The last two weeks of undergrad have made it a little hard to smile. I’ve been stressed, overwhelmed and feel like I am constantly drowning and will never get out alive. I’m getting rejected from jobs I am overqualified for because I haven’t been in the “real word” for more than three years. I then want to hate myself and think I will never find anything. I come home daily late, distracted and immediately have to crash for a quick nap before getting up and working more. I promise you I will stop my moaning soon but the blog has always been about writing about what is really happening in my life.
Thankfully, I have had an amazing support system around me. You guys have all been amazing. I’ve gotten care packages in the mail from some of you. Andrew is faithfully bringing me Chipotle nearly every night because I am too busy to think about eating. My parents understand that not hearing from me doesn’t mean I’ve been kidnapped. (I think they just read the blog to see if I am alive.)
Sweater: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Jeans: C/O Aeropostale (exact and on sale for $14!)
Shoes: Antonio Melani (similar)
Purse: Zara (similar)
Sunglasses: Tulip (similar)
Necklace: JC Penny (similar)
I’m really thankful for all of you and the amazing amount of support you have shown. I’ve had lots of reminders of “This too shall pass” and that I should just grin and bear it. So, I managed to grin and bear it through this past weekend and make it to this week.This blessed week of relief.
Pat
How do you look so darn beautiful, adorable, and happy when you're having a stressful time. Must be that boyfriend, maybe Chiptole (love that place) or may those naps. Love naps, take one almost every day. Something to look forward to when you get my age. Whatever your doing, keep it up. I love love your sweater, shoes and purse. Jeans too. Necklace, hair, your smile. ha I don't know when to stop. Hang in there hon, you're almost done!! yeah!!
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
You look too cute, love that top paired with your fab bag. Hang in there girl!
xo
βPinkSoleβ
TaraMixandMatch
Your top is so much fun! I know you are stressed, trust me everything will work out π
Rebecca
Just keep your pretty head up Alissa….you will get there believe me! And you look absolutely great…love how those shoes perked up the entire look!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Lisa - respect the shoes
One thing I've learned through the years is to never feel guilty about taking a nap. If you've got the time and want to take one, do it! Thirty minutes and I feel like a new person sometimes!
Ginny MyNewFavoriteOutfit
I love this love this sweater! The blogging community can be so supportive glad you've had it in the midst of your craziness!
Lauren {Fizz and Frosting}
I'm thinking about you and hoping that you find a great job very soon. You may be stressed, but at least you look as adorable as ever! Love this top and your wedges!
Ramona
Keep your head up!!! You'll get there.You'll see. Oh, and naps are just made to take them as much as everyone need. Don't feel guilty about that. Despite everything you look beautiful and happy in these photos. Love that cute polka dot sweater.
Good luck!
β₯
xoxo Ra
http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/
TheTinyHeart
You're almost done, just hang in there! You look so cute in the polka dot top!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
awhite
If it makes you feel ANY better, the stress does not show on your face. π You still look gorgeous! Love this outfit, as always.
This too will TOTALLY pass, and then it's party time. π Let me know if you need anything- I'm here!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Kristina
That top is too cute, I love it with your red bag!
Kristina does the Internets
Darcy
You look so adorable! So sorry you have had a stressful final semester, but you are almost done!! Good luck with job applications… there is nothing more stressful! Wouldn't it be nice if we could just blog full time?! Talk about living the dream, haha!
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Jessica
Love this outfit and those jeans are a STEAL! You're almost there, girlfrand! π
26 and Not Counting
Jasmin daily
IT GETS BETTER! *promise*
Plus you're a hottie in those polka dots, stay positive! π
xoxo
Jasmin
http://www.jasmindaily.com
Maria M
How do you look so cute despite the stress?? Must be a gift π And gotta love Chipotle! There is one just a block away from my apartment and I go there All. The. Time. Hang in there, Alissa!
Merritt
You'll figure it out! Did you have any internships in college? That's the one piece of advice I can offer undergrads is to get a couple internships while in school It's as close to "real world" work as you can get and employers love to see you worked!
The Style Scribe
Rachel Lynne
Well you are looking amazing! You can do this, power through it and ENJOY IT! Savor those last moments!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sara Strauss {Sincerely, Sara}
It's great you have such an amazing support system! I want someone to bring Chipotle every night haha! You look wonderful!
~Sara
Maggie
You can do it!! Especially looking this amazing! π I love this look and keep your head up!
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Andi
Well, polka dots always help! I also just sent you an email. Not sure if it's what you are looking for, but figured it's worth a shot!
