Thinking of moving back home...

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So I graduated from college a few months ago, and I can tell you it's been no party since then. I haven't been able to find a job, my girlfriend and I recently broke up, I've started having serious anxiety issues leading me to break down crying over the simplest thing, and lately I've been looking at knives in a way that I KNOW is not healthy and it's really freaking me out. I live in Minnesota right now and I'm thinking of moving back home to stay with my family in Illinois.

My uncle said he'd be able to hook me up with a job for the summer. It's not much, but it could be a stepping stone to something better. It'd certainly give me time to get samples together for submissions (I'm a comic artist/illustrator/graphic artist) and would let me ride out the recession until more or better jobs open up. I'd have to stay with my parents for a bit, but it wouldn't be permanent and I'd move out first chance I get. I'd certainly be able to save what little money I have left, maybe have enough to buy a car or some extra equipment I need. Being amongst my old family and friends would certainly help with my recent depression.

The problem is...I'm trying to convince myself this isn't a step backward, or that I'm giving up. One of the reasons my girlfriend and I split was because she felt I was un-motivated and she was frustrated that I haven't found a job yet, even though I feel I was trying the best I could. Basically I'm trying to convince myself I'm not a loser by deciding to move back home for now.

Sounds to me like you've got a good plan there!

And far from being unmotivated and a loser, you've looked at your options and gone for the best one given all the circumstances. Life is full of twists and turns, and we can't always move relentlessly away from our roots. It seems that you are blessed with supportive family and friends back home, and they are the people you need to be among now.

You sound very motivated when you describe your plans, and it makes good sense.

If I were you, I'd ignore the nay-saying ex, and go for it!

Marcia's advice seems great to me. You should not feel it is a step backwards, it will help you towards your goals. Graphic arts can be a hard field to get in to. Your ex should have been more patient, IMO.

I'm also glad you have a supportive family and friends back home. I'm sure it'll help a lot with your depression for you to be among them.

Yea between me and you she seemed rather shocked and appalled that I hadn't found a job in my field immediately after graduation. Nevermind this is my first time getting INTO my field, and that we're in a bloody recession where most graphic art firms aren't taking on new personnel if they're even staying open at all. Guess that's what I get for dating a girl with bipolar disorder.

Even if I can't find anything back in Illinois at least I'm unemployed and near my friends & family as opposed to unemployed all by my lonesome here in Minnesota.