Navigating the post-collegiate waters is difficult for any graduate. However, the recent economic plight that our country is facing has made weathering the post-graduation storm much more treacherous.

For many young adults, the years immediately following graduation will be the first time they have had to completely support themselves. Many students are able to glean only a “pseudo” adulthood during their collegiate tenure, given that most are still supported by their parents in some form or another. Graduation is supposed to mark a young adult’s entry into a world of independence and self-reliance. This is difficult enough to handle during times of economic stability and low unemployment rates. Now, it is simply unbearable.

According to The New York Times, “The American economy shed 345,000 jobs in May, and the unemployment rate spiked to 9.4 percent.” This is the highest national unemployment rate in more than a quarter century. Also, more than 7 million Americans have been unemployed for 15 weeks or longer.

Even when the economy begins to rebound, it is likely that “businesses will probably be conservative … instead of hiring full-time workers, many may rely on temporary employees or add hours for existing employees.”

All signs indicate that the jobless rate is likely to continue to grow, and things will be slow to recover.

So what does this mean for recent graduates? It seems that to simply have a bachelor’s degree is no longer good enough to compete in this brutal job market. Twenty-somethings with little industry-specific experience are now competing with candidates who have several years of experience in the workforce.

We all know that to get a job, you need experience, but most companies will not hire candidates with little to no experience. It is an unjust catch-22. This type of thinking will create an entire generation of well-educated yet inexperienced adults.

If this trend continues, and it appears that it will, recent graduates will be forced to make some tough choices to secure their futures and pay their bills.

On one hand, many four-year graduates are choosing to further their educations with graduate degrees with the hope that they can avoid this economic downfall by remaining a student, and that they will become more attractive candidates when they do finish school. On the flip side, others are working service-related jobs to sustain an income. Many avoid going back to school because they simply cannot afford to accrue any more debt, despite the long-term benefits it may provide.

In order to survive this critical time, graduates have to be crafty, original and assertive. No one will be able to attain his or her dream career without a decent amount of self-promotion and networking. Also, as horrific as it may sound, having any job is better than having no job. Often, it is important that you get your foot in the door of a company that you would like to have a career with.

Most importantly, be passionate about your post-college life. Choose a path that is right for you and own your decision by throwing yourself into achieving those self-sustaining, high-reaching demands. You may have to lower your standards, but if it is at a company you want a career with, you are still working toward lofty goals.

Too many young adults wander aimlessly through their lives. College was about figuring out who you are as a person. It is now time to own your passion in life and avoid the omnipresent quarter-life crisis that many young adults seem to be experiencing today.

More than anything, life without passion is purposeless. Face this economic downturn in stride, and follow your passion. You will be better off for it in the end.

Reach guest columnist Chris Heide at opinion@dailyuw.com.