2011 has been an interesting year for me.
I started it off in my last semester of college. I graduated from college. I started culinary school. I finished culinary school. And in the middle of all that, I did some really awesome things, but also went through some serious changes in my personal life, both positive and negative. Things since June have been tentative, exciting, and kind of scary…and from where I’m sitting, 2012 isn’t looking any more certain yet. I’m back with my parents until I can find a job and start an adult life of my own, and while I’m fortunate to have a place to live rent-free, moving back home after several years of independence is stressful.
I know that this time of spontaneity and uncertainty is supposed to be exciting for a recent college grad, but I’ve never been that kind of person. I like a plan. I like having something to work towards and throw myself into. I’m an eternal optimist, so I know and believe that things will fall into place sooner than later, but right now waking up every day without a real sense of direction is difficult for me. I’m ready to be an adult- I think I have been since I was about eight- and I have a feeling that my 20s will be far more “me” than my high school and college years ever were.
Last year, I made a whole slew of resolution-y resolutions, which, like most resolutions, fell by the wayside a few months or even weeks in.This year, I’m keeping it simple with two things that mean the most to me- stuff that I actually will make happen in 2012.
1. Get a job.
This one is at the forefront of my mind right now. I’ve already sent out dozens of resumes, but we all know this isn’t really the greatest time to be looking for a job. Nevertheless, in 2012 I will find a job, move out on my own (hopefully to somewhere warmer, just sayin’), and become financially independent from my parents. It’s more than time. I’m excited!
2. Be happier.
I kept a lot off the blog this past year, and for good reason. I wouldn’t say I’ve been unhappy, but the stress of big changes and letdowns has definitely taken it’s toll. In 2012, I’d like to focus more on myself and pursuing the things that make me happiest. And stress less- isn’t that always the goal?
Easy enough, right? Errrrr. 2012, I’m coming for you. It’s gonna be a good year, I can feel it.
Also, my birthday is in 27 days. Just putting that out there…
Are you making resolutions this year? What’s your biggest goal for 2012? What was your biggest goal for 2011? Did you accomplish it?
Gabriela,
I know exactly what you mean. I am pretty much in the same boat, have big dreams but haven’t accomplished them yet. I love myself a good plan, usually have my days planned out to the tee. I have been working on just sitting back and relaxing and I plan to continue that in the new year. Right now I am getting my personal trainers cert…it has been frustrating the time spent in college for a freakin’ Kinesiology degree and you would think I could just bypass that cert. all together. Think again! Haha! I pretty much follow your blog religiously and you have some of the same values I do in aspiring to do well for yourself. It WILL happen so just remain calm and focused for now. I can see great things happening for you!
Mangia!
xo,
Chelsy
Aw I love this comment! Thanks so much!
Hey Gabriela,
I am confident you will find a job this year! You have worked incredibly hard and those efforts will show. My brother just finished his master’s program in engineering/management and while those majors usually have lots of job options, finding a job is a lot harder than it seems! So, you aren’t alone! I hope this year you will find a job, and some self-care things, to help you be happier
I have the exact same goals as you for next year. I finished uni in July and have been sending out job applications ever since but to no avail - great time to be looking for my first job, hey! We will definitely both manage next year though! Happy new year
I have faith that you will find a job and regain your independence! I can totally understand how stressful it must feel to no know exactly what’s going to happen.
I’m finishing up my last semester of college and graduating in may so I ‘m about to face that same situation as well! My goal is to find something meaningful/worthwhile to do with the next year before I (hopefully) start grad school.
Love ya girl and I know 2012 will bring so many great things to you!
Heres to another year of friendship! Cheers!
<3 xoxo
Those are perfect goals! Putting the focus on you and what makes you >truly< happy will make everything else fall into place. It will be a great year for you, I can tell you are going to make it happen! Go get it girl!
I’m with you on happiness. I’ve been making lists of things that need to change in all areas of my life to get more of it.
Lots of love to you and a very happy new year!
Happy New Year my dear!!!
wishing you all the happiest this new year!! you have been a lot, and I know you will get everything you dreamed of. you are hard a great person and the right job will come along!!
have a great new year’s girl!!
xoxo
I’m exactly like you - I like to always have a plan and to know what’s coming next. So I can only imagine how stressful this time must be for you. But I have total faith in you that you’ll be able to find a job and find happiness this year.
I know 2012 will bring great things for you! You have gone through a lot in 2011, so I can’t wait to see what the new year brings you!
Those are great resolutions
For the first time in my life I made almost all my resolutions happen this year which is def a great feeling of accomplishment.
Leave 2011 behind and go for it all in 2012!
