Journal logo

Let's Talk About Jobs

And Why the Job Industry Is Ridiculous

By Lane VaughnPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
Like

First off, let me give you an overview of myself so you get an idea of where I'm coming from. I am a 22 year old female living in Southern California, graduated high school in 2013 and went to a community college for two years before eventually dropping out due to stress and anxiety. I volunteer my time at the local garden maintaining the demonstration plot and helping with their monthly cooking classes, and I help out with events at a wildlife sanctuary whenever they need me. So I've got at least three years kitchen and team experience. When I'm not at the garden or sanctuary I'm at home on Discord—a chatting platform much like Skype but built for gamers. I'm a moderator—I enforce the rules and make sure nothing inappropriate is posted—for three YouTubers and am in charge of anywhere from 5–600 people at any time and over 2000 people in general. I guess you could say it's giving me communication skills. I've only been doing that for about a year and a half.

I have a 31 year old sister—jet setter who's been across the globe for five years, a 30 year old sister—been happily married for years and has a steady job, and a 23 year old brother—rocker; loves his music, and can play guitar. My parents are entrepreneurs and own music recording studios so based on that alone, it's been drilled in my mind that I shouldn't have to work for anyone and that I'm supposed to be my own boss.

Ever since kindergarten I've wanted to be a baker, and I'm not just saying that because it's the cliché of "I've wanted to do this my whole life." I looked back in old year books and when asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, I answered with a baker. I don't know how or why but I just get enjoyment out of making sweets and desserts.

I've been looking on Craigslist for years trying to find a job at a bakery or kitchen but you know you can't get everything you want. So whatever, no big deal let's start outsourcing to other places; Target, Walmart, The Dollar Tree, etc. just to get some actual work experience under my belt because volunteer experience doesn't count for shit apparently. Been rejected by Target more than enough times, Walmart never contacts me after the first email, I don't even know why The Dollar Tree even has Help Wanted signs because there's never more than two workers in the store at a time.

I mean like, yeah I don't have retail experience and I'm not the best at everything, but really? Even applying to be a dishwasher at local restaurants are like "We require 2 years previous dish washing experience." Like???? I don't understand how hard it is to wash dishes that you would need years of experience prior. With the cooking classes, we did set up and breakdown, food prep, plating, serving, and clean up which included washing all dishes by hand. I have three years of volunteer experience for that but if it's not official work where you get paid then you're fucked. And then you're thrown into the constant loop of "Need experience to get a job, need a job to get experience," and it's utter bullshit.

I had a few interviews from bakeries and cafes and I was always so pumped because it was the feeling of this is a dream because I love working with food and in kitchens but then the actual interview day comes and I freeze. I can't eat, I don't sleep well, I get nervous, and my confidence goes straight into the ground. All that thanks to my anxiety.

Most recently I had an interview at Target and it went horrible. My mind went blank at every question I was asked. I couldn't think of anything when asked about scenarios and I kept saying "Sorry I'm nervous," and I know that's what did it for me. I was applying for checker. Can you understand the disappointment I felt when I got an email saying they can't offer me a job? I know it was all thanks to that interview.

I'm going to be a bit biased against myself, I'm a pretty girl; long blonde hair, long eye lashes, pretty green eyes, slightly big but I have a nice figure, a pretty girl. I have experience serving and helping people, I am strong and can easily lift the regular 20–50lbs required, I'm always smiling, I can easily make people laugh, a quick learner, and a fast worker. I'm good at following orders, and I can talk to people. I feel as though I would be good enough for the position of checker at a Target. I could easily greet people and help them with their purchases but no, all because I stuttered a little bit during the interview. Filling out the application even, "Do you have any of these mental illnesses?" it didn't list anxiety. I know people will argue that anxiety isn't a real illness and that it's all in your head but when I can't eat even though my stomach is empty and my brain is telling me I should, I'm pretty sure there's something wrong with me.

I'm getting off topic, but yeah. The job market is bullshit. I have experience but no one's willing to take a chance.

industry
Like

About the Creator

Lane Vaughn

Writing has become a hobby to help deal with stressful things in life. Hopefully the small tidbits I create can help or entertain you in some fashion

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.