Learning Curve

I have spent my life surviving. In my childhood, I ran from bullies, endured ridicule, and studied to keep my parents happy. As an adult, I served during the Persian Gulf War, endured financial hardships, employment politics, and social challenges. Every moment was a learning opportunity for the next dilemma; a solution gained was experience earned.

This year feels like the “Kobayashi Maru” of situations. I am among the 18 million unemployed looking for work. Debt is still accruing during the deferral periods with collections, evictions, and foreclosures waiting outside. Technology is the mandate for social and academic life. I live in a state where hope has dried up.

Applying for jobs has evolved to the resume paired or replaced with personality assessments. Learning how to stand out from the millions of others competing for jobs is critical. I am stepping out of my comfort zone, which is hard but necessary—looking past the onslaught of rejections through self-encouragement. I don’t know how this will end, but I do know that I must continue trying.