Photos by: Bearded Bousman Photo Co.

Since graduating college 4 years ago, I’ve accomplished what I was "supposed" to. I graduated, got a job, got married, and now we own a house. The things on this "check list of life" are not bad, but I think it's when we come to the end of the check list that we experience the most growth. 

Back in college, I reached the end of my to do list quicker than I expected when my advisor told me I would be graduating a year early. I scrambled and found myself a job. I was looking for any job, and God blessed me with a job working for one of the best companies in the world, the Walt Disney Company.

At the time, I didn't think it was that great. I worked in Walt Disney World, which is so many people's dream, but what was I actually doing? Honestly, I was ashamed to be working an hourly job and not using my hard earned and high-priced degree at a "better" job. From my perspective, I had missed a step in life's to do list, I had fallen short of a goal, and that's when I thought to myself "Now what?"

Looking back, working at Disney was one of the most fun years of my life. Even though I know no one else was judging me for working at a theme park, I was judging myself because I knew I was made for more. Are you there too?  Here are three ways I figured out my next step + some advice from my mom (that, in itself, makes this worth the read).

Get Inspired

Ask yourself: What do I love to do? You are a talented, hard-working woman, and you don't just want any job. You want a job that makes you light up when you wake up each morning! You want to do something with your life that is inspiring to yourself and others. So allow yourself to be a little picky. Instead of throwing a noodle to the wall to see if it sticks, select your job applications carefully and invest time when applying. Pick something you'll be passionate about! God will provide in the season of waiting and maybe even give you lots of great memories to look back on!

Get Determined

Ask yourself: When do I need to do this by? Set goals and set up a timeline. I made a plan to do one of two things: climb the ladder or get out! I gave myself goals and, more importantly, I gave myself deadlines. When the time to climb the ladder ran out, I stuck to my plan. I switched gears and I began to apply for jobs outside of the company. Adding a timeline to your goals will help you actually get them accomplished!

Get a Move On!

Ask yourself: What's stopping me? "Pick a direction and go!" my mom always says. She taught me to jump in and try something before dismissing it. If you sit on the sidelines, wondering if you'll fail, you'll never know. 

Bonus - Get Persistent

It’s scary to start anything new, so let me encourage you here. When you mess up or get “rejected” - and you will - have a good cry if you need it, get back on your feet, and try again. Trying again is one of the most courageous things you can do. Trying again is how you gain respect from others, but most importantly how you build respect for yourself. Prove to yourself that you can do it and that you are worth the work it will take to do the thing you want to do.

God provides in all situations. He led me to the right college. He led me to join my amazing sorority where I made best friends and accomplished huge projects that I will always be so proud of. He did not provide the 9-5 job I had imagined right out of college, but with a little persistence, that came along too. God has provided in every step of my life, I know He will continue to. He will provide in your life too.

"For I know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future." - God (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thanks for stopping by!

bousman babe