Decisions, Decisions...

Posted by: Jessica

I know, I know, I haven’t been on here in a minute! I could say I’ve been so busy but honestly I’ve been completely relaxing, after packing and attending graduation parties of course.

My school's 139th Commencement

Anyways, I have been home for a few days now and I’ve been doing absolutely nothing. I haven’t even seen any friends yet. I’ve been chillin’ at home and having amazing conversations with my mom. I feel like I am on a much needed vacation from my very hectic life at school. Sometimes I feel like I should be doing something productive, but honestly, my mind and body certainly do need this rest.

So, while I’ve been at home, I have been doing a lot of thinking, especially about what I want to do with my life after I graduate from Divinity School (I know, I haven’t even graduated from undergrad yet!). But, I really do think I have some good things in mind.

One thing that my friends and I have been talking about lately is the military. Why you ask? Well, let’s face it. Our economy is still in a rut. We’re still experiencing the “Great Recession.” The many students graduating with degrees in my generation are not very likely to attain jobs. We are not only the first generation that will not make as much money as our parents, but now, there is an average of 4 people competing for every one job in the country. The average used to be two people per job. I don’t know for you, but to me that is HUGE.

As tuitions increase, loans increase. With no job, how can we afford to pay off our loans after the dreaded six months post-graduation? One word; enlist.

Yes, I know, there is a lot of research that one has to conduct before launching into a military career. However, with a Bachelor’s degree from a university, becoming an officer is “easily” attainable.

Because I am going to school for my MDiv degree, I am interested in becoming a Navy Chaplain. I’m still looking into it, absolutely no commitments yet, however, it’s a definite everyday conversation I have with my friends and parents. Some of my friends are interested in the JAG program, the medical program, the engineering program, and the military police.

Sometimes, it seems scary to think that we have to resort to the U.S. military in order to pay our bills, but hey, times are changing.

What are other options for my generation to consider after graduation? Where do we turn when there are no more jobs?