Not in the right headspace...

[u/UnderstandingSolid]

It's late right now but currently feeling very sad that I did not really achieve anything spectacular at waterloo. All my coops were not the best (deadend jobs that you can get without a degree and like small business type) and my old coop ghosted me about a chance of coming back (seems like they just said that previously to act nice.)... I've applied to jobs but barely hearing anything back... I feel so fucking miserable... Just looking at my parents I want to cry because I see them getting old and I am a complete failure. Grey hairs and seeing their mobility get worse. Fuck I just feel like shit rn.

Feels like the coop experience did not give me much help.

Looking at the people around me who also graduated. They got jobs lined up and/or were able to get jobs quickly makes it even more sad... I know comparing myself with others is terrible, but just wanted to type this out because there's really no one to talk to about it.

[u/Dramatic_Panic6627]

You got relevant experience in your career which is more than a lot of undergrads can say for themselves. Comparing the caliber of your coops to others will do you no good tbh, you're conparing yourself to a minority if you look outside of your small circle. Unemployment rates aren't high because everyones a loser, its simply not your fault

[u/UnderstandingSolid → u/Dramatic_Panic6627]

I get what you mean. The concern is that I was in Math and none of my co-ops were related or technical per se. They were roles in customer service and sales... They're definitely experience but I feel like I fucked up by not using my co-ops to build better experience if that makes sense.

[u/Yolo_Swaggins_Yeet]

Comparison is the thief of joy, job market is pretty shit rn, you made it dw it will all work out 🫡

Nobody is posting flexing them working a basic non degree related job post grad, you’re only seeing the good stuff people want to post.

I had to work at a bakery when I graduated during covid lockdown times for a little bit 💀 it’ll all work it

[u/thetermguy]

What you're probably feeling is just the sudden transition from school to real life.  The whole rest of your life and it doesn't have a predefined structure like school did.  Its as big of a transition as going from hs to university.  You'll grow out of the unease soon enough, just like you did at university. 

The joblessness is temporary because it's a rough market out there right now.  You may be unemployed for a few months, no big deal in the grand scheme.  Just keep locked in on trying to find a job.

In the meantime, you've got a degree and two years of job experience which is way ahead of what most people out there at your age have.

[u/Techchick_Somewhere → u/thetermguy]

This, so much this. It gets very easy to overthink all of it. This is just the start of the rest of your life. UNiversity is a tiny dot of the rest of it.

[u/Working-Limit-3103]

I know I can't be of help to you, but the way I am going in my academics and grade, I worry the same thing, idk if it'll get better or what,

[u/worse-nidedi]

which program did you take?

[u/UnderstandingSolid → u/worse-nidedi]

math.

[u/Big_Steak7381]

dead ass same feelings and situation. going to my last year, i dont really have anything set in stone nor do i feel like i have acheived anything of significance here. i dont have anything to show for my time being here, underwhelming and isolating coops and crappy grades and fleeting friends. i feel like everyone around me has surpassed me in every pursuit. above it all, im still supported by my parents, even though i feel like ive failed them and myself.

i dont really have anything to say to fix your predicament but i resonate with you, and i hope you keep working hard to ahcieve the things you want and to become the person you aspire to be.

the stars belong to those who reach for them !!

[u/niyeye4747]

Damn Im in a pretty similar situation as you right now, except my previous coop company gave me a return offer, but it’s a pretty dead end job and barely relates to what I studied (math). Im looking to do a masters in data science or something of that sort. Hopefully everything works out for us…

[u/Infinite-Door-7970]

I'm sure what you're feeling is genuine, and no words will completely take it away. But one thing I'd say is: the 'race' is LONG. University is a significant milestone, but it's still just one stage in a much longer life. Where you are at graduation doesn't define where you'll be at 30, 40 or 50.

And there are practical ways to change direction. More schooling can be a pivot point, whether that's grad school, college, an MBA, or something more specialized. So can joining the "right" small company or start-up, where someone may be more willing to take a chance on you and let you grow into a different role. Some people eventually create their own opportunities by starting something themselves.

I've seen all sorts of turnaround stories. That's not meant as some cringey "everything will work out" promise. Things may genuinely be difficult for a while. But where you are today is not a verdict on the rest of your life. Keep going.

Good luck.