Quote:
Originally Posted by
svelten 
How does one "give up" a job search? Don't you continue to go on until something falls on your lap, incrementally accepting lower and lower standards? Or do they just decide to become homeless?
They may have "given up" their job search, but that doesn't mean they weren't pursuing other wealth generating activities. One could take on freelance projects, perform consulting work, etc. In my case, I gave up my job search and started a business using some $ from several angel investors. My business provided statistical consulting services to businesses and political campaigns, and starting it was one of the most reckless and rewarding things I have every done. My company eventually tanked due to some poor decision making on my end, but once I got back out in the "real" world to look for jobs, people (hiring managers and upper management) were blown away that a new college grad would do that and have a fair amount of luck in executing work for some major clients.
For new grads who can't find work, I highly recommend entrepreneurship. You have some skill or specialty, even if it's not clear to you, and there is likely a market for that skill. Plus, trust me, it's much better to be the boss than to be someone else's bitch.*
* I can't emphasize that last point strongly enough.
Edited by amathew - 7/25/12 at 4:03pm