Here’s the scenario.

You’re about to graduate. The world is an open road in front of you. So many opportunities, adventures and ideas are yours for the taking. You’re excited about what the real world has to offer and can’t wait to get started on your post-grad life.

Except, wait, you don’t have a job.

Enter panic attack.

Enter ceaseless thoughts of impending doom.

Enter slew of curse words.

Enter what many would consider the beginning of their Quarter Life Crisis.

For those of you who may be already going through this scenario, I feel you. I understand the fear of uncertainty. I was unemployed for about six months after college and I am all too familiar with that unstable feeling of not really knowing what to do. But most of all, I am also familiar with what it’s like to overcome that.

In retrospect, although it’s rough to go through that kind of mental anguish, I have come to learn that life has a way of figuring itself out. As such, I am here to assure you that you will not drop dead if you don’t find a job right after graduating. I am also here to assure you that there are certain things you can do to take matters into your hands.

Remember that happiness is a choice.

It’s easy to link our identities to our jobs. After all, it’s what many of us do for 8 or 9 hours a day. However, in a time when work is harder to come by we have to remember that we aren’t just our jobs.

At the end of the day, our happiness is not linked to our cubicle or our paycheck. In fact, if we take on this narrow minded view we’re going to have a hard time finding a job that even begins to fit our needs.

Instead, happiness is a choice we make each and every day. Remember this as you go on your job hunt and you’ll see how you are able to rock interviews, make better decisions and have more energy than you know what to do with.

Have a game plan.

As someone who conducts job interviews for an employment agency nearly every day, I can tell you that there is nothing recruiters, counselors and hiring managers hate more than someone who walks into their office and says “I’ve sent out so many resumes that I have no idea what I applied for.”

Have a game plan, people! Send in a killer resume (hire a writing service if you have to), research the companies you are applying for and have a crystal clear idea of what you bring to the table.

Start thinking outside of the box.

I have seen one too many job candidates turn down some incredible employment opportunities because they are not willing to be flexible or think outside of the box.

Yes, it’s great to have an image in mind of the kind of job you want, but what’s not okay is being so dead set on an idea that you close yourself off from other great opportunities. In fact, this is going to make your job hunt much harder than it has to be.

Get creative.

When I was unemployed for six months I started freelance writing to make extra money while I looked for full time employment. That example of creativity and resourcefulness got me my first job as an English instructor for an international corporation.

My first job and then the creation of my blog helped me discover my passion for personal development. I now find myself working at an employment agency where I learn hands on about career development and the recruiting industry. Oh, and I also still write for some clients on the side.

Moral of the story? When life gets tough, get creative. Not only can it land you a job, you may be able to create an extra source of income.

Not having a job right after college can be a major obstacle, but it certainly won’t determine the outcome of the rest of your life. The key is to remember that you are in control of your own career. The fact is that even in a down economy there are several outlets and opportunities available to you, you just have to make sure you are receptive to them.

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Amanda Abella began freelance writing in 2009 as a Green Wise columnist for Handmadenews.org. Since then she has received her bachelor’s in English Literature from Ave Maria University and has been featured in several online publications including Brazen Careerist, myFootPath, Yahoo News, The Levo League and LaCosmopolatina. Amanda’s understanding of SEO and internet marking made her one of the Top 1000 Yahoo Network Contributors in 2011.