A Little Bit of Backgroud

My name is Erin, and I recently graduated from Towson University with a degree in Mass Communications (PR & Advertising...and 3 classes short of Journalism) with a certificate in Marketing. Like many of my fellow graduates, I immediately found myself eagerly coveting a job in the “real world.” With that in mind, I went on countless interviews with dead-end companies, FYI “IMMEDIATE HIRE” on career builder should be a red flag that the company is not worth your time, and am currently working at the American Diabetes Association as the Super Temp. In addition to my half-real job, I am also working at Ruth’s Chris Steak House as a Hostess…my job of choice through-out my scholarly college career. My job at ADA is exactly where I want to be, however I am not sure it will last past mid-October, let’s keep all fingers crossed.

I was told in no uncertain terms “2009 is the worst year to graduate from college, EVER.” I found this mildly amusing, and was sure that my fantastic and charismatic personality, paired with my ability to work hard, and send grammatically correct emails would ensure my quick placement in the job market. WRONG. I stumbled upon my current job at ADA through a personal connection I made while volunteering for a filler class during my last semester. Lesson learned- never miss an opportunity to help out, it may lead to personal gain down the road.

Despite my potentially promising job with ADA, and my dead end position as a hostess, I find myself living “well beyond your means,” as my father so nicely pointed out to me. I jumped right into city living, and rented a house with several girls I went to school with. Living in Federal Hill should be fantastic, at least everyone else seems to love the city chic, trendy, and slightly uppity neighborhood. I’m waiting to love it. I’m trying to love it. Somehow, the noise, the constant search for non-existent parking, the colony of ants that live on the kitchen counters, sink, and in the dishwasher, paired with the traffic and rats that are always out front is not exactly what I imagined. However, its only been 2 months, maybe it will get better. If nothing else, the girls are great, so that keeps me happy enough. With that said, I am still living paycheck to paycheck and barley making it. Keep in mind that I still have privileges to the “mommy CC.” I am using it for gas and groceries, the rest is on me. I’m fairly confident that the mCC is going to be cut into small pieces soon, and I will truly be in trouble.

As a recent graduate without a full time position, I am also facing the issue of health insurance. I am sure this is not a problem unique to me, but I am diabetic, and my health bills are astronomical. I will be kicked off the family plan as of August 30, 2009. After doing some research, I found that a private health plan would cost me upwards of $500 per month, more than my rent and utilities, and that does not even include co-pays for medication. After digging even further found that if I let me insurance laps for about 3 months, I will be able to get public coverage for around $160 a month, plus co-pays. So right now, health insurance is key factor in determining my job and economical situation.

I’m currently dating a fantastic guy named Matt. He is in the army, and stationed in LA but will be moving home next month. Long distance relationships are interesting. I wouldn’t recommend jumping into one unless the guy/girl is a keeper. They are trying, and costly. I do have to say though, it’s easy to tell if your significant other is really into you, committed to the relationship, and all around a good person, if he/she is 2000 miles away and still wants to know all about you. Plus, having to buy a plane ticket to spend the weekend lounging on the couch is dedication if I have ever seen it! All in all, the best relationship I have ever had, and I couldn't possibly be happier (unless of course he was home, which is happening next month!!)

Other posts to be significantly less lengthy and slightly more interesting!