Looking for work - How to keep up motivation and hope?

[OkieDokie]

Hey guys,

Just wondering how those of you looking for work, or who have had long spells of unemployment, managed to keep your heads up? I'm really struggling right now...it seems like every time I open my email there's several job application rejections. I'm supposed to do the whole "positive thin king thing" but it's hard to change my negative thoughts when there's so much justification for me to be thinking this way (like my thoughts aren't just me being paranoid or overly negative - they're actually justified by things that happen...idk...). I feel like I'm doing everything I can do to improve my chances, such as getting resume and cover letter help from the careers counsellors at uni and my employment service provider who are helping me find a new PD and volunteer work. I suspect I'm not getting the easier jobs because I'm overqualified and I'm not getting the jobs I should be able to get because I don't have the experience.

Being unemployed is really taking its toll on me--I dropped out of uni this semester cos tbh I couldn't see the point of doing a masters degree if I couldn't work or afford to even get the bus there. I didn't have a choice but to go back on benefits cos I'd used up all of my savings... I haven't worked for about three years cos of the depression and anxiety but now I feel like such a waste of space.

Oh, and I recently went to a friend's wedding and spent about half an hour in the bathroom crying because my boyfriend's mum called me an "unemployed bum" which was like a slap in the face. I'm really trying! I wish I was normal...and I wish someone would just give me a chance :(

[Laura2.0]

could you do a practical job placement in the area you want to work?
this way you could get practical experience.

My stepdad wrote hundrets of applications and didn't get a job for years, now he's working for one of his friends and not what he learned/went to uni for. He likes the job though.
Maybe apply for jobs that are not immediately connected to your degree, but something that's related. (a secretary could apply at a hostel to book rooms for people etc)

[breezymcpeazy]

im in the same boat. i never relized how not having a job can really lower your self esteem. all i can say is keep trying and dont give up! im a massage therapist and im applying for those jobs as well as receptionist jobs. im hoping that i can get my foot in the door without having it shut on my poor foot!

[Sigma]

It's an incredibly tough place to be. It's happened to me a couple of times and each time I felt I'd never do anything useful again. But I was wrong both times!

Staying positive? Volunteer work/internships etc are good ideas, letting as many people know you're looking and what your skills are...

And try to remind yourself that it won't be forever, even though it feels like it right now.

[OkieDokie]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I'm trying to get a foot in through an internship or reception/admin work, but it's pretty tough and like most industries, it's all a about who you know >.> :)