I can't do this anymore.

[coloradodem2005]

I can't job hunt anymore. I couldn't for a long time. I get tired of looking online and at want-ads and applying for jobs that I don't want. I don't know how to network very well. I have very few contacts and not many of them seem too keen on helping me find work. I know that I am not owed a job. But I always thought I was smart, but when people keep telling me that I am not what they want, it takes a piece of me away. I am so tired of feeling stupid and worthless. Women don't want to date me because I cannot offer them what they want, even though I am a caring person. I can't afford even cheap counseling and nobody wants to help me. I'm not high risk enough to be considered for any free therapy and yet I feel like I am stewing in my juices. I don't see a way out. There are people that say I could do whatever I want, but I feel so incompetent and I cannot afford counseling.

[unblock]

1. check out this emoticon:

:hug:

thought you could use that about now.

[LynzM]

2. Awww, dude....

I probably can't help you with the job, but take a stab. What and where are you looking for?

In lieu of having a job offer, here's a :hug: and some good wishes for things to come your way, and soon!

[coloradodem2005]

4. Well, I am working on private tutoring.

But I also am looking at something either in politics behind the scenes, other than cold calling people, or in the government where I can put my math skills to good use.

[Toby109]

3. Just know this.

You are not alone.

[Redstone]

5. Didn't we talk about depression just the other day?

Look around (starting with the phone book), and you'll find that there are resources in your area for people who "can't afford counseling."

I'd suggest you get started on this first thing tomorrow morning.

Redstone

[Kathy in Cambridge]

6. I know it's hard-I've been unemployed too. It does take a toll on your

self-worth. You are NOT incompetent. Have you spoken to a job counselor at a university? it's free to alumni.

How old are you?

Networking and maintaining relationships with people is the best way to get a job in a bad economy. What field are you in?

[coloradodem2005]

7. I am 25.

Either something in mathematics or behind the scenes in politics.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. Honey, you have your whole life ahead of you!

:hug: I know that doesn't comfort you when you're mired in the shit, so to speak, but you are at the beginning of your professional career. If it's any consolation, I waitressed, bartended, worked in retail, worked in entry-level financial services until I was 28 and found my niche. Have you applied for entry-level 'business analyst' or 'financial analyst' jobs? it may not be your ideal job right now, but in a few years you may be able to move into politics. Sometimes you have to treat jobs as learning experiences to get to an eventual goal.

[coloradodem2005]

10. I try things like that and I don't get hired.

I have a math degree and these people want business degrees.

[Zuni]

13. act like your math degree is the schznitt

sell yoursaelf man---they are looking for a confident go getter, not a man who constantly feels sorry for himself.

Chin up and take on the world. Lets start here---no more self pity---you are now the Lounge Pimp and you can kick anyones ass.

Trust me, CD---the only way to advance is to push yourself. Even if you are scared, act like you are completely in control

[DulceDecorum]

21. I second that.

From
The King and I.

Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I'm afraid.

While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune
And no one ever knows
I'm afraid.

The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell
For when I fool the people
I fear I fool myself as well!

I whistle a happy tune
And ev'ry single time
The happiness in the tune
Convinces me that I'm not afraid.

Make believe you're brave
And the trick will take you far.
You may be as brave
As you make believe you are

You may be as brave
As you make believe you are

(LOUIS)

While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune
And no one ever knows,
I'm afraid.

(LOUIS AND ANNA)

The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell
For when I fool the people
I fear I fool myself as well!

I whistle a happy tune
And ev'ry single time
The happiness in the tune
Convinces me that I'm not afraid.

Make believe you're brave
And the trick will take you far.
You may be as brave
As you make believe you are....

[GreenPartyVoter]

8. *hugs*

[DulceDecorum]

11. There was the show called Kung Fu

and David Carradine (yes, the Irishman) played the part of Kwai Chang Caine.
In one episode, Caine is placed in a large chicken coop and left there.
One week later the door is opened and they look in. Caine is sitting in the lotus position, calm, sane and healthy.

