Chapter 40: The Job Hunt Sucks

Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash

I’m nearing the seven month mark being homeless and living in my car. Not much has gotten easier, especially since my car broke down. But I’ve gotten into the habit of hanging out at the nearby Wendy’s every day to apply for jobs, eat, and distract myself from the Dark Thoughts™.

Applying for jobs has been very tedious and not very fruitful. I’ve put out about three dozen applications, and have only gotten two interviews, which I got rejected by both. I’ve received a handful of rejection emails as well. This is old hat for me, as I’ve filled out thousands of applications in the past five years. I just wish it was worth my time to continue grinding through them, though.

I’m not entirely sure if anyone will hire me. I have lots of experience in retail and security, but it doesn’t seem like that matters. I’ve all but given up using Indeed and ZipRecruiter because it seems most of those job postings aren’t real. I keep hearing horror stories from people who’ve spent time sending applications, only to find out that the position they applied for didn’t exist.

I’ve seen some job hunting advice that seems to be directing people back to how it used to work. Instead of filling out an application online, people went into the businesses and applied that way. Some even suggest finding who the head of HR is at the company you want to work for and contact them. If companies are going to post fake jobs and use AI to reject resumes, then us job hunters are going to go old school to avoid all that.

I need something soon, though. I’m not sure I can survive off the kindness of friends and strangers much longer. I’m thinking of starting a GoFundMe to see if I can raise some cash that way. I wish I had some way of offering my talents to make money, but I don’t think I’m talented enough in anything that would be worthy of money. It sounds pessimistic, but sometimes it’s the truth.

My other option is to make an opportunity happen. While I don’t have many talents to monetize, I do have a voice, a computer, and a microphone. Starting a podcast has been something I’ve contemplated for a few months now. It’s difficult to do so when you don’t have much privacy or quiet spaces. The problem with this idea is that it takes time for it to bear fruit. I need money now.

Whatever comes along, I will do my best to take those opportunities as they arise. If nothing transpires quickly, my only chance is to start something that could pay off in the future. I just have to hope that I can find people to aid me until then.