After graduating from college, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I no longer had to write papers, complete projects or pull all-nighters to study for tests. Little did I know I had a larger weight taking its place – finding a job. 

I knew finding a position in my field would be difficult, but I just didn’t realize how difficult. I went several months after graduation unemployed even though I applied to at least 10 jobs every day. Eventually, I had to suck it up and become a waitress and then a pharmacy technician at Walgreens just to pay off my student loans.

Those days were a struggle. I had to deal with customers I didn’t like, doing a job I didn’t enjoy. I was frustrated. My patience for trying to find a job in graphic design was running thin. I would complain to friends, family and co-workers about how unhappy I was. My personality was becoming a burden to those who were doing their absolute best to support me and build up my confidence. 

During this time, I did have a few interviews, but none went anywhere. With my patience and confidence shot, I gave up trying to obtain any position before I even walked in the door. 

This went on for several months before I completely exhausted myself. I walked out of Walgreens after my shift one night and just handed it over to God. There was no ounce of my being that wanted to carry the burden of finding a job anymore. I didn’t feel instantly better. It still took me a couple of days and a lot of reminding myself that it was in God’s hands before I began to feel any better.

Soon enough, an interview came my way, and it was for a company that I was really interested in. I walked in that office scared and excited, but I expressed my deep desire to work there and gave it my all. I felt confident and more capable of getting a job in my field. Not to mention just a tiny bit like I nailed that interview.

The thing is, I didn’t nail it. They hired someone else. I still had to be patient and wait, but God was slowly building me back up. 

Instead of getting the job, I was offered an internship for a local machinery company and learned a lot. My confidence in myself and my abilities was restored, and it looked as though handing over my burdens and being patient was paying off.

Two months later, I heard back from the place that didn’t hire me. I went in for another interview and was offered the position by the end of the week. 

Life after college is hard, and trying to do it by yourself can be even harder. Yet with a lot of patience and some help from God, you can make it. 

Written by guest writer Fallyn Stieglitz