Maya, but can you imagine if we didn't have supportive parents? I also collect unemployment, but it is not enough to live on. There is no way I'd be able to make ends meet if it wasn't for help from my parents... and I am sure there are MANY people in our shoes who do not have the benefit of generous parents. What's one to do in that situation?

I die a little inside when I hear how well some people our age are doing. I know that sounds horrible of me, but when I hear stories of 25 year olds buying homes and having great jobs and so on, I wonder where I went wrong. I know I've done nothing wrong, but I don't understand why I am in this situation. I never thought this would be my story. I thought I'd be one of those people that would land a great job right after graduation. Didn't happen. I guess we all need to struggle a little bit? It really really stinks.

Marianna, I'm sorry to hear that this job hasn't worked out. I was really rooting for you. I'm truly disappointed for you and wish I had a magic wand for you. I'm really glad you have supportive parents. I know you are feeling really discouraged. Do you someone you can really talk to? It's one thing to have friends who will listen, but it's another to have someone - a clergy person if you're religious or a therapist or something like that - with whom you can truly let it all out. Big hugs to you.

So sorry to hear that! Job market is so strange right now. I'm sure you'll end up having to choose between jobs soon!

Marianna! I didn't know you had a freelance gig lined up at a another TV show. This is good isn't it?

There was good news today about jobs and I see it reflected on my school's job board. There used to be less than 50 new jobs posted, most of which were internships. Now there are over 100!

Angie, I do have another freelance gig lined up, but I'm underwhelmed because the pay is laughable, my duties are laughable, and it's only one or two days per week. But it's more exposure which is good...

I've started sending out my resume again. I was so sure that I would get this job that I stopped looking for 2 months. Lesson learned.

Marianna, I think I'm almost ten years older than you and am in the midst of a slightly different experience, but my dad said to me today that often the people who have some setbacks see the greatest successes. I think this is very much the case. So keep your chin up and believe that there are huge successes to come. I know I am telling myself that right now!

Marianna, you are doing nothing wrong. It is just not real that 25 year olds are buying their own homes and driving fancy cars. That is just not true anymore ...and those that were doing it at the top of the market got in debt and lost those homes. Most people don't hit the pinnacle of their careers until their mid-thirties or so. You are being too hard on yourself.

The average woman in the US earns about $31 K. Middle class is considered $55K to $88K. You are very lucky and blessed to have your parents help. So maximize it and think of your temporary jobs and permanent resume entries.

And as someone said, network, network, network !!!! Collect everyone's business card that you can get your hands on. Also, ask the alumni office at your former school if they can put you in touch with alumni from your school in your field. Then have lunch or coffee....pick their brain. Get them to remember you next time someone asks them for a referral.

Hang in there !!!!! ( I wish that I knew someone in the tv industry )

Marianna - I am so sorry to hear of your disappointment I'm glad you'll get more closure with your meeting next month.

I do believe that your right job will come and I hope you can stay positive and encouraged while you are still searching for it.

Mariana, I forgot to make a suggestion. Our local Small Business Administration and our local Better Business Bureau often have Women Business Leaders conferences for free for woman to network and get mentors. You may want to see if there is something similar in your area.

Oh, we really were pulling for you concerning this.:( Something better for you out there I am sure....hang in there:)

I am so sorry Marianna! I was pretty sure that you will get that position too, but you never know. But you are doing the best you can.

And please do not compare yourself to others, it can never bring any good. I am 32 and just got out of school and am earning very little, so house/car is nowhere near for me and many people in my situation either.

I'm so sorry Marianna! (hugs) Please don't compare yourself to anybody else in this economy or any other. Smart, intelligent, tough young women like you will do well and I believe it is a matter of time. I sincerely believe you will find something you love and loves you back.

I forgot to respond to the stuff about 25 year olds buying houses:

Well first off as Isabel astutely pointed out, there is this little thing called the housing bubble which was caused by many things, one of which was irresponsible and naive people buying houses they could not afford. I would not automatically assume that all these 25 year olds are necessarily successful so much as completely inexperienced and out of touch with their finances. The amount of 20-somethings who RESPONSIBLY own their own home is tiny, and even then one must wonder what kind of work they do. I don't know about you, but if I'm going to spend 8 hours a day working, I had better be working on something I enjoy. I don't care how much I get paid--life isn't worth living if you're going to invest that kind of time into a job you absolutely hate.

I don't know ANYONE, not a single person, in my peer circle, who is completely independent and successful. Everyone I know is struggling. EVERYONE is borrowing help from their parents, deferring their loans, scrambling to make rent, moving in with their grandparents, etc. My friends range in age from around 23-32, and all of us are in the same boat...maybe different areas of the boat, but the same boat nonetheless. Maybe I just don't know enough hedge fund traders?

Honestly, I think you are being too hard on yourself. It's good to aim high, but you must set reasonable goals, otherwise you are just going to end up being disappointed. Getting your dream job straight out of college, for example, just isn't realistic in these times, and that's probably a good thing--most people who get their dream jobs, in my experience, are usually disappointed by the reality! I would encourage you to take every job you get as an opportunity. Go into it with a positive attitude and take it seriously, even if it is "laughable." You never know who you might impress, or what you might learn--look at me and my internship.

Thanks again everyone. I've taken all your advice and wisdom to heart. It really helps.

I'm feeling slightly better and more hopeful. I think I've decided to expand my search... there are many TV production jobs in NYC and LA and other states so I might as well send my resume everywhere. I'll move if I have to. And I'll also start looking for random part-time jobs again... money is money. I haven't been looking at all for the past two months because I was so certain I had this. Sigh. Back to the beginning!

Marianna, I'm so sorry that this job didn't work out. But you *will* find something, and you really aren't starting over. You're armed with your previous experience, not only from your work history, but also from your experience job searching in a difficult market. Seriously, I think that anyone who spends a great deal of time job searching in this economy will be a pro during any future job search, particularly when the market does pick up.

Do you think that Anthroplogie will have seasonal spots coming up, since you have previous experience there, just to have something in the meantime?

It sounds like you're ready to pick yourself up and get back in the game. Yes, think outside of Chicago. Of course as you said, LA should be a possible spot. That's where I had my TV land adventures. : ) I'm glad to hear that you are not giving up.
I thought I'd share this song with you and the YLF gang. I luv it and I hope you will enjoy it as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=188fVog7KiI

Got it, Marianna. At the very least, this freelance position keeps your foot in the door. That's very important for your CV. Love how you're looking further afield. Your attitude is stellar. (((HUGS))).

Rosie, your Papa is a wise man :0)

Nice one, AJ!

Oh Marianna. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better. I know how frustrating it is starting out when things don't go how we thought they would. And it's so hard when you just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I agree that keeping your foot in the door with the freelancing is really important even if it wasn't on your plan and maybe doesn't excite you much. Keep positive and make the most of every opportunity!!

Marianna just to make you feel a bit better i'm nearly 30 and still living with my parents!!! x