Freaking out about the future. Graduating university, possibly moving away? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

scott_p_1 · 02-15-2005, 03:28 PM

Hi,

I know I'm certainly not the only person to be freaking out like this at this time of the year. My graduation date is coming up, fast and furious. April 23 marks my last exam as a university student (for the time being at least). I'll be graduating with my bachelor's degree in Computer Science.

This alone is reason enough for me to be freaking out I think. However, I've got a lot of other things on my mind. The city I'm currently living in (Halifax, NS), isn't exactly known for it's thriving IT community where I could get the kind of career I'd like with my Computer Science degree. So I'm also playing with the idea of moving away after graduating.

One of the biggest options I'm looking at right now is just up and moving to Ottawa, Ontario after graduation. I spent a total of 8 months working up there working for Alcatel (thanks to my university's co-op program). There's been a lot of talk between me and my friends (current roommate and one of our friends who moved up to Ottawa a few months ago for work) about getting a place up there.

This brings up a few issues
a) The job issue, first and foremost. I don't have a job yet. If I move up to Ottawa, sans job, I might be forced to take a minimum wage average joe job while continuing to look. Making a living like that would be difficult. Or if I don't have a job come my graduation, I could go back to my parents house (almost a stone's throw from where I am now) and apply for jobs from there. But I've also heard of how many companies don't like hiring people who don't currently live in the area.

b) The girlfriend issue. I'm currently dating this amazing girl, but it's still new. I've only been dating her for about a month now. What to do about that? I mean, I know a lot can happen between now and the end of April, but it's still in the back of my mind. I do know that it wouldn't stop me from moving somewhere if I do get a job. But the idea of moving somewhere without a job seems even less appealing if it involves me leaving her. I've tried the long distance thing before with another girl, and I didn't really like it. I also know that she's kind of looking to get out of Nova Scotia too. That brings up other options (which I'm almost scared to type down) in the back of my mind that are equally as scarey as all this.

c) The family issue. Well, my family lives here, this part is obvious, moving involves leaving them behind. I do have an aunt, uncle and cousin whom I'm kind of close with in Ottawa though (lived with them for 4 months, and visited them often them often in the other 4 months I lived in Ottawa)

d) The friends issue. I actually think I have more friends in Ottawa than here.

I know this is a lot of rambling, but I'm just really freaking out right now as I'm working on my resume, trying to gather my contacts and whatnot. I'd love to hear from anybody who's had some similar experiences, any pointers, or any words of adrive. Hell, if you know of anywhere that's looking to hire new grads from computer science, I'd love to hear that too.

*back to my resume and job searching*

la petite moi · 02-15-2005, 03:51 PM

I would say keep looking at jobs in Ottawa. If it's your dream, go for it. It seems you really want to do this, but you're afraid of failing while there. Contact your family in Ottawa, and ask if there would be anyway you could stay with them for a little while again, and search for a good job while with them. Then look at getting out on your own or with a roommate (one of those friends you were talking about). About the girlfriend, you've been dating her for a month, like you said. It's not too serious. However, in April, you never know (like you said), and she may be willing to come with you for the adventure.

Take a chance if it's really your thing. You may regret just laying about in Nova Scotia when you really want to be in Ottawa.

hambone · 02-15-2005, 04:55 PM

I say take the chance. It is true that it is easier to get a job once you are in the area. I also just graduated with a CS degree and moved cross country (chicago to san fran). I had a very crappy job lined up since it was extremely hard looking from across the country.

Within 4 months of being here, I have obtained an amazing job and have gotten many other interviews. Seriously, close proximity helps.

Good luck on everything. Its an exciting time

Jesus Pimp · 02-15-2005, 06:20 PM

Take a chance while you're still young.

joemc91 · 02-16-2005, 06:25 AM

I'm in the same boat you are, graduating in May in my case. I'd say take a job in Ottowa like you've been wanting. You don't have too many roots holding you to one area yet.

caz · 02-16-2005, 09:21 AM

I am with everyone else. I know that this time in your life can be a little uncomfortable because it marks the begining of the rest of your life. I know that if you choose to go to Ottowa that you will either gaina great job or just life experience and some knowledge about yourself. I say take the job... you have plenty of time to change your mind.

