#Employed
This journey has taught me so much about patience.
307 days ago, I crossed the stage to become an alumna of Texas Southern University. At that moment, I honestly had no idea what I was going to do with my degree but I knew that I wasn’t going to let it go to waste. I had spent much time and effort to earn that BS, literally.
Walking off the stage into the walks of life. I often told my close friends “this is the stage no one talks about.” In reference to post- grad blues.
After graduating from college, I was bombarded with the age old question: “So, what’re ya gonna do?”, and I’d be standing there like a deer in headlights like ummmm… I’m kind of undecided so I’ve just been applying for jobs and hoping for the best.
Before I graduated, I visited with one of my professors to give her an invitation. We talked about my plans post-graduation to which I told her I was going to just look for jobs and see what I liked. She looked me square in the eye and said “looking for a job IS a job.” I smiled, nodded in agreement and walked out of her office. I had no earthly idea what that truly meant. That was my modus operandi everyday: Wake up looking for jobs, go to bed looking for jobs- putting in apps, meeting dead ends and to my dismay tons of rejection letters.
I got so many rejection letters that before I opened my email, I already knew it was going to begin with “Thank you for applying but we’ve gone with a better qualified candidate.”
I mean, WHAT does that even mean? Are you telling me I’M not good enough?
Months went by and I struggled to stay above water. I needed constant motivation to keep applying; to keep fishing until one day, an old friend of mine sent me a message with a lead on a company that helps science majors get into the field. At that time, I was fed up with the process but I decided to give it a shot anyway. I ended up getting a call from a lady but it wound up being a dead end like the rest of the calls and emails I’d received.
I felt like there was no hope until I got a call from a 314 area code. If you’ve ever been on a serious job hunt, you know that one missed call could be the end of your fate so of course, I answered.
That was the golden call. The guy on the other end of the line said I was a perfect fit for the role and that he wanted to further discuss the details with me.
I was on the other end of the line in utter shock. I was screaming on the inside but I played it cool on the line with “sounds great, I look forward to it!”.
Fast forward to three weeks later and I am here writing this post after completing my hiring package with full benefits.
I am just in awe.
In total amazement of God’s immaculate timing.
I feel that we often hear people say “Trust the timing” or just “Be patient” when in reality, that is so much easier said than done.
The surest way God will test your faith in him is to truly have patience and trust His timing.
A message to the Impatient Job Seeker:
I know all too well how you feel. Applying for jobs and not getting a call back, getting a call back and not getting an interview, getting an interview and not getting an offer letter.
The process can and WILL be daunting but you must stay persistent and keep trying.
At one point, I fell into post-grad depression because nothing was happening. I kept getting rejection after rejection and it caused me to view myself as inadequate.
What I want to say to you is that YOU ARE ENOUGH! When something is meant for you, there is nothing on this earth that can reject your fate.
Post- grad depression is real. People don’t often speak on that phase between graduation and finding employment or making the decision to go back to school. Both require a support system of some sort and lots of determination.
You will reach your goals and become all that you are but for now you must cherish the pace of Gods timing for your life.
Everything will workout how its supposed to workout. Believe that.
My advice for those on the job hunt:
(Somethings I wish I knew earlier on)
1. Don’t give up. You should strive to put in at least 5-10 applications a day. Even things you feel you aren’t a fit for (via the description) apply anyway. Don’t allow the small things deter you from applying. Let the employer tell you no.
2. Talk to someone. You will need a support system. Whether that’s your parents, close friends, counselor… whomever- you will need an outlet and an ear to listen to you vent. Its definitely not an easy task when you’re giving so much of yourself and feeling defeated. You need someone to encourage you to keep going. (If you don’t, just refer to this note and know that I’m rooting for you!)
3. Try other outlets. I know people recommend indeed and monster and all those other sites but they only help so much. Sometimes you need someone on the other side of the fence to advocate for you like a staffing agency. They’re there to assist you get your foot in the door. Also, don’t be afraid to try your local Workforce Solutions. They will find something thats a great fit for you. Try to utilize as many tools as possible when looking for a job.
4. Follow up. I literally had no idea that I was supposed to follow up with employers after sending in an app. If you can, find a number to call and just make sure they’ve received it and ask what’s the timeline that you should look to hear back from someone in HR.
5. Stay prayed up. Sounds like a given huh? Well, it’s not. The devil comes in so many forms and his job is to steal, kill and destroy. You have to pray and ask God for vigilance, guidance and protection. The enemy is seeking to deprive you of joy and to put you into a depressive state. What you must remember is that this is only a phase. You go through a phase. God will not put you in a situation that He doesn’t have a plan for. You just have to lean not on your own understanding or your own plan. God’s plan is far better than yours.
It is with great boldness and humbleness that I can finally say: I GOT THE JOB!
I’ve been waiting so long to be able to say that and it feels damn good.
I’ve waited, trusted God while he tested my faithfulness and stayed with it. I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity to be a Material Scientist for a major Oil and Gas company.
Thank you to my parents, family, friends, mentors and anyone else who has kept me encouraged throughout this process. And a VERY special thank you to Precious. I'm grateful for you.
.
Comments