The process of starting over

With so many cutbacks in the workforce, it leaves much to be desired. Students are graduating without the once tangible prospect of a decent job right out of college. More and more companies aren't able to pay interns, and so students still in college are struggling with budget cuts, tuition increases, and now, unpaid work experience.

There is hope, always a light at the end of the tunnel.

While the following link is to an article not necessarily geared at the recent graduate, it still has its significance to those of us who fit that category. It's worth taking a look at.

Rise of the 40-something intern.

Headline reads...'College grads raise Jacksonville unemployment rate.'

Where are all the college grads going to work after graduation?

Across the country we continue to see unemployment levels rise, as students continue to complete their university studies and set out to find that 'dream' job that no longer exists.

This article reported:
"With college seniors graduating in early May, an increase in the unemployment rate was not a surprise.
"There are a large number of graduates who entered the labor force and haven't found jobs," said Paul Mason, economist at the University of North Florida."

To continue to read the full article, click here.

We want to hear from you, please comment on the conditions of the economy and how it may be affecting you or someone you know.

Two Words For Your Recession Lexicon: Mal Employment & Prelancing

Not to depress anybody, but mal-employment is on the rise according to this Miami Herald story:

Research has shown that college graduates who take jobs below their education level not only earn less, but also can take years to match the earnings of graduates who land career-track employment upon graduation.

These so called "mal-employed" workers also compound the unemployment problem by taking jobs that non-college graduates and even high school students are often qualified to hold.

The problem of "mal-employment" — working outside one's field of education, training and choice — has increased sharply for young college grads since the recession began and all signs suggest the trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

It may be tempting to find any job that can get you by. However, the decision to do that now might impact your earnings potential down the road. This article written a month ago in the Wall Street Journal shows that the unlucky class of 2009 grads are not just suffering now, that bad luck is likely to have consequences for years. Be sure to click on the interactive graphs, it's alarming:

For example, a man who graduated in December 1982 when unemployment was at 10.8% made, on average, 23% less his first year out of college and 6.6% less 18 years out than one who graduated in May 1981 when the unemployment rate was 7.5%. For a typical worker, that would mean earning $100,000 less over the 18-year period.

It may be necessary to take that job that is below your education level or outside your intended career so that you can pay back those student loans and generally make ends meet, but don't get complacent.

Graduates who find themselves in this situation should keep looking for a suitable career, even if that means volunteering their time for a non-profit to get valuable experience and references. Or from Thursday's Wall Street Journal blog, another option--Prelancing.

Your Grad Life is on Twitter

We are trying to reach campuses and students far and wide, so we decided to start a Twitter account. If you have a Twitter, please add Your grad life to your list of followers! We look forward to keeping up with people and making new friends.

What challenges do you face in finding a job/career?

We want to hear the words straight from the horses mouth. What are the challenges of finding a job in this economy? Are you too qualified, or not qualified enough? Despite easing tensions, there is still pressure and stress to find work since the Fall months. More students are graduating this Spring, or have already.

What are some helpful hints? This quote came from the IAEW, International Association for Employment Websites:

"students need to use all the resources available to them to conduct a successful job search, starting with the campus career center.”

Don't be afraid all; there are ways around the potholes. Use what is available to you. Don't pass up any opportunity, even if you think it's not good enough. Let us know about how you overcame the obstacles, there are many just like you who could benefit from your advice.

Hey look! Jobs!

At least there's one place in America that's wearing like Teflon through the recession: Washington, D.C. Most corners of the economy may be struggling, but in the nation's capital it's boom times, baby.

There are a few advantages in working for the government, including job security, and good pay and benefits.

For a young professional, there is something even more valuable. While performance is important, profits are not a primary motive for most government organizations. Because of this, young professionals are more likely to be able to develop their talents in lower stress situations.

And, as the above article points out, the government is adding jobs, while the rest of the economy is shedding them.

To see what types of jobs are out there, go to usajobs.gov.

Jobs for young grads, o wait there aren't any.

The Orange County Register posted an article this morning that goes something like this:

"The jobless rate for workers under 27 years old with a bachelor’s degree or higher averaged 5.9% in March-April, the second-highest in modern history, reports the Economic Policy Institute. The highest unemployment rate among young college grads was in 1983 when it reached 6.2%, based on records dating back to 1979."

To continue reading the article click here.

To read a report done by the Economic Policy Institute click here.