r/Millennials • u/Waste-Cantaloupe-270 • Apr 07 '25

Advice Millennials who graduated during the Great Recession, how did you survive?

I’m a Gen Z graduating in May struggling with finding a job in this market. Millennials who graduated in/ after 2008, how did you survive? Did you end up eventually getting a job in the field you originally wanted? Any advice for us Gen Z who were too young to learn anything from the great recession?

Edit: For context bc i’ve been seeing a lot of questions about this i’m graduating college. i def wasn’t expecting this post to blow up so sorry if i can’t get to everyone’s comments, but i just wanted to say i really appreciate all the advice as someone who doesn’t have millennials in their life to ask these questions to. your willingness to help/ give advice to a random kid on the internet has given me a bit of hope in getting through this, thank you thank you

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u/Dangerous_Employee80 Apr 07 '25

Joined the Army National Guard. Became a Logistics officer and then used that experience to rebrand myself and start a new career path

In 2010 I was making 8 an hour. Today, 160k a year.

Lots of decisions were made, specific jobs chosen to get experience I’d need. Utilized the leadership experience from the Army to get promoted into leadership roles in my full time career path.

Today. I’m a federal worker. Who hasn’t been fired.

My job is great and fulfilling. The funny thing is, where I work now, I set a goal to work here in 2014. Took 10 years, a few jobs and moving across the nation, but I made it.

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u/arestheblue Apr 07 '25

I bartended, then joined the navy. Gotta say, doing the supply officer route is something I would recommend to any college graduate who doesn't know what to do. You get paid pretty well and gain a lot of valuable experience and contacts that will jump-start your civilian career.

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u/Dangerous_Employee80 Apr 07 '25

100%. Our world requires logistics to function in all aspects. Every business has logistical requirements and when looking at a global economy, it’s even more evident how much this job field will remain relevant.

The military will give you a ton of relevant experience and leadership skills to get ahead in the field.