There's nothing really to update. 80 job applications - some have been a stretch (maybe 50%), but the rest I have all the qualifications needed. No success.
I've quit looking. No more job ads, no more tailoring resumes and cover letters. No more getting excited about possible jobs that might be interesting, which means no more emotional roller coaster.
If something lands in my lap, so be it, but I am apparently not cut out for academia or non-academia. I occupy the void between two worlds, with the days passing endlessly via a mundane routine.
I was trained in science, and at one time I relished solving physical problems, but all that is tainted now. Nothing left but a piece of ordinary paper framed in mahogany, never-ending existence in no-man's land, and the loss of my last friend... hope.
One thing I recently realized is that getting a faculty job is not very different than getting an industry job: The biggest thing that matters is having an inside connection that can lobby or play politics for you. I am in a similar situation in terms of transitioning from a STEM postdoc into an industry position, and I am not getting positive responses when applying to online ads. The best responses have either been (a) I find an online ad and then leverage my (meagre) network of industry contracts using LinkedIn or (b) I attend career fairs on campus and apply for interviews through the campus job portal/site. In fact, having a LinkedIn account has been very important to my job search for other reasons as well. Many campus "career centers" will provide support and guidance to postdocs, and that can also be a valuable resource. The last thing I wanted to say is that you should not count the number of job applications sent out; it is a meaningless metric because a large number (not all) of the ads are posted after the decision has already been made on who to hire.
ReplyDeleteIt's not true that hiring decisions are already made after job ads are posted. I've had four interviews in the last two months - all from applying to jobs posted online - and I'm in the middle of securing a contract job right now that was set up for me by a temp agency that specializes in placing tech workers. I'm an English M.A. All I had to know was how to use a Mac.
ReplyDeleteI suggest contacting as many temp agencies as you can because they WILL find you work. And especially look around for agencies that specialize in placing for a discipline similar to your own (if you want to stay in it).
And those jobs you've been applying for that match your qualifications? The shitty reality is that there are hundreds of qualified people all vying for the one position. I applied for an admin position within my very own department and was selected for an interview out of 200 applicants (I didn't get the job btw). Same with an employer I met with yesterday. Employers are being inundated with applications so the competition is really fierce. They're overwhelmed, we're overwhelmed... the whole process sucks dogshit through a straw.
I totally get your exhaustion and hopelessness. I'm there too. It's so hard to rouse myself to keep at it day after day but I'll otherwise be on the street, so there's no choice. I hear you!
If you go to the blog askamanager.org you can ask Alison Greene to review your résumé for you. Her site has a lot of advice for job seekers and she welcomes email enquiries. She answered one of my job-seeking questions within 24 hours.
Take care!
No advice, only sympathy. Hang in there, friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, being unemployed totally sucks. Have you tried volunteering somewhere you like the idea of? e.g. a favourite charity or some such? It might help make you feel like you CAN do something, instead of counting the applications.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up hope! You will find something eventually! Finding a place to volunteer sounds like a great idea, and potentially even a way to find a paying job. Another thought: have you looked into temp work at all? Another recommendation would be to look into tutoring jobs at test prep companies. I can't say it's the most enjoyable thing to do, but it is a job, and it does pay a more or less decent wage, and I imagine any company would be glad to have someone with your qualifications.
ReplyDeleteDear Aimless
ReplyDeleteJust to say thank you for this blog. I don't wish misery on anyone, but it is nice to read that I'm not alone in realizing my academic dreams are over. After 8 years of phd/postdoc I'm unemployed, broke, and no 'ordinary' workforce wants to hire me. We're not alone out there - I take solace in that, but it still sucks big time.
Hi Aimless,
ReplyDeleteNever lose your hope!! You are not alone as someone facing tremendous challenges in job search. I have worked in the industry for several years, then back to university to do postgraduate studies, recently finishing PhD, starting job search, lucky to got into one interview but rejected unexpectely. In fact, felt more confident to get a job many year ago when I was just holding a Bachelor degree. Why?? perhaps postgraduates have been trained to think too much...I mean tendency to over-analyse' things...this creates fears and lots of thoughts that are likely to be negative. So, stand up Aimless! I like to call you 'Aimfull', may I? I read this from a motivational book, may I share it with you: "I am NOT a failure if I am yet to make it, I am a success because I try!" Sincerely wish you pick up your fighting spirit, remember, each "NO" means you are one step closer to an "YES"! I too remind myself of this truth of life from Pastor Joel Osteen. God bless you, my friend...
Thank you for your kind words. I agree with the tendency to over-analyze - it definitely brings on 'paralysis by analysis'. I'll try to keep going, we will see...
DeleteAbsolutely! I like how you put it 'paralysis by analysis'! Brilliant you! just keep going, never look back, run, run, run, run,those who say no or never reply to job applications are passer-by, who cares?? just run till the destination, if tired, take a rest, then run again, Best of Luck to you Jones :) not "I hope I will get a job", instead "I know I will get a job!"
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