It's Hard Out Here For a Twentysomething
- Thread starter Spot's Meow
- Start date
I don't get it. Education is hard to come by here in the US because of the cost, yet almost everywhere else hands it to you for free. Parts of Europe for one. And Kyrgyzstan... Can you believe that? Here's a country thats only been "free" since the early 90's, and even they have a better education system then we do. And I know that one because I actually know someone from that country.
You are a product of the US public school system, aren't you? (Note what I put in bold, underlined, and italicized above)
L
Lord Garth
Guest
My 20s were challenging -- I'm 29-and-a-half, most of it's behind me, so I can refer to them in the past-tense -- but they weren't hard, collectively speaking.
25 was a problem, 26 was coping with it, and 27 was solving it.
I don't make the amount of money I want to make but I know I will eventually. I know where I want to go, what I want to do, how I want to get there, and -- most importantly -- I have backup plans and backup for the backup. The key problem is not know what to do to get into where you want to be and how to climb the ladder. Once you figure out those two things, it becomes easier.
The Problem is not preparing for what's really going to happen after graduation, not being willing to put in your dues, and sometimes listening to parents who want you to Play It Safe when the situation calls for you to take chance and go out on a limb.
Then there's the loss of friends. But you'll find out that most of them in college were really just acquaintences and you'll find that you've outgrown some of the friends you used to hang out with. Over time you'll develop a new social network. Opportunities for dating and relationships will come from out of places you don't expect.
From my own experience, the middle portion of the 20s are really the worst. Not so much early and late.
25 was a problem, 26 was coping with it, and 27 was solving it.
I don't make the amount of money I want to make but I know I will eventually. I know where I want to go, what I want to do, how I want to get there, and -- most importantly -- I have backup plans and backup for the backup. The key problem is not know what to do to get into where you want to be and how to climb the ladder. Once you figure out those two things, it becomes easier.
The Problem is not preparing for what's really going to happen after graduation, not being willing to put in your dues, and sometimes listening to parents who want you to Play It Safe when the situation calls for you to take chance and go out on a limb.
Then there's the loss of friends. But you'll find out that most of them in college were really just acquaintences and you'll find that you've outgrown some of the friends you used to hang out with. Over time you'll develop a new social network. Opportunities for dating and relationships will come from out of places you don't expect.
From my own experience, the middle portion of the 20s are really the worst. Not so much early and late.
I turned 24 earlier this month, and I've been on Jobseeker's Allowance since September last year. Before that I had never worked before, because I was on benefits due to a mild autistic condition I suffer from called Asperger's Syndrome which means I find certain aspects of social life more awkward than a lot of other people. But then I was taken off it and made to look for work, which unsurprisingly has not been very successful so far. I live in Britain, we're in the midst of a major economic crisis that isn't likely to go away any time soon, and the vast majority of jobs want people who are already experienced. I have degrees in English and Creative Writing, but they haven't helped me much so far. I've tried looking for jobs in places like museums, libraries and bookstores, with no luck. I keep ending up applying for menial cleaning jobs, which I never get (It's not very glamorous, but at least then I'd be doing something). The best I've had so far has been a voluntary job in a charity store, which didn't last long as my condition got in the way. I'm thinking of trying to get involved with the local town council or working in a theatre, or maybe even doing a course in proof-reading, but I can't help being very worried. Not just for myself, but for all those other people out there who're in the same boat. These are scary times indeed. 
I just wanted to say, about getting a History degree, that they are not completely useless! Yes you can teach or use it as a jumping off point for lawyer or politician, but there's the other side of history that they never tell you about in high school or even in college usually.
I have a degree in History and by my junior year I had no idea what I was going to do with it after I graduated because I didn't want to teach. But I was somehow introduced to the whole Public History field. It includes a wide variety of history related jobs, such as archivist, curator, any number of museum positions, oral historian, CRM (cultural resource management), architectural historian, working on construction sites approving changes to historic buildings and whatnot...there are a LOT of jobs out there like this that utilize history combined with more practical business pursuits, and these are just in the private sector. There are positions in state government within the agencies that control state parks and museums, and at least in California, there were more of these types of positions than I had thought existed.
I'm getting a Master's degree now in Public History, and there are some great programs out there for it. For instance the one I am in requires several semesters of internships (often paid) in the field, and they help you out with finding these, so it is a great way to gain experience. I hope to be an archivist. That is my dream job right now. For the state or in the private sector, doesn't matter to me. A lot of past graduates of my program went straight from their internships into full positions with the companies/agencies. But if it doesn't work out, I can always get that credential and become a teacher. Maybe I'll even move to Australia, which has an amazing Public History program.
I am only 22, so two or three years from now I will either have a job in the field I want (though I don't expect to be earning much), or I will be fretting about finding a job and considering going back from my credential. We'll see how it turns out.
But for those of you out there with History degrees, there are other options!
I have a degree in History and by my junior year I had no idea what I was going to do with it after I graduated because I didn't want to teach. But I was somehow introduced to the whole Public History field. It includes a wide variety of history related jobs, such as archivist, curator, any number of museum positions, oral historian, CRM (cultural resource management), architectural historian, working on construction sites approving changes to historic buildings and whatnot...there are a LOT of jobs out there like this that utilize history combined with more practical business pursuits, and these are just in the private sector. There are positions in state government within the agencies that control state parks and museums, and at least in California, there were more of these types of positions than I had thought existed.