Regine Karpel
π
baublestobubbles.com
Don't stress, girl, I had the EXACT same experience when I was graduating college. I actually went an entire year after college without a "big girl" job. Just like you, I got rejected from jobs I could have easily done because of that magical 3 year experience requirement. I'm sorry, but if you're a hard worker and finish college, I don't think 3 years matters! It was so frustrating, but keep pushing through and something good will happen when you least expect it!
Anngelik Martinez
Keep working hard beautiful, you are close to finishing and you will find that perfect job. I was in the same boat all last week trying to find a job and internship to graduate in December, and luckily I found one.
-Vogue&Heels
http://www.vogueandheels.com
Danielle Doerr
You are doing an AMAZING job powering through these last few weeks! I've always hated the phrase "this too shall pass" because it doesn't really bring me much comfort IN the moment. If you need someone to grab fro-yo or dinner with to bitch about shitty group members, just let me know! I'm only a phone call away π
Ali Hval
YOU MOAN AND GROAN ALL YOU WANT LADY, YOU HEAR ME? I think it's ridik that people are turning YOU of all the amazing people down because you haven't worked for three years. BAH! Neither has anyone else who's been working on college!! ridik so ridik so very riDIC-UL-LOUS sighs dramatically
you are awesome and we are totally your support system for now and for always!!! we LOVE U!!!!!
Ali Hval
^that sounded so much more dramatic and elucidated so much better in my head. PRETEND ITS SOUNDING VERY SMARTICLES, OK?
Mitha Komala
it is going to be alright soon, God has the best plan for you. love your top and bag! you look stunning <3
Letters To Juliet
Anna Higgins
Those shoes are sooo cute!
Ladies in Navy
almost done lady… almost done! π rejoice! and nap! π
ladies in navy
Krysten Gautreaux
Yay for having such an amazing support system. You are SO CLOSE!
Nikki
Ah man, I'm sad to read about your tough job hunt. It's part of the reason why I went to chase a masters degree and not went into the work field after my bachelors. There's so little jobs, and people expect you to have so many qualities you haven't had time to build up because you were in school. It's hard out there, but I'm sure that you'll land something soon ^_^ And when you so: you'll be the best dressed employee of the year! Good luck Alissa!! xo
Jeans and a Teacup
Super cute polka dot top! And I remember feeling overwhelmed my last semester of grad school. I really didn't think I was going to make it and I couldn't wait for it to be over (and now I kinda want to go back…haha). You'll be done soon and then on to bigger and better things! I'm positive that you will find a job!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Kari
Hang in there! You're almost out of the woods and the job thing will work out. You're too awesome for someone not to hire! Love this polka dot top:) Chipotle seems to cure just about anything:)
Kenya Hunter
Hang in there Alissa! It will all work out! I know it can be stressful but just stay positive and patient. Before you know it you will be right there in the "real world" girl!! Super cute look too! Love the polka dots!
xo, Kenya
Sage Grayson
Ugh, sorry you're having such a rough time, but nightly Chipotle sounds good. I use the mantra "this too shall pass" a lot. It reminds me that the bad times won't last, and it also reminds me that the good times are fleeting as well. It helps me stay in the present moment and appreciate the little blessings in my life. Hang in there! π
tastefulstyle
I'm sorry to hear you're so stressed! I know how you feel being rejected for jobs for which you're overqualified. It sucks. Sending good luck vibes your way!
On another note, I really LOVE this outfit! Polka dots always make my outlook a little sunnier π
Elle Sees
hugs!! you're gonna make it through! no doubt!
Meghan Hayes
Yay for finally making it to relief! I'm going to echo the sentiments; it will all fall into place soon. I love that sweater! It's so cute.
Elana
THIS. Alissa. Just this. I feel like we are in the same exact boat right now and you've basically said everything that I am feeling. Every job listing I find either required "5-7 years experience" or is an unpaid internship (which looks like my only option right now). And don't even get me started on saying goodbye to everyone. I go to school halfway across the country, but most of my friends here live in state, so I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't know the next time I'll see people again. Ugh. This week. But we're so close! Thank you for saying everything that I'm feeling, for allowing me to vent here even though you didn't say I could, and for wearing polka dots. Because let's face it, polka dots really do just make everything better π
http://www.room-334.blogspot.com
Elegance and Mommyhood
It's amazing that you are a full-time student and blogger. You always look incredible too. You have a sweet BF it sounds and I love Chipotle. I am in love with your espadrilles and that gorgeous Polka Dot Top. I have a Cardi like that with smaller and larger dots.
Happy Wednesday Alissa!!
Charnele Michel
This look is fun, relaxed and chic! Love everything about it. Don't stress your almost there! Good luck π
http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/
LyddieGal
Here you are in more double polka dots, and that awesome bag. I am amazed you find the time to blog, I think that alone is an accomplishment. And you are almost done! The job will find you. I have to believe that.
