[rockygirl3]

I've been looking for a full or part time job for four years. I'm tired of everyone telling me "You can't give up!" and suggesting places to apply for work. I know their trying to help and I don't want to seem rude, but I need them to stop because all their "assistance" does is remind me that I STILL haven't found a job despite the fact that I have a college degree (journalism) and a steady work history prior to four years ago.

I feel like a loser who's completely useless. I feel like a waste of space. I feel stupid. I feel like I don't know anything about how to live life in a way that will actually bring about success or happiness.

Is anyone else in my boat?

[Inedible]

Yep. I wish they would only tell me about jobs if they have one to give me. They usually cut me off when I tell them a list of places I have already tried. Then they look uncomfortable. Most of the time they suggest places and I tell them I've been there already. But it is the economy, not us. Not that that helps.

[growlycat]

You could try to turn it around on them. When they pry, ask a huge job-hunting favor---they just gave you a big speech so they can't refuse right? By favor, I mean like saying "That's great! You work at XYZ, can you put me in touch with someone for an informational interview?" (Info interviews are where you ask about the co and what it is like, even if no openings are posted. This is more common than you think"

People who judge should be put on the spot to help you in a real way. You can ask if they would introduce you to someone at their workplace, or give feedback on your resume. It makes the nosey people accountable if they really care about helping you.

Took me 2 years but I'm finally working again. It is awful out there but taking action is better than nothing.

I have been unemployed four of the last five years and it's got to the point where I don't even feel unemployed anymore. This is just my life now . . . and it's boring and pointless.

[ladytiger]

Originally Posted by growlycat

You could try to turn it around on them. When they pry, ask a huge job-hunting favor---they just gave you a big speech so they can't refuse right? By favor, I mean like saying "That's great! You work at XYZ, can you put me in touch with someone for an informational interview?" (Info interviews are where you ask about the co and what it is like, even if no openings are posted. This is more common than you think"

People who judge should be put on the spot to help you in a real way. You can ask if they would introduce you to someone at their workplace, or give feedback on your resume. It makes the nosey people accountable if they really care about helping you.

Took me 2 years but I'm finally working again. It is awful out there but taking action is better than nothing.

i agree people are not telling me anything i do not know anyway. basically, there is no support out there from anyone.

[MISERABLE ME]

Originally Posted by Illegal Toilet

I have been unemployed four of the last five years and it's got to the point where I don't even feel unemployed anymore. This is just my life now . . . and it's boring and pointless.

It I do understand what you mean for I have been out of work for quiet some time myself and yes it does become your life but do not let it get too you my friend and your life is not pointless you are a great person to know and a great friend do not be so hard on yourself.

[growlycat]

Originally Posted by ladytiger

i agree people are not telling me anything i do not know anyway. basically, there is no support out there from anyone.

Telling you stuff and actually doing something to help you are two different things. I don't know if you got the gist of what I'm saying, but even if someone you can't stand can help you, just take the help. Doing nothing guarantees joblessness. It's not an easy message to hear but I wish you well.

[ladytiger]

Originally Posted by growlycat

Telling you stuff and actually doing something to help you are two different things. I don't know if you got the gist of what I'm saying, but even if someone you can't stand can help you, just take the help. Doing nothing guarantees joblessness. It's not an easy message to hear but I wish you well.

actually, i am doing both. what help? there is no help for me because the info i get and keep getting for jobs is so irrelevant to me it does not fit my situation, degree, and age (26). i get around it by attending workshops which i have used in interviews it is better than not doing anything even though it doesn't land me a job. as i told many people, you can not do anything without any money i wish they would tell me what kind of magic wands they are using since they seem to think i dont need money that bad to do anything.

i disregarded almost every possible "help" that was given to me because it did involved in finances to go from point A to B. it may help someone else who has money in their accounts or have better resources, but it didn't help me one bit. my sister agreed with me on how this stuff is not working for her either i said not working for most people

[Jan1212]

There is nothing they can do for you, unless they actually get you a job at a company, which doesn't happen. They want to feel like they are trying to help you, when it actually doesn't. Sorry it just doesn't... I know how you feel, my parents kept suggesting all these theories and nagging, when my mom doesn't work and my dad got his job from my uncle! They had it easier... I say I'm doing this by myself, in the worst job economy than they lived through. You will get there, it takes time. It takes months to a year to find an entry level job; back then all kinds of jobs rained from the sky :P it is not the same now. You need luck, a place which won't scrutinize work history, will take new graduates with no experience. With tons of people applying (now they have online - so thousand more) then have more to choose from, it's so hard not to worry; knowing that our careers and lives will not be stable - it is scary

[ladytiger]

Originally Posted by Jan1212

There is nothing they can do for you, unless they actually get you a job at a company, which doesn't happen. They want to feel like they are trying to help you, when it actually doesn't. Sorry it just doesn't... I know how you feel, my parents kept suggesting all these theories and nagging, when my mom doesn't work and my dad got his job from my uncle! They had it easier... I say I'm doing this by myself, in the worst job economy than they lived through. You will get there, it takes time. It takes months to a year to find an entry level job; back then all kinds of jobs rained from the sky :P it is not the same now. You need luck, a place which won't scrutinize work history, will take new graduates with no experience. With tons of people applying (now they have online - so thousand more) then have more to choose from, it's so hard not to worry; knowing that our careers and lives will not be stable - it is scary

months and years to get entry level? used to be that way in a good economy now it is taking much longer. got my degree 2 yrs ago, i didnt get an entry level job within a year i am still looking and applying! i think i may contact my ex instructors on consulting jobs to boost my skills up but i need a contract agreement. i have been still praying to God but no answer...