I graduated from Linfield College in May 2009 with a Bachelor's of Arts in World Religion.
After graduation, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I found work as a way-below part-time barista for minimum wage. I struggled to pay my rent for six months until I finally decided to move back in with my parents -- in Alaska -- and save some money.
I hoped to find a full-time job there, but ended up making coffee part-time all over again, for $8 an hour. Meanwhile, my six-month grace period for my loans ended, and I suddenly found myself facing $118,000 in student loan debt.
Ten months later, I still hadn't found a full time job, and I was over living with my parents, so I took the savings that I did have (which wasn't much) and moved to Olympia, Washington.
My goal was to find an entry-level state job, but the moment I got there, the state put a hiring freeze on the government jobs, and I was back to square one.
I spent August to October 2010 unemployed and applying to everything. EVERYTHING. It didn't even matter anymore what it was. But I wasn't hearing back from anyone. I'm curious how someone who has an excellent college education can't even get an interview at Costco.
All the while, I was paying rent, utilities, car insurance, credit card debt and, of course, my student loans. My loans alone total over $500 a month. Minimum payments.
I finally found a job at a craft store for minimum wage, roughly 15 hours a week. I've held on to it, but I am still failing at finding a second job or any full time work. I've racked up my credit card debt so that I can simply buy essentials, like gas and shampoo.
Of course, I've tried deferring my loans, but they won't let me. They've set up these unobtainable standards for people who need to defer. People who are struggling--really struggling--can't catch a break.
I am curious as to why some people I know, who have their GEDs and no college degree, have an easier time finding fulltime work than someone with an education. Our society tells us college is a necessary step; that a whole world of opportunities will open up to us simply because we have a degree, but I almost feel I've been lied to. My undergrad education is meaningless in the working world. I need to have at LEAST a Master's to be acknowledged. But now I can't even afford grad school.
What does this tell us about the education system in America?
Everyone does think having a degree opens the world to you but if a student is staying educated about the world they live in and not just their classes (looking into jobs in the field they may get into - the pay, the requirements, etc) they'll soon realize the degree will give you an advantage in some jobs but most jobs have a much higher appreciation for EXPERIENCE than they do for someone fresh out of school with no experience in the job they're applying for.
As a history major I know I'm not going to find a huge field of jobs but thankfully, working at my university has a student has given me almost 3 years of administrative and customer service experience that will help me get a job in that field, once I have my foot in the door THEN I can expect my degree to help me raise in the ranks faster than those who don't have them.
I'm glad I took the time to weigh the pros and cons of my major because I seriously don't think I would have a job right now if I had stuck with it. I still do what I love, I'm just more knowledgeable on the business aspect of it, not to mention employed.
My point is, did you weigh the pro's and con's? I'm assuming the the job sector for your major is miniscule so what was your back up? Are you utilizing all of your resources? I knew a barista who nailed a job just from networking with one of her regulars. Keep fightin'!!
I do wish you all the best in your search! Blessings....
OK, but you asked.
This tells us nothing about the education system in America but a lot about avoiding absolutely foolish decisions that span over four years. Instead of going to a state school and working through college where you could have come out with one-quarter of your debt (or less), you chose to attend a school that left you over $100,000 in the hole. What on earth led you to believe you would be able to pay that back with a degree in World Religion from a school that I bet many people have never even heard of? American post-secondary education may have many have many issues, but your situation is one wholly of your own making.
Maybe I will be organizing those events after all...for a major pharmaceutical or health care company? look me up in a few years :)
But that was your decision, and I don't want to pay for it.
OK, you've figured out that college degree does not = employment. But perhaps what you still haven't figured out is that often LACK OF FOCUS = unemployment.
Ask yourself, "why did I study world religion"? Are you a religious person? Are you inspired by religious/charitable works? By helping others? If so, have you ever considered a career at a major charitable organization? Focusing on that area might make more sense than just sending resumes off to the large corporate entity du jour. I mean, do you even want to work at a corporate setting or at Costco? If not, why are you applying?
If you have a focus, you will eventually find your way. For example, you could always approach a charitable org and do volunteer work. It gets you in the door and you start to make connections. You find out about job opps or who to speak to. You are not coming in cold b/c you already have the "in" of being a volunteer. Etc. Etc.
I hope this does not come across as condescending. Find some focus and go from there. Best of luck w/ your search!
This bit is probably out of place but considering all i have just said above,it begs the question, How did Palin managed to gain a bachelors degree? She cant spell,her grammar is never correct and she cant string two sentences coherently
How is Palin relevant to this conversation? The world is NOT a meritocracy. If it were, smart ppl would not be unemployed, and Beck would not make $100K let alone $12M/yr.
The key is figuring out how to survive and stay afloat in a world that is not a meritocracy.
I suggest that you consider the military, Teach for America, or the Peace Corps at this point. All of them are hiring, and all have government benefits. At this point you are just existing on a part time job, with any of those positions, you can move forward with your life and put some really meaningful things on your resume for the future private sector. Best of luck!
Just not how to pay for it.
The system works in Germany and everyone of the Nordic countries and their universities and all orld class,something that cannot be said of most of these American colleges that drives people in to huge debts.
Regarding Germany and the Nordic countries. I agree that education there is top notch; however, it is not ON DEMAND...Only those who qualify can attend.
Regarding $118,000...That's 'cause she sent to a private school. Public schools are heavily subsidized by Taxpayer $$$, and they cost much less.
Anyway, with all those critical thinking skills under their belts, I don't understand why these kids have never thought to do a simple Cost/Benefit analysis.
I love listening to some of these stories "oh, I can't find a job, why won't anyone hire me?"
Answer: because employment is fierce competition and you haven't the right "stuff". My advice to those just graduating high school: get yourself an entry level job working full-time in the industry you're interested in, and attend college part time around that. When you graduate, you've hopefully gained tremendous experience and the degree. It's a winning combination, and necessary in today's job market.
The educated individual who's hopng to better themselves or the coaster?
I hope your're intelligent enough to give the correct answer to my social study assessment lesson.