How to deal with family's disapproval while facing a long-drawn out job search?

Anonymous

February 28,2023 at 4:54AM UTC

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How to deal with family's disapproval while facing a long-drawn out job search? After being laid off in June, I've tried all different industries and levels without landing a position. Like others have stated, I've made it to later rounds but I'm told I have too much experience. Granted for some of them, it might be true but I need a job and I'm willing to do the work for a paycheck.

Unemployment ran out in December and I'm struggling to stay afloat. I'm grateful that I had savings but wouldn't have imagined this outcome. While family and friends try to understand, I keep hearing that you should try outside of your field and I explain that I am but they don't believe me. I have lists and folders and resumes all customized per job and interview. I started in terms for unemployment but continued to keep everything organized.

I have tried so many different industries and the language remains the same, too much experience, impressive but not for this sector or due to working in an array of industries, I don't have a linear trajectory that's important for this area.

To put into context, I grew up here but left to work in a larger city where the norm was staying in a role for a few years, gaining experience and then moving to advance up the corporate ladder. While that would be acceptable in those locations, my diverse experience is seen a red flag for this town.

With more than 25 years in entertainment marketing, the small town where I reside has a total of10 jobs added to the websites each day and in high-level IT, education, healthcare or right-out-of college roles. Whenever there is a way to tie into the other positions, I tailor my resume accordingly and show how my experience would benefit the company.

I find or create a connection on LinkedIn, pitch myself and while they connect with me, never respond. I've tried temp companies but the only openings are in construction and I tried pitching my background in working with clients and project management without success. A healthcare manager position was available and I went through 2 months of five rounds for them to say I was overqualified. I don't understand why they would put me though IF they weren't going to hire me.

Sorry for the long rant but I feel like I'm doing all the right things without achieving results. I want to work and feel devastated that I'm letting my parents down as until this happened, I felt they were proud of me. Is anyone facing this disapproval? At times it cuts more deeply than the rejection.

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JulieFebruary 28,2023 at 2:25PM UTC
Your parents don't understand the job market. The last job search I had took a year and 300 applications which resulted in 3 job offers. And I don't have the varied background to complicated things. Your parents think you can walk in and apply for a job and get it on the spot. Stop talking to them about it.
In the meantime, there are lots of customer service work from home positions floating around - from Amazon to much smaller outfits. That may be a way to tide you over during your extended search.
Keep your job search to yourself and tell the others they don't know what they are talking about and stop talking to them about it.
AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 4:39PM UTC
Thank you, Julie. I'm not seeking out to have conversations with them. I'm repeatedly contacted by family to discuss or when at a member meeting. I've actually started not attending those family gathering to avoid these scenarios. I think their worry is coming across as combative but it doesn't help the situation. I've been applying for work from home roles but haven't landed anything. Do you have any advice on how to search for those? I'm trying to navigate this new type of job searching market and I'm not seeing those roles listed. I'm open to opportunities.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 1,2023 at 6:56AM UTC
For Remote Jobs try FlexJobs.com
And you can also sort on LinkedIn for remote jobs - possibly on the job boards also.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 1:09AM UTC
I'm so sorry you are going through this. As a show of solidarity, it happened to me too. I was laid off four months before my wedding and was trying to make rent and utility payments on unemployment. It wasn't possible. After a couple of requests for help from my family, after my car was repossessed, one said, "take a bus and get a job."
I ended up selling cars for two years until the job I was waiting for fell into my lap. Sometimes, you have to do what you have to do. I stayed at that job until I retired almost nine years later.
AnonymousMarch 3,2023 at 1:42PM UTC
While it doesn’t help, I feel your pain. I search LinkedIn, Flexjobs (as someone posted) Fairygodboss, zip recruiter, Glassdoor, indeed,gray hair management and various others and over several months, several webinars on how to best overcome this dilemma, connected with 100s of people who are already well-connected, joined networking groups, attended conferences, and still not even 1 interview. And like you, I am incredibly qualified and proven. If you find the secret sauce, please share. In the meantime, stay positive, get outside and remember your worth!
AnonymousMarch 3,2023 at 7:49PM UTC
It thoughtful of you to post opportunities. In my case it is not the number of openings, it is landing the interview. For instance, I have crossed the threshold of researching and applying to over 300 jobs; not one interview. I have an extensive education; track record of success; and several great references...to no avail.
AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 7:28PM UTC
Everyone is facing what you are now. And the more experience you have the worse it is. Keep your head up, take classes network, network, network. And make sure you take the time to breathe in between. Is there a hobby that you can turn into some cash? Try that and see if there are ways to take some casual work or even try retail. It's not a perfect response here but doing so will get money on the books and then could open you up to being able to re-apply for UI should you need it in the future. Good luck