[2bme]

I've been unemployed for a very long time. Been doing crafts from home and my family would sell it for me. I bite the bullet and apply for a job. Got rejected. Don't think I can handle it.

[roads]

Try to look at what a different road you were trying. When you try something you haven't done in so long, the odds you won't be a grand success are kinda good. You were bold! Don't punish yourself now for a brave venture.

When we were kids, we tried new stuff all the time & it barely fazed us. Our weakened resilience is my biggest regret about getting old. It takes the brave out.

Try to grab some of that back. Work on giving yourself credit for what you do, not just highlighting what doesn't work. And note that it didn't work--the first time. Lots of things don't work the first time out.

Examine the experience and see what you can learn from it. Maybe it's worth a revamping and a rerun ... what do you think?

Stay in touch. I'd like to know your nexr step.

Roadie

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, 2bme!

Let's see... You are trying to find work after an extended period of unemployment while suffering from major depression, social phobia and porphyria!? You deserve a medal for just filling out an application!

Have you considered talking to social services where you live or approaching a lawyer specializing in disability? Given your circumstances, you may need assistance no matter which direction you choose.

Please keep posting.

[shezbut]

(((2beme)))

These are real tough times to be job seeking. The job market is flooded with applicants. It took me one year of lots of applications and interviews to finally get a part-time job. It was very hard for me to keep looking, despite the rejections. But I did it anyway. I pushed myself hard to focus on the now. What can I do NOW? What do I have the ability and desire to do NOW?

The answer, for me, was focusing on simple tasks. Like dishwashing, laundry, kitchen help, etc. I like physical labor. I need repetition. I need part-time. My resume certainly didn't make a lot of sense with the types of jobs I was applying for and my experience ~ which may be what took me so long. But my job-seeking assistant thought that I should put all of my experience into the resume, to give me more opportunities. My ex-hub, on the other hand, recommended that I don't put my college education and several jobs down on the application. He thought that my app scared potential employers away. Who was right?? Probably my ex, because my experience didn't match the jobs I wanted at all.

So, you may want to put some real thought into the type of job that you'd really like to do. Get some independent ideas on your resume. Does it flow well, and apply well to the job that you're applying for?

The toughest advice: practice interviewing skills! They always ask "Why should we hire you?" and my mind goes blank. Practice sitting nicely, listening attentively, and asking smart questions about the company and the position. Try to gently smile frequently. (These are all SO hard for me ~ which is why I advise you to practice doing them regularly, to make it a little easier.)

Please do keep trying, and let us know how it's going for you. My thoughts are with you!

[2bme]

Thank you all so much! I'm taking a little time out before trying again. It shook me more than I realized. Waking up from anxiety attacks, obsessing about it etc. None of which I can stop (not for a lack of trying!). I'm busy with a list of possible things I can do. My sister in law is tweaking my resume, cause I can't sell myself. I will keep you in the loop. I am still amazed at the support people give on this site! Thanx!

[roads]

Good for you, 2bme! Good for you!

[larakeziah]

Well done for taking the step to apply for a job!! I wish I had the courage to do that but the fact is I'm too terrified and often have nightmares about going back to work! I can barely leave my house most of the time!! So well done again and keep trying!

[Hopefor2012]

It sounds like you're moving in the right direction, 2bme. I know where you're coming from - when you've been unemployed for a long time, every rejection is devastating. Take heart in knowing you're not alone, and though your efforts have yet to bear fruit, you're making the right moves. My family keeps telling me that bad times will come to an end, so I'll share this with you - nothing lasts forever, including the bad times.