Jerri
I'm currently in the same situation that's being described above. I also had a good friend of mine who got the whole "you're over qualified" and "you're unexperienced" see-saw when she job searched. When I applied to a bunch of retail positions recently, I was told not to put my college degree on there because companies wouldn't want to have to pay me a higher salary. Really? For making coffee?
I think the hardest part has been the lowering of self-esteem. It slowly eats away at you and it becomes harder and harder to hold your head up as you progress into that job hunt. It's been a good lesson on resilience.
Janelle
That must be terrible to hear that you're too good and therefore can't have the job! It just doesn't make any sense. My sister was told that at a job interview recently and the hiring manager told her she was too qualified and therefore shouldn't even waste her time. It was quite confusing to me as I feel like they'd want someone like that because the person would work more efficiently? I've always had big dreams and I feel like if I keep striking out enough, the bigger the success will feel. I always felt like everything must teach you something about yourself, even if it's not clear just yet. We'll see what's in store! Thanks for the comment!
Janelle
Thanks for the reply! If you think about it, it's kind of a "what came first the chick or the egg" situation. We overwork ourselves and still have no money so we have to work harder and harder and the standards keep raising as there's someone else trying just as hard, if not harder than you are. Because of this, we become ruthless in it all just to stake a claim. It scares me too just thinking about what will become of our society when work is everything and there's no more play! It's a rare thing to be untouched by the brutality of the reality that is work. But--I prefer working as well for I feel like it proves to myself that I'm strong and independent. I FINALLY got a job, just working at a frozen yogurt store for minimum wage but I know how hard I worked to get the job so it's worth more than anything. I do wish everyone would take at least 5 minutes out of their day to remember the small beautiful things in life...
lmessin2
Chloe, you're absolutely right, but there's no need to speculate, because there already is a Catholic Church near Ground Zero-St. Peter's Parish.
Rae
I've been there! In fact, I've been there in multiple cities in two different coasts, thinking that that might help my chances. Eventually I went to another route (starting my own business) but I can definitely relate.
I had 2 interview outfits, a folder full of numerous resumes, each tailored towards a specific job, and a charming "go-getter" attitude I thought no one could resist. However, I, was often told one of the following statements:
1. You are overqualified.
2. You're qualified but not specialized.
I eventually started my own business thinking I could escape this cycle of hope, pitch, and let down (BUT, once in a while... success!). However, even in business these cycles spin on a daily basis.
You're last paragraph sums it up quite nicely. I tell myself every day: Grow a thicker skin. I love your "heart of a lion and luck of a rabbit" part so I'm going to add that in as well:)
Chloe
Wow! Sounds like your summer was a definitely busy, and somewhat nerve-wracking one. I hope you can get a really wonderful job!! (Or, maybe you already did?) I have actually never had a paid job before, and it's rather scary to think that I would have to start looking for one sooner or later. But, I guess it's no use being scared. I just need to take it as it comes...
I think it's interesting that many of our lives are defined by our careers/jobs now. I wonder if it's always been like that, or has our culture become the working culture? But, I would definitely work than be bored!
Jerri
I have a feeling that a lot of writers go through the same exact thing (ahem, me). Self-doubt is crippling, and the worse thing that you can do for your craft is to not attempt writing at all given how improvement is based off of practice. I find that writing is a lot like painting; it needs to be done in layers and steps.
Chloe
That's really good news!! Okay, this is just my super cynical side talking...but I sometimes think the celebrities do humanitarian efforts and charity just to make their public image look better... But, it's definitely better than doing nothing, so again, it feels good to hear that influential people are using their time, fame, power, and money to help those who are less fortunate!
Chloe
Thank you for the link! It is an interesting way to think about creativity and I guess it's worth trying it out. But, it somehow doesn't seem realistic (maybe, i am starting to lose some valuable imagination here :) What I mean is, when I am writing, I can feel it coming out from me. But I do understand the thing about the poem or some creative idea rushing at you from somewhere. I have felt that before from time to time and I just have to write it down before I forget it or lose that train of thought. I've always thought that that was my consciousness and my emotions somehow being influenced by the external forces or objects around me. Maybe, I should think of those influencing forces as the separate genius in the corner of the room.
I guess now the question is how time period affects people's views and tolerance of religion. St. Peter's Parish seems to have been built long time ago, and I guess a lot of people in the states were mostly Christian. But does that mean there still wasn't exactly a wide tolerance of different religions, or is tolerance circumstantial? If the mass society is for one religion, does it become somehow acceptable for them to be a more narrow about their view of religion? How can tolerance be measured when regarding a huge group of people? Is one person enough, some, or must they all be willing to tolerate?