Job hunting: the most demeaning activity ever?

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Beuford

So, how about something like an internship, but independant of college?

I've actually never found anything like that. You can volunteer at places, which I did for a few months, but you won't get a job there just from doing that.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Beuford

Live with room mates maybe. If you have friends or relatives you wouldn't mind sharing a house or appartment with, you can lower the cost of living which will help a bit. That's the only other thing I could suggest.

That is a good option for someone who is in their 20's and doesn't have much, but when you're in your late 30's and you own more stuff than you can fit in 1 room, it's not so easy.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Curtis2011

Umm... so?



As Gandhi said, "There is enough in this world to fill every man's need. There is not enough to fill even one man's greed."

What do you really NEED?

1. Food.
2. Water.
3. A place to live.

Happiness comes from within. I suspect that if you surrender your pride and selfish desires, you will find more opportunities come to you anyways.

That's a great Ghandi quote. But the #3 on your list is the reason why we all need jobs in the first place, really. I don't know about anywhere else, but around where I live you can't get a 1 bedroom apartment for less than $600. Working a crap job to get bare minimum might be enough for some lucky people, but not most.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I don't know about anywhere else, but around where I live you can't get a 1 bedroom apartment for less than $600. Working a crap job to get bare minimum might be enough for some lucky people, but not most.

My sentiments exactly. My rent is actually a bit lower than that, but like I said - loan repayments and etc... And I was just considering the fact that now that I've graduated, I shouldn't technically have health insurance under my father anymore (but we're letting them continue to think I graduate in December).

That being said, I'm on at least two prescriptions permanently (luckily generics, but still) and I pretty much have to see a psychiatrist monthly (initially went for consultation about ADD symptoms). My doctor's explanation and approach are confusing to me but I trust his wisdom and credentials. However, I would very much like to continue going because treatment has such a positive impact on my performance... Currently he charges $250 per visit but copay is $20. Without insurance, that's a whole new huge expense per month. Not including monthly prescriptions, which will add up (even with generics).


This is really all just overwhelming - I've become so distraught over the hard numbers and the minimal prospects of pretty much anything that I'm so wound up with stress all the time I can't even really focus or do good work on anything. I've done all the things I ever used to practice for reducing stress, but this problem is far too embedded. I'm really starting to panic.

Bartending schools can be somewhat costly, definitely not what I can afford. And it's hard to justify getting financial aid for such a program when I already have such high student loans from attending university. PLUS, most postings require, or at least really want, experience. Back to the catch-22; can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job...

At least the military won't turn me down. Not really my preference, but I know that I could at least enlist and not have to worry about finances anymore.

[FazK]

You need to realize that everybody starts out at the bottom and that hardship makes you stronger. You could have it a lot worse. At least you're in a position to be able to look for a job, a lot of people would kill to be where you are.

I think you need to lower your expectations and your sense of entitlement, you should be prepared to work any job. Looking for a job is not something that is demeaning

[Andrew Gubb]

OK -

Read Chris Guillebeau | The Art of Non-Conformity

Buy his guide to making a small business and get your money back if this was bad advice - if not enjoy. (I intend to buy that thing when I have the money. I think Chris is a genius).

So, yeah, I really vibe with your POV. I felt utterly, utterly trapped for a few years in school, and got so angry you wouldn't believe.

Things are working out for me now. I'm teaching English independently, and have done energy healings independently too (I will again later once I've focused on English for a bit longer).

I've slept on the streets in order to avoid the indignity of selling myself. I actually didn't have to, but I felt so pressured by the fear of not getting a job which society had instilled in me that I decided to confront my fear by taking on "the worst case scenario".

I've lived in squats. Do you know squats? In Spain there is a big squatting culture. You find an empty building and make it yours. If you do it right you won't get in legal trouble for it, but it's good to get to know some anarchists and research the topic well before trying. Well, I've never squatted my own house, I stayed in my friends' squats. It can be quite liberating, though it does have its downsides.

You could also look into couchsurfing as a way of avoiding paying the rent.

