Well, nice work!
Try not to feel too bad about those college years feeling seemingly useless. You get that. It's like when you realise you probably wasted 5 or so years in school doing absolutely nothing. Sometimes I think employers just want to know if people went to college so they look committed in some way, rather than if they actually learned anything there that'd help in the workplace. Depends on the job, I guess.
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I guess so, yeah. Now that I think about it, I spent most of my high school days fooling around with friends. I guess the truth of the matter was that I just went to school to see my friends hahaha! They do say that you learn so much more in the actual workplace, compared to what you study. I'm kinda seeing that now.
Thanks for reading! <3
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Yup, I'm with ya. 10% of me was all, "Oh, maybe what I learn will come in handy, I should try harder." The other 90%?
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Hahaha! Still, let's hope that everything we learn will come handy one day.
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We're all on an unpredictable roller-coaster ride - full of ups and downs. Commitment always comes good in some way.
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Yeah, I feel that way about life too. Those ups and downs make life more interesting, but not too much of the downs. I know some people who have been down in the dumps, and I try what I can to cheer them up.
Speaking of roller-coasters, reminds me of my college days. I used to be part of our college publication, and we made a roller-coaster- themed literary folio. Good days. Too bad I couldn't help around as my schedule got busier.
Thanks for taking the time to read! <3
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quickly read this
"job hunting" is really different, nearly each country has its own "job world", and i won't share the italian nightmare way of finding a "job"... pretty rare stuff, here :D
btw, i think you just wanted to tell a story. that's human, we've done it, we'll share even more stories... :D
plus: a month working and having fun is a "dream come true" for a bunch of people, precious stuff :P
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I almost thought you said don't read this, hahaha!
You're making me curious. How does job hunting work over in Italy? Also, that you just wanted to tell a story bit struck a chord in me. I guess I really did just want to share my story with other people. I'm having fun though, no worries. I'm really blessed to be able to help out the family now that I have work. I'm going to slowly give back to the wonderful people who raised me.
Thank you very much for reading! <3
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For the main part, I thougt I should look for a motivational picture to cheer you on ^^ but I'm glad that the happy end was waiting to be read :D It's great that you found a job and have fun there!
To be honest, I don't feel like sharing any stories at the moment. I had so much stress during the last few days for entirely different reasons, I don't want to think about more depressing stuff. And yes, looking for a job was always very depressing for me.
Maybe I can share this one not so funny thing... There was this one time, I thought our jobcenter might be able to help me, when I was looking for a training space (I hope that's the right word ^^"). Fun thing is, the absolutely professional and talented young lady there told me, while she failed to use google mapy, that my "Abitur" (something like a High school graduation after 13 years of school) was a obstacle and how much easier it would be for her if I had a lesser qualification. No need to mention, that I never even thought about getting any help from there.
So ^^ I'm really glad, that you didn't have such horrible experiences :3
And that you could be happy for your friend is something not everyone could manage! Great!
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Thanks for the thought, but your comment is motivation enough!
Dang, sorry to hear that. It sucks to think that you work hard going through some educational institution, only to be told that you're overqualified or too much. I know some people who went through that too, like my dad when he was searching for a new job. I really do hope that things got better for you from that point onward. Keep you head up, things'll get better!
Thank you for reading! <3
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Yeah, I understand. Now that I've started working, I've realized that a lot of people don't work for themselves. My co-workers tell stories, and a lot of them work to support their own families. One of them works to feed his kids, another to help out her sick mother. Everyone's got different reasons, but we all try our best anyway.
