Life After College

I graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2015.  Everything changed after that; there are more responsibilities and deadlines. Syllabuses are not included.
I vividly remembered the ceremony day. The room was full of hopes, dreams and uncertainty. Everyone was laughing and hugging goodbyes, pretending everything is okay. I did not even want to go there because I felt like a failure; I was so unsure of my future. The only reason I went is because of my parents, I do not want to disappoint them.  Most of my friends already received job offers. The post-graduation survey did not help either. One thing I knew for sure, I better started blasting those resumes out cause most of the students there were just as anxious and nervous as I was.

 

Fast forward to the second week of post-graduation, I entered the “jobless crisis” mode. Literally, every job I applied to, I failed their technical interviews. I was so crushed. I tried to study and review all my materials, but my nervousness got the best of me.  At that point, I was so certain that I am going to be a homeless and live with my parents for the rest of my life. My best friend was still looking for jobs back then, but he landed on an engineering job in a matter of 3 weeks. I was so proud of him, but part of me also died a little. (Does it make me a bad person just to be jealous of my best friend? I do not know, I did tell him in a way, but there is more to that, and I do not want to go into depth for this post).

 

After applying to some 70 job applications within a two-months period, I was able to start my career as a technical assistant.  This was not my ideal job, but I was willing to take any opportunity at that point. Thankfully, I was able to meet few incredible people there. They inspire me to become a better person.  “Never compromise your own uniqueness to meet someone else standards, be your own ground, and stand up for yourself”. Company wise, it was a freak show: lots of political agendas and gossips. I am working in a new company for four months now. It is less hectic, people there are respectable, and my teammates are awesome.

 

In term of relationship, I have none. I broke up with my boyfriend after I graduated from college.  I put all my energy into work and work only. (There were few flings, but it did not go anywhere – I wished it would, but it never did). I might blog some relationship experience later on, but I am no expert, I am like an infant.

 

During these times, I have learned few things about myself and my life after college. Family support and faith are the main keys that keep me going. Without these two components, I would not survive. Every rejection letter adds a drop of disappointment in my soul, luckily, I turned to my family for support and encouragement. Believing in something that is larger than myself enables me to view life differently. It makes me feels that hard work does pay off, I just need to stay focused and hone my strengths and skills. Someone will eventually notice it.

 

This past one year and a half is a roller-coaster ride for me. With all of the craziness and loneliness, one thing I know for sure, I would not change a damn thing about my life. I am not saying this just because I am in a better place now than the day I graduated.  All those feelings, experience, lessons, and emotions make me who I am today.  Who knows what the future holds, but I am ready to face it. Enjoy the moment, accept defats, learn from them, and move on. There are the steps that I am still figuring out myself.

 

Stay blessed and Happy Monday –

 

-Being Salty

 

 

 

 

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Two weeks later …

 

 

Source: hative.com

Hi,

I hope your Sunday is well, my Sunday is quite alright. I am not looking forward to Monday, but at least I have a job on Monday. Something that I was worried last three weeks ago. It was almost a month since I got laid off from my previous job. And a miracle happened, and here I am working for another company for two weeks now.

First week was a typical training week for new employee, I was able to learn more about the systems, how to operate, and what procedures and workflows are. Second week went by fast, I feel like everyone there is really great, and they have been very supportive. I do not encounter any strange vibe from anyone yet, plus I follow certain rules that I read back then discussing what to do during your first few weeks at your new job, and here is the list:

 

• Never brag about your experience – always be humble (I feel like this is a given, everyone should know this)
• Never share your political belief – because you never know what other people agree with you or not; it is a risky business.
• Do not bring any smelly food – yea I learned this one, mental note, everyone.
• Do not kiss-ass your new boss – people do not like it, and personally, I want to stay out of drama.

 

So yes, these are the four bullet points that I found. If you find other “Dos and Don’ts”, please let me know, I would like to read about it!

October has been a really emotional roller-coaster ride month for me, both in my professional and personal sectors.  I am so glad that this month is almost over, and so excited for what’s next to come.

 

Being Salty as always,

 

Miracle

OH MY GHAWD…. I got hired (for different company, of course)!!! And the salary/position is way better than my previous company! Is this real life?!?!?!

Okay so I was let go on last week of September 2016, I spent the next week searching for jobs like a madman. I received few interviews last week, and one of them actually offered me a decent compensation, and I accepted it with a heartbeat.  I already started working for them since Monday.

This is crazy, I can’t believe it, I did not stay unemployed for too long. The first thing I did after I signed the agreement form?I freaking UPDATED my social media sites (Facebook and Linkedin) to show my ex-company’s workers what I am capable of. But honestly, I am just too happy to even feel anything right now!

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to meet few people in my ex-company. They inspire me to be a better person and show me that being young does not mean that you are inexperience or not good enough for your job. Good things come to those who wait (and work hard for it), and I truly believe it.

For those who is reading this post, I wish you the best! If you are in the same position as me (I hope you are not), please do not give up hopes. Things will get better; once the rain stops, the sun will shine.

And of course, I am still a little bit salty about my previous workplace,

Oh well, life goes on.

 

Good night,

 

Being Salty

To the New Beginning

I see it is coming, all the signs are there, I am prepared, but still, what happened to me last Friday still traumatized me till now. Yes, the company has been through a big budget cut and that my readers, it means I got fired.  Well, technically, I am laid off from the job that will be now handled by the third party vendor.

 

One door closes, another door opens, that is what I kept telling myself this whole weekend. I am trying to put a brave face and to face the world head on. I am young, I do have some experience, I have some money to cover during these job hunts, but still, I cannot shake off the feeling how the HR staff treat me on Friday.  Do they know it hurts? Do they even feel sympathy for me at all? Do they care?  Then again, they are just doing their job, I supposed.

 

If there is a reset button, would I want to use it? Absolutely not. There are things I wish I could handle much better, and yes I regretted of not taking that offer.  However, with all of these, I do not want live in the past, I am going to learn from it, making better life decision, and this post will be my way of letting go from these bad memories/experience from working at that company.

 

 

Any yes I am salty af for now.

 

-BeingSalty

Finding a job (especially for your field) is not easy– and i think everyone already knows that

Finding a full-time job after graduation is not an easy task. I know, and I have been told so many times before, but what I did not expect is all these technical questions that I have learnt four years ago. It is ridiculous; but that what life is about. And I am so ready to be an adult. Like seriously, I have spent almost two weeks to review my notes (especially the CS 101), just give me the damn job already… sigh. Staying positive is the key during this time process. (and being a little salty will not hurt either)

This is how I feel whenever I finish a technical interview

Peace for now
Being Salty