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How can you find yourself, not working ;against the grain ?
Have the college education, but do I have the right stuff to complete in this competitive workforce. The appearance have drastically changed from cheerleader to old maid. Is their life out there. Lost in the woods, and looking to escape into the workforce and find myself; again working against grain.
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6 answers
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Joseph’s Answer
It's important to realize that after college, your career path will likely be quite different unless you're aiming for a specific specialty or trade. You'll face new challenges and opportunities, which can be both rewarding and sometimes tough. Your first job experiences will mainly help you learn how to manage a job successfully. If you've completed a two- or four-year degree, you're definitely prepared for this. Wishing you all the best!
Jack Harper
Financial Services and Insurance Vertical, Account Executive at Marketing Technology SaaS company
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Jack’s Answer
Hi Carolyn, you are not alone in the feeling of uncertainty and stress when first entering the workforce. The first few months can be a difficult transition period as your schedule, day to day routine, and responsibilities completely change.
No one ever really has it totally figured out and certainly no one that is early in their career.
My advice would be to take every opportunity as a learning experience, and focus on living in the present.
Highly unlikely that your first job will be your last job. The first job will not be your highest paying job or the most interesting.
Focusing on building relationships with coworkers that may become close friends, advocates for you for future roles, and building a network will be much more important than wondering what things will look like 5 years down the line.
I left college thinking I would be in banking. Ultimately, I ended up in software sales and consulting in a field I never expected / studied. The people I work with every day are what has kept me engaged and happy in workforce. It was not what I had predicted or planned out, but found a job that excites and tests me each day and allows for a healthy work life balance.
It took me a few roles to find a fit. Keep your head up and stay positive! Promise it gets better out there.
No one ever really has it totally figured out and certainly no one that is early in their career.
My advice would be to take every opportunity as a learning experience, and focus on living in the present.
Highly unlikely that your first job will be your last job. The first job will not be your highest paying job or the most interesting.
Focusing on building relationships with coworkers that may become close friends, advocates for you for future roles, and building a network will be much more important than wondering what things will look like 5 years down the line.
I left college thinking I would be in banking. Ultimately, I ended up in software sales and consulting in a field I never expected / studied. The people I work with every day are what has kept me engaged and happy in workforce. It was not what I had predicted or planned out, but found a job that excites and tests me each day and allows for a healthy work life balance.
It took me a few roles to find a fit. Keep your head up and stay positive! Promise it gets better out there.
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Sanjeev’s Answer
Hi Carolynn,
It is completely normal to feel uncertain about finding a job after graduation. I have been in that place myself—after years in consulting, I went through a company downsizing and suddenly had to search on my own. Even with experience, it can feel overwhelming at first, especially when no single job seems like a perfect fit. But that feeling does not mean you are unqualified; it usually means you need a better way to see how your strengths connect to the market.
My strategy was to build a simple spreadsheet that mapped my skills, experiences, and accomplishments against the requirements in job postings. I listed what I already knew, what I wanted to learn, and examples that showed how I handled challenges and delivered results. That process helped me customize my resume and cover letters more effectively and realize I was qualified for far more roles than I first thought. The lesson is this: focus on what you do bring, show your willingness to learn, and trust your ability to adapt—because that is exactly what many employers are looking for. Don't be afraid of failure. Failure leads to success. And that's normal too. I hope this helps.
It is completely normal to feel uncertain about finding a job after graduation. I have been in that place myself—after years in consulting, I went through a company downsizing and suddenly had to search on my own. Even with experience, it can feel overwhelming at first, especially when no single job seems like a perfect fit. But that feeling does not mean you are unqualified; it usually means you need a better way to see how your strengths connect to the market.
My strategy was to build a simple spreadsheet that mapped my skills, experiences, and accomplishments against the requirements in job postings. I listed what I already knew, what I wanted to learn, and examples that showed how I handled challenges and delivered results. That process helped me customize my resume and cover letters more effectively and realize I was qualified for far more roles than I first thought. The lesson is this: focus on what you do bring, show your willingness to learn, and trust your ability to adapt—because that is exactly what many employers are looking for. Don't be afraid of failure. Failure leads to success. And that's normal too. I hope this helps.
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Richard’s Answer
It can be daunting to take on a competitive job marketplace and find a role that fits your goals and ambitions. Try not to be too hard on yourself and find the right employer for you and what you're are interested. Be ready to adapt, learn new things and challenge yourself. You never stop learning in the world of work, it's like college but more than 3 years!
Diversity in ideas, energy and skills is what makes a workplace and interesting place to be. Bring your talents, listen to others and I'm sure you will find success in a fast changing world of work.
Diversity in ideas, energy and skills is what makes a workplace and interesting place to be. Bring your talents, listen to others and I'm sure you will find success in a fast changing world of work.
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John’s Answer
Carolyn, the part I can speak to directly is the age piece, because I spent years leading and hiring people and I am also back in school in my late thirties after a long career.
Here is what I saw from the hiring side. Experience is worth more than most people give it credit for, and I never passed on a candidate because I was worried about them being too old. If you walk in convinced you are behind, that will come across before your resume does.
You have the education. That part is already done.
On feeling like you are working against the grain, I am curious what direction you are actually trying to go, because the phrase makes it seem like you are pushing against something specific. Is the field actually a bad fit, or is it just fear talking before you have even started?
You are not lost in the woods. You are between things, which is a very different place to be standing.
Here is what I saw from the hiring side. Experience is worth more than most people give it credit for, and I never passed on a candidate because I was worried about them being too old. If you walk in convinced you are behind, that will come across before your resume does.
You have the education. That part is already done.
On feeling like you are working against the grain, I am curious what direction you are actually trying to go, because the phrase makes it seem like you are pushing against something specific. Is the field actually a bad fit, or is it just fear talking before you have even started?
You are not lost in the woods. You are between things, which is a very different place to be standing.
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Karen’s Answer
t sounds like you are going through a significant and challenging period of reflection, but please know that these feelings are a very normal part of any major life transition.
The transition from one phase of life to the next can often feel like being "lost in the woods," but that feeling is frequently just the precursor to finding a new, authentic direction. Your college education is a foundation that hasn't gone anywhere—it remains a testament to your ability to learn, adapt, and succeed, qualities that are just as valuable in the workforce now as they were when you first graduated.
The professional landscape is vast, and many people successfully reinvent themselves and find meaningful paths well into their careers. What you might perceive as "working against the grain" can often be the first step toward finding a role that truly fits the person you are today, rather than the person you were when you started.
You absolutely have "the right stuff." This period of questioning is not a sign of defeat; it’s a sign of growth and a readiness for a new chapter. Trust that your experience and perspective are assets, and give yourself grace as you navigate this search.
The transition from one phase of life to the next can often feel like being "lost in the woods," but that feeling is frequently just the precursor to finding a new, authentic direction. Your college education is a foundation that hasn't gone anywhere—it remains a testament to your ability to learn, adapt, and succeed, qualities that are just as valuable in the workforce now as they were when you first graduated.
The professional landscape is vast, and many people successfully reinvent themselves and find meaningful paths well into their careers. What you might perceive as "working against the grain" can often be the first step toward finding a role that truly fits the person you are today, rather than the person you were when you started.
You absolutely have "the right stuff." This period of questioning is not a sign of defeat; it’s a sign of growth and a readiness for a new chapter. Trust that your experience and perspective are assets, and give yourself grace as you navigate this search.