I eat food which I either get by skipping (aka dumpster diving) - the stuff that shops throw out at the end of the day. It's usually actually quite good. The place I go is an organic supermarket which gives me as much bread as I can eat every day among other things. They're nice people who separate different types of food into different bags for the skippers.

I also steal a bit. (Legal notice: the previous sentence was a lie). I don't like it much, but then I find big supermarket chains so disagreeable that for me, stealing from them is a form of activism.

Now I live in a very cheap flat while I work on building my income. Things are good.

[moonrambler]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I've actually never found anything like that. You can volunteer at places, which I did for a few months, but you won't get a job there just from doing that.

You see how you do this, Rockchick.

[moonrambler]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

That is a good option for someone who is in their 20's and doesn't have much, but when you're in your late 30's and you own more stuff than you can fit in 1 room, it's not so easy.

And this!

[moonrambler]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Bartending schools can be somewhat costly, definitely not what I can afford. And it's hard to justify getting financial aid for such a program when I already have such high student loans from attending university. PLUS, most postings require, or at least really want, experience. Back to the catch-22; can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job...

I'm absolutely not trying to push you toward bartending, because it may not resonate with you at all. If it doesn't , that's cool, but you certainly don't need bartending school, especially if your thing is microbrew!

Don't you think some pubs would love to get a guy in there who can introduce patrons to Miller Lite alternatives (and in the bar owner's mind . . . pricier options)?

[moonrambler]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

I also steal a bit. (Legal notice: the previous sentence was a lie). I don't like it much, but then I find big supermarket chains so disagreeable that for me, stealing from them is a form of activism.

Dude. You're creating seriously bad karma here. You know who gets blamed for the missing stuff? Not the guy who owns the supermarket chain -- but the people who work there, who are trying to make rent. You get enough stuff missing on a certain shift, and the night manager gets fired. The night manager was making $14 an hour and has a wife and two kids. Now what?

[fdr]

Hey Rabbit,

Reading your posts brings back memories of my life after graduating college -- I had a dual degree in economics and sociology, with student loan debt looming, and NOBODY was hiring.

Here's what happened: I stuck it out for as long as I could with my savings, and then I got a temp job that had absolutely nothing to do with my degree, skills, or intelligence. But it paid the bills and kept me from having to resort to credit cards. And because I wasn't worried, I had energy in my free time to devote to ... living and enjoying my life!

Do not, do NOT add to your debt load!!! Using credit to stretch month to month will seem like a great idea at first, but as time passes, unfortunately it will turn into yet another problem. Avoid this!!

It took me almost a year after graduation to land a job in my desired location that used my skills and education. And that was in a recession that wasn't anywhere near as bad as the present one.

Use this time to shape yourself as an expert in your desired field. Learn everything you can about microbrewing; working in a microbrew pub seems like a great place to start establishing your expertise. You'd not just be serving beer; you'll be gaining expert market-level knowledge of the product, what works and what doesn't. This is valuable knowledge in the business. Meanwhile, you don't have to fret about paying the bills.

Keep putting your energy toward what you love, and opportunity will arise for you career-wise. Making your own "internship" Godin-style is also a good idea, if you have the energy and resources to tackle such a thing.

Keep us posted on how things turn out for you!

[ar81]

Under normal conditions, without contacts, looking for a job is about sending 100 resumes, to have 10 interviews and 1 job.
You may need to get the yellow pages and make a list of companies you may like to work for. You also need to keep a log of every data or event, so if they call you they may think they are the only company you have applied for.

Companies are not in a particular hurry to hire under normal conditions, so you may need to have patience.
You are selling the best product of the world: your work.
Getting a job is about sales, an impression, not about your skills. There will be enough time to demonstrate how good you are later. Now it is about selling.

A salesman who gets to sale in 13% of the attempts is an exceptionally good salesman. So do not feel bad. If a job is for you, it does not matter if there are 2 or 1500 candidates, it is for you.

Your job is to get a job. To get a job you need good selfesteem. Use the morning to look for a job, and the afternoon to do things that make you feel fine, to make you selfesteem to be fine. Investing time in your selfesteem will increase your performance in the job search.

