To keep it short, I graduated from university in the late 2023 but I have yet found a full time job. Most of my job experience are from contract work and I feel disappointed, the economy isn’t good and I’m trying to figure out my next step, but I can’t help but feel anxious.
My older sibling is also job hunting after he quit his job and he’s a PhD holder, the most academically successful graduate in my entire family/relative, part of my anxiety is that someone as talented as him can’t find a job, would a junior like me find a job too?
I try not to share too much for privacy sake, I am worried about whether I’ll be able to find a job which will fit me because it feels like companies are searching for more experience employees, and not those who did contract work that are 3-6 months.
Hearing my friends’ experience with the job market is also disheartening because they have more work experience too, but are struggling to find a job that suit them.
And I have heard people say how design and IT jobs are being outsourced overseas to save cash.
I am thinking of delving in freelance as a web developer, but I’m not that confident in my skill. I have helped developed an e-commerce wordpress websites using plugins for a friend a few month ago, and also a few websites though I can’t share most of them due to NDA. I wonder what my next step will be? I’m indecisive and feeling lost.
I can hear how tough this period of transition is for you. It’s really challenging when the job market feels uncertain and when you’re dealing with the fear of not measuring up to the people around you, especially your siblings and friends. I want to acknowledge how difficult it must feel to balance your desire to succeed with the anxiety and self-doubt that comes from comparing yourself to others. It’s understandable to feel uncertain and stuck when you’re not sure about your next steps.
You mentioned that you’ve been feeling lost, and it sounds like there’s a lot of pressure on you to figure everything out quickly, especially given how competitive the job market is. It’s really commendable that you’re thinking about freelancing, and I want to emphasise that exploring that path could be a great way to tap into your skills and build experience in a flexible way. Even if you don’t feel completely confident in your abilities yet, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Confidence grows with practice and time.
It’s also important to remember that your journey is unique to you, and just because others may seem ahead doesn’t mean you’re behind. Everyone progresses at their own pace; everyone is resourceful in their own way, and it’s acceptable to take the necessary time to understand things; it’s about taking incremental steps towards what resonates with you.
I also hear that you’re worried about the expectations of others and your own fear of failure. I’d encourage you to explore how much of this fear is coming from external pressures versus your own inner voice. What would it look like if you allowed yourself to make mistakes along the way, and how might that help you build confidence over time?
You’ve already shown a lot of self-awareness by reaching out, and that is something to be proud of, and I’m confident that with some patience and self-compassion, you will find your way. Take care, and remember, it’s all about finding your own pace and trusting the process. Let’s take small, manageable steps toward your next move together.
Thank you for reaching out. Job hunting can be incredibly stressful, especially in a tough economy, and it’s natural to feel anxious about your prospects. It’s important to remember that contract work is valuable experience and demonstrates your ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. Comparing yourself to others, especially a sibling with a different career path, can be disheartening, but every journey is unique, and your skills and experiences are valid and valuable in their own right.
It might help to take small, concrete steps to build your confidence and develop your skills further. Consider seeking freelance opportunities to gain more experience and create a portfolio of your work. Networking with professionals in your field can also open up new opportunities and provide support and advice. Remember, it’s okay to feel uncertain, and you’re not alone in this. Give yourself credit for your resilience and determination, and take things one step at a time.
Thank you for your comforting words and advice! I appreciate you taking your time to write this. I am trying my best to be more compassionate to myself and I know I am not to blame for something beyond my control. However, I can’t help but still feel bad and sad because I feel like I made a mistake, even though I did try my best so far. I wish I can stop blaming myself and doubting my own abilities. I guess maybe besides feeling a bit lost, I am also a bit depressed given the economic situation. I know there are people who are worst off then me, but I can’t help but still feel disappointed with myself. I guess I should try to distract myself and practice more self-compassion.
Thank you! Ye I should give myself credit for making it this far. I think I am a little too hard on myself, I’ve already tried my best trying to overcome the obstacles I’ll face due to the bad economy. I’m going to try and figure out what I want, maybe just take a breather and relax before starting on freelancing. Blaming myself for situation beyond my control and feeling sad about it won’t help because it’s not something I can change. The only thing I can control is my behaviour towards this tough time.
hello @NewMe ! I can resonate with how you’re feeling. It’s difficult out there, and all of your feelings are quite understandable. It’s draining because of the pressure, comparisons, and uncertainty.
First of all, keep in mind that contract employment counts as experience. The fact that it was temporary does not make it any less precious. You produced outcomes, and that counts. You have the abilities necessary to develop websites, deal with WordPress, and even handle NDAs, which indicates that you have experience working on actual, professional projects. Many full-time employment prioritise skills above job titles.
It’s normal for seeing your sibling’s struggles to increase your anxiousness, but try not to allow it cause you to question your own abilities. The employment market is cruel at the moment and doesn’t represent your value or skills. Because even seasoned individuals struggle, it’s not about you being “good enough.” It comes down to perseverance, timing, and luck.
It is OK to feel lost. Nobody has everything worked out. But even if you’re just taking baby steps, keep going. You’re going to land upright.
Hello @potatooo! Thank you for your comforting words and reassurance. I appreciate your reply, I think what I believe I lack is more experience since the people I work with are my friends and family. But yes I agree that it is still in a professional manner and is still valuable work experience too. I think I will try freelancing online if possible, I am quite an awkward individual in real life so perhaps I fear it’ll be a turn off. Either way, no one ever succeeds without failing and failure is a step to success. I’ll try to take baby steps and see what else I can do to earn income with my skills.
I think I’ll take my mind off bad thoughts by doing more sports and drawing on my iPad to distract myself. I can put up my drawings in my portfolio too if I want to.
hey @newme,
Do you reckon you have close friends that would lend you a hand? Like taking you out and chilling out to take the edge off? Sometimes you might get some inspiration about what your next steps would look like. But only if you feel comfortable…
Thanks! I have actually been hanging out more with my family and doing more sports to take my mind off. I try not to get my personal friends involve because they have their own problems too and are also job hunting. I don’t have much personal friends to consult with, and usually I’ll join a group of acquaintances or strangers I don’t know to hang out and get to know, but I’m not close with them. My friends and family think I’m sweet but lack confidence, and technically they’re right.
Right now I know I’m depressed, and it has been a few years since I’ve been myself, especially this year due to bad economy. I’m trying to figure out what I should do to make myself feel like myself again. I have inspiration to do certain things, but I feel like with my depression, I might give up half way. Doing sports, drawing and doing stuff I like would help. But I think it would help more if I go through therapy again which I’m considering. Therapy have help me make improvement, progress and allow me to rationalise/analyse my thoughts, likely I’ll do CBT again with my therapist. I believe I’ll be fine again though because I always bounce back from setbacks. I also have supportive friends and family.
