completely dejected from job seeking

[driftedID]

I'm 19 and never had a job before, and have spent 10 months with around 250+ applications that have gone nowhere. Recently, I've have had 3 interview offers with fast food restaurants that I've never gotten at all before yet all have gone nowhere and i have been in slump since. I know it's just symptomatic of job seeking but it feels hopeless constantly making no progress and I honestly dont even think I'll get a job anymore. I always try to at least change my resume and cover letter constantly and get feedback and advice from others a lot but it still hasn't made much of a difference.

the worst feeling I got from this was getting rejected from a Macca's after doing 1 interview and hearing nothing back from a kfc after also doing an interview with them. They've always been told to me as jobs that will take in anyone and it feels like I'm not even good enough for that even after 10 months that was the furthest I've gotten. I understand that getting interviews at all is a sign of progress but it still hasn't made me feel better at all.

I don't have any experience at all and I can't be underpaid like teenagers do which puts myself at a disadvantage. I also have uni which limits the amount of jobs that I can actually apply for.

I'm thankfully not in a position where I need a job to survive, I still live with my family. At worst it's been obstructing with other aspects of my life which are personally important though not necessary. However there's been pressure from others and obvious barriers in my personal life that have been mounting on me to get a job. It feels constant and I'm always thinking of these sorts of things whenever I seek for jobs.

Its been weirdly destructive to my mental health recently even thought there's bigger problems I have. I've started to take a break from job searching to focus on my health and stuff like uni but I really need advice on how I can improve and what I should do.

[randomxx]

Hi there drifted , and l'm really sorry about the situation and stress from it all you must be feeling. l'm actually 50s but still remember the days like yesterday believe me so l just though l'd drop a line or two here that well, might help as it did me back when. Actually it still does now tbh.

Buttt, you know, that is one helluva lot of jobs and l don't mean that in a bad way actually it's amazing and you've done absolutely incredible even managing all that, you really have and you will get there don't you worry.

All l was gonna suggest though is that maybe , well, when we try so hard in life, chase something so hard and there is a saying about it too actually which l've always found to be something in it but, it runs away. That's the saying actually if you chase something it runs away.

For myself, right through life actually, things have actually come along and far easier too, when yeah l might be trying, but like not too hard, kind of in a more chill kind of way, if that makes sense and actually often without trying at all too at other times.

For me at least, whenever l have allowed the stress and worry, try too hard, all get the better of me usually nothings ever gone right.

Might be a new angle for you to try bc God knows once things for sure you've certainly given it your best plus some. l'd be thinking as hard as it is don't worry l know, but if you could for one, just try to become a bit more whatever'ish about it all and secondly, maybe cut the apps down too to a fraction of what you must've been doing. So often life's a lot more about quality rather than quantity, yaknow, and nearly every time for me has worked out farrrrr better going that way.

l mean it's your show l know, but maybe give this stuff some thought bc honestly it's helped me so many times.

All the best anyway hey and try not to worry,, you will get a start.

rx

[Summer Rose]

Hi driftedID

I really admire your perseverance and think you’ve done really well to get some interview experience.

I am, however, sorry that the experience has been so demoralising for you. I understand how you’re feeling after supporting my own two children going through the same employment challenges. Hugs to you.

I think it’s a good idea that you’re taking a step back and focusing on your health and studies. Sometimes, as Randomx says, the more we try the harder it gets. Time to breathe and refocus. 
Couple of practical thoughts for when you’re ready to try again …

Sometimes when you don’t have work experience training can give you the edge you need to get a job. You can take a barista course or get your responsible service of alcohol certificate to help break into the hospitality industry. (Both my kids did this and it worked.)

You’re obviously smart, so you could also think about tutoring high school students in a subject you’re really strong in. Use any and all neighbourhood/school/personal contacts you have to get started. You’re in a good position as you know the curriculum and this type of endeavour would give you control over the times and hours that you work.

I know this is old-fashioned but you can also drop in to local businesses to introduce yourself and drop off a resume. (This is how my daughter got her first job.) Dress well and do your best to leave a good impression. You might be surprised to find that employers appreciate the effort. (This worked for my daughter.)
You have likely already done this but ask your friends and family for leads. And keep your eye on Seek—not just for jobs but for guidance and job seeking advice.
I wish you the best of luck and want to remind you that, while it might not feel like it now, you are actually building something that will serve you well throughout life: resilience. Hang in there.

Kind thoughts to you