Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Waiting Tables While Waiting For Dream Job

So, I'm a recent college grad and everyone knows what that means...I'm jobless, careerless, and money-less.  I studied Journalism and Communications in college, which I utterly enjoyed, but now the time has come to stray away from my college fun and all-night-cram-sessions and dive full force into the "real world"; whatever that is.

In a last ditch attempt to squeeze in one last summer vacation before I enter the land of bills, taxes, and all the other grown up responsibilities along the same vein, I escaped to Montauk, NY, the perfect beachside paradise at the very end of Long Island.  I scored an incredible job waiting tables at Inlet Seafood, a delicious seafood restaurant resting on the banks of the Long Island Sound.  Sounds incredible, right?  Well, I can't lie, it is pretty awesome.  The money is great, the people are a ton of fun, and whenever I go into work a celebrity sighting is not uncommon.  In fact, I made special friends in Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romign, who frequent Inlet Seafood when they're in town.  Hearing them call my name and giving Jerry a casual handshake like we've known each other for years really lifted my spirits.  I felt cooler than probably anyone I ever knew.  I just hope they remember me when I see them on the red carpet some day...

It's a charmed life, or so I'm told.  However, my real focus is on what's going to happen next.

In this job climate, prospective employers aren't exactly breaking down the door with job offers.  I mean, I worked very hard for my degree, but I can't help thinking that all my hard work was in vain.  Who's going to hire my bachelor's degree over an industry professional with 20+ years in the biz? 

If nothing else, it motivates me to be the best I can be and always be on top of my game and ready to network.  I'm usually such an optimistic person, but the daunting thought of waiting tables forever is permeating my mind.  Don't get me wrong, walking away with butt-loads cash every night is rewarding, but I went to college and I want to put my hard earned (and expensive) degree to good use. 

Which brings up another fun fact: student loans.  Boy, am I looking forward to that treat.  In just a few short months I'll be getting calls about owing money to the government.  Good thing those celebs tip well; I'm saving almost every dollar I can spare.

So until that date with destiny when my career path starts unfolding, I'm waiting in the Hamptons.  I'm waiting tables and waiting, quite literally, for the opportunity to kick start my career!

3 comments:

  1. So true! Hope the waiting doesn't last too long...for you, myself, and all other new grads!

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  2. Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.

    Orison Swett Marden

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  3. You've already made the first step - big names know you by name. You're on your way!!

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