Thanks for reading! <3
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I'm happy to complete the reading and see that you landed a job. in the beginning I thought there was not the happy ending.
depending on your country it can be really difficult to land a job, no idea how it is at your side, but for instance in my country it's hard.
after finishing my degree and the military service I was job hunting very hard and had absolutely no advance after many months. so I relocated. abroad.
in the other country I landed a good job in a matter of 3 weeks during August. for me it was incredible. so it really makes a difference where you're living.
my views are that the best is to accept the 1st offer you get. it's much better to keep searching from an employed position.
not using your knowledge? easy, it's pretty normal. maybe your previous knowledge will come handy in the future, maybe not, you never know. anyway your studying years were not unuseful, in that time you made many experiences that contributed to make you as a person.
sorry I don't write more but I'm from my handy and I don't excel at virtual keyboards...
good luck!!
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No need to be sorry at all! Your words are really helpful. I guess I really do have to come to terms with the fact that not everything I learn will be used. But as you said, they're valuable things that make me who I am today. As for going abroad, I might just do that in a year actually. My dad kind of wants to bring me along (since he works abroad) to work with him in another country. I honestly didn't want to accept it at first, since it would feel like starting back at square one. You know, new faces and new places.
But the thought of meeting new people and seeing new sights excites you, doesn't it? I'm going to take the chance when it presents itself.
Thanks for the kind words! <3
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I had a hard time finding a job too and will just go to school again in September to get a higher degree and probably study then.
Glad everything worked out for you :)
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Hey, at least you're moving forward! Studying for a higher degree isn't a bad thing. In fact, I think it's amazing how people pursue such things with passion. I'm just scared of doing nothing and feeling like I can't step forward.
I wish you the very best, and thanks for reading! <3
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We have all been there, with companies not managing to arrange the promised contacts.
I actually experienced some absurd stories that are even worse. Like the one company that contacted me via a headhunter. Made some online and phone interview, headhunter informed me later that they got someone else. Soon after the headhunter contacted me again, they wanted me for another position. Took a plane to meet them, looked decent enough ... till I registered in the interview that they had forgotten all about me and that we already were familiar from the previous interviews for the other position. Even after I told them, all I got were some blank stares and stutter. I just stood up and left right there.
That I judged their "professionalism" correctly was proven shortly after, but I can't share that here. ;)
Best of luck with the job you got!
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Gosh, I don't know what to say. To think you were so invested that you even flew out to meet them, only to find out they forgot about you. Just, dang. Really sorry to hear that. I know I'd feel like crap if that happened to me. Hopefully everything else went better for you from there.
Thanks for sharing and reading! <3
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I've been in the same industry for 20 years. Kind of fell into it at the start and really enjoyed it but was time for a change after 10 years. Went back to school and did a 4yr degree (took 5yrs because of illness). Began work in my new career and...absolutely hated it so went back to the work I had been doing. Temporarily of course, it must be almost time to go back to study. I had 3 or 4 different jobs in the couple of years leading up to my 20 year career. It's always tough when you begin work.
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Woah, it's amazing how you stuck to that industry for so long! Sorry to hear that you hated the new career, though. Was it not what you were expecting? Still, glad you went back to the career you enjoyed.
Hopefully you aren't feeling ill anymore either. Thanks for reading! <3
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Firstly, congrats on your new work placement. Hope it is what you like to do. Even if its not a long term thing or it may not be ideally what you want, getting a foothold into work is good experience of working in that kind of environment and will stand you in good stead for anything else in the future. There are people I know who studied Dentistry but ended up being lawyers so a college education doesn't define you. Not everyone enjoys what they did/learnt in college so if work takes you in a different direction, that's life. All the best to you :)
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College education doesn't define you, huh. Those are some good words! If life takes me in a new direction, well all the more to learn then! For now though, I'll just learn what I can and keep giving it my best.
Thanks for the kind words and the time! <3
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Well, well. At least you found a job. It will be tough to be working in jobs, that you have no background, or studied in. Give yourself sometime to see whether u suit into the job as for the job that you failed to enter to, it can be too stress to be work in And you may find it a blessing if you enjoyed the current job.
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Yeah, it would be rather tough to work a job you know little to nothing about. Still, I'm doing pretty alright, and I'm feeling blessed!
