[Alogan23]

So iv never used a forum website like this before but think it's about time I seek advise.

I'm a degree graduate of Graphic design and have been looking for a job for over six months now. Iv had opportunities to freelance on the odd job but can never seem to get offered a job because the interviewed say I'm not experienced enough. And nobody will take me in as a volunteer intern where I live.

Anyway long story short iv been reduced to working in hospitality which are crappy hours bad pay and are now starting to make me extremely miserable - to the point where I think I'm depressed. Iv been through two waitressing jobs in the passed couple of months because my boss was horrible and i couldn't stand working in an environment where I felt sick and nervous even showing up for work. The place I'm at now is fine but my hours are barely part time and I just have no enthusiasm for it because for me it's a dead end and
I'm going nowhere.

I feel like I'm stuck in limbo where everyone else around me has scored awesome graduate jobs and I had all these expectations of finding a real job once I graduated when now that things arnt going as planned I'm extremely freaked out and vulnerable to constant negative thoughts.

Help! Extremely miserable.

[Travelinglady]

Hello, Alogan23, and welcome to Psych Central! I can understand why you would feel frustrated, disappointed, and then depressed.

I have a thought: You say you're only working part-time. I know you're likely tired, but how about advertising around and taking one of those freelance odd jobs? That will give you some experience, and then when you interview you can have a resume that says: "Worked for the following companies/agencies as a free-lancer," maybe explaining the specifics of what you did. Plus you will have some people to ask for letters of recommendation.

I think that's worth a thought. I honestly think you are giving up too easily. From what I have observed, not that many grads these days go right into their dream jobs.

Okay?

[maddnessreturns]

You aren't alone in not getting a great job straight away. I think it takes times. Have you tried a staffing agency? I don't know much about the industry you're in so I'm probably not much help. Maybe a portfolio of the work you have done? Or including the free lance work you have done? It'll get better though.

[Altered Moment]

Welcome to PC. I don't know what graphics artist means anymore. Do you have to be able to do 3D modeling and all that? Or web design?

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You're experiencing the reality of life after graduation . Most graduates don't get jobs in their chose field right away unless it is a high demand field. But don't let that bother you. Degrees eventually make up for it later on. I have changed careers a couple times and the thing that has worked well is to get into a dept or company that hires what I want to do. I.e. Take an admin job at an advertising firm. Or do temp work as a receptionist. People underestimate receptionists. They get the whole lay of the land and meet everyone. Some companies aren't friendly with moving people up. Then move on. At least you walk away with experience IN an advertising firm.

The other thing to do is get yourself on linkedin and join local professional groups. It can be graphic design based or a local business group. Don't worry about "being qualified". You are just there to listen. You'd be surprised what you can pick up. Also you never know if somebody is going to be looking for a junior.

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[eggplantlife]

Did you try joining a design group like aiga if they have one there and volunteer. In my younger days that was one of the recommendation. That way you get to know what's happening and someone there might know of a job or help guide you.

I myself was trying to get back into the field when I was in ny but I couldn't find a job because I haven't worked in the field for a long time and also, I was going through a lot emotionally so I believe that showed through my interview. I also didn't have current skills.
I made a lot of mistakes in the 2 and half years when I was there looking for a job. I didn't get a job there.

You're still young and your skills are current. So you have to keep sending out resume and your work. I think everything is done online. Keep sending them out. Notice where your weakness is. Is it in the interview? Resume? Portfolio? Not enough experience? Do the volunteer work doing graphics like maybe a church? And put that as experience.