Is this a normal feeling to go through?

[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!

[CountryWolf07]

Thank you everyone - I am still adjusting. I am about to leave for the weekend up in Lakeside, and I also purchased a book that I thought was of a good read for myself, to boost my self esteem, my happiness, and my postive outlook to whatever it may be in my way in life...



This is the book I got - so I plan on reading this over the weekend. Just a nice, quiet, some time alone with friends, and right by the lake is what I just need!

I'll bring back pictures..

[CathyBogart]

Just another voice to say that I felt the same way when I graduated from college. It was like I somehow expected everything to magically be better afterward and I was tremendously let down when it wasn't, ESPECIALLY when I realized that I couldn't cope with my chosen field.

It's been almost a year and I'm only just starting to get over the depression that started when I graduated.

[CountryWolf07]

Understandable. Cathy, That's exactly what I am going through..

I just got back from my getaway weekend - and it was SO MUCH WELL NEEDED. I actually feel great. That book is a great read too as well. I also had a chance to explore the landscape/lake with my Nikon D60. Love it.. here are pictures:

[AllAmericanPUP]

great pics!!

there are times when i get feeling down and grumpy too but then i stop and take a step back and realize..hey what am i down for? I've got family and friends that love me, a roof over my head and food in my tummy.