Thanks for reading! <3
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I enjoyed your narrative of you going through your job-hunting frustrations. I have my own story, but I do not feel like writing it all out right now. And, I am wary of presenting something so personal to 7 billion people on the internet.
I realize that you may not want to share actual names of the companies that you applied with; nevertheless, your story would be so much more interesting if you gave a fairly specific category of the industry of each company and the approximate job title that you were applying for. It is the difference between reading some generic anecdote from a teacher and really connecting to what you actually went through.
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Glad you enjoyed, despite my lack of details! I did kind of want to make it a general thing for everyone to relate too, but I get your point. I've updated the discussion to give a few more details.
Thanks for the interest and time! <3
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Yesterday marks the first month I spent working there. It's a small achievement, but it means a lot to me. I'm honestly having fun, despite all my previous thoughts. Sure, it's 6 days a week. But the hustle and bustle in the company as well as the people make things fun. I'm slowly getting closer to my co-workers, and I'm learning a lot of things as I go.
Enjoy the new journey.
I hope you will enjoy more and hope for the best
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I'm enjoying the journey, and looking forward to see where it'll take me!
Thanks for the kind words and time! <3
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Well it's good that you take things positively.
As to job hunting I only wish there was some kind of law that force potential employer to call/mail you with answer (no matter positive or negative). People often waste way to many time (and often money, other opportunities and helth) waiting and hoping that someone will call.
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I try to take things positively, despite my pessimistic mind. But hey, I'm not as pessimistic as I used to be! :D
That would be nice too, but I just try to convince myself that they're busy entertaining other applicants. Still, any feedback would be a huge weight off the applicant's chest.
Thanks for reading! <3
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Off-topic, but that's a cool avatar. Tough, sassy chick who doesn't suffer fools or let anybody tell her what to do.
What's it from? Google images came up with, "cartoon." :p
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Hahaha
It's my old drawing and I don't think I ever uploaded it anywhere (at least not that version of it).
So google search can do nothing here (unless they will admit they spy on my private data o:). ;P
(but its nice that you like it)
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Congratulations, it was an interesting read.
It took me several years to find my first job after graduating from university, all I can say is it was worth the wait, at the end, I got a job that most people can only dream about, it pays to be patient.
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Congrats on finding the dream job! I do hope everyone finds something they love as they search for work.
Glad you enjoyed the read! <3
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congratulations. you got a job with potential. that's more than a lot of people.
Some people are lucky enough to know early what they want to do and are able to do it from school through retirement. Most people are not so fortunate. I've fallen into better opportunities than I ever would have gotten if I had stuck to what I thought I wanted to do. Life is an open-world adventure, not a rail-shooter. Enjoy the pivot.
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Yeah, I'm glad that people do find something they love and build up from there. Glad you've got awesome opportunities, and I'll do my best to enjoy the open-world adventure called Life!
Thanks for reading and the doggo! <3
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In my country (Netherlands) there is incredible dishonesty about how there aren't enough people to fill all positions in tech and that the government needs to help them. I am in tech, mechanical engineering to be precise. As tech as you can possibly get.
So I started applying for jobs in order to get my degree. I did it according to the usual nice guy letters, respectful, knowledgable, etc. It was textbook. Every time I mentioned it would be part-time, they passed. They want people graduating, people who are graduated or people who need some kind of internship, but never people they need to educate themselves.
So then I started to write different letters. They were kind of structured like job offerings ("are you X, with a passion for Y?") calling out their nonsense. I said a lot of companies only pretend to care about tech employment and said that if they were different, they should respond.
Within a week I had 3 job offerings.
Don't stay with the polite nonsense you learn in school if it doesn't work, in the real world it's more of a street fight. Especially in these times where nothing seems to matter and where you end up is basically dependent on luck. I don't know what you studied in college, but if it's a real skill you can use it pretty much anywhere to make you a better person as a whole. The rest you can learn on the job. Seriously, it's been months since I had to solve a set of equations on paper. In college you hardly do anything else.
