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December 14, 2010
Pity parties
It could be said by those who know me that I have been having a pity party for one for the past six months. It also could be said that I had the right to. Having spent the past four years studying so that I could do the job I wanted, I came out of university to find that government budgets were being slashed and that it would be a struggle to find a job. Although this was a problem, I considered myself to be in a better position than some due to the fact that I had had significant work experience prior to studying and (what I considered to be) a very good CV.
While applying for jobs, I decided to join an agency so that I could work in the meantime and gain further experience. After a lot of hassle filling out endless pieces of paperwork, i joined. Unfortunately, since joining (Aug) I have not worked one day. They say there is no work. I felt very let down by this. Putting effort into something and getting nothing back is very frustrating.
During this time as I said, I was also applying for permanant jobs advertised. In all I think that I did 25-30 although I stopped counting after a while. When applying for these jobs, I did everything that was asked (they all asked for different things) and would spend a whole day on one to ensure everything was correct and good. Despite this, I was not given any interviews. Feedback given said things like 'over experienced', 'not enough experience', 'not what we are looking for'.
I frankly could not understand it. I thought that I had what an employer would want. Reliable, punctual, hard working, trustworthy and pleasant to talk to. I had worked my arse off for four years and thought that I would have a job at the end of it. But no. Despite my efforts, no one was employing me, the agency never rang (I gave up ringing them) and I was spending my days at home with no money and lots of frustration. I considered giving up.
With this, I was also battling with my electric company as they had the idea that I owed them £800. Gladly the matter is now sorted and they gave me £50 refund for their mistake.
A couple of months ago, I finally received a request to attend an interview. I had to look at the piece of paper for a while to quite believe it. Cutting a long story short as I have been writing for a while, I went and received the job. Success!
I also secured a job in the meantime working on the ward that I used to a few years ago doing odd shifts until the paperwork comes through and I am allowed to start.
Since things have started to come together, I have been thinking about my time over the past six months and realised that while some things were completely rubbish (I forgot to mention tedious phone calls to a HR man), many wonderful things have also happened.
Some being that I have moved to a wonderful new home, I had three top holidays with those I love, I have my first job starting soon where I get to do what I love and I have been able to spend a great deal of time with my partner which I missed out on during my final year at uni.
So yes, it has been a trying time where things have not gone to plan however despite this there are many wonderful things in my life and the sun has got his hat on once again. For me, when things are not going right I get very angry and sometimes feel that all is lost. In the present and the future, I am going to be aware of this and try to remember the good even when things are bad, hopefully maintaining more emotional balance.
Tonight, as I enjoy chicken thighs and baked beans, I thank those who heard me moan and listened to me. It was a comfort and I am grateful to have you. X
Posted by Russell at December 14, 2010 05:46 PM