Troubled

Anonymous

October 6,2021 at 6:23PM UTC

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Troubled

After being layed off from a very toxic work environment, from which I’ve developed PTSD, I eventually started my own jewelry business. It gave me the freedom to be creative and leave behind a toxic industry where everyone knows everyone.

Sadly, all my money is gone. My account is constantly overdrawn. I keep having to borrow money. I have resigned myself to going back to a 9-5 financial job but am trying to avoid the industry I was last in. I can’t find a job, it’s been months. I keep getting rejection emails, if I hear back, saying I’m either too qualified or not qualified enough. Mind you, I’m very specific with what jobs I apply for in order to avoid that type of feedback.

I honestly think that it’s because they see my year of College graduation and do the math to my age. From there they assume I want a certain salary. Honestly, I’ve been applying for jobs below my last compensation level, just so I can pay my bills. I’ll find a way to do my jewelry as a side hustle after the dust has settled.

Any advice as to what I can/should do?

PS In online applications, the year of graduation is a mandatory field. I can’t leave it blank. I’ve tried.

Thanks.

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Alexandria Scobee |Leadership Coach | IT ManagerOctober 6,2021 at 6:43PM UTC
Are you reaching out snd making connections with hiring managers and recruiters? Networking while a lot is how the bulk of people get new positions and it is important in finding a good fit for you.
Judith Pinto, Occupational Therapist (Alberta, CA), Mental Health SpecialistOctober 6,2021 at 8:26PM UTC
So true, Alexandria. Networking is both important AND can be hard too!
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 11:34PM UTC
I’m an introverted extrovert. Networking isn’t easy for me.
Alexandria Scobee |Leadership Coach | IT ManagerOctober 12,2021 at 3:29PM UTC
I definitely understand that, it’s hard for me too. One thing that I have found to make it a little easier is reaching out 1:1 and asking about something they posted or talk about that is important to them. This way the conversation stays focused on them.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 6:44PM UTC
Put 2000 as your graduation date on the application and remove the graduation date from your resume. It us against the law to use age to discriminate so don't offer that information.
I've done it with my last 5 jobs and it has never been an issue.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 8:21PM UTC
Sorry to hear about your biz hardship & rough job search process, but I'm optimistic that the right opportunity will find you soon. What kind of jobs are you looking for? What industry? I definitely agree with Alexandria about networking and meeting recruiters. A lot of companies are putting on virtual hiring events, which are usually free. LinkedIn events tab is also a good place to look for upcoming hiring events for companies you're interested in. I would also try Eventbrite, too! FGB also has a job / networking section you can peruse, too. Good luck to you!
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 11:33PM UTC
I am an accountant that was in Banking for over 15 years. I don’t really want to do accounting but will to survive. I really would love it to be in a creative environment. I can’t go back to banking. That’s what caused my PTSD and sadly where most of my contacts are. I have been looking everywhere. The issue is that some of those events aren’t free and I honestly have no money. I am completely dependent on my spouse: I was the main breadwinner. My spouse gives me what they can but they make slightly more than minimum wage. I’ll look at some of those places again. Thanks.
JudithOctober 6,2021 at 8:43PM UTC
The first thing I want to tell you, is that you are very brave for following your dreams and for leaving that toxic job. I did the same last month and I know what you mean about not having money haha. I think that you can include in the cover letter or in your CV a small line that says clearly to the recruiters that you are looking for a job that gives you stability and enough money to survive, and at the same time, have the opportunity to work on your dream. And (this is very important) you can say that you are willing to accept a salary below your qualifications. I think you can write this in two lines, and this is a way recruiters can see that you have very clear objectives and that they can consider you as a very qualified person that does not cost as much.
Share with us your designs of jewelry!! I love to see the work that people do from the heart :)
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 11:25PM UTC
Here’s my Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/thorned.heart.studios/
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 10:42PM UTC
Is there a way you can combine your jewelry and love of design and work? Have you thought about consulting as a stylist or working at retail or designing window displays? Are there opportunities to blog about design or write about jewelry making? How about working the craft end of the business?
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 11:04PM UTC
I’ve thought of that but I don’t have experience so I keep being rejected for those jobs. Also, I’m more the designer than the actual creator of the pieces. I have a production team that helps me create my pieces.