searching but it was a horrible time and I felt really low.
A downside to studying with the Open University is that it is geared towards those who are in employment or have an extensive work background, so there were no work experience opportunities (at least not with the course I was on). I think that if I had volunteered or done some relevant work experience alongside my course I would have felt more confident in my skills and knowledge (even though I had worked before my degree). I do think there needs to be more help and guidance with adjusting to post-uni life and finding experience/work as I honestly felt so helpless, lost and clueless - I had no idea where to turn.
Luckily, just before I completely lost my mind, a call came through and I secured myself a job as a Primary Teaching Assistant. I love that I now have purpose to my days, I'm in a learning based environment, and I work with some fab colleagues and kids. It can be draining at times but it is also so rewarding. I am able to use my skills and knowledge daily, and I now feel like my studies have been worthwhile. Will I be a TA forever? No. But for now I am working on saving as much as I can and strengthening my skills so I am ready for the next step, whatever that is.
My first year as a graduate has taught me lots about myself and life - in the words of Kylie Jenner it has been about 'realising stuff'. I'm glad that this year is finishing on a high note for me and at last I have some stability, but 2016 has been a shocker and I am more uncertain than ever about the future and where we are going as a collective.
If you are reading this and are in a similar situation to me, remember that perseverance is key and (annoyingly) things don't happen over night. Know what you are good at and find evidence to show this - this is not just great for job hunting, but I find it also helps with self-confidence. Life is weird and tough, and no one really knows what they are doing. Focus on now and try to make the most of whatever it is you're doing. Here's to hoping that my second year as a graduate will be less stressful, with more rewards and positive growth.
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