Finding My Dream Job After Years of Rejection and Uncertainty
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Chapter 1: The Struggle
The journey of job searching can be incredibly daunting, especially after facing numerous rejections. It's easy to feel disheartened, but remember, persistence is key. Aim for your dream job, no matter how unrealistic it may appear.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
After completing my education, including a prestigious degree, I found myself in the frustrating position of being unable to secure employment. I sent out more than 200 job applications, becoming increasingly disillusioned with platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn.
My primary obstacle? A lack of relevant experience for the roles I yearned for. It was a disheartening time; I knew I was capable of more but felt stuck.
Photo by Elijah O’Donnell from Pexels
With a First Class Honours BA, my only experience was in retail, yet my aspirations lay in the realm of online content creation. Despite a solid recommendation from my university, my job hunt was filled with embarrassment, and I dreaded admitting to others that I was unemployed.
Feeling lost, I enrolled in a free part-time marketing course and volunteered at a local theatre and soup kitchen. I needed to keep my mind engaged during this challenging time. Just as I began to see some hope, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, complicating everything further.
To occupy my time, I enrolled in an online hospitality course, despite my lack of interest in the field. Nonetheless, I learned invaluable skills, including food safety and customer service. I even applied for a receptionist position at a nearby five-star hotel and was thrilled to receive an interview invitation.
Not Today, Satan
Two days before my start date, the hotel manager informed me that due to rising COVID-19 cases, my start date would be postponed indefinitely. I felt crushed, but fate had other plans.
Later that day, while on the train home, I received an unexpected email from the managing director of a company I had applied to three months prior. She informed me of an open position and asked if I was still interested. I was overwhelmed with joy; this was my dream job, and they wanted to interview me!
(Accurate depiction of me at this moment) Photo by Ryan Moreno on Unsplash
After my interview the following week, I received a job offer just three hours later, and I couldn't hold back my tears of joy. Fast forward nearly two years, I've been promoted, received a raise, and now I get to create content and manage a website for a leading online fashion retailer.
If someone had told me four years ago that I would be in this position, I would have been astonished. The dream of having a job I love has become a reality.
The lesson here is clear: do not give up. You may hear this advice often, but it rings true. Although it's easier said than done, if you relate to the struggles of securing your first real job, keep pushing forward.
Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash
“The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in one’s determination.”
Keep learning and seek out educational opportunities. Volunteer your time. Maintain your faith. Just keep going. With determination, passion, and humility, you will find your path.
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