Seniors: Is anybody else losing sleep over this whole graduation thing?

It seems the closer I get to May 18, the further away my sanity flees. I’m losing sleep and gaining insecurities. The thought of having to get a “real job” is surreal, and quite frankly, I am terrified.­

Can’t I just stay in my comfortable, youthful bubble forever? Or at least until I win the lottery and don’t have to worry about living up to an employer’s impossible standards?

If I return home to my parent’s spare room, is it all for naught? These are the thoughts that plague me as we quickly approach graduation.

Instead of scaring away any sense of excitement and accomplishment, I’d rather share some of the most useful and comforting advice I have received as a soon-to-be college graduate.

1. Go home to mom and dad

Each of us can give a myriad of reasons why moving back home feels humiliating after graduating college, but don’t let that stop you.

The transitional period between graduation and finding your first job is vital. Not everybody will find his or her dream job the day after graduation. In fact, it is extremely rare.

Living with mom and dad rent-free (or for very little) is one of the best options, if available. This gives you the chance to create a pre-game checklist and save money while on the hunt for your dream job.

For me, it’s a chance to unwind and be a kid again before facing a world of “grown-up” opportunities alone.

2. Delay moving in with your significant other

With all due respect, don’t. Some think that because they will save on rent and skip the roommate search that this is the best option.

From experience, I can say that moving in with your other half doesn’t necessarily make you whole. In fact, it can do the exact opposite.

If he or she decides to leave, where does that leave you? Before living with someone, make sure your income alone can cover your living costs. That way, if you go your own ways, you are not left in the dust.

The residual feelings of a non-mutual breakup can also follow you to the workplace, and for a fresh college graduate, this can be detrimental.

3. Don’t rush getting out of dodge­

If you’re anything like me, you have dreamed of moving back (or going for the first time) to the “big city,” wherever it may be.

Wanting to expand your horizons and getting the heck out of dodge is completely normal for those of us who want to make a name for ourselves.

We all hope to make a difference in a big way and make the bucks doing it. But fleeing to New York City or San Francisco may leave you up to your neck in bills and only ankle-deep in money.

Big cities usually mean higher living costs, and as young graduates, it is unrealistic to think that we can have it all right away.

Find the job you want before moving to Los Angeles or Houston. The chances of being able to stay are greater this way.

4. Refrain from only accepting “real jobs”

I have come to learn that there is no such thing as a “real job.”

Sure, we endured years of grueling college coursework to land the job of our dreams, but that doesn’t mean that anything we do outside of our degree is remedial.

After graduation, I plan on working at The UPS Store because I can. It is an open opportunity. I know what I’m doing there and it’s a steady paycheck while I search for a higher paying job for which I am qualified.

Don’t feel unproductive because you are not an editor for the New York Times. Work at Starbucks for that bi-weekly paycheck while you search for a degree-worthy career.

5. Apply in-person

What happened to old-fashioned meet-and-greets? I have found that there is nothing more productive than dressing the part, preparing an excellent resume and shaking the hand of your potential future boss.

Because of our reliance on the Internet, applying for jobs in person has become a thing of the past.

Although we are progressing technologically speaking doesn’t mean that conventionalism is completely out the window.

According to CBS MoneyWatch, applying online is beneficial when shooting for corporate positions in large companies.

For all other positions, try walking in and tracking down someone with authority.

6. Work your hometown­

network

Apparently it’s all about who we know, and who better than our hometown network?

Friends and acquaintances — even those you haven’t spoken to in a while — are a good source for job recommendations and opportunities.

People from church, high school and other organizations may be willing to introduce you to some key people.

If they can’t, they may know someone who can. Either way, connecting with hometown friends and family members is a smart career move.

7. Visit the on-campus career center

This is something I have yet to do, but is in my plan.

Fresno State’s Career Services center is open five days a week and is dedicated to assisting students in their hunt for a job.

Some of the services offered include resume developing, job-search preparation, planning for graduate school and making the transition from college life to post-graduation.

On March 12-13, the Career and Internship Expo will take place at the Satellite Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Opportunities such as this give the spring 2013 graduates a helpful head start.