MOOD #1

May 15, 2017

I have been looking for a job for 7 months. In fact, it was 7 months this past Friday. I have had little to no luck. Currently unemployed, I have applied to probably 100+ jobs and have had 14 interviews. I was offered one job at a hospital foundation, but the offer was just so low, almost disrespectful, that I had to decline. Let’s just say I got paid that amount when I was 17 working in a kitchen. Since I come from a non-profit background, money is not the main factor, the passion and love for the sector is. However, I had to decline that particular position because it was just impossible for me survive off of that. Besides this, I have gotten no offers and It has been bringing me down.

Rejections are the worst, but I always try to learn from them. Whenever I get a rejection call, I always thank them for their time and ask about what they think I should improve on. The answer (if they do reply back), is almost always that I was a close second. That there is nothing they can think of that I can do to improve and that I interviewed well. They just happened to give the job to someone either with more experience or hired internally. These responses are almost more disappointing than a straight up no! Like…. if I was “so great” and my “experience and background is exactly what you were looking for” then hire me DAMNIT!

I have applied to all sorts of non-profit sector positions and post secondary institution positions as that is where my background and experience is in. I have applied to positions regardless of location of the job, positions that I may even be under or overqualified for with no luck. I always research the organization and the position. I always practice for the interview and try to come up with practical and relatable examples that show my experience and background. I always ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview to show my interest, and I always send a thank you email within the 24 hour time period.

So, I am stumped. I mean… 7 months!?!? Jeez. I did not think that with a business degree, a good variety of work and volunteer experience and a determined attitude, that it would take me this long. I did save up from my last position, but I am worried as my bank account is going down and no deposits are being made.

Maybe I shouldn’t have quit my last job. They do always say that finding a job while you are employed is easier. But, this is just too much. I feel so disheartened. I really have not felt as rejected, useless and let down about my future as I currently am. I am 26, in my prime years to be working and creating a good career path for myself. I just can’t seem to catch a break. I am trying to be as hopeful as possible, but it is so hard.