Good luck with your goals! I hope 2012 is a great year for you!
that picture is incredible. you’ve had a big year, and i’m sure that next year will be GREAT for you! hope you score your dream job. happy nye friend!
It’s from a hike in CA!
1. find a job
2. move somewhere awesome
3. make new awesome friends
4. sort of function as a grownup
it seems kind of daunting, but I know it’ll be totally worth it.
happy new year!
I’m right there with you on all of that.
I just did a what I did in 2012 post, the highlights of life, recipes, travel, family, etc.
As for you and finding a job, I wish you nothing but the best on that front. And yes, I can only imagine that moving home after years of Independence IS hard. Very hard and challenging and not how you envisioned life. The bright side is that you have this cushion and option but here’s to 2012 unfolding for you with all the things you want it to have
Gabriela,
I’m so happy that you’ve made such great resolutions. You are smart and talented and I’m sure you’ll find a job!
In 2011, my goal was to run a half marathon. It wasn’t the actual race that was important, it was the road to finding more balance and getting healthy.
This year, my goal is to enjoy the journey, instead of waiting around for the ‘destination’. Especially since I’m moving to PARIS!
Sometimes it’s easy to say ‘I’ll be happy when…’ I get a job, or a new apartment, or a certain fitness level. But none of that has ever held true. It’s about enjoying each moment. Maybe all of this sounds a bit cliche, but it’s true!
I can relate a lot with your 2011. Graduating from college and not really having a set plan for where my life is going is one of the most stressful things in my opinion! Hoping everything falls into place for both of us soon! Let’s kick 2012′s ass.
Gabriela, have you considered living abroad, at least for a couple of years? There are plenty og Graduate programmes in the U.K. and Europe, for example- and I know your fluency in the French language would be a huge advantage. One of my American cousins lived in Paris while working in such a scheme, and a, (bilingual) German cousin moved to London to work as part of a similar scheme at one of the banks in the City. It is truly an amazing asset both to your personal and academic development, and for your CV+ future involvement- once you are associated with a large, multinational company, or a particular vocational circle it gives you an extra edge, as does the demonstration of willingness to go and be adventurous and take your own initiative. Plus you also get to become immersed in that particular country’s culture, and travel around in nearby countries during holidays. Just a (rather lengthy!) thought….
I’ve thought about it, but it’s just not for me…especially considering the state of Europe’s economy right now. I’ve spend a lot of time abroad in my life and I love to travel, but I’d like to stick to the US for now
2012 is your year to kick major booty!!! I know it’s going to be a great one for you! everyone has a down year, and the things you learn for that year make your next year AMAZING!
You should come live over here on the west coast with me!! <-seriously me and California are calling your name!
I'm so sad we didn't get to meet up when you were here for your externship…the time flew by and I was dealing with the worst pneumonia everrr
So to make up for it you should just move on over here!! hehe!
Love you lady!
Ahh the SUN is so calling my name haha!
you want it you got it baby! 365 days ain’t got nuttin on your plans. xoxo happy new year!
Don’t stress on the job front. It takes time, and then, when you least expect it, it will happen. I spent the fall working various part time jobs and just doing my thing, and then all of a sudden, boom, it was like a full time job fell out of the sky. Just keep following your dreams - for me, that means continuing to write and act, even if those aren’t my “real” jobs.
Good luck! I know you’ll find what you’re looking for, just give it a few months.
This was reassuring…thanks for your words!!
Happy New Year, Gabriela! I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog this year. I hope 2012 brings the return of pics of your outfits hehe. I am such a huge fan of the JCrew Outlet Web site because of you, no joke!
My biggest goal for 2012 is to move from Los Angeles to New York. It’s been my dream for 11 years since I first set foot in Manhattan when I visited when I was 18, and now it’s actually going to happen. I’m excited and nervous… more excited, though
I know this time is very stressful…and no matter what anyone says you will probably still stress about it, but ENJOY and TAKE your time finding a job you like…This will be the only time in your life where you will really have “free time”. Most likely you will have to stay there for at least a year, and that can be a long time for your first job. BUT you can ALWAYS change careers so there is nothing to worry about if you feel like you don’t like you first job.
Also each job will give you a new skill set, so no job is every a waste!
Can’t wait to see what the New Year offers you!!
[...] As I posted about before, 2011 was a year of big changes for me, and that was definitely reflected here on Une Vie Saine. I changed my format, started posting less, and tried to find a new direction for things, which I’m not sure I’ve totally discovered yet. And that’s okay with me. This lady’s amazing post reminded me of the importance for blogging for myself first - though I love my readers and you guys have given me some great opinions in the past, unless I write about what’s important and entertaining to me, it comes off as fake and boring. The posts I’m most proud of have always been the unexpected and uncalculated ones. [...]