For Women Who Want The Ballerific Life!
It's taken me a minute to gather the courage to open up and ask for help...so here goes...
I'm pretty sure everyone goes through this after college, but I just need some guidance and encouragement from someone(s) who has gone through what I'm going through right now.
Almost one year after college graduation and I still haven't found that good career for myself. I refused to settle for just any career or work in retail..again. I thought I found a great job, but that ended up being terrible, good experience, but absolutely bad. Now I'm in a predicament where I'm feeling like a bit of a failure because I'm feeling like I can't do anything right! Why I'm feeling like a failure-moved back home, single, no real social life, becoming a little depressed because of my situation and thinking about starting over with the career search and looking to intern...5 years ago, when planning ahead for my future, I thought I would be on my way to a successful career path or an entrepreneur. (My fam says I've always, always been too hard on myself, and I'm my own worst critic, but what can I do? I'm the youngest of the immediate family and I had/have a certain expectation for myself)
Social media these days is like a double-edged sword. I see these girls flaunting their bodies, half naked shaking their ass and getting money and living their lives and damnit having FUN! A friend and I were talking about this the other day and we're definitely not hating, but we may be a little, maybe a lot jealous of their lives. They're living young wild and free!
Lately I've been feeling like this degree did me no good, I have no career (I do work in real estate, but the salary varies, depending on the market), and even though I'm 24, I feel like I act like a 44 year-old, old maid. (No offense to the 44 y/o's, but you know what I mean) Even though I know tough times won't last and my degree WILL take me someone in the long run, but dang what about now?!
On the bright side, I have gotten closer to my family, and I've had the chance to work on my relationship with God. But please, if any of you can offer success stories, positivity and happiness, I would appreciate it so very much at this time...
Tags: advice, guidance, positivity, times, tough
Permalink Reply by KrystyyyMia on April 21, 2012 at 10:19am Thank you all SO much! These kind words of inspiration and advice will take me a long ways. I'm (we/re!) on the right path and just need to remember it!
Tough times don't last always.
Permalink Reply by Ms. BoiBye on April 21, 2012 at 10:48am Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I felt the same way for a long time comparing myself to my friends (all getting married and having success). I went to college and was still at a dead end job, but guess what I was still here. I had my own talents and found out that a lot of my friends were jealous of the life that I lead. I feel like in our twenties we have to find ourselves and our way. Now if you were 40 trying to find your way with no 401k and nothing to show for. I would have to tell you to jump off a bridge, LOL. But you are fine, actually right on track. You do have success in your life, you are smart, sensible (cuz you are thinking about your future) and willing. Most ppl are complaining, but not willing to change the mess they are in. So you are one step in the right direction. Keep up the good work, building a relationship with God and your family is an accomplishment itself. Smile and say your daily affirmations you will find yourself out of this rut sooner than later!
Permalink Reply by 2.0 on April 21, 2012 at 11:09am Hey Doll,
These women have given great advice thus far, so I won't echo them. But may I advise... *and this may sound weird*, tweak your timeline - regardless of the social media you're on - so you're "Following" people who are successful in the field/degree you've acquired. And "follow" successful people in an industry that may even be a hobby for you or has peaked your interest. Surrounding yourself with people (even in cyber-space) who are where you want to be will provide you with inspiration and motivation to forge forward.
Start hitting up Meet-Up's. Go to their site and enter your interests; what will pop-up are lists upon lists of events. Majority of them are free and you can make some good connects but they're also a good time (i.e. after work parties free b4 a certain hour, happy hours, networking w/ speed dating, etc.). Find events where you can combine networking and your social life without overspending or feeling financially strapped.
Also seek out a mentor. Most successful people regardless of industry are willing to "reach back", especially when they see someone's determination, talent and drive (which are common characteristics among successful people).
Lastly, don't settle for just having a "job" ... I realize we some times have to do what have to do to pay bills, but life is not solely about that. Continue to trek for the careeryou want, doing something you love.
The journey will be difficult but realize: The hard work and dedication you put into yourself will be extremely rewarding.
