Welcome to Unemployment; I Wish I Could Say It Gets Better

Officially, I have been without a job for 1 year. I left my job last April. I walked out with my eyes wide open. The plan was to dive directly into freelancing, complete a yoga teacher training, and build my reputation as a creative into a sustainable lifestyle. I moved in with Family and out of my ex’s home to save and pivot myself into a new industry.

I had 3 clients and began driving as an uber driver for the bulk of my income. Whilst doing these things, I looked furiously for full-time employment. I was filling at least 50 applications per week. Every week I received numerous emails stating that another candidate was chosen. I have worked with headhunters, staffing agencies, talent agencies, sent messages on LinkedIn, and completed trainings to give me a leg up. Still, nothing. In November 2019, I began getting callbacks for fourth and even fifth interviews. One company even flew me out to their headquarters. Still, nothing. Every week of the first quarter, I had at least two interviews. Still, nothing.

The Gig economy has kept me treading financial waters. I have worked Postmates, Instacart, Lyft, Favor (Texas food delivery app), and Uber profusely. Anything that will pay. However, these gigs have a cost of operation that is just a shotty as their business models. Before the stay at home orders, I was working as a substitute teacher. It was great until the school districts closed their doors as well. Currently, I have been doing Instacart in the farm town of my metro area. It has been sustainable and busy. I do not plan to do this forever.

I have not given up but I know that with the economic downtown the United States is facing, it will just get tougher. There are now 10 million Americans who have become unemployed within 3 weeks. This is all new to them. Being unemployed can lead to depression, anxiety, and the death of your self-esteem. I have to remind myself daily that things will get better and this moment does not define me. Mind over matter, mind over matter, is what I repeat to myself.

My new approach is a diet of positivity. I have been taking in positive content and music. (That means gospel and a lot of Jason Mraz) I truly believe that the most difficult part of being unemployed is not over. Especially now that the economy has turned so drastically.

For those who are newly employed, especially those with degrees, do not plan for an immediate turnaround. Life does not work that way. Cope with disappointment and rejection healthily.