Part 1: After School: The Realities of Job Hunting

A Thorn Waiting to Prick You

I’ve heard it said that we are a projection of the environments we’ve either been lucky or unlucky to grow up in. Job hunting is one space that makes this truth deafeningly loud.

The environments you’ve been in have taught you something—whether you’re good at reading them or not—and this becomes a thorn waiting to prick you as you step into the real world, trying to establish your dream.

The Hotcake Illusion

Straight out of school, you think you’re a hotcake in the job market. “I’m fresh, everybody will want me,” you tell yourself. You’ve got the papers, and with high hopes, you start moving from office to office, searching for opportunities.

Don’t get me wrong—some people do find opportunities through this approach, but for many of us, it’s just one of many gambles. Particularly for me, it didn’t work.

With every “no,” your heart sinks because, let’s face it, most of us aren’t taught how to handle rejection very well.

Settling for Familiar Ground

Soon enough, you realize you’re not the hotcake you thought you were. Reality humbles you, and you start settling for what feels familiar. You need to make some money, after all.

For me, I went back to writing. Used to do that as a side gig while in school. Others might help run their parents’ shops, return home to start farming, or explore whatever is within reach. Everyone finds themselves in different spaces to make ends meet.

But here’s the thing—you went to school, spent four years there, and you don’t want to believe it was all for nothing. You are hopeful that something will give at some point.

The Thorn’s Two Paths

Life will humble you. If you’re restless—and many of us are—you’ll jump from one opportunity to another. Here’s the funny thing: the thorn pricking you can work in two ways.

If it pricks you just right, it pushes you to better opportunities. But if it pricks you wrong, it can take you out completely.

The trick is to use whatever spaces you occupy as a stepping stones—places to learn new skills and propel your career growth (Even your parents shops while you help them run the place). Unfortunately, some spaces can also kill your mojo. Unfortunately that is the other side.

The Lessons Only Experience Teaches

It took me a while to recognize these patterns, and I’ve come to believe that some lessons can only be learned through experience.

It’s difficult for someone to explain what happens, outline the right or wrong path, and have you find it all out without some trials. If you have the right networks or mentors, you’re ahead of your time.

If you don’t, it might take longer, but you’ll eventually be okay.

Navigating the Job Market

The job market can be a beautiful place when you meet people who actively want to see you grow.

But it can also be lethal if you land in spaces where people don’t have the time for you. Both sides exist, and they shape your career paths directly.

The job market is an incredibly interesting space, though that’s not likely to be your first thought when you find yourself struggling to navigate it. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s hard to see beyond the challenges, but with time and perspective, you begin to realize just how fascinating and dynamic this space truly is.

Key Lessons to Take Away:

1. Embrace the Hustle: The transition from school to the workforce is rarely smooth. Accept that setbacks are part of the journey.
2. Be Adaptable: Use every space and opportunity to learn something new. Even temporary jobs can teach valuable skills.
3. Leverage Your Network: Build relationships with people who can guide and support you.
4. Focus on Growth: Always aim to fall forward—use challenges as stepping stones for your career development.
5. Seek Mentorship: If you can find mentors early, they’ll help you navigate the challenges better.
6. Be Patient: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself time to figure things out.

So, how do you ensure you land on the right side of the hustle culture, especially just after school?