The Unemployment Blues

by Samantha on September 20, 2010

Gloomy

It’s Monday, the beginning of a new week and a chance for a fresh start…but, I’m grumpy. I’m sitting here on my couch looking through job listings and unenthusiastically saving a few for later. It’s been about two and a half months since I was told my position was being eliminated. I’m proud to say that I’ve been pretty positive since, focusing on the awesome opportunities the situation presented instead of the sucky setbacks.

I honestly don’t know why the blues are hitting me so hard right now of all times. As far as unemployment goes, I’ve been doing fairly well. I’ve had interviews at about half a dozen places, and even made it to the final round with a couple of them. Last week, I had a fantastic interview for a job I really, really want. It’s a social media specialist position, and every single part of it excites me. Maybe I’ve got the blues because I want that job so badly, I’m sick of waiting, being letdown and starting all over again at square one. Because I don’t want going to the gym to be the highlight of my day anymore. Because I want to be a part of a team again, putting my skills and experience to good use.  Because this is supposed to be the year when I’m happy more than I’m sad.

I still have faith that something will work out eventually. I will continue to believe that everything that hasn’t worked out wasn’t meant to be, and I will keep applying to jobs until I find the one that’s right for me. I know I’m awesome and any company would be lucky to have me…but, today I just don’t feel that way.  I shouldn’t question why no company wants me, because I know that’s not what it’s about, but I am anyway. I guess it’s all just part of the process, and hopefully soon I’ll be singing a different tune.

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Tagged as: career, Change, confidence, stress

  • http://www.facebook.com/rebeccathorman Rebecca Thorman

    If you didn’t get the blues occasionally, you wouldn’t be human :) I’d revel in the blues for today. Get down in the dirt with them, and really feel it. I’ll bet you’ll feel better soon. Sometimes we have to go through that whole process in order to come out the other side. Sometimes we can’t just smile and shortcut our way through… And any company would be extremely lucky to have you. Let me know if I can help at all!

  • Anonymous

    I think the waiting game is the hardest part. Regardless of what the answer is, you just want to know. Ideally, it’s the answer you want, but after going through almost a year-long application process for school, I was so ready to just know. I think the only thing that was instant gratification was getting my GMAT score on the computer seconds after the exam.

    Keep it up, things will get sunny soon!

  • http://www.suburbansweetheart.com/ Suburban Sweetheart

    Oh, Sam. You’re so positive & so talented & so driven – & I know that it’s going to fall together for you soon. Sometimes it has to fall apart first, but you’re an example to the rest of us – like me! – who are trying to fight through unemployment & make the best of a new path. I’m pulling for you.

  • Susan

    Poor Eeyore! He looks so sad!

    When I was a teenager and going through some difficult stuff, my mom bought me a book at a garage sale called, “Please Don’t Be Blue.” It’s a tiny book with stick figure drawings telling the story of a little girl who has the blues and everything around her is sad because of it. I can’t recall the whole thing — I think it was told in poetry and rhyme — so I’ll have to dig it out for you.

    Basically, what I mean by telling you that is this: please don’t feel blue, Sam. It’s a hard time and I absolutely feel for you, but I’m also so proud of you for that positive outlook. As hard as it might be at times, you can tell there’s still hope in your heart, and it’s what I admire most. You are awesome, and you are strong and smart and talented and when it works out, it’s going to be that right position, that right opportunity.

    Revel in the blues if you must today — every once in awhile, it’s ok to be an Eeyore and feel mopey. But I always imagined you more of a Tigger…Always able to bounce back.

    Not a good metaphor? Well, I tried. :)

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for not telling me to get over it! Seriously, I really appreciate your understanding and your advice. I’ve really been trying to stay positive and avoid feeling bad for myself, but I guess I shouldn’t fight the blues if they happen every once in a while.

    As for helping, if you know of anyone hiring for social media/writing/editing/marketing positions in NYC, please let me know! Thanks Rebecca, and congrats on your upcoming move!

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    The waiting is horrible! Logically, I understand why it takes companies a while to make a decision, but that doesn’t make it any easier to wait. Even if it’s not the answer I’m hoping for, I’d just like to know as soon as possible so I can move on. Thanks for the encouragement, Em! Hope you’re loving school!

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Awww, thanks Kate! You are too sweet! I know you’ll find something great too, you are one-of-a-kind :)

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Ya know, I think today I need to be blue. Then, tomorrow I’ll get back up on the positive road and keep going. This process is even more frustrating because unemployment came so unexpectedly. I know I’ll find something eventually (hopefully soon), but I also know it’s okay to take a couple days of from being Ms. Positive :) Thanks so much for your continuous support!

  • Mehnaz

    It’s okay to be blue! Just own it, and ride the ups and downs as they come. You have loads going for you, and are generally of the awesome variety. Things will eventually work out, and be great for you. It’s tough out there, so it’s okay to feel a bit despondent, so long as you don’t wallow in it.

    Chin up, buttercup :)

  • http://lch87.wordpress.com/ Nicole

    The waiting is definitely the worst part about this whole job search thing. Hopefully the storm will pass quickly for you. Take care!

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    I figure blogging about it counts as owning it :) Thank you for the compliments and the support! It means more than you know.

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    It’s definitely the worst! Hence the down day…but, it’s only okay to have those if most of your days are positive ones.

  • http://twitter.com/StacyShade Stacy Shade

    Applying, waiting AND trying to keep your spirits up at the same time is a chore! However, something will definitely happen in the coming days. I’d let yourself be sad and then shake it off the next day and go about your new routine. The days will pass and you will definitely get an offer in the coming days. I wish you all the best, Stacy

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Thanks so much Stacy! I’ve already shaken off the sadness and I’m back on the positive train. I hope your prediction comes to fruition soon!

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