“Unfortunately”- A State of the Unemployed Address

I don’t even bother reading an entire rejection email anymore. I just look for the word “unfortunately”. 

It’s been about a month now since my LinkedIn photo has adorned that lovely green banner, and my journey isn’t getting any easier. I know for many others, it’s been much longer, so I try to keep that all in perspective. These are difficult times for a lot of people.

I have worked tirelessly, as so many others, to make myself stand out. To make myself versatile, adaptable, reliable…all the other ‘ables’. In my early 20s, I worked multiple jobs and raised a child as a seemingly single mother all while going to school and taking care of an ill parent. I worried constantly about how to make ends meet. Stress/anxiety just became apart of my existence. I finally attained my Masters after becoming what seemed like a career college student, and I thought, this is it. I’ve finally made it. Things will be better now.

And they were. For a while, at least. I have had the honor of working for many great companies and I feel like at every job I was able to make some kind of an impact and take away knowledge that added value for my next role. I feel good about that. However, this is my second time hearing the dreaded word “unfortunately”. New name…”Reduction in Force” or “Corporate Restructure”, but the conversation remains the same. And once again I’m told that it has nothing to do with me.

I hit the ground running and applied to jobs left and right. I connected with talent leaders, even going as far as reaching out to some local recruiters via social media. I had my resume revamped and optimized for ATS, AI, SEO— all the acronyms. I worked with a career coach to help improve my interviewing skills. I took several assessments and certification courses to enhance my skill set further. I reached out to old classmates and neighbors to see if they might refer me to their company (super difficult for me to do because I hate asking for help). I’ve reached out to staffing agencies. I have added my resume to countless job boards. You name it, I’ve done it all.

I’ve had one interview. One application out of the thousands I’ve submitted resulted in an interview. ONE. I understand the state of the economy has a lot to do with this (no political discussions please. I’m definitely not here for that). I understand it’s not me. But it’s hard not have days where you doubt yourself. 

The hard truth is, this situation could happen to any of us. None of us are immune. One thing I have learned from this experience is to have more humility. We all walk around with our wonderful homes and beautiful cars and fancy items that we worked hard for and we think it’ll be forever. But it could be gone in an instant. Since my first layoff I did continue to look over my shoulder thinking it could happen again, but that feeling lessened with time and I unfortunately got too comfortable with my own success.

I am thankful for the turning point that I’m at now. I now understand that ‘things’ do not bear weight to loved ones and the memories we make with them. Being present is my new outlook. So, the job will come when it’s supposed to and life will move on as it always does. But for me, my goal now is to be more present in my own life. And I’m looking for a company that gets that. So, this isn’t an advice article or even a vent post. More of a “State of the Unemployed” post. My hope is to post this blog of transparency and reach someone who feels the same because at this point that green banner club is vast, and we need to keep the perspective that we’re all worthy. We’re all enough. The opportunity will come when it’s supposed to. Till then, keep on keeping on.