Job Search Blues

[Swaggerd98]

Hey everyone,

Glad to meet everyone on this forum (hope it's the right forum).

I quit my full time job 2.5 months ago without a job in hand, and have been looking for a job in the same field.

While I have time until next December to stay in Australia and look for a job and have had some interviews, I have been living in constant stress and anxiety, wondering when my next opportunity will appear. I have been regretting the time I quit my job since it acted as golden handcuffs, even though the months leading up to the exit were rough, and I was experiencing stagnant growth from a salary standpoint. Every application rejection is playing with my patience, and is making me look desperate. I am afraid people will call me out for not getting a job.

Is there anybody else that is or has experienced the same issue as me? I am keen to hear people's thoughts.

[Croix]

Dear New Member~

I have every sympathy for those that are on the job-seeking treadmill. it is a most miserable time where you put yourself out time and time again and hear hear nothing, or negative replies.

This is pretty heart-breaking and can quickly lead to doubts about one's self-worth, when in fact there are so many other factors in play, the economy in your sector being just one.

I realise on top of that you have the added pressure of visa limitations.

In order to boost your desirability as a potential employee have you considered volunteering? it shows you like to work, and may be the source of a good reference, sometimes even employment.

This situation can dominate your whole life, and I would suggest you break each day in half. Maybe the morning for job related activities and the afternoon and evening doing things that are in no way related to employment, but things you enjoy or distract you. A hobby, sport, social activities and more.

I found it gave me something to look forward to each day.

May I ask if there is someone in your life to support you, partner, family member or friend perhaps? Trying to deal with al this in isolation is extra hard.

If you felt like saying how you get on that would be great

Croix

[Swaggerd98]

Hi Croix,

Thanks for reaching out.

My roomates and family have been supportive and by my side.

I can consider volunteering for an event since I have previously volunteered for different university clubs. However, as someone who loves control, applying for jobs every day is counterproductive and puts me under pressure to seal interviews.

[Croix]

Dear Swaggerd98~

I'm very pleased to hear your room mates and family are there for you, it makes a huge difference.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'seal interviews', I am guessing the pressure means you do not perform to your satisfaction. Unfortunately to get another job it does mean applications and unless you have already done so I'd suggest getting the assistance of someone who receives applications and has to select shortlists and then an eventual successful candidate. I could never write my own and often went into areas that simply were not what the reader was looking for.

Of course this applies to volunteering to both one campus and elswhere, though often to a lesser extent.

Wanting to be in charge and placing yourself under the judgment of others can be a barrier to making applications. Additionally unless you start your own company I doubt may positions would put you in charge to start with, more the sort of thing you work up to.

I hope you manage to find something soon

Croix