Welcome to adulthood

July 2013-In shock, it's been over a year y'all 

To all my graduates, I congratulate you or as they said at my graduation ceremony, graduands! (I still don’t understand that word till date.)

How does it feel having graduated, bland, great, confusing or overwhelming? I remember when I first graduated, I felt very disappointed. I don’t know why, but I was expecting a big welcoming party to wish me a happy graduation. Oh my days, how can I forget? I remember what happened on graduation day. I previously lost my iphone (RIP Iphone 4) to the toilet that week, so I had no phone. Like, no insta post, no facebook sermon, nada. Just one mash up blackberry that needed a second touch, so I felt like the only people that cared were the 6/7 family members and friends (who funnily were all male) that turned up to my ceremony.

Anyways let’s move on. In all honesty, I was not ready for the shock of ‘adulthood’ as I fondly call it. During uni, everybody struggled with maintaining money but in the back of our minds, we always had peace as we knew Student Loan was going to ‘drop’ anytime soon (you’ll only understand if you went to uni in the UK lol). Dear graduate, there is no student loan that will drop again and if you didn’t save you’re going to be struggling until you get a job. Hmm a job (check this post where I talk about finding a job).

There’s also the issue of moving back home, if you haven’t already. You see I’m from a Nigerian home and that is a book on its own. In uni, I had the liberty to move as I pleased but when I returned home, I had a clash with my parents. On my side, I forgot the protocols instilled by my parents which we had to adhere to and on their side, they forgot that I experienced freedom and was a growing adult. It wasn’t easy adjusting. After two weeks with my mum, I was looking for another course to do so I could leave lol. It’s not like I wanted to leave but I was tired of food finishing everyday and having to wash the bathroom that 5 people had used over a week.

I could ramble on and on but I’m writing this post for a reason. I’ve experienced some things and I’d like to share a snippet of the things I learnt in the early stages of being a graduate.

I think I have one major point that could be broken down into many paragraphs and that is: Don’t be in a rush to move on.

After speaking to my friends who just finished from university, the response I got from them is that they’re looking for a job. If you’re like them, frantically looking for a job, slow down. In my opinion, I believe you should do other things instead. For example, evaluate the exact career choices you have available to you and plan accordingly. What might have been your ideal career at the beginning of your course, may not necessarily appeal to you now and you need to be able to identify what it is you want to do before you get it wrong. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, what matters is that you get there!

Another option is to go away on holiday. This may sound very silly to you but not everyone who has been to uni, even considered the idea of a break. Some just work, work and work some more. Now, even if it doesn’t appear to be studying, you’re still working if you’re continuously planning events, having socials or attending to voluntary commitments such as service in the church. So technically, you haven’t had a break have ya? So please, go on holiday with a friend. With a budget of 400, you can easily find a 7 day all inclusive to most places in Europe.

Similar to my previous point is considering doing a mission trip for an extended period. First, you get to see another country, another section of the world at large and you’re able to see yourself at work in more likely than not, adverse conditions to what you’re used to. This is good for those people that have never been away from home apart from uni. Check this website for more info (ICS).

Plan your finances. Ok, you’ve sorted out your career, found out potential starting salary and have probably started applying for jobs. My advice is work out a budget. Savings is a priority and should be set at almost 50% depending on whether your salary can afford it but nothing less than 20%. I PLEAD with you, pay off your overdraft ASAP. I don’t even have to assume this. I’m aware, a lot of us were reckless with money during university and have now landed with overdraft. For some banks, your overdraft is interest free for one year after graduation on certain amounts. Find out what your bank policy is and let’s get rid of the debt we can afford to get rid of. Also, depending on your life goals, check your credit. However, before you do that get advice from someone in the financial industry. I checked mine and I’m on track baybe! Lol

Find or develop your natural abilities. Some of my friends critically assessed themselves and instead of working for others, they are working and building their own businesses. They realized that they had a gift, skill or talent that they could develop and overtime they have managed to do that. It may have taken them a few steps but they’re where they desire to be now.

My final point, talk to people. You’re not in this journey alone. Take the courage to ask for advice or even give advice if you, like me, graduated last year. 

These are my main points but one thing I’d like to say is that I wish I’d been more patient in getting a job or rather used my time more wisely when I didn’t have a job. I sincerely do not regret getting a job but I didn’t do some of the things I mentioned above and looking back I wish I did. Having a job is a great thing, puts your life in order to an extent and helps you to mature as an individual on different scopes. However, critically and prayerfully assess whether the road of a job is for you and whether it’s for now. Forget the money aspect. In all honesty, money has wings and it may take you a couple of months before you even ‘enjoy’ your salary.

So, my dear graduate, keep focused and take your time.

P.S If you have any advice that you think would be valuable please drop a comment or send me an email at rubologs@gmail.com.  

What I didn't learn in March and stumbled across in April

Spring at its best
(Source: www.google.co.uk)

Hi everyone,

It's been a while and there a few good reasons why I have been MIA. Firstly, I GOT A JOB!!! *praisebreak*. This may not be ecstatic news to everyone but for me and fellow recent graduates this is awesome news. I will be blogging about my experience later. Secondly, my big sister got married (plus other weddings) and I was too busy being excited that I just couldn't put my thoughts down.

