Hopeless graduate, don't know what comes next...

[ineedsomeadvice33]

Hello, name changed and hopping on my mums account so apologies if this is in the wrong place. I am wondering if anyone could offer any advice or even just words of wisdom.

I am 23 and have graduated this June from university , and I don't know what to do next. I have no idea what I want to do career wise and am really struggling applying for jobs and graduate schemes when I have no sense of direction. I have worked previously in various basic part time jobs (hospitality etc.) but just feel I'm at the point in my life now where I should have a 'proper job'.

I feel so behind compared to my friends (many of whom are several years younger and leagues ahead) and like I'm getting older and older and it will soon be too late for me to have a successful career (whatever that looks like). I have part time work at the minute for which I am very grateful given the current employment situation, but its not something I can do long term. However, It just feels so impossible and overwhelming to commit to something new and tie myself into a contract which might just end up being a step in the completely wrong direction.

I know that I often put too much pressure on myself, and as a result have developed quite severe anxiety, constantly panicking about the future and being a failure. On the other hand, I know I'm not stupid; I have 3A*s at a-level and a 1st class degree (science subject) so I must be capable of achieving things, I'm just so terrified I am going to throw away my potential and be stuck in dead end jobs forever. By the time I figure out where to even start upon a career it will be too late.

I am so incredibly lucky to have supportive parents who are willing to let me take the time to figure this out, but I can't help but feel completely useless and like I'm letting everyone down.

If anyone can offer any suggestions or share your own experiences I would be very grateful. I am feeling very bewildered with everything and its really starting to get me down.

Thank you x

I feel for you OP! I was you a few years ago. It took me two years to get a job that was related to my degree and in line with my "passion" - I did (I assume) a very similar degree(s) to you and it seemed like a very narrow bottle neck into just a handful of jobs.

What I have since learned is a) the things I really loved in my degree weren't in fact species/taxa specific as I thought, but were more to do with policy and management, research methods etc. This realisation opened many opportunities and widened my job search. I would recommend trying a relevant consultancy job (I did, wasn't for me but worth a shot as it does work for some people and can be a great career), a research position, and/or a field position. Lots of the field positions will only be seasonal so a good way to try. If you try a few things for a few months at a time, it will highlight which things you can see yourself doing long term.

Another tip is to be 100% flexible with location and if you haven't already, get your driver's licence. I spent two years waiting on and did countless MOOCs and other "skills" courses, and plenty of field positions. You WILL fall on your feet I promise! Best of luck.