Chic on the Cheap
Citrus - Refreshing Fashion
perfect…seriously speechless alissa..it couldn't be more perfect!
XO Meghan
citrus fashion
KP
Hi, give me that red bag! Its amazing!!! π
Eleventh & Sixteenth
Ashley
You can do this!! You are almost there! And you are totally going to find a great job – I know I don't know you IRL, but I know that you would be such an asset to a company! Thinking of you!
P.S. you may feel stressed but you look amazing!
Rachel
I dealt with the similar rejection out of college, so I know how you feel. It's very tough, but eventually you will find NORMAL people who understand that college grads need that first job for experience. My advice is to apply to everything- don't forget about smaller companies. That's usually the place where you learn the most and then can move up onto bigger things
Tea&Sequins
Ugh I'm sorry you're having a tough time right now. I remember when I graduated college I didn't even get call backs. They wouldn't even take the time to reject me! Such a crappy feeling, but it will get better! The end of college is so scary because it's the first time nothing is set in stone. You'll figure it out though! And moan all you want- that's what our blog are for π
Kaitlin
http://www.teaandsequins.com
Amy Shaughnessy
You can do it! You can do it!! Love your polka dots too!
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
Kacie Ellis
At least you're close to the finish line! And you still manage to look amazing even with all the added stress π Good luck in the job search! I just know the perfect job is waiting for you!
http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/
Meghan Silva
Firstly you look gorgeous, don't worry keep focused and everything will work out. I am glad to hear you have a great support system.
Meg | Meghan Silva's Blog
Jacy
This time will definitely pass! And then a year after graduation (where I'm at now) it won't even feel like it was a big deal π But I definitely remember the constant stress of my final semester. I had a great post-grad internship opportunity, but it didn't feel right. The day I was moving for it (week and a half after graduation), I got an offer for the job I really wanted! It was so hectic and I'm surprised I didn't give myself an ulcer, but I just wanted to say, I've been in your shoes, and that it will all work out. Maybe it takes a couple of months after graduation – but I promise the right opportunity will come along π Once you get that first break through, I figure it only going to be easier to move up to better jobs!
Now onto your outfit… SO CUTE! How do you have time to put together such fabulous blog posts right now?? What a rockstar. You look glamorous and chic, and I'm lovin it.
~Jacy
http://www.lovelenore.com
Melissa
You're gonna make it through! π You look so lovely too!
xxx
http://www.rockinheels.com
Sonya Mann
Sending more love! Hang in there, Alissa. Polka dots forever.
Bree Alwin
Sorry to hear what a struggle job hunting has been. It is so hard to find the great job you went go school for but hang tight it's out there for you!
You look great in these pictures! I love the polka dots and bright bag. Any employer with taste will hire you on the spot!
http://Www.theurbanumbrella.com
Shannon Jenkins
Ugh finding your first job is the worst! I hate that everyone wants experience but then it's like how am I suppose to get it if no one will hire me?! So annoying!! Just hold your head up and keep going!! Everything happens for a reason and you will finally find the job that's perfect for you!! Also Im obsessed with that top and bag!! So adorable!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogsot.com
Lindsay Truax
Love your outfit!
pinkandnavystripes.com
Anna Baun
This look is too cute for words! Have faith, the right job is just around the corner! Promise! π
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
Takei Inspired
Hang in there and keep smiling!
s
I know how it is i have been in the same boat as you its sometimes so hard to juggle and carry so much burden and not know what is a priority and what cannot be anymore. Hang in there gorgeous. On a lighter note, I love the polkadots!!!! you look so pretty. xO!
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Preet Kaur
These Polka Dotted Top is looking fabulous on you π
Visit – http://www.stykin.com
High Heels & Good Meals!
Love this look! Polka dots are so fun! Love the big red bag!!!
Sofia Donatelli
What a great look on you. Love your sweater and what a great price. Love how you styled your look.
Love,
Sofia
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com
Alicia Mackin
First that is an AWSOME top! Secondly you look great, you certainly do not look stressed or down in your photos. And I feel your pain. I am interviewing too, it is not easy. In fact in one way or another it feels that I have been looking for a job since I graduated almost 10 years ago. After interring for a year, freelancing for another year, then picking up and moving cross country and then interning full time for another year and then getting part time paid work for another year and then finally landing a full time permanent on staff job….wait for it…the company I was working collapsed and I along with the rest of the company was laid off 2 months into it. Luckily I was able to go back to the part-time freelance work and have been doing this for a while but of course it is not enough. So yuppers I am looking, interviewing etc and is not easy but rest assured it will eventually pay off.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
melvel
Hi, I love your top and I'm about to purchase the same from J Crew. Can you share if the top is true-to-size? Thanks!
I love your style, btw!