So 10 years ago I was in the U.S. Army, deployed overseas for year. I had a pretty significant position, I oversaw training, the issuing of equipment, managed well over $1 million in ammunition and high explosives and planned for, and supervised those responsible for, the survivability of our location should things really hit the fan.
Going into the end of the year I knew I needed to start looking for work. A month away from me coming home I started applying for everything I came across. I didn’t care what it was as long as it was work.
I figured surely I must be qualified for something? Right?
I still have 40 some odd rejection emails buried in my gmail. Places like Tim Horton’s, a coffee/fast food place (for those who don’t have them) turned me down for not having “qualifications” or “experience” even though I’m pretty sure I’ve been served coffee by 12 year olds there (yes I’m exaggerating on that but you get the point).
I applied for jobs that said “wE HiRE veTEaNs” and guess what, no one does.
“Thank you for your service” but, dot dot dot… I had some friends who told me, don’t apply for this place or that place because if they feel like you know more than them they won’t hire you.
So there I was, two months without a job. I finally took the first job offer I was given. What did I apply for? Sell cars at a Ford dealer. What was I given? Park cars for $9 an hour.
I took it. I needed a job. All of my efforts to advance were shot down. At one point I asked why wasn’t I qualified for paid vacation?
You don’t work enough.
I’m on the schedule for 48 hours a week….
Well, you don’t qualify.
After a year and a half, I told them what BS they’re running and I never looked back. I made ME my boss.
Now, I’m an award winning photojournalist and couldn’t be happier with where I am in life. DOING MY OWN THING.
That’s a rant I’ve held in for 10 years.