2020 was a life-changing year- I’m sure the whole world can relate. While facing the new realities of the world at that time I was also facing big changes in my personal life. I was in my last semester at university and transitioning from one chapter in my life into full adulthood.

As the oldest child, I have always felt mature for my age and I felt much like an adult in many ways already, but the reality was settling in and I was supposed to be getting my life in order while the world was falling apart.  

I am a first-generation student who graduated from university in 3 years. I had little guidance on what steps I should be following after graduating from school. My parents were just aware that I was graduating and that at some point I had to get a full-time job, and most of my friends were still in their junior year just trying to get through the semester. I was pretty much on my own. 

As many people do when they get lonely and confused about their next steps, I turned to the internet. 

I did not have a dream job figured out, or even a career path I wanted to follow. I was last minute applying to grad school simply to buy myself more time to figure things out. School was what I knew for pretty much all of my life and I felt comfortable continuing it. 

Like many people, I was trying to cope with the situation of the world and I started creating. Nothing really seemed to be happening for me in the job hunt scene. I had more rejection letters than I could count and I was OVER  it. I finally decided to create my own opportunities. 

Making It Happen 

I only recently realized that in times when I have wanted to make things happen, I have found a way. In Highschool I needed money for a school trip, I used a skill I already had the ability to do pretty good makeup and I created a makeup class for my friends and family.  I sold cookies in school to save up for my prom dress. In college, in order to afford my class ring, I created a digital cookbook and annoyed every single person that followed me on every single social media platform I was on and I was able to get 63 sales! At the moment I did not recognize this pattern of me making things up as I go, finding ways through situations in my life.

In circumstances before, I did this for money, because I needed money. I provided a service/product in return for money.  In this case a fresh out of college 20 years old, I needed a job. I took a skill that I was learning- how to create digital illustrations and pitched them to local businesses and to my friends! I was even doing it for FREE. Yes for free… This is a reminder that all work is work. So put that on your resume. “Pitched myself to local businesses and worked on creating content with local brands.” I was literally DMing anyone who would answer if I could draw something for them.

Soon I had people DMing me and offering me money to create digital illustrations for their Instagram feed! I was shocked. 

During Your “Waiting Period”

If you feel like nothing is going on for you, like you are in a waiting period, waiting to start your life, your career, or even if you find yourself in a tight economic situation, I encourage you to give yourself a chance. Look at what skills you have or that you can develop and start there, create whatever is calling your name. Release any and all expectations don’t be afraid to fail because regardless of the outcome, there is always a lesson to be learned, and even opportunities to come. 

Give yourself a chance first. Imagine that one thing that makes you happy and that you would love to be paid for. Put yourself out there, and more people will be willing to give you the chance that you might so desperately want. It takes strength, it takes getting over yourself and that shame that you may have from people seeing you don’t have the money to afford that thing, but it is so brave. I look back at those times and wonder where in the world I pulled that courage from. I have no idea but I am glad I did. 

Whether you’re in high school looking to make some extra cash, or in University and you are not hearing from any opportunities or if you have a job but you want more, I dare you to try something new. No experience is time wasted.  Try making your own opportunities happen because it can be a beautiful new beginning. 

Love,

Vibra