Sage · 02-16-2005, 09:50 AM

WE never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies.

The heroism we recite
Would be a daily thing,
Did not ourselves the cubits warp
For fear to be a king.

Emily Dickinson

you're not the first person to go through this! even if you have to get a "crappy" job for a month in Ottawa, who knows what it could lead to! NO ONE knows what's gonna happen right after they graduate unless they enlist in the army. have fun with the change, know that it's gonna be ok, and that if, for some reason, your car blows up and your dog dies and you're out of a job, your parents and family still love you and will support you while you get things straight! good luck!

username · 02-16-2005, 08:32 PM

Take a chance and go to Ottawa, and if it doesn't work out there is always graduate school

Seriously though, I am in graduate school and it is probably the best thing I have done in regards to school and work.

TheFrogel · 02-17-2005, 03:13 PM

At risk of sounding brash, don't let the girl tie you down. If it's gonna happen, it'll happen. If it's worth the effort, you'll find yourself (and her) making the effort. Or moving with you, as you seem afraid to say, but who knows what happens in three months?

Be a bit selfish and do what's best for you, not for her or for you (the plural you, the relationship), or for your parents or your cat. It'll work out. Take the leap and see where it takes you. Seize these opportunities while you don't have too many roots out there to keep you in place.

metalgeek · 02-20-2005, 08:20 AM

Ehh just make the move.
But make sure you start applying for jobs now, hopefully you are.
If you got your internship through the uni, then tryu using them again looking for full time work, the people in the career center talk to these companies all the time.
One thing to suggest, for a joe job to start, look for some call center work, usually pays a bit better than mcdonalds.

02-15-2005, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
scott_p_1 Crazy	Freaking out about the future. Graduating university, possibly moving away? Hi, I know I'm certainly not the only person to be freaking out like this at this time of the year. My graduation date is coming up, fast and furious. April 23 marks my last exam as a university student (for the time being at least). I'll be graduating with my bachelor's degree in Computer Science. This alone is reason enough for me to be freaking out I think. However, I've got a lot of other things on my mind. The city I'm currently living in (Halifax, NS), isn't exactly known for it's thriving IT community where I could get the kind of career I'd like with my Computer Science degree. So I'm also playing with the idea of moving away after graduating. One of the biggest options I'm looking at right now is just up and moving to Ottawa, Ontario after graduation. I spent a total of 8 months working up there working for Alcatel (thanks to my university's co-op program). There's been a lot of talk between me and my friends (current roommate and one of our friends who moved up to Ottawa a few months ago for work) about getting a place up there. This brings up a few issues a) The job issue, first and foremost. I don't have a job yet. If I move up to Ottawa, sans job, I might be forced to take a minimum wage average joe job while continuing to look. Making a living like that would be difficult. Or if I don't have a job come my graduation, I could go back to my parents house (almost a stone's throw from where I am now) and apply for jobs from there. But I've also heard of how many companies don't like hiring people who don't currently live in the area. b) The girlfriend issue. I'm currently dating this amazing girl, but it's still new. I've only been dating her for about a month now. What to do about that? I mean, I know a lot can happen between now and the end of April, but it's still in the back of my mind. I do know that it wouldn't stop me from moving somewhere if I do get a job. But the idea of moving somewhere without a job seems even less appealing if it involves me leaving her. I've tried the long distance thing before with another girl, and I didn't really like it. I also know that she's kind of looking to get out of Nova Scotia too. That brings up other options (which I'm almost scared to type down) in the back of my mind that are equally as scarey as all this. c) The family issue. Well, my family lives here, this part is obvious, moving involves leaving them behind. I do have an aunt, uncle and cousin whom I'm kind of close with in Ottawa though (lived with them for 4 months, and visited them often them often in the other 4 months I lived in Ottawa) d) The friends issue. I actually think I have more friends in Ottawa than here. I know this is a lot of rambling, but I'm just really freaking out right now as I'm working on my resume, trying to gather my contacts and whatnot. I'd love to hear from anybody who's had some similar experiences, any pointers, or any words of adrive. Hell, if you know of anywhere that's looking to hire new grads from computer science, I'd love to hear that too. back to my resume and job searching __________________ <Insert witty and profound statements here>