The trick to be successful and never be discouraged is to have always another option. If you have to knock one door, you already planned what door you will knock next if it does not open. Most of doors are usually closed, do not worry. It took about 2000 attempts to invent the light bulb. Persistence is the key.

From an existencial point of view, unemployment is a time when life takes you out of the world, to a monastery of solitude where you much find inner peace. Without inner peace you will hardly find a job. When you have inner peace, a spiritual vision of life, all the uncertanties will fade, and you will get a job.

I know you will be telling me stories of how good it goes for you very soon.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by moonrambler

Dude. You're creating seriously bad karma here. You know who gets blamed for the missing stuff? Not the guy who owns the supermarket chain -- but the people who work there, who are trying to make rent. You get enough stuff missing on a certain shift, and the night manager gets fired. The night manager was making $14 an hour and has a wife and two kids. Now what?

Funny you should say that, today I basically decided I've had enough. I really don't like stealing.

I hadn't thought of that but it shouldn't have surprised me.

[Manomanman]

You speak like an entrepreneur, not a job-seeker. Your heart isn't in it.

Go full-blast, get ANY job you can. DO NOT just look for jobs that you have been specifically trained for.

Your degree was a waste, so why look for jobs that matter to you? You're contradicting yourself in being picky.

Find a job, then figure out how to start your business. YOU cannot compete in a job - only your boss can. And most bosses are being wiped out right now because they're too inept to run their own businesses. Which is why there is no such thing as "job security".

[ar81]

Economy is nto just to work as an economist. It gave you strong math skills, you may understand complex problems. Use the skills you got. To use such skills you do not need exactly to work in economics.

Try a vocational test and see what kind of job would make your life more enjoyable. And I am pretty sure you will be good.

[Marth]

Originally Posted by Manomanman

You speak like an entrepreneur, not a job-seeker. Your heart isn't in it.

Go full-blast, get ANY job you can. DO NOT just look for jobs that you have been specifically trained for.

Your degree was a waste, so why look for jobs that matter to you? You're contradicting yourself in being picky.

Find a job, then figure out how to start your business. YOU cannot compete in a job - only your boss can. And most bosses are being wiped out right now because they're too inept to run their own businesses. Which is why there is no such thing as "job security".

Thank you <3 that advice applied to me too.

And @original post you are one hell of a free thinker ^^

[gg282]

What about going back to the law of attraction basics? The OP has told us they graduated from an incredible university... UT at Austin which is a really good school.

But yet... has pretty much made a post about doom and a gloom, a bad economy and is pretty much a victim of circumstances.

Well that's pretty much what you will continue to get until you change your mind.

Step one: Totally ignore your current circumstance, It is just an illusion created by you. Yes you created it. Not me. Good news is that it can be changed for the better. The more certain YOU are and faith you have, that your life will change for the better... the more opportunities that will begin present themselves to you, the FASTER you will see results.

Step two: Identify what you really want. What do you want?

Step three: Allow yourself to receive that what you want. Even better, be that NOW what you want and it will come quicker. Imagine it, visualize, use a dream board and get in tune with it.

Step four: Start now, take action! Start putting the wheels in motion about getting what you want. Who cares about all of the other well qualified candidates applying for the jobs you want. Your not getting them because you have already affirmed, that those jobs you want are going to other people. If your in Texas, there's plenty of jobs in Texas. I'm in Dallas and there are thousands of jobs here. Go to craigslist and look for a job.

You can also use my job search engine which will help you find a career in your field http://www.JobCab.com

Good luck in your endeavors, be more optimistic. Be open to receiving. (ALWAYS works for me!) You could see results in a week or more, if you utilize LOA, as this seems to be the case for me.

Good luck.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

Funny you should say that, today I basically decided I've had enough. I really don't like stealing.

I hadn't thought of that but it shouldn't have surprised me.

Congratulations on making this decision! I believe you made the right choice. I hope you find the peace and fulfillment you deserve.

[Izanagi]

Originally Posted by ar81

Under normal conditions, without contacts, looking for a job is about sending 100 resumes, to have 10 interviews and 1 job.
You may need to get the yellow pages and make a list of companies you may like to work for. You also need to keep a log of every data or event, so if they call you they may think they are the only company you have applied for.

