Living In The Real World

Inspiring words by Emma Johnston

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Living In The Real World - The story of a University Graduate

Photo by Francisco Osorio

The story of a University Graduate

As of July this year, I have a B.A (Hons) after my name. I can now say I am a fully fledged university graduate of Filmmaking and Scriptwriting. Thinking back on all the blood, sweat and tears I gave in my four years at university, I can't help but feel proud of myself. I know there are a lot of graduates out there who feel the same. I'll let you in on a secret, you deserve to feel that way. You have completed the first (socially acceptable) step towards becoming a fully-fledged adult. What has changed in modern times is the availability of jobs available to graduates. Yes, yes it is always in the news. “Too many people attending university” and “Non-specific degrees that don't lead anywhere”. So much negativity, when realistically every educated person brings something unique to our society. This can apply to work, culture and relationships.

Since I left full time education, I have found myself a full time job and generally started to build a completely new life for myself. First off, my job has nothing to do with my degree; I work in the public sector for a housing association. I can use elements of my degree within that role which keeps my working day diverse and interesting. I find that having such a practical degree helps me with other people, whilst coming across as confident and professional. I can be honest with myself, it still has nothing to do with writing or filmmaking in anyway. Although I may start suggesting making promos for the company... That could go either way; I might just leave that one for a while.

What I can admit is that I have (luckily) found myself a career rather than a job that merely pays the bills. I enjoy it and it is interesting. What I really want people to realise is that even if you don't find yourself in a job related to your degree, there is nothing wrong with looking down another career path. It is never too late to try and fulfil your goals. I still write and I speak with people within the filmmaking business that can guide me in some way. It might never happen, but as long as I know I still try, I can be happy with myself. This was hard to accept initially, but after a few months of settling into this new life, my perspective changed.

What I have discovered is that now I have a stable job that s 9-5, I miss university. There is always a part of me that misses learning on such an intense level. To fill that void, I read interesting articles on the internet and dig my nose into books, it isn't the same though. Alongside that is not being around as many likeminded people who crave the knowledge that you yourself seek. Making new friends and also broadening your horizons makes that process easier to handle. I still have my down days about it, but I know that I'm still young and that I can't predict the future. I'm pretty amazing (and modest) so it will get easier. I don't need to go out clubbing to have a good time; it’s about the people you surround yourself with.

This article has been full of clichés from start to finish, but in my opinion they are so true. Settling down with a house to look after and a cat to care for is more than enough for me at the moment. I don't need to worry about achieving unrealistic self-imposed goals. I know I'm talented and I don't need to prove it to myself or anybody else. Every single graduate out there that is feeling a little down or blue about their post university life, I hope this little rant has lightened up your day slightly. Otherwise, join me on a Friday night after the working week is done, and raise your glass of wine (or any drink) and just think; bloody hell, I rock.

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