Last year I had three jobs. I was so excited to be working in my field (mostly) so soon after graduation. However, all those jobs were either temporary or part-time. After the mid-term elections I was out of work and feeling incredible unsuccessful (if you remember that post). A month later I moved in with my partner and far away from my hometown. Over the last 4 months in my new city I have been attempting to once again have a job, continue my career.

Applying to jobs was a grueling process. Trying to find a job in the field I have experience in and want to grow in. In that finding a jobs that I’m even remotely qualified for. Over the last couple months I don’t know that I hit 100 applications but I truly felt like I was getting close.

So in the last couple months I had FIFTEEN job interviews: phone interviews, Zoom interviews, team interviews, and field tests. Some were initial inquiries and some were series of follow-ups and meeting different team members. It was during those follow-up periods that I stopped applying, got hopeful.

Obviously after FIFTEEN interviews those hopeful periods got less and less. Overall it was an incredible disheartening experience. There is something that is much more personal about being rejected after an interview versus just being rejected off a resume.

But here we are two weeks after interview #15 and I just accepted a job offer that I couldn’t have imagined when starting this experience. It’s a perfect fit. It is a job that is kinda in my field of organizing while using my actual work experience of youth work. Now it all feels worth it. After 15 interviews to be offered a job that I want and am excited for, in a place where I can be supported and grow.

Truth be told I am also just excited to have a day-to-day purpose and a reason to shower.

I am so excited for this new experience. Wish me luck!