I know I’ve been super busy focusing on the Leave Your Mark features, promoting, and getting this site up and running that I haven’t dedicated time to really write about my thoughts. So, here I am to update you a little bit about what’s been going on behind the scenes.
Like MILLIONS of Americans, I am currently unemployed due to Covid-19. Last week especially was super frustrating for me since it was the last week of the CARES Act benefit and I had to reapply for my weekly benefits.
I mean sure, the time off away from work has had its perks (like me being able to focus and commit to growing my blog & catching up on sleep), but of course, I still worry about the future. A LOT of my money has been saved from staying in this whole time and receiving the benefits but I’ve never been inclined to NOT want to work. Maybe a huge part of this is due to me just being hard on myself, given the fact that this entire year I’ve only worked 2 months and we’re in already in August. For as long as I can remember, I always loved the idea of making my own income, but aside from that I’m still responsible for bills and this rent is NOT cheap.
In early July, I did receive a job offer from someone who I’ve met previously from the industry I used to work in. It was for a Marketing/Office manager position, so after weeks of receiving phone calls from HIM attempting to recruit ME, I finally interviewed and got a job offer the following week. Unfortunately, during my first week there they faced some changes due to the sudden departure of someone who played a big role in the company. I don’t really want to get into it too much but long story short, there was a lack of communication on THEIR part, had me on standby, only to tell me they were no longer keeping the position but hoped that “our communication stays open”. UMM, NO! I’ve already wasted time waiting around and why would I want to work from someone who can’t handle one person leaving the company and lacks basic communication skills? Annoying.
I completely understand millions of people (including some friends and family) are in the same position but it’s truly frustrating when I’ve been sending application after application to Marketing positions (which I meet the exact requirements for) and have gotten NO real leads, except from the “we advertise this as a Marketing position but this is really door-to-door sales” companies. My parents and friends have attempted to reassure me that I share this same sentiment with many others, however, it doesn’t alleviate any of my frustrations at all. I do want to also address those shaming people who are receiving unemployment benefits, show a bit of compassion because there are situations many of us are unable to control, like companies NOT being interested in some of us.
Truthfully, with the number of unprofessional employers & jobs I’ve worked for in Orlando that have led me to ZERO opportunities, I’m actually EXTREMELY turned off from working for ANYONE else here. (None you deserve my skills anyway!! haha… I’m half kidding.) Of course, I still have hopes in working for myself & running my own business, but the plan was to work full time & SAVE while working towards that dream.
This whole situation has only motivated me more to work harder and put ALL of my energy into this blog. Ironically, these closed doors have redirected me back to the path that I’ve always wanted to follow. I think it’s important to take a step back and realize what direction your life is really taking you. I actually covered this in one of my earlier posts, “Oh My Bad Hun, You Right“, and though I’m currently unemployed, it seems that this may be a sign that the path I was attempting to follow was NOT the right one.
Lately, I’ve been super focused on growing my blog (this is basically a full-time job anyway), taking Marketing certifications, and living life day by day. If some miracle happens that a well-paying PR/Marketing position comes up, then it does and I’ll take the opportunity. But until then, I’ll continue to apply to more positions and shift my energy into other goals I have for myself, including growing my blog to the next level.
I do still have those off days where I feel discouraged, but I know it’s important to collect myself to regain my focus and be productive, rather than to wallow all day. I’m not saying you’re not allowed to because trust me, I always advocate the importance of NOT suppressing your emotions. You should definitely vent & cry it out if needed (because I sure do), but just remember to not be discouraged and take this time to put that energy into something else for the meantime.
This is a tough time for EVERYONE and we all have been affected in some way whether some like to admit it or not. Your focus should be on how to find the silver lining or how to become that silver lining in your situation. Even without a full-time job, I’ve already accomplished a lot more the past 4 months than I did all of last year. I chose to take advantage of our current reality to make some changes and stay productive and hopefully you all can or have been doing so as well.
So, for everyone who thought it has been all rainbows and butterflies for me, this just goes to show that nobody knows what goes on behind social media. I’m happy to be able to share part of my life with you all and I truly hope that some of you in the same position can gain some motivation or comfort from this. Life will always lead you down the right path, so keep looking for that silver lining.
I hope you guys have a wonderful rest of the week ahead, and THANK YOU so much for taking some time to read this.
Let me know in the comments below if you’re in the same boat and how you’re taking this time to turn an unfortunate situation into something else!
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