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Wow! That's a whole new way of doing it! It kind of sounds like you're a salesperson offering your services to those potential employers (which is true in a sense, I guess). I'm going to keep that in mind when I start applying for jobs again.
Thanks for the tips and encouragement! <3
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just remember - your job isn't your job, your job is gettng your next job! whether a promotion within the same company, or a better job elsewhere
Make sure you make good connections, make sure clients know it's you doing the work, and get achievements you can put on your resume.
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I have a lot of thoughts in my head but I don't know how relevant to this it is and what point I would be trying to make. :P
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Doesn't really matter, since I'll be reading it either way! :D
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I think it's good to not have this strict black and white view on trying to land interviews and stuff. I seem to recall reading a comment here yesterday along those lines, but don't see it now so quickly, maybe was on a different thread. And I can't really tell about landing a job succesfully, I've been in welfare for the last couple of years (welfare in my country is pretty decent, you can live off it with not too much problems). But I do know what looking in the wrong directions can do to you as a human being.
I tried for way too long to to achieve something work related in the classical sense of reacting to job offers and sending my resume with it. And having an interview is not always the best way of presenting yourself.
When I get the question of what are your hobbies, well fuck I'd like to know even more than the interviewer. But most of the stuff 'I like' I can't really name a hobby. I mean I like talking to people about stuff. As in, about stuff, the regular emotional interaction thing I probably can't stand for too long before I need my own space. But that's not quite a hobby, like I go every saterday walking on the street talking to random people or something.
Thing is, there's often this sense of, you either have something you're experienced in, learned for or want to be. But it's often not that black and white. I didn't finish any higher education that makes me have a 'trade', worked at a supermarket, callcenter, kitchen, even in a factory a blue monday. I don't have a 'trade', but that doesn't mean I am not good at anything.
I had this work related/personal well being kinda training that, for the sake of simplicity (hey English isn't my first language, and even in my first language I find it hard at times to find the right words for what I mean) I'll say gave me a kind of revelation. And not really the content of it, but more the fact that noticed how easy I can extract information from what people are saying, and getting to what they are actually saying, and in the process can make a lot of people understand what they are actually saying.
As the trainers put it, I was doing half their job.
Anyway, in the end those same trainers got me in contact with some youth project where I might be a good person to help others out, didn't work out as I'm too old, but the person there I had contact with saw my value I guess and got me in contact someone else in their organisation. Now I'm gonna be volunteering to help get people back on track, and funnily enough, that's actually what I need to get back on track. Get some training stuff I can follow (for my personal development), but what's more importantly, I know these 'static' interviews have never been my strongpoint, but this is the kinda entry I need to be able to get further into pursuing a possible job that invpolves this social aspect.
I don't really know what my point is, and at this point I don't even know if what I'm saying is coherent, as I wrote some lower lines before others, and watched some netflix in between, had a drink... But I guess the point I'm trying to make is, it's not all that static. You're not defined by whatever you studied, or what you thought you might have wanted. If you feel comfortable doing something you might not have thought up front, it's no problem. There might be certain aspects you would have missed at your 'preferred' choice. You might find certain things lacking or even things you just don't feel right with. I liked the helping people in a callcenter aspect, even though people are ungratefull little shits when you're trying to go out of your way to help them, but will graldly accept it if you're basically telling them to stfu because they shouldn't complain. But I can't sell a speed upgrade of internet to an old lady while I damn well know she has more than sufficient speed for what she needs it for. That stuff makes me feel like I'm not true to my own ethics and thus myself.
So you might find aspects that yoyu like, and others you don't like. And that picture of your 'ideal' place to work might take some time to form, if it even completely forms at all ever.
But, just learn what you can learn, and keep going forward.
And now I actually see your update as well. See, that's even greater, you already found an aspect of how this might even be better, well, in a way at least.
Don't try to pin yourself down too much, worst case scenario, you find out you really don't want something, but hey, better now than in 50 years right?
