The Baccalaureate (n.): A student who has just finished university and entered the real-world with his/her useless degree such as Philosophy or Horticulture, clinging to the naive hope that their $200,000 investment will help find a job in this dismal economy.
I must admit, I am one of these grads. One of the 1.5 million students who received a Bachelor's degree in 2011. Huh, what a number... makes you feel unique and special doesn't it? Working hard for 4 years, spending endless hours in the library, pulling all-nighters, etc. All of which culminates in walking across the stage to grab that magical diploma. The golden ticket that promises a good life and security. You smile, see your bright future ahead of you, envision what will happen next, and before you know it ... you have moved back home to your childhood bedroom. Living at home, and competing with the million new grads and with other unemployed, but highly qualified people, for a job.
Yup, this happened to me too. My dad has actually taken to nicknaming me his "Boomerang Kid," in an almost affectionate way. But have no fear my fellow Boomerang Kids, I have hope for our generation! Sure, we might have to settle at home, but it is a short term situation (for most of us...).
Be warned! It's a hard transition to go from total freedom with zero responsibility in the bubble of college life, to being under your parents' roof again with your parents' rules. So, when your parents try to enforce a curfew or nag you to clean your room and do laundry, keep your cool and really try to avoid reverting back to the age of 15 in response (as tempting as it is in the moment). Don't get too comfortable, this is temporary and we are adults now - in theory. If anything, living back at home is GREAT motivation for finding a job! Or at least this is what I tell myself to keep my morale up...
So to get through these tough times, I suggest embracing being a Boomerang Baccalaureate. I'm definitely enjoying the free rent and home cooked meals, but I'm also learning to adapt and figure out what it means to be a college grad in this day and age.
Enjoy this blog and I'll try to cover as many issues as possible, which are certain to arise!
Until next time,
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