Review: Why Don't People Hire Me???

Despite all the "fun" Alex and I had, we relentlessly sought employment. I had researched some consulting companies in San Francisco while I was home in FL and continued applying while I was in Berkeley. However, the days were long and we had so much time on our hands so Alex and I looked for temporary and part time employment.

I applied to five temporary agencies in the city in hopes of finding some Administrative Assistant position. I went to each firm, interviewed with the personnel, and gave them my credentials. I thought applying to all of these agencies was overkill and that I would have no problem getting temporary work. God how I was so wrong.

It seems that I applied to the agencies at the perfectly WRONG time. 

1.) Summer is typically not the best season for recruiting. Most companies have their budgets in order closer to the end of the year.

2.) California is trying to alleviate its large deficit by cutting tons of temp/part-time positions. 

3.) Economy in general blows.

4.) I also think I applied to the wrong agencies.

Out of all those firms and a month of waiting, I literally got called twice for potential work. One of the opportunities I missed out on b/c I called back 10 minutes too late. I didn't get the second opportunity b/c they went with a previous hire. 

Ridiculous? I know. I mean I was pretty diligent and consistent with my pursuit and contact and I turned up with nothing!!! 

A month of unemployment inevitably leads to reflection and self doubt. It becomes frustrating knowing that you are very qualified, skilled, and willing to work and yet you end up with nothing. You begin doubting your abilities and aptitude and begin to wonder if there is something you are doing wrong. This led to me having doubts about any type of future I might have of working in San Francisco and that maybe traveling the 3000 miles was a complete waste of time.

The thoughts ran through my mind every now and then. It especially hit hard on Sundays and Mondays. This is the time when employed people prepare for and actually go to work.  

It took a lot of venting and talking with friends, family, and people I met in San Francisco to realize that making it out here is very tough! I knew it was going to be difficult but had NO CONCEPT of the time span and the emotional toll it might take. I have talked to various people in the city who said they have lots of unemployed twenty-something friends who have sometimes waited up to five months to find work. 

THAT IS JUST HOW THE CITY IS!

There are some many people searching for jobs. There is a limited number of positions. And the only way that the jobs can be rationed is through people's skill and the amount of time they wait. 

With that being said, I know that there are forces beyond my control that are dictating my current employment status. I know that by being persistent and resourceful I will find a great job and be able to start my life out here. I have given myself six months in SF to find a job. If not, I hop on a plane back to Beantown. 

We will see what happens......

"Good Morning Opportunities"