Thanks, ar81. Your post was just what I needed to hear. I am in the same situation as Rabbit, and I'm struggling with the same mindset. I got my last two jobs without hardly any effort at all, so I spending this much time and energy on something I really don't want isn't easy.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by FazK

At least you're in a position to be able to look for a job, a lot of people would kill to be where you are.

Why can't anyone look for a job? Even people who have a job can still look for a different one.

I think you need to lower your expectations and your sense of entitlement, you should be prepared to work any job.

I think Rabbit and I are just on a different level than most people and that's what part of his message is about. We don't like how it's the "norm" to suffer through jobs you can't stand. If the purpose of life is to enjoy it, then getting a crappy unfullfilling job makes life a living hell. I did it for 18 years and now I can finally see the difference. When you are working in a job you don't like, it isn't good for your soul which isn't good for your mind which isnt good for your body. It's just not good all around. We're not saying we are just chickenshits and scared to do something we don't want to do, we're saying life shouldn't have to be this way. It's just wrong that mankind have evolved into sheeple, you have to be a mindless drone and you aren't allowed to do what you want, you have to do what everyone else is doing, just "getting by" in life and becoming a slave to needing money. I'm kinda going into a different direction here but I think that's the underlying message to what Rabbit is saying.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

OK -

Read Chris Guillebeau | The Art of Non-Conformity

Buy his guide to making a small business and get your money back if this was bad advice - if not enjoy. (I intend to buy that thing when I have the money. I think Chris is a genius).

So, yeah, I really vibe with your POV. I felt utterly, utterly trapped for a few years in school, and got so angry you wouldn't believe.

Things are working out for me now. I'm teaching English independently, and have done energy healings independently too (I will again later once I've focused on English for a bit longer).

I've slept on the streets in order to avoid the indignity of selling myself. I actually didn't have to, but I felt so pressured by the fear of not getting a job which society had instilled in me that I decided to confront my fear by taking on "the worst case scenario".

I've lived in squats. Do you know squats? In Spain there is a big squatting culture. You find an empty building and make it yours. If you do it right you won't get in legal trouble for it, but it's good to get to know some anarchists and research the topic well before trying. Well, I've never squatted my own house, I stayed in my friends' squats. It can be quite liberating, though it does have its downsides.

You could also look into couchsurfing as a way of avoiding paying the rent.

I eat food which I either get by skipping (aka dumpster diving) - the stuff that shops throw out at the end of the day. It's usually actually quite good. The place I go is an organic supermarket which gives me as much bread as I can eat every day among other things. They're nice people who separate different types of food into different bags for the skippers.

I also steal a bit. (Legal notice: the previous sentence was a lie). I don't like it much, but then I find big supermarket chains so disagreeable that for me, stealing from them is a form of activism.

Now I live in a very cheap flat while I work on building my income. Things are good.

I would love the feeling of not having to pay rent, but at the same time, privacy is a huge deal to me. I can't stand living with people. I couldn't stand even living in an empty building knowing somebody else can walk in on me while i'm sleeping. And I couldn't live without having my internet connection every day!

Just curious, how do you warm up the food you get from resteraunts? Or do you just eat it all cold? (I mean if it's a warm meal type thing?)

[Rockchick26]

Moonrambler I'm a bit confused what you were referring to, when you said "you see how you do this"? Can you elaborate?

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I think Rabbit and I are just on a different level than most people and that's what part of his message is about. We don't like how it's the "norm" to suffer through jobs you can't stand. If the purpose of life is to enjoy it, then getting a crappy unfullfilling job makes life a living hell. I did it for 18 years and now I can finally see the difference. When you are working in a job you don't like, it isn't good for your soul which isn't good for your mind which isnt good for your body. It's just not good all around. We're not saying we are just chickenshits and scared to do something we don't want to do, we're saying life shouldn't have to be this way. It's just wrong that mankind have evolved into sheeple, you have to be a mindless drone and you aren't allowed to do what you want, you have to do what everyone else is doing, just "getting by" in life and becoming a slave to needing money. I'm kinda going into a different direction here but I think that's the underlying message to what Rabbit is saying.