Personally speaking, I also wouldn't mind income too much. But that's just me speaking. I've earned enough where I didn't have to think much of buying stuff like a new tv, earned enough where I just had enough, and also earned enough where, well, I pretty much had to rely on others. And I was (and still am I guess) pretty surprised by how little that affected how I felt about my life. Apart from just not having enough, that just sucks. But still, even then, there are other things that actually matter more. But enough to at least pay the rent is kinda mandatory. :P
Anyway, maybe you'll find some useful words in here, maybe you won't. But who knows, we can only learn right? :)
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You know, that was a nice little read. It's great how you can connect with people and help them out like that. To top it off, as you said, it was also what you needed. I try to believe that there is beauty in everything; that there is nothing that is not worth pursuing. As long as I keep on working, I'll keep searching for the good points that'll keep me going.
Thank you for sharing!
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Nice read and I'm happy for you making such a progress. I find your story quite helpful since I'm soon to start my final year in university and then will probably end up in your situation.
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Thanks! I wish you the very best in your final year, and may you land that dream job as soon as possible!
Thanks for reading! <3
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It's good that you enjoy your job even if it wasn't what you want at first.
I have no job search stories to share. My first 2 jobs were directly offered to me without asking ... and for my last job I sent 2 letters and now I have a job I like since 5-6 years.
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Good job on that! Glad to hear that you've been enjoying your work for years now as well.
Thanks for reading! <3
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Even though your job isn't related much of your studies you still get some experience from it. If you later on decide to go for some other job which would be more on your study area, I'm sure that the previous experience will be a huge plus too. Also you are getting paid, yes? :)
I'm also in a situation where I work in a place which isn't exactly what I studied for but I'm still quite happy, learning new things and broadening my area of expertise. I dunno if I stay in that work place but at the moment it is nice to have something to do and getting paycheck regularly is a welcome thing. I was unemployed for quite a long time before and I can just say that it wasn't great but depressing really.
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Yes, I'm getting paid so no need to worry about that. Yeah, I'm holding on to hope that everything I learn will be useful in the years to come. And yeah, it's really better to be doing something than nothing at all. Really glad you were able to fight your way out of unemployment! Good job on that!
Thanks for the kind words! <3
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Reading this encouraged me once more to get my feet on the ground. Thank you! Had similar problems, even getting depressed because nothing worked out, to the point of thinking of it all to be pointless effort. Right now i try to get my feet back on track, it proves to be harder than expected, but at the very least, your story helped me to get a bit more encouraged than i've been before! Congratulations and wish you the best of luck, also thank you, once again!
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Hey there. As a lot of people pointed out, what you learn isn't going to be useless. I wish you the very best, and hopefully you get the ups o life as soon as possible. Take a moment to relax, and breathe. You can make it through anything!
No, thank you for opening up. May you see better days soon! <3
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For those who've read through already, there's an update waiting for you at the bottom. :D
Alright people, buckle up your safety belts for a long ride. If you've got your cup of tea, coffee, cocoa, or whatever, then sit here by the campfire for a little bit of storytelling.
Quite honestly, I have little to no idea about how to start this. It's been ages since I've put together a bunch of paragraphs like this. I had planned to write down a draft and refine it from there, but I couldn't really do it since I was rather busy. Which brings us to the reason why I'm so busy:
Job-hunting.
So I recently graduated from college near the end of March (The graduation ceremony was held the day after my real life birthday, yay!). As early as April, I began my job-hunting. Some people told me I was rushing things, saying I had to enjoy my down time before I start finally working. But you know how it is when you've got plenty of time to think and a slightly pessimistic way of thinking. My parents were working, and my brother was reviewing for his licensure exam. Meanwhile, I was spending my days just lazing about. I felt like I was just being useless, so on began the hunt for work.
