Honestly, I've been feeling very discouraged as of late- which is why there have been very few blog posts these last few weeks. I can't really put my finger on a specific reason for it, but I definitely need to start making some changes. I'm only 23 and have had a full time job since graduating from college last May so I am lucky in that sense. However, the position I'm currently in makes me miserable and is not at all what I'd like to be doing (I didn't know this before taking the position).
I studied merchandising/retailing/business in college and I truly enjoyed all of my classes and internships- but somehow I feel like I chose the wrong path. Mainly because I loathe my job and I don't want to leave Chicago. I feel as if I would realistically need to move to the east or west coast to pursue a career I actually enjoy in the retail industry. There just aren't enough companies here and a lot of them only offer the position I currently work in. I grew up in Chicago; My whole family is here, my friends are here, and my boyfriend is here. I already spent 4 years doing long distance and that is just not in the cards for me anymore (my sanity thanks me for that decision).
I have some semblance of a savings account, but I also have a car payment, tons of student loans, and a whole lot of other bills. So realistically taking an unpaid internship in something I do enjoy or taking off to Europe for a few months is just not feasible. I enjoy marketing but have much more experience in retail and am not sure I'm even qualified for any positions I've seen. I use this blog as a way to be creative and focus on things that truly make me happy. But even here, I'm feeling uninspired.
This post is not meant as one big complaint and I apologize if it comes across as that, but I need a new direction and could use a little help. Which door do I choose? Stick it out and hope it gets better or move on to something new? What do you do when you're feeling discouraged? I'm in a serious funk and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
girl dont worry - everyone goes through those phases but if you feel like you need to make a change, you should! It sounds like you have a great support system around you - the most important thing is for you to be happy!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Pam
As a fellow Chicago girl, who has worked in the Chicago fashion world, I feel your pain. It is true that there are few companies here to work for in this industry however they do exist. I wouldn't get discouraged because of not enjoying your first job. To be honest mine was miserable most of the as well, however at 23 you have plenty of time to sort things out. Stay positive and be proactive and things will come together.
ReplyDeleteXX,
Morgan
Ashley I can honestly understand where you're coming from. I am 22 and newly out of school and for the past four months I have been unemployed. I was seriously doubting everything because I had gotten offers in other areas, but said no to them because I'm in the same boat as you: my family, my friends and my life are here in Chicago. I'd applied for more jobs than I can count and had a few interviews, but no luck. But then today, the impossible happened and I got a teaching job. It is my first job and there are a lot of unknowns, but I'm excited to see where they will lead. I would do whatever you think will be the best for you: if it's financial security and you love having family and loved ones close by, I would stick it out and then try contacting anyone and everyone you can to try to find a new position that you think would be better. Plus, with family and friends close, you have their support, help and guidance. But, if you are thinking that you would like a whole new career that would bring you more joy and find enjoyment in the unknowns of a new place, then I'd try that. I know a lot of people who are happiest when they are faced with an unknown and starting clean. I'm not one of those people (at least not presently), but a lot of people love it. I truly have faith that everything will work out for you and that you will make the best choice for you. (sorry this was so long! But I can definitely relate to how you feel!)
ReplyDeleteAshley - if you're miserable... don't stay in that position!! Something you enjoy will come along even if it takes some time... Life is too short to waste it on some job that makes you depressed and sad. Something wonderful will come your way - it just takes time here again! Best of luck with your search if that's the way you decide to go! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm always for moving to something new. Trust, when we moved to VA and realized we didn't like it I felt such an obligation to stay there since we had invested money and time into being there, and so many people had helped us out. When it came down to it, being unhappy just was NOT worth it. I know you can do it!!
ReplyDelete