Account Login
Unemployed (after yet another degree)
I recently went back to school to get my second master's degree. The program was rigorous, I maintained a 4.0 GPA, and I received good reviews in my field work. I have been applying for jobs, but I am astonished that I haven't landed one. I am pretty sure that I am more qualified than most.
Additionally, I have always had a problem with anxiety/depression, and getting rejection emails has ramped both of these things up a ton. It's been horrible, and I hope that I'm not looking too desperate in interviews. Quite frankly, it is hard not to break into a severe sweat and feel like my life and future is on the line every time I go to one.
Getting another degree is not always the answer. it is the inbuilt energy and way that you apply yourseld and in particular the honing of commication skills that show a character of interest to others- believe me i learnt the hard way.
The millennials ADORE whining every chance they get about how haaaaaard it is to get a job in this economy, but go conveniently deaf if anyone over the age of 25 has anything to say about it.
OP, I'm going out on a limb here, but if you went and got a second Masters, you're probably well over 25. I doubt you'll come back to this confession, but if my guess is right, help me school these bubble-wrapped little darlings on what it's like to be living everything they're living AND having to contend with age discrimination on top of all that. (It will become a much more talked-about issue once it starts happening to THEM, but it's good to prime the pump)
And yeah, I so feel you about the anxiety thing. It's a sucky situation and I wish I had more for you there. Best of luck!
Chin up, I'm sure things will work out.
One thing I would like to gently suggest is to try to think about what you are passionate about as well as what you are qualified in. Try to use your passion (even if it's volunteering or pro-bono) to get experience; join meet ups, or other groups of like-minded people, and try like ** to not disagree with any of them for at least the first quarter of a year.
You have the degree but do you have what it takes?
Take some state or federal government tests. Work beneath your station for a few years and after awhile your education will kick in and you'll be properly employed.
If you were really more qualified than most as you say then, there would be no need to feel so insecure. Just because you have an advanced degree, it clearly does not make you more qualified than most. It takes more than a piece of paper to get the job done.
For example, girl I know was serving coffee in the cafeteria at a mine. The mine had a position going to drive a humungus haul truck. One of the blokes put her name forward. She was selected because she was easy going and got on with everyone. They could teach her to drive. Harder to teach somone to be nice.
It's who you know not what you know.
Get connected then look for the job. Take a low job that connects you to the people in the area you wish to work.