My job search journey

[Dee78]

Its been six months approaching seven in this cruicial cycle of finding a new job, After being made redundant and preparing myself for the biggest change in my life (ten years with previous employer) I thought I was ready to adapt, and prepared myself well enough! yet its been too long - I have been keeping well, exercising, socialising, staying positive most of the time, and doing what I have to do, apply for jobs! yet those down days are so self destructive. I've been to almost seven job interviews and everytime built my confidence and charged myself to show my best self for the job, because I know deep down that I am energised and capable! then to get told that there were more suitable candidates and that the choice was a difficult one. My confidence is becoming a lie in me today, I have no confidence after all the knock backs, I am mentally exhausted from this process. I am not settling for lower jobs because after 18 years of experience, I feel that I would at least deserve the jobs I am applying for! I am also not wasting anyone's time by applying for jobs I am not interested in or not challenging for me. I was vibrant, capable and confident person who also instilled positivity and hope into people through my previous employment - in not for profit- yet now I am negative, hopeless and in despair and anger for the society overall and the authenticity in the hiring process.

My confidence is chipped at bit by bit, month by month, and reach out to support is becoming exhausting experience, with little tangible support. Yet I know deep down that I am not a quitter, and that I am strong, I wish not to give up yet at times it feels like its easy to give up and register to Centrelink and become unemployed for longer. That is not the life I want for myself, and that is not where I want to end up. Now I know how people end up in this situation. from being a successful and vibrant employed people to becoming depressed unemployed person with no interest in life.

I need to get out of this cycle. I need a job! I am skilled talented and can make a great contribution to any business. And its not so much to ask to be paid a reasonable salary or be selective! its not too much to ask.

[Quercus]

Hello Dee78 and welcome,

I apologise for the short reply, I am very tired now, but I wanted you to know I cared and that you have been heard.

A difficult question to think about...

Yes you a worthy of a job that is challenging and well paid and that interests you... But what about your mental health in the meantime? You are suffering.

Would it maybe be worth looking at jobs that you would enjoy but pay less just to protect yourself? Or one that keeps you financially secure but gives you the freedom to persue your personal interests outside of work?

What about a volunteer role? Just to keep your skills current and confidence boosted?

It can be hard to look hard at yourself and accept that what you need may outweigh what you want right now.

Doesn't mean it is forever. The hard part about leaving an employer you've worked for for such a long time is accepting sometimes you have to start again and work your way up. Fair? No. But the priority is getting a foot in the door in a field that you are passionate about. Once you're in they will soon learn what assests you bring.

But step one is self care and doing what is necessary to care for your own wellbeing.

I hope to hear more of your story if and when you feel able and wish to.

Please take care of yourself.

Nat