Yes, exactly - thank you .


I don't feel like I have some sort of sense of 'entitlement' in which such jobs and opportunities should simply throw themselves at my feet.

What I do feel like I have is a sense of resentment that I must throw myself against the rocks and break myself into pieces just so that some part of me can satisfy someone else's need (breaking my "square peg" type to so shape and fit into a "round hole" - no innuendo implied).

I can see that path of time laid out straight in front of me - picking up something that I resent just to pay the bills. And I know how much of a trap that is. I don't ever want to get stuck.

I suppose a big part of my rant is of how ridiculous it is, how much of a show and dance one must perform, in order to carve their own path in life (professionally, at least). I'm exceedingly entrepreneurial, but making that happen right now is downright impossible.

And, as much as I hate to blame others for my own situation: we live in a society of forced conformity. Straying outside the bounds of those norms... well, lets just say that at such a point, nobody goes out of their way in the slightest to help you.

[ar81]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

I don't feel like I have some sort of sense of 'entitlement' in which such jobs and opportunities should simply throw themselves at my feet.

I remember when I had that feeling long ago.

Originally Posted by Rabbit

I can see that path of time laid out straight in front of me - picking up something that I resent just to pay the bills. And I know how much of a trap that is. I don't ever want to get stuck.

There are people who are in a worse condition. At least you have a degree. Imagine those who have none.

The irony is that you are paying for a problem you did not cause. I bet that in the future you will do something to improve economy, so people do not have to pass through that what happened to you.

Capitalism is about "if you break it, you buy it". But you are buying it, and you did not break it, and those who break it are not buying it.

I am very unhappy with the current design of things. I am unhappy with the fact that you have to pass through this. I wish you had better options...

Originally Posted by Rabbit

I suppose a big part of my rant is of how ridiculous it is, how much of a show and dance one must perform, in order to carve their own path in life (professionally, at least). I'm exceedingly entrepreneurial, but making that happen right now is downright impossible.

Indeed, social skills are the most important skills to be an entrepreuneur.

Originally Posted by Rabbit

And, as much as I hate to blame others for my own situation: we live in a society of forced conformity. Straying outside the bounds of those norms... well, lets just say that at such a point, nobody goes out of their way in the slightest to help you.

I would say the design of the system did not consider helping people. I bet that in the future you may try to change that with volunteer work.

This is one of the reasons I am an activist. I did not get too much help in the past, and I would not like others to suffer the same fate. But I had some luck in a way. I just wanted to help those who were less fortunate and are in need for an opportunity, where I live.

[moonrambler]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

Moonrambler I'm a bit confused what you were referring to, when you said "you see how you do this"? Can you elaborate?

"You can volunteer at places, which I did for a few months, but you won't get a job there just from doing that."

You state this negative remark like it's a fact, effectively slamming a door shut. But it's not a fact at all.

[Rae of Light]

Ok so I graduated a year ago May 08. It took me until May 09 to find a job after 15 interviews. I understand where you are coming from. I was in your exact position. Only thing is I did not have $5000 in the bank. I had about $500 in the bank when I graduated.

Despite the economy and whats happening, I got a job. And this is how I did it. When I first graduated I had conflicting ideas about jobs. I wanted one but I didn't, because I wanted to work for myself. So I didn't manifest a job. It wasn't until I completely changed my thoughts of what a job is. And WHY I wanted one. I wrote down the type of job I wanted and the type of pay I wanted. I used the law of attraction to attract this job and soon as I changed my thoughts, bam I got a job.

I kno that sounds easier said than done, but its true. I was temping for a year, 6 weeks here, 3 months there etc. The last week of my last temp job I had an interview. And two weeks after completign the last temp job I had my new job. No it isn't my dream job however in my manifesting, I asked for a job where I could used this as an "apprenticeship" and investment money into my business.

