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Anonymous
02/13/20 at 4:18PM UTC
in
Career

I'm losing hope

I never write posts like this. Anywhere. But I'm just so tired. Of looking, of trying, of staying positive. I am a book editor by trade. I used to work in house, used to have a Managing Editor title. But now I'm a freelancer. I've been a freelance book editor and sometimes writer for a long time. Too long in fact. I've been working less because I'm trying to find an in-house position again--either in book publishing or a related field where I can be useful. And I've had no results. At all. And since it's quite an effort to properly job hunt and I'm working less I'm making much less money (not that I was making that much in the first place, that is.) Sometimes I get rejections, sometimes I get no reply at all. I've had professional help with my resume, I'm networking. I just can't make any progress. I'm fifty years old, divorced, with no children and no money and feel very, very unaccomplished and useless. I'm sorry. I just really needed a place to rant.

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Jackie Ruka
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2.07k
ProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
02/18/20 at 11:06PM UTC
I totally understand your position and you are not alone. My suggestion is to connect with Book coaches on Linked and share your information and ability to take on clients as you have openings. Second, you can provide your talents on Fiverr.com to edit, books, resumes , newsletters etc. just to mend the gap . Lastly, there is a cool website named Virtual Vocation dot com. I saw several opportunities for writers, editors etc. for organizations. Hope this helps!
Erin McCabe-Barbera
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929
Security administrator
02/18/20 at 3:28PM UTC
Hello, Have you tried meditation? It can very helpful and grounding, nothing lasts forever it just can feel like it, Something I found helpful is meditation and I read re. Wayne dyer the one sentence from him I think could help.... change the way you look at things .. the things you look at change . I think when you are positive you draw positive interactions and positive experiences to you, when you are negative you draw negativity to you. It’s very hard to be positive you have to t n yourself, when a negative thought starts Stop it right then and change the internal conversation Keep networking, keep meeting people keep your Options open . Everything will get better
Sydney Susan Hart
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153
02/18/20 at 2:28PM UTC
When I hear stories like these, I am glad I went on Social Security Disability. Screw the MAN!
Courtney Stewart
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97
Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute
02/18/20 at 2:08PM UTC
I so understand how you feel. I am nearly 50 and was divorced last year. I think it is important to be careful of how we tell our stories, in terms of we can start to become these stories. For me, that is "I was left, I was betrayed, I am not worthy or valuable". It is hard for women who are entering mid life to re-calibrate our thoughts, but that it just what they are thoughts. Please check out Kara Loewentheil's podcast "Unfuck Your Brain", it language is an issue for you obviously this might not be your thing. Please keep ranting and expressing yourself. You are not useless. You are valuable and worthwhile. Keep repeating this to yourself. In solidarity!
ANDREA HERRERA
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508
Human Resources Leader living in NYC
02/18/20 at 1:28PM UTC
I’m so glad you shared, just that small action can lift some of the burden. You are not useless, you have many talents and skills and much to offer. In addition to continuing to search for for your next role, this is an amazing time to use what you do have, which is time… Find something you’re passionate about and start volunteering in that area. Start using your editing skills to help a woman and a woman focused organization that needs help. I guess most importantly just know that you’re not alone, lots of us have been through similar struggles… So rant and vent, And look yourself in the mirror and say, it’s a new day. You’ve got this!
Stephanie Brown
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119
Entrepreneur / Real Estate Agent
02/15/20 at 7:21PM UTC
I totally understand how you feel, I was let go from a firm after 26 years and felt like I was putting everything into my job search yet getting nothing out of it. Although I did that for almost 8 months, and it felt like more, I finally came to the realization that I needed to change direction. I am not saying that is what you should do but just know this is a process, do not despair. You are learning every step of the way and growing, keep at it and do NOT give up on yourself. You are much stronger than you think. Also, rant away...it does help ☺️
Anonymous
02/13/20 at 7:36PM UTC
When original poster (anonymous) was conveying her/his editing experience, I'm thinking "Wow, she/he is really accomplished!" So the feeling of 'unaccomplished and useless' are a burden. Please consider it a temporary burden, and don't despair. You have done so much, including so much for others by providing expert editing and producing life-enhancing literature. I was just wondering how much of your networking was with online publishers, or the online divisions of established book publishers? Since e-books (and self-publishing itself) is becoming more common, decision-makers in those venues (instead of the long-established, hardcopy editorial divisions) might be more alert to the added-value you'd bring in shifting to online editing? Perhaps you've already done that, but if you are more specific as to the nature of the networking you've done, maybe readers here can help more.
morales971
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430
An essential worker for the power of positivity.
02/13/20 at 7:20PM UTC
Personally, I respect your honesty. And, if it makes you feel even a little better, rant away. Many of us know these feelings. Let's be real: what you've been dealing with is discouraging and, after awhile, it takes a significant toll (emotionally, physically, and psychologically). However, you have to put just as much work and energy into believing you can get past this as you do in feeling bad - more even. I sincerely doubt you've made it through everything you have to "drop anchor" in such a difficult place. Forward progress is very hard and it takes work, patience, and belief. Find ways to stay active, positive, and engaged. Also, I recommend "stepping outside of yourself" and volunteering. See what others less fortunate than yourself are dealing with. Get some perspective and put yourself out there to help others. It gives you a chance to help someone else and you will feel really great as a result of those efforts. Take care of yourself.
Susana Pablo
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285
02/13/20 at 6:07PM UTC (Edited)
Sorry, you are facing these struggles. It's okay to vent and to seek support as you strive to secure a meaningful role using your strengths. Oftentimes, when we are at our wits end, a breakthrough happens. Be patient and gentle with yourself. If necessary, consider getting professional counseling support to cope well and to stay mentally strong. Have you participated in professional meet-ups, career fairs, university and/or local writing events? Have you used any recruiting agencies? Spending time in environments with positive people helps to strengthen our support system. Be open to all possibilities and know if need be you can reinvent yourself at any age. Remain focused on what you can do, have done, and have to offer! Praying a new opportunity comes your way soon. Blessings, SP

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