Why is it so hard to find a job?
I have been in job search mode for almost a full year and have felt nothing but frustration about either not being considered at all or making it through rounds of interviews and case studies only to fail again. This process is breaking me. It's causing tension in my marriage and with my kids. I don't know how much more I can take before breaking completely.
Albania Martinez Bojos
Operations Manager with extensive experience
142
04/05/21 at 10:32PM UTC
Hang in there, you are already taking steps by reaching out. Sometimes things happen for a reason and we don't understand why. Take time for yourself to decompress and relax, but don't quit, keep applying and the right job will come by.
Anonymous
04/01/21 at 1:56PM UTC
Just by posting this and reaching out you are taking a good step to keep your sanity. Know that you are not alone. I too have felt this way during my job search. I agree with taking a break. I can research and apply all day and feel like I am getting no where. When possible take a break from it, get outside if you can, help others-recently started volunteering to help others and that was a mood lifter. Looking for a job can bring some highs but most lately it is lows-remember that was not your job when you get ghosted or the thanks but no thanks email comes. Keep trying... keep applying your job is out there.
Victoria MikulanWriter
63
04/01/21 at 12:39PM UTC
I lost my job in December 2019. I start a new job Monday. It’s PT to end up full time. It’s a crazy experience. The pandemic made it so much worse.
Some things I did:
-Take a break from job searching. It’s okay if you don’t apply for a job immediately.
-Learn. I spent so much time on Google and websites like this one, the balance careers, & the muse looking and learning at different aspects of applying and interviewing. It changed how I formatted my resume, crafted cover letters, and approached interviewing. I also took LinkedIn Learning classes. I basically asked anyone questions.
-Network. I added so many people on LinkedIn who either had a role similar to what I wanted or worked for companies I wanted to work for. Some helped me get interviews, some just provided good insight. Join groups too in your field or location. If you have a post-HS degree, check out your alma master’s career center and alum association. I was able to network professionally with my sorority too.
-Do things outside the job search. I get how hard this is. I literally was in the hospital with what ended up being a life threatening experience and I kept thinking about the jobs I wasn’t applying for. But it’s so important to take time away from the job search and just breathe. It’s draining.
Abigail
131
04/01/21 at 12:27PM UTC
I am in the same boat. It is very discouraging! I keep trying and then wonder why I keep trying the same approach (networking and applying online) if it doesn't work. It's very demoralizing. Maybe it's harder in certain fields.
Pamela Othen
115
03/31/21 at 3:36PM UTC
I have experienced lenghthy jobsearch mode and know how you feel. I found that volunteering during these times has made a difference, not only in myself but in the lives of others. I have gotten involved with charities and nonprofits which I now hold leadership roles. I really enjoy this work and it is a great way to meet people. It also helps to take away some of the stress of unemployment.
Victoria MikulanWriter
63
04/01/21 at 12:39PM UTC
Also will look good on your resume ;)
Anonymous
03/31/21 at 12:36PM UTC
I totally understand. I’ve been looking for almost a year too and recently shelved my search for a FT in-house job because I’m totally emotionally depleted from the process. I started some consulting work for now in order to use my brain for something other than networking and applying for jobs.
Anonymous
03/30/21 at 9:10PM UTC
Hey there, I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling like this and please know that you're not alone in feeling this way. FGB did a job search bootcamp with the founders and some community members that had a lot of inspiring tips and advice. Here's some advice they shared that might be helpful: https://fairygodboss.com/articles/fairygodboss-job-search-bootcamp