This has been an inspiration to me.
(Some of us detest Shakespeare.)
At a very difficult time in my life I decided that I was simply going to chill out
so that when it was all over,
I, too, would be calm, sane and healthy.
(And let me tell you here and now, IT WASN'T EASY.)
I think that I achieved my goal
although there are plenty here who would dispute that....

coloradodem2005,
learn to take the pebble from the master's hand
as you await the renaissance.

[Zuni]

12. coloradodem, the key is confidence

you have to act like you are the shit and people will treating you like you are.
Even if you are shaking inside, act like you have no worries. Go into a place and sell yourself. No one is going to hire you if you act desperate with no confidence. And that goes with women. Women go for guys who give off a confident air. They can be total bums, but if they are sure of themselves, they will find a girl.

Think about it. No matter how down and weak you feel, act like you are the king and they would be stupid not to choose you. It works, trust me.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

15. You are so right about this....n/t

[nuxvomica]

14. Keep trying

Don't think that someone who interviews you has any idea of your self-worth. They don't. You are highly literate, not a jerk and not a sexual harasser. That makes you better than probably 90% of the people with good jobs out there. All you need is a break and you'll get one if you keep trying and stop measuring yourself against whether total strangers accept you or not.

[elshiva]

16. I am unemployed and am also tired of job hunting, so

I am sorry! :hug:

[solinvictus]

17. Hang in there...

have you checked the insurance industry? I have a friend who used his master's in mathmatics to get into the actuarial department. He now makes over $60K. Don't worry, you'll find something. Remember, if you show any fear or desparation, the shits won't consider you. If you walk in confident, but not arrogant, they'll consider you.

[TreasonousBastard]

18. You're too young to be that depressed...

it took me over 50 years to get there. No one wants my prehistoric skills either right now, so I barely eke out a living doing drudge work. The difference is that you have a future to think about.

So, you've got math skills? Seems to me they're needed pretty much everywhere, but no one specifically calls for them. Marketing, engineering, R&D... None ask for mathematicians, but heavily use the skills and might hire someone with the skills and who could be brought up to speed in other areas.

Teaching is an option, but how about calling yourself a statistician? If you're not heavy in statistics, take some courses, maybe investigate a graduate degree. I rarely see ads for statisticians, but do see them on websites, hidden in the back.

[foreigncorrespondent]

19. Mate...

...those people that tell you, yu can do what ever you want, tell them to go to hell! How can you do what ever you want, if there isn't that many decent jobs to be had?

I really do sympathize for you. Sapphocrat has been unemployed since the dot com crash of 2000. She gave up looking a long time ago. Myself, I Had been unemployed for several years, and had to end up changing my entire outlook and qualifications in order to get the job I have now.

Just remember that you aren't incompitent. It is that shit for brains that sits in the oval office that has been the incompitent idiot who stuffed up the economy that it ruined a lot of peoples chances for work.

Anyway, just know that there are people here on DU who truly care fo you. And those people are here for you.

[Sannum]

20. I know the feeling.

When you least expect it, the right job will come along. Take care of yourself:hug:

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[philosophie_en_rose]

23. This too shall pass.

You have to believe that you are the person that you hope you are. That you're smart and that there is someone out there waiting for you. You will find a job. It's there, you just have to find it.

I recommend trying a government job to gain some experience. Research the work environment and focus on your positives.

Have you considered going back to school? Student loans are not pretty, but it would open up your options. How about Americorps?

If you want a political future, I recommend volunteering with a political organization or campaign to get your foot in the door.

[Moderator]

24. locking

DU members are not qualified to help you work through these difficulties.

We would like to actively encourage you to call 1-800-784-2433, and professionals will be ready to listen to your concerns and provide referrals to getting on-going assistance.

DU Moderators