Permalink Reply by Eleven8 on April 21, 2012 at 11:38am Like Boss said, don't believe most of what you see. These girls out here post about their club lives because sometimes that's all they have. The club life isn't all it's cracked up to be unless you're making money off of it. So unless those girls are getting paid to be there, don't consider yourself the unlucky one. I will speak from experience, find something you like to do, even if it's a hobby and find ways to make money doing it. Even the smallest hobby could turn into a big opportunity. As far as feeling like an old maid, like another poster said, do something for YOU! I enjoy traveling. You can actually travel all over the country for pretty cheap with the right planning and some Priceline Negotiator skills lol
Permalink Reply by Eleven8 on April 21, 2012 at 11:40am This is great advice that I took coming up as well. I wish this was Facebook and there was a LIKE button for this!! lol
2.0 said:
Hey Doll,
These women have given great advice thus far, so I won't echo them. But may I advise... *and this may sound weird*, tweak your timeline - regardless of the social media you're on - so you're "Following" people who are successful in the field/degree you've acquired. And "follow" successful people in an industry that may even be a hobby for you or has peaked your interest. Surrounding yourself with people (even in cyber-space) who are where you want to be will provide you with inspiration and motivation to forge forward.
Start hitting up Meet-Up's. Go to their site and enter your interests; what will pop-up are lists upon lists of events. Majority of them are free and you can make some good connects but they're also a good time (i.e. after work parties free b4 a certain hour, happy hours, networking w/ speed dating, etc.). Find events where you can combine networking and your social life without overspending or feeling financially strapped.
Also seek out a mentor. Most successful people regardless of industry are willing to "reach back", especially when they see someone's determination, talent and drive (which are common characteristics among successful people).
Lastly, don't settle for just having a "job" ... I realize we some times have to do what have to do to pay bills, but life is not solely about that. Continue to trek for the careeryou want, doing something you love.
The journey will be difficult but realize: The hard work and dedication you put into yourself will be extremely rewarding.
Permalink Reply by Creative Bee on April 21, 2012 at 1:22pm Ladies gave you great advice, also don't worry that you can't find a job after graduation, this is normal. I know a former top level executive of Boeing and he said his first year after graduation was his worst year of his life. No one wanted to hire him and he felt very useless. However he didn't settle with jobs he didn't want to.
You didn't say what is your degree in but don't be afraid if you have no experience. You have to find something what makes you stand out from other recent grads. Your real estate experience can help even if it might not be related to your degree. Skills like communication, work ethic, multitasking, team work are always in demand and those skills can be proven by your real estate experience. Make sure your resume is perfect ( summary of qualifications on top, tailored to the target job, followed by the skills set and experience with the bullet points, starting with action verb proving your skills), your linkedin has recommendations, you can ask your professors or clients to leave you a recommendation. Definitely join professionals groups and network network network. I'd say 90% of positions are filled through networking. I just got a great job because someone new someone and they recommended me. You have to put yourself out there. Research about companies and take initiative. You won't believe how many times openings are filled without job going to the public. You can always check with HR of company you'd like to work for and ask if there will be any opportunities to keep you in mind. Keep your knowledge current, degree is one thing but you have to be aware of whats going on in the your desired profession. Another way to get your foot in the door is to request and informational interview with the company, you can say you are recent grad and you would like to work for them in the future and you would like to learn about the company. CEO's like to talk about themselves and their company.
Don't be discouraged if you have a plan and follow it you will succeed, trust me, you take one step at a time,
you will have time to be popping in the club after you get your success :)
Permalink Reply by DJ - A.K.A - DON_JUAN on April 21, 2012 at 1:47pm the bartending thing is a great idea.....im really considering doing this myself mainly for the purposes of networking.....the money is another plus.....i have the perfect personality for that type of work as well.
OLD $PICE PINE NEEDLE said:
And you can network to get more clients for you real estate business.
ADVICE: don't underestimate your worth by comparing yourself with others.
KrystyyyMia said:Thank you thank you. Yea it sometimes seems like their internet life is more entertaining than their real lives.
And you're the second person to bring up bartending as a suggestion. I think it's finally time for me to look into it.
And I appreciate the advice!!
Baller Alert said:First.. thanks for posting.
Second.. don't believe the hype of these broads posting pics of red bottoms and having fun. I know a lot of them and it aint all peaches and cream. TRUST me.. I usually chuckle to myself when I read some of their timelines bragging and don't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out.
