Can't find work... Going through depression.

[Mecingo]

I'm one of those unfortunate figures in the unemployment sector in this so called great country USA. I've filled out at least 25 job apps and I even come dressed up for interviews but it seems I'm competing with people twice my age for jobs that usually teenagers and young adults apply for. I don't have to worry about my education because of my father's GI bill which will pay for most of it but I want money of my own. I want to work but it seems a young 19 year old like myself can't get any, well any stable job that is. I have done odd jobs like babysit dogs, cut lawns, plant gardens, etc. But that isn't really enough to pay for "a car" shit I have to walk most places. Gas prices are a killer on my wallet, and my parents are getting on my case about not finding a job which is really ticking me off. I have to compete with so many people, most have better qualifications then I do. I was planning on becoming a pilot, going to flight school and shit but I might have to change things around. I might enlist if I can't find work within a year, it was actually a original plan a while back but pilots aren't "enlisted". I never thought not working would lead to depression, the current economy and the constant rising of prices are also eating at me. I can't even watch the news anymore because I get terribly depressed, there seems to be nothing but dark days ahead. I feel at times like I'm going to, snap under the pressure of this intense depression. I know it's bad when going for a run or going down to my local gym doesn't even help. I just needed to vent this, I bet some people have it worse then me but knowing that doesn't help at all either.

[Sinbad]

Hey there mate, that is real tough. You're going through a difficult period but I'm sure you have the strength within you to get through it... everyone has a strength deep within when you dig down and look for it. On a practical level is there anything you can do to give yourself an advantage over other people applying for jobs? Like taking a training course or doing a voluntary work placement? Concentrate on your strengths and the things you are good at - not on what you believe others think you should do. Anyway remember you've got a supportive community here that can lend an ear and some encouragement when it's needed. Just hang in there and stay in the fight... at some point things have to change, they always do.

[Star King]

Dear Friend,

Don't get down get up because you have a lot of life a head of you. Life isn't easy but all good things come to those that wait.
Not to be too philosphical but the best is yet to come. As you get older and positive people and things come your way, you will remember these days of struggle as a blip on a radar screen.
The USA is going through a major depression (like the rest of world) so trying to find a job is brutal. Just keep trying!
If you have a job its a recession and if you don't have a job its depression!
I am glad to see you vent here because all of us have been there.

[EN4CER]

Yeah the entire US is kind of slumped right now. History shows that there will either be revolution or recovery ahead and frankly either one is much better than where we're at.

Your education will open doors of opportunity that are otherwise very difficult to get into. As someone that has had to look for talent in a competitive industry I can confidently state that you don't get hired on age or even knowledge. It's on what you can do and how well you fit within the company and its culture. That said most companies aren't looking to hire a 19 year old with little formal education and no sought after job skills.

For instance we can't hire anyone younger than 25 because they can't rent a car. We even hired a guy and sent him on an install before we found out the hard way they just will NOT rent him a car. At 19 you are an adult but you aren't an established adult. You're still finding out who you are and even though you think you know what you enjoy/want in life you're still learning that as well.

My only advice is that if the depression is severe you should probably talk to a doctor to check for imbalances. If you don't think it's severe enough to be warrant medical attention then hang in there man. The most important thing for you to do right now is to move forward with your formal education or to attain a technical skill in any industry.

When I say technical skill I don't mean learn to weld. I mean get certified to weld. Don't just learn to program and go apply to places. Get certified in programming. Right now your age alone usually means that you have no skills and even if it's untrue that you will make bad decisions on your path to self discovery just like the rest of us.

[SeeJay]

Hey mate.

Sorry to hear you're really down.
If I may give a sugestion on job interviews:
I'm part of our companys recruiting process
some times and my sugestion is to just
be yourself. Don't try to be someone you
think that company wants. Most recruiting nowadays
are based more on personal chemistry than
competance for many jobs. It's more important
if you are willing and able to learn the skills
needed tham that you are a "pro" that will be
hard to train.

That is the best advice I can give you Bro.

Do know that we will all support you as best
as we can right here if you need us.

SeeJay


[Edited on 2012-8-2 by SeeJay]

[Busch]

Sorry if this should sound a bit low-brow, but have you tried the temp agencies or the day-labor types ? Usually, with the temps and day-labor folks, if one can be consistant about showing up at least presentable and looking eager for work, you can probably anticipate being "placed" somewhere. Play on your strengths first. Best foot forward and all that does help. I know, 'cause I've hired 'em and I've fired 'em.

[Mecingo]

Thank you all for the advice, glad to belong to such a good community.