I lost my job last December due to bad mental health issues that ended in a hospitalization. I was still in the probation period at my last job and even though I had discharge papers, they said I'd called out too many times in the first 120 days. Unemployment said it was my fault so I got no benefits, but at least I was able to go back on state health insurance and get my meds sorted.
Once I had my head on straight I started looking for jobs. At first I was applying in my field, but most people want a certain certification. I need 300 work hours for this certification, which must be earned with “professional” experience (so volunteering/free service does not count). But nobody seems willing to give me the hours. Oh well. I start applying for super bottom-barrel jobs because I just needed something.
I have since gotten rejected by almost every bottom-tier employer around. McD's, taco bell, mall stores, gas stations, mini marts… According to my job sites I've put in 400 applications since I was laid off. Most places ghost me, only a few are nice enough to actually reject me. A lot of these are all places I saw “Hiring Urgently” signs.
My local library offers career coaching and they seem sympathetic. My resume is pretty sparse because I only graduated a few years ago and the pandemic kneecapped my ability to get a job after school. They do their best to help me dress it up but intermittent seasonal work and being technically fired doesn't look good no matter how you slice it.
I don't know what to do. Bankruptcy is pretty much my only option because I'm so behind on bills. I'm staying with my grandparents and they constantly ask when I'm getting a job. It's so tiring to explain that I'm trying. They're firmly of the “go give the owner a handshake and you'll get the job” generation.
I'm just so tired.