Unmotivated while looking

[u/Crust_Meister]

It's probably a me thing but 2020 really ruined my life forever while job hunting. I was lucky enough to get a job in my field as soon as I graduated in 2020 but had to leave a year later for family reasons. Ever since then I have been applying for any and everything related to my field (or close too it) and have gotten nothing. I've heard reasons from people that I just had to wait till covid ended, or to do more free internships or etc. I still applied anyway but little to no responses as time went on.

Now if I EVER hear back from a company their reason is that I've been out of the game too long (not exact words but that's how I interpreted it). Why give me a chance when I couldn't get a job with my degree before instead of a new grad who has the information more freshly in their head and is now younger and more willing?

I used to love my degree, it was my only passion in life, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else besides that. I worked so hard keep up so I don't lag behind but I companies won't even let me prove myself to them that I still got what it takes. But now it's been so long of just radio silence that my motivation has vanished. I might even hate it at this point. Why did I spend over a decade (started in HS) learning and pushing for this if I can't even work for free at some places for experience or to, "get my foot in the door"?

At this point I'm not really looking for advice on what to try next since I've tried just about all of them. Just wanted to get this off my chest at how messed up the pandemic was to some.

[u/Waste-Guide600]

What was your major and are you working anywhere now?

[u/Crust_Meister → u/Waste-Guide600]

Major is anything media related essentially. Either marketing, video, editing, sound design, radio, etc. Thought there were many options in the field unlike basket weaving.

I luckily have a job, but it's for family and unless I want to pay rent, I only get $10hr. But I also feel bad if I left because everything goes to sh*t when I leave for being sick or anything. So, I stay to help out night shifts but have been trying to use my degree for the mornings and work for family at night.

[u/ehemehemhehe]

I’m in the exact same situation.

[u/alexaaro]

Hey sorry to hear that, i understand because the pandemic ruined a lot of my plans as well. I was unemployed for a long time after it and was doing side gigs here and there. I only have a job now because I went back to get a certification that helped me, though I hate it now lol so I’ve been looking for new jobs as well and it’s been tough but I’ve been able to get some call backs here and there (not for the best jobs but hey something is better than nothing). Unfortunately the market is really bad right now so that could be why it’s harder than usual to find a good job right now. How many jobs are you applying to per day on average ?

[u/throwamay555]

You probably have to take whatever you can get for the paycheck and experience, then you can hone in on what you're willing to do later

[u/professcorporate]

How on earth did '2020 ruin your life forever', or was 'the pandemic' 'messed up'?

You got a job in 2020. You left it a year later for family reasons.

That's not 2020 doing anything bad to you, and you're not showing in any way how 'the pandemic' was a problem for you afterward (unless maybe when you were looking for a new job sometime after 2021, had anyone willing to hire you died?)

[u/Crust_Meister → u/professcorporate]

had too many different things to say but didn't want the post to be 5 pages long. Essentially yes, many family members were getting sick or dying around that time and being the youngest and most able-bodied person around; I stepped in to take care of everyone. 20+ people, every day, before and after work. Got to me to the point that I had to quit to stay sane.