Eight things all recent graduates are tired of hearing

Eight things all recent graduates are tired of hearing by Amber Rolfe When you graduate, it seems like everyone is an expert on employment…And whilst some people give you genuinely helpful advice, others might opt for a more clichéd way of getting their ideas across so it isnt a surprise that not everything you hear is 100% helpful.We’ve already covered 10 things you wish you could tell your pre-graduate self, but here are eight things all recent graduates are tired of hearing:  Welcome to the real worldSo, the last three years of your life didn’t actually count for anything? Thanks, patronising friend or family member.It seems that according to some, spending most days and evenings in lectures and writing essays, as well as holding down a part-time job aren’t the kind of things people do in the ‘real world’ â€" which is news to you.But hey, you did watch a lot of box sets, so I guess you couldn’t have been a ‘proper grown up’…  What are you going to do with your life?The truth is, you don’t know exactly w hat you’re going to do for the rest of your life. At least not right now. All you know is that your overbearing Aunt Sheila should get off your back.As long as you keep telling yourself you don’t need a plan, it’ll sink in eventually, right?  How’s the job search going?Are you applying for jobs? Yes. Do you have a job? No.That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re struggling. You just haven’t found the right opportunity yet. But you sit and listen to the advice they’re inevitably going to give you about how ‘you should move to the city’ or joining one of those ‘online job board things’ anyway, just to be polite.As if you hadn’t thought of that, you think whilst updating your CV online and living in London.  When are you going to get a real job?Oh, sorry â€" were you not doing a ‘real job’ when you worked a 12 hour shift yesterday?There’s nothing wrong with working in a retail or bar job to make ends meet while you find something more suited to your degree.B ut if they could lend you a helping hand instead of asking annoying, judgemental questions, that’d be great…You probably should’ve studied something more usefulEven if you’re beginning to doubt your choice of subject after a few months of unsuccessful job hunting, that doesn’t mean you’ll never find work in your ideal industry (or that your degree subject is overly important to every single employer).After all, even if you did study a more ‘sensible’ course, that doesn’t mean you would’ve enjoyed it and/or passed.#logicYou should really get some more experience‘But how can I get any experience without a job offer in the first place?’You ask with your head tilted to one side (in tune with every other recent grad who studied the same subject as you).The point is, relevant work experience isn’t that easy to come by, and it takes a lot of time and effort. But thanks for the revolutionary advice Sharon.Have you thought about moving back home?Because having your parents around constantly to nag you about all of the above is just what you need.Although if you’re currently unemployed, the free food and unlimited central heating may be worth considering…You’ll find something soonEven if deep down you know this is true, it still annoys you when people say it.But no matter how frustrated you might be feeling, don’t give up. It might take time to get where you want to be, but after a lot of hard work and perseverance, you’ll get there.Now go back to watching Netflix in bed at 3pm on a Tuesday while you still can…  Still searching for your perfect position? View all available graduate jobs now  Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Graduate advice