The Sort of Job Hunt

So this past week I told myself, this is it, the week I get serious about finding a job. Spoiler alert: I applied to exactly two more jobs than last week. That’s progress, right? Technically, yes. Am I suddenly an application machine? Absolutely not.

I did all the “serious job hunter” things: opened ten tabs of job boards, polished up my resume (again), and made a cup of tea like I was about to crank out fifty applications. Then I stared at the screen, read a few job descriptions, and thought, “Wow, this sounds soul-crushing.” Close tab. Repeat.

To be fair, I actually narrowed in on some real targets this time: corporate websites, NYC and NYS government jobs, tech companies, and a mix of other spots where I could see myself landing. What I didn’t do was apply to any of the endless listings from staffing firms. Why? Because they almost never respond to their own posts, so why waste my time?

I also filed for unemployment last week, so this week was my “waiting week” before the first check comes in. Nothing says motivation like watching your bank account side-eye you while the state decides when to toss you a bone.

The highlight of the week, though, was that I had my first interview. Yes, one measly little interview, but it counts. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

Look, I did manage to hit “submit” on a couple more jobs, so I’m calling that a win. The problem is, after years of working at full throttle, I still feel like I should be doing something every second. It’s like my brain doesn’t understand that job searching is a marathon, not a sprint… and I keep tripping before I even reach the starting line.

So yeah, week two wasn’t exactly a dramatic turnaround. It was more like dipping my other foot into the water. Still not swimming, but at least I’m standing in the pool now.

But hey, I did decorate my bathroom for fall, and I even made an herb-drying hanger out of a branch. So if nothing else, I’m out here winning at seasonal homemaking while half-heartedly applying for jobs. Balance, right?

Next week, I’ll start sharing some tips on job hunting so you can be as soon at the job search as I am. *side eye* Until then, Thoughts & Prayers, sort of.

By the numbers: 23 applications, 4 rejections, 1 interview

-Irene