myrl

I think it depends on your field?

I'm pretty sure unemployment rates have gone up for people with college degrees too unfortunately. Having "a degree" alone probably isn't going to land you a great job. It's essential to have a PLAN when you go into school, one with realistic goals and expectations. Do some industry research on the realistic job prospects and salaries in the fields you are interested in. Choose a major based off the expectations of actually getting a job when you graduate. Don't just guess!

Apps can make a good starting point for building a resume, especially if you have no experience doing it, but you should customize and refine your resume when you're done. Add a unique objective statement for every resume you send out to a potential employer. Employers don't like generic resumes. As they say, use a rifle, not a shotgun.

The academic environment can be more comfortable than the corporate workplace for a lot of people I think. The main drawback probably is departmental politics. Depending on how that weighs (in your favor or otherwise), it might not be a problem. It can impact your salary adversely if it weighs against you. But if you fit into your department well, I think you could enjoy a more comfortable career in academia. Have you thought of doing some student teaching to see if you like it?

I'd finish up and get the degree and then grab a job in your field for now (at least that way you can pay the bills), but I'd be actively looking into starting down a new educational path so you can find something you actually like to do.

You could always have an official adviser who helps you to get things done as needed, and then an unofficial adviser (doesn't even have to be in your department) who helps you by being supportive and assists you with making deicisions.

As far as I can tell, you were recommended to the graduate school, and the graduate school has the final decision. So you will have to wait to hear from them.

Yes, it definitely happens, and fairly often! Not sure I'd rely on it if you have other options (if the timing doesn't allow you to wait to make your decision), but if you have the time, see what happens.