So, as promised every month I take stock of the lessons I learn and share them. However, last month, I didn't learn much. In fact, spiritually, March was messed up, tore up, you name it. I had serious moments where I doubted God's abilities, spouts of insecurities, lack of faith and the list goes on. This is despite the fact that I actually took time to organise my month. It reminds me of a scripture which says "Many are the plans in a persons heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

I don't have a list of lessons this time around but I have a few distinct things that I remember. 

I didn't learn that if you give the devil a foothold, he will take it and turn it into a stronghold. What I mean in simple terms is, give the devil a foot and he'll take a mile. I seriously let my guard down last month. I didn't shield my heart, mind or soul and I thought I'd be okay. It doesn't work like that...at all! See, I've come to realise this, the devil comes but to 'kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). But he doesn't come to your room to wake you up at night to punch you instead he thinks like a business man and seizes certain opportunities and uses it to his full advantage. Be alert, the Bible encourages, BE ALERT!

Holiness is a verb! God has clothed us in His righteousness but we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is something we work on daily, consciously and persistently. Holiness is not by accident.

I've also realised that success doesn't suddenly fall on your lap. You must work at it. I've had to make adjustments in my life in order to align myself with success. Might I add that, success is objective to each individual and this should be taken in to consideration when you find yourself making comparisons with your peers.

Finally, God's grace (empowerment in this sense) is readily available. In 'Christianese' we tend to say that we need to 'tap' into it. A tap is used in controlling the flow of some form of liquid. However, until you turn the tap on, nothing will come out of it. How do you turn on grace? Acknowledge that it is present and it will begin to flow. 

Personally, I've taken this on board and decided to run with it.

Until we meet again

Rubologs

Job

"Hi ruth, how are you? How's the job hunt going?"

"You had any interviews yet?"

"How did your last interview go?"

"You actively looking for work?"

"Don't worry, God will give you your own."

"If it's God's will, the job is yours!"

This has been my conversation with people for the last 4-5 months. I'm sure you've sussed out what this post is about. 

Rather than complaining about my current job situation, I've decided to give advice, especially to my fellow graduates who spend all day looking for work. 

I know the feeling of looking into your account and sighing heavily, the dreaded email response saying 'We are sorry...', the countless jobs that require 2-5 years experience in your field BUT you are a graduate with little or no experience. 

I laugh because if I see one more job spec requesting experience when I clearly inserted 'entry role' to my search engine, then I may cut my hair ( I lie, it'd make too many people happy lol). 

Let me point out by stating one mistake that I made when I first started, I didn't speak to anyone! Big mistake. You know you'd be surprised at the amount of information people have if you just decided to be open with them. I could not believe the wealth of information people had to offer me. Conversing with different people exposed me to an area, company or location I hadn't initially thought of and it's really enhanced my job search. Honestly, speak to people! 

Another thing, be bold! I'm actually a shy person but I come across as being an extrovert. Total lie. To pick up the phone to call the HR of a company is an issue for me but once I started, I couldn't stop. Once I did one cover letter, I could email it round to several companies. I mean the worst they can say is NO! It's really not that bad at least you know you've made the effort right? 

Read! Read blogs and articles from newspapers such as The Guardian, The Times, Total Jobs or journals related to your field on the job market. It gives you great insight as to what is actually happening around you. Some information may appear gloomy but there's always a ray of hope somewhere.  

I've been to a few recruitment and graduate fairs but I must say it hasn't really favoured my field. The last one I went to in October in London was good and I was able to send my CV to a few companies to be viewed for jobs. I'd say along these lines that it's best to sign up to these graduate recruitment agencies. They're especially good for HR, Business and Finance. I'm not too certain of Science and engineering. However, sometimes having these emails coming through is an encouragement as it shows that there are jobs out there and that you should be hopeful. 

Lastly, don't give in! I remember going for one interview. I calculated my salary, how I was going to save, use the rest of the money on other things, help pay some bills at home, go on holiday etc but then I didn't get the job. Something to do with shortage in funds. It totally messed up my morale. I don't think I applied for other jobs that week, I was soooo down! Haha looking back, I'm actually ok and I've been able to pick myself back up again and keep going. So you do the same! 

Pray, pray, pray! I cannot stress this point. There's no point in you applying for a job that you know God does not want you in. You'd probably be frustrated there! Trust me. I hope I haven't lost you if you're not a Christian but try it. Just pray to God that He should make it clear whether He wants you to have the job or not. I'm so sure He'd answer you. 

Apply apply, apply because faith without works is dead. Make sure you're actively seeking your desired role. 

Oh yeah, for those of you reading this and are about to graduate, you're in for a shocker lol. The real world is no joke so enjoy university whilst it lasts. 

If anyone has any good sites for biology and related roles or graduate roles in general please comment below or drop me an email at rubologs@gmail.com. 

Ruthie...till we meet again!