Is this a normal feeling to go through?

[carole]

I think everyone has given you great advice, and I too think it is normal what you are going through, try and focus on something new in your life, it might help, a cause or whatever interests you until you get the job you want, as for your boyfriend, i know in the past you have been so very happy with him, and it might just be your mood affecting your relationship with him, i am thinking that is probably what it is, however maybe you do need to take a long and hard look at him and decide if he is really what you want , but don't do anything in haste, think long and hard about any decisions you make right now ,and I hope things improve with you soon and you are back to feeling better about things in general take care.

[sabies]

Ditto, I think you've gotten great advice. This is a transition time for you. Just because a lot has changed doesn't mean everything has to - so don't dump your boyfriend or get a major haircut now! Give yourself time to adjust and focus on yourself and your future career. I know that can be scary in this economy but it's what you have to do now. And try not to put too much pressure on yourself. I remember thinking that whatever I chose after college was going to make or break my life (it didn't).

When you do feel down just acknowledge that you are adjusting to a big change and it's ok to feel that way!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I felt the same way after graduating from college. I felt directionless and I felt like a failure because it was hard to find a job (and it is probably more difficult now!). Eventually things worked out, but it took longer than I had hoped or expected. Best of luck! I'm sure things will turn around for you sometime soon.

[CountryWolf07]

Thanks everyone! I just know I am looking forward to this weekend as a getaway from the job hunting, the stress of just adjusting to the change, but I honestly can say this. I don't know what I think sometimes, I say things, and don't mean it most of the time - I have said that before, that I felt like a failure, that I went to college for nothing, just for a piece of paper, but you know what, though.... I know it was worth it. It's just my feelings that are not "straightened out" about this..

My family, few of my close friends, and Mike are obviously there for me, especially Mike, so I am trying also, but more as trying not to unleash all of my frustration on him because he doesn't deserve that, so I am learning day by day of how to adjust. It's not horrible, it's just a good change. I'm glad I did it. I just never thought that I'd have no job by now, but always thought I'd be able to find something right after graduating, but of course, that's going to take a while, but I can wait.

Tonight, Mike is cooking dinner so I am looking forward to that too as well.I am going to think everything through - not do whatever in a haste, nothing I don't want regret doing later on.

Thanks again, guys..

[IRescue452]

I graduated college two years ago and I'm still depressed and unhappy with my life. I guess though, I mean, for the first 18 years of your life people tell you that if you go to college everything will be great and education is the key to success, then you graduate and you get nowhere.

[sabies]

IRescue I feel for you. It took me so long after college to get settled I didn't know what I wanted to do and I eventually went back to school for specific training so I could settle in a career at least. I believed based on what my family said that I would go to college and then get a job but now I know there is way more to it than that. I wish in college I had focused more on figuring out what I was going to do after college. I did go to career counseling and tried to get help but they did not help. All my questions were answered with "Oh you're fine, you're on the right track". When really it was easy to look like I knew where I was going while in school.

Think hard about what you want to do and what is practical to do. Few jobs are that exciting day in and day out but you need to earn a living. That doesn't mean give up on a dream that is either too difficult or too costly to achieve it just means maybe keep that dream on a backburner as a hobby or goal that you slowly work your way toward. Believe me, time does pass quickly and by slowly working towards something you do eventually get there!

[gini]

I think you are getting great advice - and advice from people who have been where you are now. You had structure in your life while you were still in school - and a goal to achieve.

Now you have graduated and you are floundering - questioning everything in your life because you have the time to dwell on it.

The job market is horrible - but it is horrible for everyone!

Volunteering for something you love to do can be very rewarding - go to a local school - read to the little kids - or volunteer at a shelter - or whatever activity that would be rewarding for you.

You know what is funny? In a few years, you will be settled down - know exactly where you are going - and miss these days when you had so much time on your hands.

It WILL all fall into place and what you are going through is completely normal!