Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Fool me 15 times… how did I not get the bloody hint?!
Since I started job searching I have applied for 15 jobs I
thought were perfect for me! I had
the experience. I tailored my
resume to each one, and I wrote a cover letter even if it wasn’t required. Before my interviews I scoured their
website learning everything I could about their company and the department in
which I would work. I borderline
stalked their employees on LinkedIn and Facebook. I phoned a friend and called in my connections. I dressed nicely and didn’t wear any of
my rings during the interview (I have a nervous tick where I CONSTANTLY switch
my rings from finger to finger or twist them). I kept my sarcasm to a minimum and my charm to a
maximum. Yet, I am unemployed (and
ironically don’t qualify for unemployment, my bad for quitting my own
contract). What am I doing wrong?
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| I even made an organized job search binder with color coded tabs! |
I am applying at the same companies (multiple positions) for
the same types of jobs – military non-profit. This is my passion, my dream job…right? Question is: when does it stop becoming
admirable and start becoming ignorant?
At first I thought I was resolute and determined for
unwaveringly applying for the same types of jobs. But repeating the same action over and over again and
expecting a different result is the very definition of insanity according to
Einstein.
When I was in college I dated (I use the term very loosely)
a boy who I was enamored by. I
thought everything was going lovely even though he wouldn’t ever admit we were
dating. (I know in hindsight this
sounds really stupid on my part, but wait, save that judgment for about 3 more
sentences). Well then after months
went by I finally rid myself of him by moving 3 states away and severing all contact. I’ve always been rather dramatic I
guess. Well 2 years and 2 cities
later I ended up back where it all began, back with…yep, him. Ol’ Einstein was right, this situation
produced the same result. Only
this time I totally outdid myself on the move and moved a couple continents and
oceans away.
I guess I’m just an optimist…to a fault. Nah, that’s an easy out, blaming it on
a character flaw. I think the real
issue is I find something I enjoy, and I get comfortable. And who wants to leave that comfy spot on
the couch you just nestled yourself into that’s already warmed by your butt?
I just thought it would be easier than this.
I remember I attended a TEC retreat (Teens Encounter Christ)
and I was on this great “yay God!” high from a weekend of fun faith filled
activities. Our leader warned us
that although we felt changed by the weekend, the world had not changed. We were in a protected bubble and the
real world was a harsh reality that would smack us in the face.
I’ve left my protected bubble of Afghanistan, and now I’m
smack dab in the real world armed with experience, a degree, and a waning sense
of confidence.
I am confident in one thing though; I’m not insane. So, it’s time to do something
different.
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| pretty brilliant dude |
