10 Years After High School and I am Still Unemployed
The search continues for a paying job
This June, I will have been out of high school for a decade already. In 2016, when I graduated, I dreamed the typical dream of a high school graduate — attending a full course load in college while working part-time on the side. After all, many of my peers were doing that; why couldn’t I?
Had I seen the future – ’cause mine wasn’t looking like I wanted it to – I would have sought help in résumé writing, written a couple of various cover letters to align with the jobs I was looking for, or best of all, sought out a job coach.
I received special education in school, which meant I had an IEP (individualized education program). Sadly, that didn’t give me any extra support in job hunting. The topic of part-time work came up at my last IEP meeting; however, there was no guidance on how to go about doing so, other than the suggestion of volunteering first.
In hindsight, I should have emphasized my need for work rather than making it a footnote.
It’s no secret that the job market out there is difficult. Cutthroat. From economicsinsider, the rate of unemployment is 4.4%.
I’m embarrassed to say, but so be it, that I have never held a steady job before. Admittedly, I searched for work on and off while still fresh out of high school.
And yet.
I know I am one of many young people who have never worked before. I don’t think I can count my short time as a server-in-training at a diner, as I was never hired. I did get paid for it, though.
What I have against me when it comes to applying is my lack of skills and job history, and probably just an associate’s degree and nothing higher. I am happy for myself that I even hold a degree, since I struggled to get there. Here’s a hint: college math held me back.
Fortunately, I can say that I have been on interviews, maybe about a dozen already. As of this writing, my most recent interview was on February 3 of this year, for a library position.
If you must know, I am looking for sympathy.
For anyone who hasn’t been in my situation, I’d like you to imagine what it is like. I am not lazy. I cannot apply to every job out there when I come across it as an ad, a flyer, or word of mouth. Not many potential jobs suit me. It is not up to me whether I get hired or not. To be unemployed is to feel worthless and disrespected, and I mostly feel disrespected.
To the employers, I ask you: is it necessary to hire an excellent candidate? Must they all be top-tier, with a long-standing internship listed on their résumé, having held a job or two, or be a graduate of a university? Can you ever hire someone who presents great character and attitude, without work experience?
If you ever come across a résumé that lacks prior work history, especially from a young person, please don’t judge. But you will. Not having work does not define someone as a lazy-ass. Not everyone gains the same opportunity.
We all start somewhere.
Not every job opening is going to beckon that ideal candidate. Remember, plenty of young people end up taking jobs that they did not go to school for. Retail is popular; I wonder why?
What job would I like, you might ask?
Library assistant!!! I’ve got the creativity, organization, attention to detail and eagerness to learn for it!
If that continues to fail, I’d take administrative work, floral design, catering, to name a few.
To be incredibly blunt. . .hire me! Let me prove how capable I am.
I need to be given a chance because we all start somewhere.
Update: my next job interview is in a week after this blog posting. Wish me the best of luck!
