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So... We're Graduates Now?

Wednesday 25 July 2018
So for many of us, newly graduated, we are in the same boat. Some are no doubt seasick, in a world which suddenly demands more decision-making than we could have imagined. I think a lot of us are struggling to adapt, though it's early days, so I thought I'd share what I've found comforting recently whilst job-hunting.



Illustration by Manuela Gandara

What to watch/read/listen to when life is messy and overwhelming: 

Minnie Small's YouTube Channel. Minnie documents her creative process when painting, and often discusses dealing with imposter sydrome - particularly with never feeling like a 'real' artist. Her voice is comforting and her advice is never cliche. Here's one to get started with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPmKeGgsBKE&index=53&list=WL&t=0s

The Multi-Hypen Method by Emma Gannon. Now I'll probably dedicate an entire post to this book, as it's genuinely transformed my perspective on W.O.R.K. It's incredible. If you need motivation and comfort in the changing industries, this is all you need. Emma explores side-hustles, and finding the style and work-balance which suits us all as individuals. There are some interesting stories in here, with people who juggle (magnificently) seemingly contrasting jobs. She doesn't look down on those who work the 9-5, but instead praises the need for flexible hours and the option to work remotely, as there are a whole generation of job-seekers who won't settle for unfulfilling jobs!

Laura Jane Williams' Instagram Stories and Tweets. Laura talks about everything from renovating her house to Love Island - but mainly she gives advice on pitching, writing and presenting in a down to earth way. I love her writing style, and her books (Ice-cream for Breakfast and Becoming) are both brilliant. I've had to stop and jot down several inspirational/memorable quotes from both!

Lean In: For Graduates by Sheryl Sandberg. This was a touch too cheesy at times, but there are some memorable quotes and tips which I'd actually use. It can be tough even knowing where to start, let alone what to charge as a writer (or other roles), and this helped in that area. It didn't focus enough on freelancing, I felt, but re-considered the generic 'career ladder' image into a soft play area, where we can dip our toes into various things and experiment along the way. If sending daunting emails, discussing salaries and prepping for interviews give you goosebumps - this could help.

GrownUpLand podcast. Comedians navigate the adult world, from dating and ambition, money and travelling, to sex and saving money. If you've worried about it, these guys have discussed it!

Playing Big (A Practical Guide to Trusting Your Instincts and Sharing Your Brilliance in a World that Needs Women's Voices) by Tara Mohr. Tara is an expert in offering practical skills to help women achieve their dreams, and this book gave me so many tips to start doing just that. It covers inner critics and self-doubt, not knowing what our calling is, and handling criticism and praise in a damaging way. One of the biggest things I took from this was to unlearn good student habits which can be harmful in the workplace. I also admired the way she treated childcare, volunteering and non-traditional/office jobs as equal, and focused on helping women achieve in any area of their lives.

The Comedy Lineup Part 1 & Queer Eye (Netflix). These two have been the ultimate distraction, both are hilarious and heart-warming in equal measure, so I'm recommending them to everyone!

I hope these suggestions help in some way! Feel free to leave any questions below, or let me know what you're doing to tackle the real world at the moment. Obviously I recommend all the cups of tea, dancing, talking to people who care and doing things you love - which will all make a difference. It's worth remembering that there is no rush or pressure to do everything right now, life can, and will, wait.

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