Navigating the Challenges of Student Debt and Career Expectations After College
Embarking on higher education often comes with hopes of opening doors to fulfilling careers and personal growth. However, for many, the journey can be fraught with unexpected hurdles that leave them feeling disillusioned post-graduation. This is a reflection on those struggles and the aspirations that still linger.
The Reality of Building a Career in a Competitive Field
After earning a degree in Digital Filmmaking from community college, I aspired to establish myself as a professional video editor. Unfortunately, breaking into this industry has proven far more challenging than I initially anticipated. Over the years, I’ve had only two short-term freelance projects while juggling a retail job, earning a small amount that goes straight toward my student loans. Despite the modest income, I find myself questioning whether these efforts justify the debt I accumulated to pursue this qualification.
Social Challenges and Personal Growth
Networking is often touted as essential in the creative industry, but for me, connecting with others has always been difficult. I’ve struggled with shyness and social interactions since high school, where I was often labeled as “most quiet.” Despite my attempts to engage—whether through campus clubs or casual conversations—I found it hard to form meaningful relationships. At one point, a club member even remarked on how little I spoke, highlighting my social reticence.
As graduation approached, I realized that most of my classmates had built friendships, relationships, and vibrant college memories, while I was left with feelings of loneliness and isolation. The only familiar faces at my graduation were my family, and I left college without the social connections that many others seem to consider vital.
Reflections on Education and Investment
My academic journey was brief: one semester at a four-year university before being dismissed due to poor grades, layered on a community college experience. This means my student debt is significantly less than those who complete a bachelor’s degree, and in fields like video editing, I’ve heard that formal degrees might not be the most critical factor. Still, the financial investment feels heavy, especially when I measure my outcomes against my initial expectations.
If I’m going to carry thousands of dollars in debt, I want to feel that I’ve gained something concrete—skills, knowledge, or opportunities—that justifies the costs. Right now, it’s tough to reconcile the debt with the lack of tangible progress or success in my career, compounded by the loneliness I experienced during college.
Moving Forward
While