So I registered for different job-hunting websites, passed my resume to different companies, sent e-mails, and so on. At least doing those things provided a bit of comfort, since I was taking steps toward landing a job. I got replies from a few companies and even moved on to exams and interviews. There was this company a classmate and I planned to apply at after graduating, and so we did. We took the exam, but only one of us made it in, it seems.
And it wasn't me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm really proud of my friend since he made it in. Right now he's going through a really tough workshop to land a regular position. I'm cheering him on in my own little way. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I even tried to apply for a different position at the same company, but nada. It took a while to accept it, but I decided I had to keep moving forward.
So on I applied. Went through more exams and interviews. There was this one company I had high hopes for. It was in the same area as where my friend would start working. I was called for an interview, and I went to their office. It was just glorious, I tell you. It had such a professional vibe, and my only thought at the time was:
"It would be amazing if I could work here."
The interview went well (at least in my opinion), and I was feeling pretty good. I explored a lot that day, treated myself to a book, and went home feeling awesome. I was told that they'd contact me about the results in 1-2 weeks. Either by call or by e-mail. I was feeling pretty happy about everything, until a week passed. No calls or messages. I kept hoping for a reply, but even until now I haven't heard anything from them.
Felt like I was back at square one all over again. Thankfully, family and friends were there to cheer me up. I appreciate the concern, but words can only do so much to help a mind that feels like it's never going to be enough. So I still kept going about applying.
Soon enough, I got a hit.
A company I applied at offered me a position. I'd be on a probationary position for 1-6 months, and salary would increase based on performance. Sounds good, right? But there's just one catch.
It's not completely related to what I studied in college. Just barely.
Although I really didn't mind that much. To put it into words, I guess I have this passive attitude towards things. I didn't mind learning something new. I just sometimes think that if I don't use what I studied for 4 years in college, it would have been a waste. Still, I convinced myself that I'd be able to use that knowledge later on, as well as the knowledge I'd receive in the job I was offered.
So I took the job. I didn't want to feel like crap again because I just sat at home facing my computer all day, searching for a good job. Yesterday marks the first month I spent working there. It's a small achievement, but it means a lot to me. I'm honestly having fun, despite all my previous thoughts. Sure, it's 6 days a week. But the hustle and bustle in the company as well as the people make things fun. I'm slowly getting closer to my co-workers, and I'm learning a lot of things as I go.
At this point, I don't even know why I wrote all this. I'm no longer sure if it was a rant, or I just wanted someone to listen to my story. Still, I wrote it and you read it (hopefully). Thanks for that, it means a lot to me. So I think it's my turn to listen to you, people. Care to share your job hunting stories and experiences? Or your thoughts on job hunting? Doesn't matter, I'll read them (when I can, of course).
With the story done and your cup empty, it's time to put out the campfire. May the days to come be amazing ones for us all.
Once again, thanks for reading. Here's a little gib to serve as a token of appreciation.
Thank you.
UPDATE: So people have been asking for more details, and I'm glad people are interested. I kind of thought I'd leave out certain details to make it a general topic for more people to relate to, but I don't mind giving a few more details. If you want a bit more, then read on!
So I'm a Computer Science graduate. I honestly didn't decide right from the get-go that I'd want to be a programmer, but I thought it was the closest program I could take to become a game developer (At least from the programs offered by the college). Yep, I've wanted to create my own games for a looooong time. I've tried my hand at RPGMaker and Ren'py so far, but I do plan on trying some more.
Anyway, as you'd expect, I would try out my hand at applying for a programming position. I've tried applying as a Associate Software Engineer, Software Engineer, Programmer Trainee, Mobile Applications Developer, Web Developer, and so on. I even applied for internships, hoping to get some experience under my belt.
The position I landed is a Graphic Artist. I figured it would help me in web development as well as photo-editing (which it does), which is why I took the job. To top it off, I'll need to deal with graphics when I try my hand at making games, too. I'm learning a lot of stuff at this point, and I'm having fun while I'm at it. :D
Really glad you all read through everything, and even wanted more! Thank you so much! <3
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