The lesson I learned: Being a grown up is difficult


Hey Loves!

Sorry its been so long since I have posted. Life has been so crazy after graduation. SO let catch up! The last time I posted I was frantically searching for a job and learning the how the real world worked. Since then I started being a Store Manager at discount retailer whose name I won't mention. I won't mention it simply because I have no hard feelings and treat the time as a valuable learning experience and don't want to sway the opinions of others. 

This was the first job that I was offered that seemed to offer somewhat suitable pay and a great title. I was initially hired to go through their "structured training program" and it was great. I spent so much time learning and being developed that I felt truly valued. That was until one Saturday when, the manager at the store I was training at left!! Yes it was a busy Saturday and she stormed out,I called upper level management to inform them and I was quickly told this would be my assigned store. Sounds great right, wrong! I went from only being responsible for open and closing the doors to  being held accountable making schedules, hiring/firing, payroll etc ( all which I had no training on) in just a week.

 Now I'm not a complainer and I catch on really quickly so, in the beginning it was ok, but once things started happening at the other stores, I was left to fend for myself. It was  horrible I worked constantly without a lunch break and barely had one day off. I  became so stressed that it started to take a toll on my personal life. While all of this was going I was still hourly and when I asked about the salary that was suppose to be given to me after I was assigned a store, I was told that I was still considered in training. While this is a rational answer, it would only make since if I weren't already doing the work that  a store manager did. I was told "with everything going on, we have to push your training back a bit." At that moment I had to look around and see if I could really live my life like this. Sure I was employed so I was grateful but did going to college mean throwing away my integrity?

I began going on job interviews on my days off and finally got offered a new one! I won't go into too much detail about it, but I can say that after only 8 days I feel a since of worth that I didn't feel the entire time I was at the unnamed retailer.

As I look back the time I spent agonizing over I job I realized that while it was a terrible feeling, I wish I would have taken advice from others and not take a job on impulse. Also that I am young and I shouldn't put myself in a situation that I absolutely hate. This is the time in life where I can truly choose a job that makes me happy because besides my personal expense I virtually have not a care in the world.

If you take anything from my experince take this, the real world is nothing like the romantize it in college. Its tough and the plan that you had for life may seem like its not going to happen. In this part of your life, its all about what YOU make it, don't settle for anything less than happiness. As always comment and come back to read more!

The reality of being a college grad during a recession: Compensation

The past few weeks I have continued my job search. I recently had three interviews with different companies. So far I have heard back from two and was offered a position at each. This should be a wonderful event and don't get me wrong I'm so happy to finally have a yes, but the problem seems to be compensation. Both jobs were only offering minimum wage. I don't want to sound ungrateful but did I just spend three and a half years and thousands of dollars to make $7.25 an hour?

I know that economic times are tough but taking a minimum wage job, repaying loans and trying to survive seems quite impossible. I have applied for all these opportunities that want a degree but it seems that just a degree isn't worth much anymore. Employers want you to have experience but it has to be full time experience out of school. How does one obtain that? I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out which avenue to take and how to get myself out of this rut.

Now that the new year has started and companies are out of the end of the year crunch and I have been told that they actually looking for applicants fresh out of college. I am being extremely optimistic because I have a great resume and believe that I would be an asset to any company. At this point its all about the waiting game. Though it is taking longer than I thought , I am sure the right opportunity is out there for me. I still have not heard back from one company and that may be my chance. Whatever the outcome, I am thankful that I graduated, have a place to stay and made it into the new year safely.

I am so overwhelmed and excited about the recent traffic that I have been receiving! I hope that my journey is giving someone else comfort in knowing that they are not alone. I personally felt alone until I talked to classmates that were going through the same thing. This made me feel better and at ease. As always thanks for reading and please comment.

The reality of being a college grad during a recession

After three and a half years I graduated last Saturday from college. It was a wonderful day filled with hugs, tears and gifts. I finally reached my goal of finishing college. Then that question that we all dread was asked, "what are you going to do now that you've graduated?". I have always imagined myself graduating and starting a full time dream job shortly after. However with the current state of the economy, it is hard to find any job. Never in a million years did I think that I would be an unemployed college graduate. It as though college has been a shield from the real world and the harsh reality of the state of the country. I however am not alone in this feeling, after talking to about twenty college grads, all with different majors, only three actually have found a full time job.

Each morning I search job postings and spend hours submitting applications and on the business networking site Linkedin but I have found that very few companies reply. I see postings for all these jobs, and I apply because I meet qualifications, but I have yet to hear anything back from most. If I do hear back its an automated reply saying they will keep my resume on file, (which I personally believe is a lie). I have yet to give up because well, I have only been out of school for three days and it is almost the holidays. I guess the one thing that we didn't learn in college is that we are not immune from the real world. I have found myself working on various arts and crafts projects to keep me occupied, and it actually is fun.

