Because I've had so many rejection emails and calls of late, should I give up on my job searching?

[Mr Allen]

Topic.

As you'll see from my response to the Sue Ryder topic earlier, I got a call this morning saying I wasn't successful because my answers to the telephone interview were not "in depth" enough, and I also had an email this morning rejecting me for a Sales Assistant position at Jessops's camera shop in Meadowhall, as well as the pointless interview at Royal Mail on Tuesday morning where they rejected my ID documents because I don't have an in-date Passport, should I basically admit to myself and the world that the Internet are correct in their opinion that I am a workshy slave to the benefit system and will never work for money?

I am just so constantly angry every time I get told "no" and it's not doing my health or mental well being any good whatsoever as I feel depressed and I don't even bloody watch BBC East Enders.

All on the eve of a weekend away visiting Family in London, and I'm in the mood from hell because I've had knock back after knock back all week!

Thoughts? Please do not insult me, I am NOT in the mood!

 

[Bolletje]

I’ve never seen anyone around here call you a workshy slave to the benefit system, the only times I see that phrase is when you bring it up. That being said, not being able to land the jobs you want doesn’t make you workshy.

It might be a good idea to re-evaluate why you didn’t land the jobs you recently applied for.Try to learn from the rejection. If you got rejected for something you can change (like not having a valid passport) those are things you can work on. If you got rejected for things you can’t change (like limited mobility or bad hearing) then you could consider not applying for similar jobs in the future to try and save yourself the frustration of inevitable rejection.

 

[Mattymatt]

Why would you think anyone on here would insult you? It's clear that you're putting out a herculean effort to get work and your persistence where others would quit is admirable. No one can accuse you of being workshy because of the efforts that you have been putting out to get work. Don't buy into what the politicians say about "entitlements" because they take many an entitlement themselves. They get driven to and from work and collect a handsome paycheck for working far less than full time.

Now for the tough love part, and if I truly did not care, I wouldn't say anything at all. You have to learn to deal constructively with your anger. I have had to do this and it's been especially hard for me because my expression of anger is a defense mechanism. Anger keeps me from becoming clinically depressed and suicidal. I know I will never be able to completely eradicate the issues but I have learned to manage the anger so it can be used constructively. This is something I would like to see you learn to do, because once you do, you will find doors open a whole lot wider for you. This is called emotional intelligence and it is about managing and using your emotions constructively. I am far from perfect and emotional intelligence will be a lifelong struggle but the first victory in a struggle is admitting you need help.

 

[Progster]

I don't think you should give up and stop trying, but just not tell them about your disabilities unless they specifically ask about them - do they really need to know? Why tell them? Don't volunteer information that is not asked for. And also, don't apply for jobs where your disabilities might cause you problems.

Christmas is coming up, many shops and places like restaurants take on extra staff during this period. Go around the local restaurants in your area and give them your CV and contact details, something might well turn up.

 

[the_tortoise]

should I basically admit to myself and the world that the Internet are correct in their opinion that I am a workshy slave to the benefit system and will never work for money?

You seem quite the opposite of work-shy to me.

I think you should do what is best for you.

If you want to keep trying, and have it in you to keep trying, then you should keep trying. Don't let anybody tell you it's hopeless, they can't know that (and I personally don't believe that's the case).

If you need a break because the effort is causing you serious mental health difficulties, there is no shame in that. Giving up can just be for a short while to deal with the stress and frustration of rejection and disappointment, and/or to re-assess your strategy in the job search, it doesn't have to be forever.

If you decide to take a break or give up for a while (or forever), it does not mean you are admitting that people who call you a work-shy slave to the system are correct. Such people usually don't know what it's like to have a disability, and/or to live on benefits -- and when they do have their own disabilities or have been on benefits themselves, they tend to be unable to see that everyone is different in terms of ability and circumstance....the belief "if I can do it, anyone can" is misguided/foolish.

 

[Bolletje]

I just remembered something my therapist told me way back when I was severely depressed and unable to land a job while frantically searching: try to limit the amount of time you dedicate to searching for work. If you spend all your time looking, it will turn into an unhealthy obsession. So set a time slot for your job search, then do other (constructive) things that make you happy in the other time slot.

 

[Monachopia]

I'm sorry things didn't work out, I believe everyone here has seen and knows that you're doing everything you can. I don't think you should give up, I believe you'll land something! Try to see what sort of answers the interviewer was looking for, the feedback in invaluable as the 'depth' of an answer can be something you can improve on. The passport issue is another thing you can definitely fix, all employment places need an in-date and valid form of ID.

In the meantime, would you consider volunteering at a charity shop? I used to manage some charity shops and it's a great opportunity for people to have a flexible few hours to get some experience, have some social interaction and most importantly to have something to put on their CV to show any potential employer that they're out in the community helping out and keeping their skills sharp.

 

[Mr Allen]

I'm sorry things didn't work out, I believe everyone here has seen and knows that you're doing everything you can. I don't think you should give up, I believe you'll land something! Try to see what sort of answers the interviewer was looking for, the feedback in invaluable as the 'depth' of an answer can be something you can improve on. The passport issue is another thing you can definitely fix, all employment places need an in-date and valid form of ID.

In the meantime, would you consider volunteering at a charity shop? I used to manage some charity shops and it's a great opportunity for people to have a flexible few hours to get some experience, have some social interaction and most importantly to have something to put on their CV to show any potential employer that they're out in the community helping out and keeping their skills sharp.

Volunteering at a Charity shop? With respect mate I've been there, done that and literally worn the T shirt in some cases.

Don't get me wrong, I'd willingly go back to the Oxfam on West St where I worked up to about 2 and half years ago nearly, if not for the 2 main reasons I left in the first place, the security, or rather lack thereof, of the shop (they got burgled in broad daylight), and my own safety waiting for carers outside the shop (I was attacked by a guy in a Hoodie while waiting at the Bus stop outside the shop, and it took the local Coppers 14 days to gather the CCTV footage to prove it happened!)

 

[Mr Allen]

Well based on a meeting this afternoon, I've decided to temporarily stop searching and applying for everything going that's anywhere near suitable, at least until possibly early next year after I've had the Operation to have the cataracts in my left eye removed.

They're hereditary, my late Granddad had them, then Mum had them and now me.

 

[onlything]

I would say that if you want to get a job, don't give. Not because some unimportant people on the Internet would insult you or call you names but just because you want to work. Although, a short break could help you to get back on track. I know how discouraging it can be to be rejected all the time. Still, stop thinking about other people, especially those on the Internet. They don't know you. They are inconsequential. You don't have to be put down by opinions of people you probably will never even see face to face. It will only make you feel worse and, honestly, I don't think there are people on this forum that would insult you as much. You're trying to get a job despite physical and other limitations. It's quite praiseworthy.

Still, try to learn from things you've experiences. Like with this ID - get it up to date and have more chance next time. There is this cheeky saying: A winner is a looser that tried one more time. Get yourself together, rest and try again if it's important to you.