Third.. sometimes you have to take three steps back to move five steps forward. I don't believe you listed your degree but maybe its time to go into another direction. Possibly something that you love to do.. it's nothing like getting paid for something you love to do. In the meantime, take 500 bucks or less and go to bartending school. Learn a trade that you can always fall back on. Some bartenders making six figures.. and most in cash - tax free. They usually claim their cc tips on taxes.
You will be ok.. trust me.. I had to start over a few times.
Permalink Reply by 2.0 on April 21, 2012 at 3:23pm This is great advice that I took coming up as well. I wish this was Facebook and there was a LIKE button for this!! lol
2.0 said:Hey Doll,
These women have given great advice thus far, so I won't echo them. But may I advise... *and this may sound weird*, tweak your timeline - regardless of the social media you're on - so you're "Following" people who are successful in the field/degree you've acquired. And "follow" successful people in an industry that may even be a hobby for you or has peaked your interest. Surrounding yourself with people (even in cyber-space) who are where you want to be will provide you with inspiration and motivation to forge forward.
Start hitting up Meet-Up's. Go to their site and enter your interests; what will pop-up are lists upon lists of events. Majority of them are free and you can make some good connects but they're also a good time (i.e. after work parties free b4 a certain hour, happy hours, networking w/ speed dating, etc.). Find events where you can combine networking and your social life without overspending or feeling financially strapped.
Also seek out a mentor. Most successful people regardless of industry are willing to "reach back", especially when they see someone's determination, talent and drive (which are common characteristics among successful people).
Lastly, don't settle for just having a "job" ... I realize we some times have to do what have to do to pay bills, but life is not solely about that. Continue to trek for the careeryou want, doing something you love.
The journey will be difficult but realize: The hard work and dedication you put into yourself will be extremely rewarding.
Permalink Reply by Lisa Smith Klein on April 21, 2012 at 4:25pm Heyyy, I went through the exact same thing last year and I JUST came out on the other side. I am a couple years older than you and I graduated with my MBA in Dec of 2010. I had started looking for a job before I graduated, but to no avail. Since I couldn't find a job I ended up having to move back in with my mom. I did get a job after I moved in with her but it was a job that I had years ago before I even had my Bachelor's degree. I took the job just to have some income. Let me tell you I was sooo embarrassed and depressed during this time. But I kept my head, high tried to stay positive and kept applying for jobs in my field. Eventually, about 8 months after graduation, I found the job that I am at now. And the funny thing is that I had applied for another position but the recruitment manager felt that I was a better fit for another position that they hadn't even posted yet. I interviewed for that position and lo and behold I got that position. Now after all the uncertainty and b******* that I went through I have my dream job, working in Social Media, at a great company and I'm making good money. By moving in with my mom I was able to pay off debt and save money and a couple of months ago I moved out on my own again in an apartment that's much better than the one I had before.
Like someone mentioned here, I had to take a few steps back to take a few more steps forward. I just want you to know that I was in the same position you were a few months ago and it does get better. Just keep looking for jobs in your field and stay positive!
Do you live in So. Florida? I do and I know my company is hiring. PM me if you want. Good luck and keep your head up!
Permalink Reply by KrystyyyMia on April 22, 2012 at 6:19pm I don't think you all understand how much your words have positively affected me! Thank you!
And @LisaSmithKlein, yes I'm in South Florida, I just sent you a friend request to PM you!
Permalink Reply by Miss Good on April 22, 2012 at 11:12pm
Permalink Reply by BabyBallerCheeks on April 23, 2012 at 12:10am OMG! I love my BA family so much. @Krystyy I just want to tell you, you are not alone. Read this article:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/12/opinion/owens-boomerang-generation/in...
P.S. I wrote this in a previous post but, you don't want to be those girls on Twitter posting about their "fabulous" lives. Have you read "Diary of a Video Vixen?" or listened to the stories about Angel Lola Love? Both ended up broke, homeless and sleeping on other people's couches. I see firsthand what those girls do to get money. They will stay at a nice home and the guy who owns it will let anyone who comes through f*** her (I've coined those girls, "house whores"). Or, girls who run check scams or are drug mules like Catya Washington. Girls are stripping, prostituting, getting foster children and doing clinical drug trials just to get money for a handbag or nice pair of shoes. And, most of these girls are FLAT OUT LYING -- they don't own none of the s*** they're showing and it's all just smoke and mirrors. Someone needs to write a book on how these chicks are REALLY living because it's a lot of acting going on.
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