What To Do?

[rexbeccarox]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! I find job hunting grueling without going through a depressive episode!
Above proposals are all great. A more boring and pragmatic idea if all else fails - a desk job that is about something you personally find exciting might be somewhat less life-sucking than just any random admin work...

Yes; I hate job hunting with a passion, and this time it's really awful because, as if I needed something to add to my depression, it's making me feel old, stupid, and unskilled.

The problem with desk jobs is that, unless I get to wear a lot of hats, I have absolutely no focus.  I have pretty gnarly adult ADHD.  I suppose I could go back on ritalin...

Thanks, Alex

[Ravenshire]

With your background, have you considered something along the lines of programme director on radio?

Boru

Excellent suggestion, and I would love to do that.  The problem here is it's a major market, and I'd be lucky to get an internship at a radio station.  I had a mentor, someone who was willing to give me a chance at a station I (used to) absolutely love.  After our two-year friendship, me hanging out at and occasionally making a guest appearance on-air at the station, and taking my R/TV classes, I asked him if I was finally ready for a job at the station.  He asked me for sex.  That was a very tough moment in my life.  He got fired three days later (don't know why or if it had anything to do with me; I didn't complain to anyone or anything), and I lost my mentor.  TBC: I wouldn't have slept with him if he were Dave Grohl and the sex came with an unlimited supply of beer and weed. Gross.

But anyway, the only way I could get a job in radio right now is if I moved to a crappier market or I got extremely lucky.  I've thought about moving, but I can't afford to right now.  Thanks

I'm really sorry you're going through an episode right now, I can imagine its a lot to deal with at once with the job hunting on your mind
I don't know shit, but had an idea, if you don't mind low paid jobs many college students around where I come from work as shop assistants or on gas stations....but that's probably a less desirable option
I wish I could be of some more help

anyway I hope it works out for you....lots of hugs Becca

Thanks Vic

I wouldn't work in a gas station; they tend to be dangerous, but I have thought about working at a bookstore or music store.  There are several used bookstores near me. Maybe I'll go see if they need any help.  Thanks!

In addition to your music background, did you take any classes in education?  I don't know what the requirements in California are, but have you looked into substitute teaching?

I have, but honestly, being alone in a room with 30 kids is terrifying to me.  It's an excellent suggestion; just not the right one for me. Thanks C1

First thing, quit rationalizing why you can't do stuff. Go try to do it instead!

Second, you've got a great voice and a wonderful personality. Do some demo tapes and send them around.

Third, every big market has small players, especially in AM. Go kick down some doors and don't take "no" for an answer until they threaten to bring you up on stalking charges!

[Tonus]

I've often thought I'd make a really good preacher, but my lack of  belief sort of screws me there.

Not really, if you think about it.

My advice: find whatever it is you really do want to do, then research the ever-loving shit out of it, and take the necessary risks to see it through to a successful end. I realize that sounds like cheesy formulaic rah-rah bullshit, but it's the step I will be taking in a couple of months (well, the research part I've been busy with for more than a year, but the risk-taking part is coming up). Go for it, believe that you have what it takes to succeed (pro tip: you do!), and force life to cough up the good things you deserve.

I'm going to be a huge success in the next ten years and I'm around eight or nine years older than you, so you've got a head start!

[rexbeccarox]

I can empathize becca. I'm in nearly the same situation, but more limited with regards to standing long periods, lifting, and doing labor jobs. I am thinking of a desk job right now as well, as Alex K has mentioned. If you don't mind being on a computer all day, then something like data entry might not be too bad, but it may be too boring for you, compared to what you're used to. I'm sure you've done this, but just jump onto the job websites, and see if something jumps out at you. I hope we both can get something soon Best wishes, on the search!

Thanks, SBC.  Good luck to you too 

Oh yeah... no data entry for me.  My brain doesn't work well for that. I'd have to triple the ritalin!

[rexbeccarox]

Excellent suggestion, and I would love to do that.  The problem here is it's a major market, and I'd be lucky to get an internship at a radio station.  I had a mentor, someone who was willing to give me a chance at a station I (used to) absolutely love.  After our two-year friendship, me hanging out at and occasionally making a guest appearance on-air at the station, and taking my R/TV classes, I asked him if I was finally ready for a job at the station.  He asked me for sex.  That was a very tough moment in my life.  He got fired three days later (don't know why or if it had anything to do with me; I didn't complain to anyone or anything), and I lost my mentor.  TBC: I wouldn't have slept with him if he were Dave Grohl and the sex came with an unlimited supply of beer and weed. Gross.

But anyway, the only way I could get a job in radio right now is if I moved to a crappier market or I got extremely lucky.  I've thought about moving, but I can't afford to right now.  Thanks



Thanks Vic

I wouldn't work in a gas station; they tend to be dangerous, but I have thought about working at a bookstore or music store.  There are several used bookstores near me. Maybe I'll go see if they need any help.  Thanks!



I have, but honestly, being alone in a room with 30 kids is terrifying to me.  It's an excellent suggestion; just not the right one for me. Thanks C1

First thing, quit rationalizing why you can't do stuff. Go try to do it instead!

Second, you've got a great voice and a wonderful personality. Do some demo tapes and send them around.

Third, every big market has small players, especially in AM. Go kick down some doors and don't take "no" for an answer until they threaten to bring you up on stalking charges!

Thanks, B. That's really helpful, especially from someone who is very obviously good at getting jobs! I've already got tapes... maybe I'll just add some recent stuff to them...

I've often thought I'd make a really good preacher, but my lack of  belief sort of screws me there.

Not really, if you think about it.

My advice: find whatever it is you really do want to do, then research the ever-loving shit out of it, and take the necessary risks to see it through to a successful end. I realize that sounds like cheesy formulaic rah-rah bullshit, but it's the step I will be taking in a couple of months (well, the research part I've been busy with for more than a year, but the risk-taking part is coming up). Go for it, believe that you have what it takes to succeed (pro tip: you do!), and force life to cough up the good things you deserve.

I'm going to be a huge success in the next ten years and I'm around eight or nine years older than you, so you've got a head start!

Thanks, T. Good luck with your endeavor! I can't wait to hear about it

[Ravenshire]

Thanks, B.  That's really helpful, especially from someone who is very obviously good at getting jobs! I've already got tapes... maybe I'll just add some recent stuff to them...

No maybes! Get out there and kick some ass and take some names!

[paulpablo]

Dominatrix?  If I was female I'd want to be one of those.  I've wanted to change jobs for a while and I recently did a SIA course which is basically a course you have to pass to be a club doorman but also allows you do to CCTV work and work in all security.  So I have sympathy for you because I'm in a similar situation myself.  I also have qualifications in music I did very little with.

[rexbeccarox]

Dusted off my MacBook Pro, found all my tapes!

[rexbeccarox]

Dominatrix?  If I was female I'd want to be one of those.  I've wanted to change jobs for a while and I recently did a SIA course which is basically a course you have to pass to be a club doorman but also allows you do to CCTV work and work in all security.  So I have sympathy for you because I'm in a similar situation myself.  I also have qualifications in music I did very little with.

Good luck to you!

[robvalue]

Hey Becca, sorry to hear jobs are getting you down.

I agree with the idea of pursuing something you really want to do, or an area of work you think is very important and you'd find rewarding. My wife decided she was sick of working in retail all her life, and retrained to follow her passion of working with animals. It worked for her

It looks like you've already got some great suggestions here. Best of luck in your hunt, I hope you find a job that can make you happy!