situational depression/anxiety

[teacup]

I am a recent graduate from university and I cannot seem to find a job, initially I was really proactive about it, I volunteered my time in a relevant area, I took on a course at TAFE to try and get more practical skills, however I keep getting turned down again and again and I put  so much effort into my applications, I prepare for days before an interview (learning about the organisation, going over potential questions), and I feel like an utter failure.

I know that telling people you're suffering from anxiety/depression from not having a job sounds silly, but I just feel as if the regularity from my life is gone, and I am embarrassed about not having a job, I hate the dreaded question "so where do you work/what are you doing with your self?" because I feel like an utter leach on society. I hate it when people complain about their jobs because its the one thing I so desperately want. 

I often wake up in the night with night terrors and I am moody at my housemates all the time, I try to get out of the house and do things, but I cant afford it most of the time, I try and go to social gatherings and find myself not wanting to be there. I just don't know, I feel like a giant blob of waste.  I use to so energetic and outgoing and that person people actually admired for  being so 'on top' of everything. 

[Zeal]

Hi Teacup,

I'm 22 and still at uni, so I haven't reached this stage in my life yet. I have friends and have heard of various others who have struggled to get a job after university. It's definitely an increasing problem, and some industries and areas are especially competitive. The fact that you have a university degree, have volunteered, take time with your applications, and have gained practical skills at TAFE show that you're a hard worker. Is there someone working in your field or area who you can talk to or have as a 'mentor'?

Since many people struggle to find employment after uni, you have the right to feel no guilt or shame about being jobless at the moment. It's much harder to put this into practice I realise. I just thought I'd say it anyway! 🙂

Perhaps you could talk to your Mum or a sibling or cousin about this frustration and how you're feeling. Having a trusted family member who you can talk to when you need emotional support is so helpful. I talk to my Mum whenever I need advice or just need to talk things through. Tell them that they can also come to you when they need to talk or would like some advice.

Have you created a job profile on Seek? You can do this and get jobs that fit the criteria you're looking for sent to your email account.

It could be helpful to see your GP about these night terrors. Unaddressed sleep problems can negatively affect multiple aspects of your life. I've had insomnia before, and found that I was more anxious and so on when the insomnia was bad.

Good luck with everything 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi teacup,

Welcome to BeyondBlue and thanks for reaching out.

I'm sorry that you've been unable to find a job and that this is affecting you.

Try to remember that a job is not your identity.  I personally have been without a job for over a couple of years now - and it's been a long road to realise that "what are you doing with your life?" doesn't mean your job.  You are still worthy and not a failure whether you are employed or unemployed.

So with that in mind I really want to encourage you to reach out and talk to someone that you trust - whether it's family, friends or a counsellor/GP.  Especially as I can imagine the night terrors would be very scary so I hope you can get some help.

In terms of finding a job there are a couple of things I can suggest:

1) Google yourself to see what comes up.  Do you have a seek profile? an Indeed or Career One profile?  The more that you have the more opportunities you have for potential employers to find you.  Try to look for jobs reguarly and link in with job agencies. Often people in job agencies will start to remember your face/name and what you are looking for, so pop in regularly.

2) Network.  This can be in person or online.  Join linked.in if you haven't already.  Twitter can also be great for finding CEO's or people within business and staying updated on industry knowledge (depending on the field that you want to work).  Try to connect with people offline too - like industry events, career expos or coffee's with ex-colleagues/friends of friends.  You never know where it could lead.  

3) Feedback.  Are you getting interviews?  If not, ring/email and ask.  As someone who has gone through hundreds of interviews this can be incredibly valuable.  It also might help to update your Resume so that it can be more modern/updated and reflect your TAFE courses.  If you are interested in a certain field, feel free to open up your study/career options.  Maybe a MOOC or Udemy course (short online course) might be more relevant to help you meet the job and person specifications.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,

[Narniakid]

Hi teacup, welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing with us.

I know just how you feel! I've been employed for almost a year now, but up until I got this job, I'd spent about 3 years desperately applying everywhere and I just couldn't get a job. All my friends had no problem getting one, and they'd often complain about all the shifts they were getting, while I struggled to get an interview.

Unfortunately a lot of the time it just comes down to timing and luck. I am sure your resume and skills are up to scratch, and eventually someone WILL give you a chance. Have you tried speaking to a recruitment company? My partner works in that industry and they are able to help you with your skills and train you to perform better in interviews.

Stay strong and keep applying! Not being employed does not make you a worthless person, especially if you're doing all you can to change it. Hang in there 🙂

Crystal

[Shanesws]

Hi, I was in the same position. I volunteered. I wasn't feeling like I was learning anything. I was very depressed but my advice don't give up. Volunteer as much as you can! Help others as it will reward you in the long run. I didn't graduate from a great uni so there were less opportunities compared to others but I put my head down and I was fortunate to get something. It is mainly luck, but you have to earn the luck. Your on the right direction. Keep it up. 

[shad0wings]

Hey there teacup! 

Welcome to beyondblue forums! Appreciate your post 🙂

I know exactly how you feel... It took me 6 months of applying and applying til I finally found a job, and that was only because of personal connections...

It is extremely difficult to find a job these days, so many people are struggling. It may seem like everyone is employed but you, however trust me this is not the case. Young people like yourself in particular are having a hard time finding employment. Because the government has made changes to superannuation, the age of retirement is getting older, so younger people aren't getting jobs.

Besides, how people view you has nothing to do with employment or unemployment. No one thinks you are any less of a person just because you don't have a job. It is such a common thing among young people in Australia, it's a hard time.

Never doubt your self-worth just because of something like a job. You are a smart and sophisticated individual, and if you asked your friends they would say the exact same thing. 

If you can graduate from uni, you can do anything! (i did one semester then deferred and never went back!)

Value is in your heart, not in your employment status.

Opportunities will come your way, it's just a matter of time! 

~ Taylor