This is in detail how I got my job:

1. What recession? I stopped having convos about the recession. I stopped reading, listening, and watching the news on the recession. I stopped saying "I am broke". I began hanging out in ritzy areas (which I still do) I looked at those who arent affected by the recession (or appeared to be). I know this may sound bad to some but it changed my consciousness.

2. I stopped having pity parties and convos with my friends and fam. I stopped complaining.

3. I stopped seeing jobs negatively (slavery, prison, dream killer, waste of time etc) I began seeing jobs as a learning opt and way of investing.

4. I got specific on the job I wanted.

After a few weeks of practicing this I manifested a job. What is true is not always the truth! Ok so people are losing jobs and companies are folding this is true. But what is truth is there is abundance and the universe will provide all u need and desire. Good Luck and you will reach your goals when you change your attitude. :-)

[Love]

Omg. I laughed myself silly because I know exactly that feeling -- having a degree but no job -- wanting to do something yourself-- dislike for settling and not using your skills -- needing to pay off loans etc -- not feeling like a productive member of society-- entertaining the idea of doing something that does not match your goals -- knowing intuitively about the need to adopt a positive attitude but having difficulty in adopting that mindset.

Since I was laughing, I suppose I am no help. I do want to send out some thanks, though
-Rabbit for posting because I know it is not just me
-ar81, because your post was really calming
-rae because your post was inspiring.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by moonrambler

"You can volunteer at places, which I did for a few months, but you won't get a job there just from doing that."

You state this negative remark like it's a fact, effectively slamming a door shut. But it's not a fact at all.

But it IS a fact, I volunteered there and not only did they not pay me or hire me but they quit using me. They were bringing on more qualified people to "help" me, and the next thing I knew they quit calling me. How is that not a fact, what happened?

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by Rae of Light

Ok so I graduated a year ago May 08. It took me until May 09 to find a job after 15 interviews. I understand where you are coming from. I was in your exact position. Only thing is I did not have $5000 in the bank. I had about $500 in the bank when I graduated.

Despite the economy and whats happening, I got a job. And this is how I did it. When I first graduated I had conflicting ideas about jobs. I wanted one but I didn't, because I wanted to work for myself. So I didn't manifest a job. It wasn't until I completely changed my thoughts of what a job is. And WHY I wanted one. I wrote down the type of job I wanted and the type of pay I wanted. I used the law of attraction to attract this job and soon as I changed my thoughts, bam I got a job.

I kno that sounds easier said than done, but its true. I was temping for a year, 6 weeks here, 3 months there etc. The last week of my last temp job I had an interview. And two weeks after completign the last temp job I had my new job. No it isn't my dream job however in my manifesting, I asked for a job where I could used this as an "apprenticeship" and investment money into my business.

This is in detail how I got my job:

1. What recession? I stopped having convos about the recession. I stopped reading, listening, and watching the news on the recession. I stopped saying "I am broke". I began hanging out in ritzy areas (which I still do) I looked at those who arent affected by the recession (or appeared to be). I know this may sound bad to some but it changed my consciousness.

2. I stopped having pity parties and convos with my friends and fam. I stopped complaining.

3. I stopped seeing jobs negatively (slavery, prison, dream killer, waste of time etc) I began seeing jobs as a learning opt and way of investing.

4. I got specific on the job I wanted.

After a few weeks of practicing this I manifested a job. What is true is not always the truth! Ok so people are losing jobs and companies are folding this is true. But what is truth is there is abundance and the universe will provide all u need and desire. Good Luck and you will reach your goals when you change your attitude. :-)

Wow! Thanks for sharing your story! I will try that...I imagine it will be hard though. How did you deal with people asking you all the time if you found a job yet, or where are you applying? I feel like that is my biggest hurdle is dealing with everyone around me and their questions and advice.

[firesign]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

But it IS a fact, I volunteered there and not only did they not pay me or hire me but they quit using me. They were bringing on more qualified people to "help" me, and the next thing I knew they quit calling me. How is that not a fact, what happened?

It isn't a fact that you can't get hired from a volunteer job. Moonrambler wasn't arguing with your experience but with your generalization.

"You can volunteer at places, which I did for a few months, but you won't get a job there just from doing that."