I'm getting a Master's degree now in Public History, and there are some great programs out there for it. For instance the one I am in requires several semesters of internships (often paid) in the field, and they help you out with finding these, so it is a great way to gain experience. I hope to be an archivist. That is my dream job right now. For the state or in the private sector, doesn't matter to me. A lot of past graduates of my program went straight from their internships into full positions with the companies/agencies. But if it doesn't work out, I can always get that credential and become a teacher. Maybe I'll even move to Australia, which has an amazing Public History program.
I am only 22, so two or three years from now I will either have a job in the field I want (though I don't expect to be earning much), or I will be fretting about finding a job and considering going back from my credential. We'll see how it turns out.
But for those of you out there with History degrees, there are other options!
If you have software skills and are able to relocate move to Dallas. Texas is absolutely not in recession, software jobs are plentiful and well paid and house prices are still going up. No state income tax, low cost of living, 60-70 degree days in winter etc. Sure the scenery sucks but you can't have it all now can you?
At least you've already GOT a passport, so I can rest easy that you're only after my money rather than citizenship.
I believe the best way to start any relationship is with total honestly.
hallelujah holla back homie. I'm a "twixer", as described by the Times magazine article about our 20-something generation and it's unique situation. It's weird how social freedom brings us down when confronted with a lifestyle we don't enjoy, but previous generations found the strength to swallow to make ends meet. Ah well...
I turned 24 earlier this month, and I've been on Jobseeker's Allowance since September last year. Before that I had never worked before, because I was on benefits due to a mild autistic condition I suffer from called Asperger's Syndrome which means I find certain aspects of social life more awkward than a lot of other people. But then I was taken off it and made to look for work, which unsurprisingly has not been very successful so far. I live in Britain, we're in the midst of a major economic crisis that isn't likely to go away any time soon, and the vast majority of jobs want people who are already experienced. I have degrees in English and Creative Writing, but they haven't helped me much so far. I've tried looking for jobs in places like museums, libraries and bookstores, with no luck. I keep ending up applying for menial cleaning jobs, which I never get (It's not very glamorous, but at least then I'd be doing something). The best I've had so far has been a voluntary job in a charity store, which didn't last long as my condition got in the way. I'm thinking of trying to get involved with the local town council or working in a theatre, or maybe even doing a course in proof-reading, but I can't help being very worried. Not just for myself, but for all those other people out there who're in the same boat. These are scary times indeed.
When I was your age, I had graduated from university with a degree in English and Linguistics. It was the 80's of Thatcher's Britian and I was living in Liverpool. Our situations sound quite similar, separated only by a couple of decades. I eventually found employment through voluntary work. I'd recommend it to anyone. All kinds of orgnisations are actively seeking volunteers, and the good ones have proper structured volunteer plans to keep you motivated, challenged and valued. You make friends, get experience, network, spot job opportunities opening up, get references and spend your days doing something worthwhile. I can't recommend it enough. You did some voluntary work in the past, but it wasn't right for you. I'm sure that there are loads of volunteering opportunities out there that would be right up your alley.
Well I am Twenty Four, still live with the parents, and am looking for a job but I'm not complaining about it. The only thing I don't like is my lack of social life that comes with still living at home (I'm bored really) but other than that, I'm not as depressed as you seem to be. As for the news article, tell me something I don't know.
Thespeckledkiwi
Vice Admiral
Technically I don't have the patients nor the aptitude to do a Master's program at this time. If I wanted too, sure but I'm three years removed from college and pretty much lost all information I had (stupid medication).
The other issue is, is connections. You need connections in history programs. I don't care if you graduated top of your class. If you don't know people, you're screwed. I tried to work my way from the bottom and they were nice about it but you need connections and a master's. I had one but not the other.
I'm just happy I got a job where I am.
BTW I got to really question creative writing degrees. If you are a freaking writer or an artist, a two year program might be best but you CAN'T TEACH CREATIVITY. Blargh. That's like giving someone a degree in football.
I'm 23 going on 24 and I see myself as a victim of a private sector that got so cutthroat it cut its own throat. It'll probably be until between 28 to 36 until I get a brilliant job and my own home.
I'm actually not depressed about it at all, I have a great job and a plan for my future and things are going well.
I wrote this thread for people our age in general since most of them are having difficulties in the job market. This could be a place to vent about that.
But I personally am doing fine.
But it can teach you structure and technique as well as an environment to hone your craft.
Neither a social life nor lack of boredom automatically comes with getting your own place.
True. It's more not being able to go out, or work at the moment than getting my own place. That's kinda low on the priority list at this point.
How are you a victim? No one owes you a job, and stop believing all of the doom and gloom in the media. Only one person has your best interests in mind, and that's you. I know a guy who was wrongfully fired for being injured on the job and filing a workman's comp claim. He sued (and won) and then turned around to start his own business. He is now a competitor against his former employer and is very successful. His former employer has resulted to shooting out the windows of his truck (he knows it was him but can't prove it) as well as having someone posing as a lawyer send him documents to intimidate him. In return, my friend uses outstanding customer service, pricing, as well as prompt service to beat them. He has gained a ton of business via word-of-mouth this way and also "stolen" many customers from his former employer. Not bad for having been on his own since last spring.
Every generation of twenty-somethings has gone through the same thing.
Generally, starting an actual career is tough for most folks. And as each generation expects more immediate results in Life, the greater the disappointment seems.
In the past year being anything-something has gotten rough. Imagine having worked hard to forge a career and then having it all yanked away from you.
--Ted
Generally, starting an actual career is tough for most folks. And as each generation expects more immediate results in Life, the greater the disappointment seems.
In the past year being anything-something has gotten rough. Imagine having worked hard to forge a career and then having it all yanked away from you.
--Ted
Writing eventually becomes the easiest part of writing (as a career).
Selling your work is about 90% of professional writing.
--Ted
Similar threads
