I recently graduated from my undergraduate program in sociology from VCU and decided to do a gap year prior to graduate studies. Since graduation in December, I’ve been struggling to find where I belong in the world of student affairs. It’s been a difficult, frustrating, and at times miserable process. I felt stuck in dead-end job after dead-end job. The situation seemed hopeless and it felt like I wouldn’t go further anywhere. Finding your fit in student affairs can be frustrating.
After a few months of searching, and desperately hoping for anything, I finally got an offer to work for my alma mater in their Parking & Transportation office. I’ve been there for about a week and a half and so far it’s been enjoyable. But this job has made me realize something: I want more. I need more in life before I’ll be fully content. That’s when I realized I hadn’t been completely honest with myself during my search.
The field of student affairs is wide and varied. There are so many different options from which to pick and it can be overwhelming. In order to really find your space, you have to be honest. You have to do some introspection and soul searching. Some solid advice I received during my search was to imagine what I want to do every day. What is going to get me excited in the mornings? Now, during the time when the #SASearch is in full swing, I pass this advice on to you. What really gets you motivated? What part of student affairs just makes you tick?
For me, I discovered my passion areas. With some soul searching, brutal honesty, and an amazing support system that I found through #SAGrad and #SAChat twitter chats, I was able to finally find what makes me tick. Thankfully, my journey wasn’t long but that’s not the same for everyone. Take the time to really look inside yourself. Ask yourself the important questions. Don’t hesitate, and don’t lie to yourself. I did that and I ended up in a job that’s nice but not fulfilling.
However, I am happy I have a job that pays the bills and gives me a little extra to live a little. Just know that finding your fit takes time and it’s extremely important. There’s nothing wrong with taking a job just so you can survive. That’s what I’m doing and helped me find clarity. What I am suggesting is that you don’t let yourself be lulled. Don’t give up on finding or making the space that fulfills you; a space that you’re comfortable. It’s difficult but once you do it, finding your fit in student affairs is truly a great comfort.
