It's been over 5 years since I last received any kind of wage increase or review at my current position. They seem to just expect me to keep chugging on with the same compensation as I made in 2017. So I've been applying for other opportunities. It's been a while since I had to do this, and it's much more of a pain in the ass that I remember. Everywhere I apply, I'm getting rejection letters that tell me they've found “applicants with more relevant experience.”
I think the one that made me realize this is a broken process was a couple weeks ago. I applied to a large company in my city. I got a form rejection letter in their quirky “gosh golly we'll keep your resume on file just in case!” whimsyspeak. I'm not even sure if that means anything, and I know I shouldn't take it personally, but I've been steaming over it for a few days, and decided to write this as a vent.
But really, why? Why do I have to “Prove my worth” just to eat and stay warm? I would be perfectly happy sitting in my dark little corner of the house doing the stuff I am getting paid for, just as a hobby because it's all I do.
“Experience more in line with our needs.”
I hate that there's this formal “expectation” in the entire interview process that seems like a sick reality TV show. It's this game where I'm endlessly scrutinized by what social standards my neurodivergent ass can adhere to during one of the most stressful events in an adult human's life under bullshit capitalism. Just because I'm not able to eloquently sucker someone in on a cover letter with AI-tickling catchphrases like other people means I can't eat? Really?
I applied for a few local non-profits and I hope they contact me. I'd rather be a slave for the system in a way that benefits my neighbors than do it for some asshole who leases luxury cars while my rent doubles. Ultimately though, I'd just trade a neighbor. I'll fix their Nintendo for some potatoes or something. Seems like a better deal than prostrating myself in front of a suite of Simon Cowells. This whole process and system is shit and it needs to go away.