02-15-2005, 04:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
hambone Zeroed In Location: CA	I say take the chance. It is true that it is easier to get a job once you are in the area. I also just graduated with a CS degree and moved cross country (chicago to san fran). I had a very crappy job lined up since it was extremely hard looking from across the country. Within 4 months of being here, I have obtained an amazing job and have gotten many other interviews. Seriously, close proximity helps. Good luck on everything. Its an exciting time __________________ "Like liquid white from fallen glass, Nothing to cry over"

02-15-2005, 06:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jesus Pimp The Original JizzSmacka	Take a chance while you're still young. __________________ Never date anyone who doesn't make your dick hard.

02-16-2005, 09:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
Sage hoarding all the big girl panties since 2005 Location: North side	WE never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies. The heroism we recite Would be a daily thing, Did not ourselves the cubits warp For fear to be a king. Emily Dickinson you're not the first person to go through this! even if you have to get a "crappy" job for a month in Ottawa, who knows what it could lead to! NO ONE knows what's gonna happen right after they graduate unless they enlist in the army. have fun with the change, know that it's gonna be ok, and that if, for some reason, your car blows up and your dog dies and you're out of a job, your parents and family still love you and will support you while you get things straight! good luck! __________________ Sage knows our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's She answers hard acrostics, has a pretty taste for paradox She quotes in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus In conics she can floor peculiarities parabolous -C'hi

02-15-2005, 03:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
la petite moi Filling the Void. Location: California	I would say keep looking at jobs in Ottawa. If it's your dream, go for it. It seems you really want to do this, but you're afraid of failing while there. Contact your family in Ottawa, and ask if there would be anyway you could stay with them for a little while again, and search for a good job while with them. Then look at getting out on your own or with a roommate (one of those friends you were talking about). About the girlfriend, you've been dating her for a month, like you said. It's not too serious. However, in April, you never know (like you said), and she may be willing to come with you for the adventure. Take a chance if it's really your thing. You may regret just laying about in Nova Scotia when you really want to be in Ottawa.

02-16-2005, 06:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
joemc91 Insane Location: Chicago	I'm in the same boat you are, graduating in May in my case. I'd say take a job in Ottowa like you've been wanting. You don't have too many roots holding you to one area yet.

02-16-2005, 09:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
caz Tilted Location: Illinois	I am with everyone else. I know that this time in your life can be a little uncomfortable because it marks the begining of the rest of your life. I know that if you choose to go to Ottowa that you will either gaina great job or just life experience and some knowledge about yourself. I say take the job... you have plenty of time to change your mind.

02-16-2005, 08:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
username Insane	Take a chance and go to Ottawa, and if it doesn't work out there is always graduate school Seriously though, I am in graduate school and it is probably the best thing I have done in regards to school and work.

02-17-2005, 03:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	At risk of sounding brash, don't let the girl tie you down. If it's gonna happen, it'll happen. If it's worth the effort, you'll find yourself (and her) making the effort. Or moving with you, as you seem afraid to say, but who knows what happens in three months? Be a bit selfish and do what's best for you, not for her or for you (the plural you, the relationship), or for your parents or your cat. It'll work out. Take the leap and see where it takes you. Seize these opportunities while you don't have too many roots out there to keep you in place.

02-20-2005, 08:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
metalgeek Insane Location: Calgary	Ehh just make the move. But make sure you start applying for jobs now, hopefully you are. If you got your internship through the uni, then tryu using them again looking for full time work, the people in the career center talk to these companies all the time. One thing to suggest, for a joe job to start, look for some call center work, usually pays a bit better than mcdonalds.