Did They Know I’m Unemployed? Learning Process

Did They Know I’m Unemployed?

Written on January 22, 2011 – 5:49 pm | by Justin Fraser

Today could be my last first day of school ever.

In December, that feeling of handing in my last final before winter break was like having the weight of the world temporarily removed from my shoulders—like pushing it off a cliff and carelessly watching it fall while humming holiday jingles and nibbling vegan Christmas cookies. Now, it has crept back, seeking revenge.

The last four months have been some of the most demanding, and fast-moving, of my academic career. I juggled as many freelance assignments as some working freelance writers while taking a full course load. As predicted, my grades suffered, and now I’ve got to make up for lost time. On a lighter and more amusing note, I was, in December, on the cover of a magazine in New York: The L Magazine, which highlighted me in its annual “Young New Yorkers Who Are Better Than You” feature. Flattering, for sure … but did they know I’m unemployed? And totally freaking out about life? Although I was ecstatic to be included in the story, I couldn’t help but put a guard up, and not let it give me a false sense of post-graduation security.

Unexpectedly, I’m entering the last semester of my senior year without an internship; that might change, but for now, I’m focused on writing and school. After considering several internship opportunities, it wasn’t a decision that came easy. I’m also working a (paid) job as a freelance book assistant at the Girl Scouts’ national headquarters, where I interned briefly in 2009; it’s not a journalism gig, but I am editing and putting my writing skills to work. Now, I’m facing the reality that if I want to continue living in New York after graduation, I must start prioritizing paid work.

But do I want to stay in New York after graduation? I’ve told myself “yes” for years. Two weeks ago, though, as an early graduation present, I visited my family in Pompeii and Rome for six days. In college, I passed on study abroad, but this month I couldn’t shake thoughts of putting my life in New York (and career) on pause to live and work in Italy for a period of time. The likelihood is small—but for me, it’s a viable post-grad option.

While I don’t have an internship, I’m continuing to freelance and expand my blog. This week, my first magazine story hits stands in the February issue of NYLON (check it out!). Up north, my twin sister, Liz, is throwing the very first “Pellytwins Presents” concert—a much-hyped extension of the blog we write together—in Boston.

Although I applied for some jobs last semester, and went on a few interviews, the “real world” was not really in plain view until, well, right now. Suddenly, I can count the months until graduation on one hand. I’m staying focused and optimistic, but everything is gray.

Learning Process