I Feel Like A Failure

[mamachick]

Only if I will travel an hour. Which I will. Just have held off

 

[NarcSis]

Two years, hundreds of customized applications, adding volunteer work to my resume and not a single interview - I feel like a failure too.

Over educated, no experience outside of being a medic and a lot of "life experience". It's not enough for anyone to take a chance on me...it's really depressing.

 

[mamachick]

Medic I am sorry. I really do understand and feel for you-I know its not much. I try not to give up as Im sure you do too.

All the energy that goes into this, getting hopes up, trying to think positive, then....nothing. Hang in there.

 

[mamachick]

I had to give up my anti depressant because I can no longer afford it. A choice between meds and toilet paper. I often go days without eating, but I do allow myself 2 cans of Pepsi. Please -not looking for sympathy. I make choices. I have 2 big dogs to feed. I even take $20 and gamble from time to time. That would buy food. Food brings me no pleasure though-due to medical problems. I got a hair cut today.

All that is left is my integrity, and that is about to go. I am beginning to see why people turn to illegal activities, but that is not my answer, would still have time on my hands-however profitable.

 

[Sailorgal]

Medic,

Whether it's jobs or housing, companies are in control in this market right now. In fact, I was talking about this again to friend of mine in the Boston area - EXCELLENT resume and education. Took her 7 months to find work but it wasn't easy.

Oddly, the few jobs I was really interested in me, contacted me but due to their unprofessional manner, I chose not to interview with them. I have to figure the costs to go interview and that's $30 each time, so I have to be a bit picky.

Oddly, none of the retail ones over the holidays would contact me. Go figure......it's hard but realize a lot of it is just how it is. Not trying to be bah-humbug. Recent college grads take anything and don't require much to maintain. I don't think companies will admit to it, but with all the recent changes in healthcare, and inflation, companies don't want to invest in us "older" folks lest they have to. It's all about the dollar line in any business.

I just got contacted for a job I have wanted for years - personal goal. It comes at the BEST and WORST timing of my life. We'll see if I mess this up or not. In the meantime, I'm still churning out resumes as well.

Brat - sorry it's down to that wire for you! I'm hoping you hear from good news soon and fast!!!! Hugs to both of you! We can be down but not out!!!!!

 

[anni]

I'm avoiding the 'like' button, seems silly to like other's genuine hardships, gee! Do not have common expereince to add, I was the art major 30 years ago when even THEN everyone knew that was just insane. Many, many blonds in the art department, everyone else was smoking pot.

Western Sky, yes, think the only thing I will say to you is to please try to look at yourself from 'outside' eyes, perhaps. The hugest things you have for pluses would be your age, my goodness, your obvious support systems and the existance of degress ( any kind ) at all. It sounds to me as if the PTSD shame is ONE of the things schlucking up progress, stopping your flow chart when the 'next' option comes up at one point, if that makes sense. Yes, others helped you get where you are but for you to interpret their help as sacrifice, and take on a perspective of ownership thereby is going to bind you terrible. Difference between that and flat gratitude, you know? You very much are not one of those 'Butbutbut ' people ( no one here is, do not mean to imply that ) who loves to shoot down all and every suggestion, it sounds like you're awfully bright, energetic, motivated and success oriented. Also hurt and terribly disapointed.

On the other hand I'd have to say 'life' rarely looks like we thought it would, ask any, single person on this side of 50. As crushed as I've been, and was at 25, ( or 30 ), can honestly say do not think I'd go back and change much since I LIKE where it all took me. Too simplistic, and easy for me to say without the Masters, I realize yet. Still a pretty valid statement.

I just didn't wish to see you perhaps allow your sense of shame ( PTSD induced, generally 100% of the time ) to stop one of the 'flow chart' progressions, in your problem solving equation. Do take care.

 

[anni]

ps, This was cool and wierd. Was doing the usual flying around all over bejeesis and back, turned on NPR to find an interview with someone who was talking about EXACTLY this entire discussion. He's turned it into a website and a consulting business ( who didn't see that coming? ). Awesome, though, so talk about don't text-and-drive. geesh, also do not fish- around- in- your- bag -for- pen -and -pad- so -you- can -write -it -all -down- before- you -forget- and -drive. I just risked my life and the grills of a number of 18 wheelers to obtain this information, hope it's usefull. The website should be some form of ' Degrees to Dreams ', I'm guessing sans capitol letters? I'll go look also when I have some d*m time, none now, just wanted to leave the info here before I go change my underwear, get dinner started. Those were big trucks.

 

[Sailorgal]

Hey Anni - some of us commented about the 'like' button on another thread. Most of us found it weird too but since there is no other option to say "I agree/understand," or "I'm listening," we have a mutual understanding for the "like."

 

[anni]

Hahahaha! Thanks Sailorgal- confusion loves company. I'm SOOOO PTSD, thinking about it, was probably almost waiting for someone to SAY ' No, really, it's ok! ".

Drive myself insane with this stuff.

 

[saffy]

No one is a failure because no one has given up :)

For every job there are hundreds of applicants. Some managers are intimidated if they see people more qualified or equally qualified than them. Also for all those hundreds of jobs applications only some of them are even looked at they will be going for a certain type, there are lots of reasons why you did not get the job and it is never normally about yourself.

After 12 months of looking I decided to start my own business instead, I wonder why I did not do it long time ago really. Food for thought. Being a medic there must be something you can do that is related?

Never give up :)

best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[saffy]

no other option to say "I agree/understand," or "I'm listening," we have a mutual understanding for the "like."

I have to remind myself this at times :)

So for those who hesitate, like me, with a like to bad news like it anyway and always comment :hug:

best wishes

Saffy :)

 

[Sailorgal]

Good for you Saffy!!!!

It's amazing how tough situations can move into a different avenue. Wishing you continued success in your business!

Regarding applications, it's true that not every resume gets looked at. Some never get in front of anybody. I've seen with my own eyes an assistant tossing out new resumes because the manager said "Stop giving me resumes. We have too many."
Next thing you see, the trash is full.

We overestimate job ads. We think it's a simple assembly line but in reality, far from it.