I'm a GRADUATE! Yahoo! NOW WHAT???

I have witnessed three of my own children graduate.. high school first...of course...and then college. My beautiful smart granddaughter just graduated Saturday and there were tears of joy...but honestly... I am a little worried.

So many of us college grads are looking for work and not enough jobs for us all. There's the youth graduates and now a slew of older adults now graduating college. The new world I guess Do I dare let on about my doubt's of all her hard work? Do I dare mention that the stats are saying there are approx 300 apps for every job? Do I dare taint her dreams and aspirations?

 Of course not! I'm not a half empty glass person...I'm a half full person! Of you work hard and study harder you will obtain that dream you've been reaching for. Right?? I'm now becoming a bit skeptical and cynical. Sorry!

I've been to the job fairs..lectures...symposiums. So many people, so few vacancies! They keep telling us not to fret..the jobs are out there and more to come. Why does this repetitive speech sound vaguely like a politician at voting time? ** I'm no math genius for sure but there are just SO many grads fiercely marching forward, diploma and debt in hand forging ahead toward their future jobs and careers that I am concerned. Really concerned.

My darling granddaughter is already in grad school. She knew that her BS wasn't enough for her career goal. She knew her path was longer than expected. She's on the right path , but boy are her feet going to get tired. She could stop, take a break and work for little pay and not obtain her full goal..but how will she pay off those student loans bearing down on her even as she proudly wears that black cap?

I was told by a "professional" in the field of job marketing, that a bachelors degree is like having a high school diploma now. Upgraded job requirements are forcing the job seeker to now have a masters degree in jobs that five years ago only needed a bachelors degree. So..does that mean in a few years we will need a PhD for the same jobs that once required experience, then a BA and then a MA? HELP!!!

The way I see it..the cost of our education will never even out with the career or workforce of our choice unless of course we become a doctor, lawyer, politician, engineer or administrator! There are great careers in web design but there's also about a million qualified people out there in this field. Wow...where does that leave the rest of the world? Maybe our youth want to teach..the most rewarding profession, except for salary. Teachers work their butts off all day with our kids, paying for much of the needs of their students, especially in special education classes. I know...I was one of them.

*Suppose our extraordinary youth want to be counselors, social workers, you know, people helpers? Well, that field also pays way less than you would expect, considering you must have a masters now to enter the field. Do the math. .please.. don't ask me to. Its evident that the cost of even a moderately priced institution of higher learning will be so astronomical that the pay will never even out with the cost of getting into the position. Am I concerned?

Yes..and its darn unfair! Our daughters, sons, grandkids, are doing what they are told to do. Go to college, learn well, graduate with a beneficial degree and you will be a viable source in the job market. Oh really?

    I cheered loudly as my sweetie walked the stage and grabbed her diploma, glancing out at the crowd.. I yelled " Hurray" as she waved to us, in the audience, and tears streamed down my face. Tears of joy? Tears of worry? You tell me!