Hello Real World

So, after spending 6 months trying to work part-time and make part-time and constantly having no money and saving little tiny amounts of money to 'one day' buy a tool, I have come to realise that right now, for me, I need full-time work.
The same day I realised this, I got a call from my brother saying the company he works for was looking for a receptionist...a sign from above? perhaps....so Monday I send in my CV and recieved a call 3 hours later, Tuesday I have the first interview and get called back for a 2nd interview a few hours later again, Wednesday have 3rd interview and walk away as a future employee at Jasmax in Parnel.
All happened so quickly, still don't feel like its real!!!
I (yes, idealistic me, ever the dreamer) have always been against working full-time, always thought that somehow I'd be able to work and make part-time. But good old reality has hit, and it's unrealistic at this stage. Unless I want to live at home with my parents forever and be in constant debt! Neither of which seem very appealing!

So full-time job it is. And lets see where that takes me!
Sometimes I feel like I've done this all backwards. Spent 4 years studying something that will not bring me an income to survive on (because I don't really want to go down the highly commercial line of work), yet have no other qualifications that will help me on my way to getting a job that WILL pay the bills.
This dilemma reminds me of a conversation I had with Amberleigh from Artists Alliance at the Mentor Meet & Greet party a few weeks ago. She was talking about her line of work and that Artists Alliance aim to show artists that yes, they have a creative degree in a field that doesnt neccessarily lead to a full-time job if you want to maintain the level of enjoyment you get from your chosen field, but, your qualification has taught you many skills and qualities that will make you an even better employee than a lot of people out there currently working in a lot of different positions. The skills you learn from a degree aren't confined only to the one strand you have specialised in. And that was something which really hit home for me, and made me realise that there was a lot I COULD do out in the 'real world'. It is a piece of advice I will happily pass on!!
So, to anyone else just finishing or starting out even, don't be surprised if it takes you 6 months or more to realise that finding your feet in the real world may not happen as you planned or thought it would, and accept every opportunity to learn something new whenever you can. Even if youre doing an 'art/design' degree, you're learning so many other skills at the same time that will help you out later down the track, without even realising it!
I think nothing can really prepare you for your own journey out into the 'real world' as everyones journey is so different. And its one of those hindsight things, once youve DONE it, then you look back and say "so THATS what they were talking about"... then proceed to undertake your own futile attempts to educate and warn those who are about to leave their degrees as to the trials a tribulations of the transition from the safety of tertiary institition and into the real world! :)
Good luck to all!

Oh, and dont, by any means, think that I am out in the clear. I'm still on my journey, and I think it will go on for a lot longer!!!

Update

So, what have I been up to lately?
I've bought a pair of needle nose pliers, yes, tool geek I know! I kept having to go into Unitec to use a pair and it was quite annoying, having to go and do such a small thing at a completely different location. I think the main reason was that I was in the middle of bending a pin and it snapped off so I had to go all the way back home to solder it back on then thought, nah, Ill just go and buy my OWN pliers rather than going back and forth like this!!!

Next on the list??

A swage block!!!
Bit more expensive than a pair of needle nose pliers so may be a wee while away!!! Sigh.

Also, been working at a new job for the past month or so. Reception work which is nice because when I go home, I leave the job at the door!!! And its  nice break for my brain and my hands/elbows from the jewellery making :)

AND...been making a few pieces of jewellery for a friend of my brothers. Which has been good. recording time and expenses and travel and things. Getting into good habits. Well, trying to!!

So things are giong, not too fast which is good actually, because it means I can get used to things and slowly adjust!
Never thought it'd take over 6 months to get used to not being at uni tho...think I still have a wee way to go before Im feeling comfortable in my new routines and environments but its getting there, and thats the main thing :)

AMP 'Do Your Thing' Scholarship

The voting for the Peoples Choice award has been open all this month and will be until July 17th!!!
Follow the below link to vote for me :)

http://www.doyourthing.co.nz/2011-01014/stephanie-o-neale

I need as may votes as I can gather, so spread the word!!!

SUCCESS

My necklace that was made for Neckware 8 has been SELECTED to be part of the show!
So exciting!!!!
So, at Masterworks Gallery on Ponsonby Road (inbetween the Fairy Shop and the Garden Party shop) 20 necklaces/neck-pieces will be on show :)
The exhibition runs from Thursday 7th July until Sunday 24th July.
Preview is on Wednesday 6th July at 5.30pm :)