Have a safe and happy holidays! If any of loyal followers know of any merchandising employment opportunities please let me know by commenting.

P.S.- I have opened the comments so that non-followers may now comment. Please comment!

The Final Stretch

With the semester approaching the end, I am preparing for my last finals of my undergraduate career. While I am very excited about graduating in just six days, I have had little time to think about it. I have four finals of which two are comprehensive. I cannot believe that this moment is finally here, I feel that college went by so fast. Sometimes I feel like I am still that 18 year old that entered college just three years and half years ago.

I have also been doing final interviews and waiting to hear back from companies. I am no longer just interviewing for a job, but a career and place to grow. It did not dawn on me until I was in one of my classes and my professor said, "Choose your first job and company wisely, this will set the foundation for the rest of your career". I have lived by this quote when applying for jobs and going on interviews. I am no longer applying for anything that has merchandising in it title, but positions that I feel truly suit my skills and companies that offer opportunities for training and advancement. I hope to hear back and make final decisions soon but I have also realized that just because you are graduating, you are not automatically entitled to a job. it is a tough but harsh reality that sometimes gets me down. I know that there are tons of opportunities out there and with all of my experience I am confident that i will find one that is perfect for me.

Good luck on finals and Happy Holidays!

P.S.- If you know of any opportunities please don't hesitate to contact me.

School, Work and Betsey Johnson

Sorry that it’s been so long since I've updated. This semester has been very hectic! Not only am I graduating in just two months but I am also trying to prepare myself for my future. I can't believe that I am actually at the point in my life that I need to be a grown up. I never really understood why adults always said to enjoy your childhood but now I do. Though its scary at times, I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I have taken out time to really reflect on the things that I want to accomplish in the next five years, and can't wait for the journey. All in all I can't believe that this is it. I am in my last two months of my undergrad education, and soon I will be starting my career. It seems like I just graduated high school yesterday, I am actually all grown up!

Now that I been profound lets catch up on my life. I have been very busy working part time at The Hanger Project and UNT, while taking five classes. Also I am preparing to leave for New York in just six days to attend teen Vogue’s Fashion University. Though this is not my first trip to the event, each year has its own excitement and this year its none other than my idol, Betsey Johnson. Since the age of seven I have always credited her with introducing me to the world of fashion. I am not sure what I will say to her but, I think about it every day. Hopefully it will be something memorable that leave a good impression.

As always I have a somewhat cheesy closing. My advice to you is enjoy life it goes by so quickly! Do not have regrets just memories.

The Beginning of The End

Well it's finally here and I can't believe it, the summer is over and my final semester of college is about to begin. This summer has been such a learning and growing experience for me. I am so glad that I decided to take the internship at The Hanger Project, because it has developed many skills and increased my knowledge. I feel that interning with this smaller company has given me a more in depth experience than any other larger company could have.

I have been so busy that I haven't updated as much as I'd like but I'll feel you in on a few things:

1.)I finally got another colleague this summer who was a perfect match, the few weeks we worked together were amazing and we are sure to be life long friends.

2.) I was offered a part time position to stay on in the fall, which is great because I really love what I do.

3.) I have a fabulous new apartment

Now that my internship is over I am focusing on finishing this semester with a bang and securing a job. I have looked into a few graduate programs and have learned that I need a little bit more work experience if I want to get into some of the top programs that I am interested in. In addition to that I am enjoying my final months of being a college student. Looking back at the past three and a half years, I have changed and done so much. These years have truly been the best of my life so far and I can't wait to see what's next.

Overall this summer has been filled with both wonderful and less than desirable moments but I have learned more about myself and life. I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a thing, even the moments when I thought life really sucked, I see it all as a growing experience. As always please continue to comment and let me know what you think.

Single Lady

Life has been very hectic the past two months. I don't think that I have ever been this busy in my life, but the weird thing is I love it. Everyday I am putting on some new hat and becoming a different part of the company. I have realized that being single is the best bet for me right now, I barely have enough time to cook dinner let alone be in a relationship. At this time in my life I am in a committed relationship with pursing my dream career.


Just yesterday I traveled to Dallas Market Center and met with showroom representatives to pick out new products, basically I saw what it would be like to be a buyer. I even had to use things I learned in school such as retail math and my textiles training. This was my first chance to really see how all the time I spent studying for these classes paid off in the real world. I actually impressed my boss with the knowledge I had. As I near graduation I can't help wonder what other things that I have learned but pushed into the back of my mind these past three years, that can make me stand out.


In addition to being busy with my internship and summer school, I am constantly being bombarded with questions about what I will do after graduation. Of course I give the politically correct answer, but I often want to tell people to just let me enjoy my last few moments of college. Don't get me wrong I do have a list of companies that I am interested in working for but I think its too soon for me to worry about that. I need to focus on finishing my final semester with a bang!