Keoni Chavez’s Post

It's not just you. Creatives in just about any industry related to entertainment have watched their crafts, their passions, and their livelihoods get completely decimated over the last year. Just because it's not you - and just because you are far from alone - does not negate what you are going through. Just because we are all collectively experiencing the same challenges doesn't make your personal feelings any less valid. Just because you're unemployed doesn't mean you have to maximize productivity and fill every hour of every day with job searches, cold plunges, forest bathing, and "eating your frog" before 8am. Just because there are less jobs doesn't mean you have to devalue yourself and take bargain basement rates. Just because you are "lucky to be doing anything at all" doesn't mean you have to work extra unpaid hours. Just because there are "hundreds of people who would kill for your job" doesn't mean you have to accept workplace bullying or abusive behavior. You are more than your résumé. You deserve to be valued and respected. And as much as it seems impossible to believe right now... This too shall pass.

Now that I can see an end to this stretch of unemployment: Yes, the job market sucks. It sucks to apply to jobs you know you could do, yet hear nothing back. Or to get a token reply. Far more dispiriting, however, is this: I haven't seen all that many jobs that I'd actually want. I can count on one hand the number of places I've applied to since October with a sense of interest and excitement, rather than a resigned determination to fulfill my quota of applications for unemployment and to hope to be pleasantly surprised. So many of the jobs that are showing up feel like a grind, doing boring work for boring organizations that want an unhealthy amount of your time and interest. Maybe that's my version of "because capitalism," maybe I'm just a cranky Gen-Xer. But if the UX field is dying, it might be in part because not many people are asking us to solve interesting problems for worthwhile reasons. (Not announcing anything yet, because even though I don't believe in jinxes, why jinx it?)

This is my very first week unemployed, and I really thought it would be different. When planning for a job hunt after losing a job, I think most of us think we’ll be submitting applications every day, hearing back from recruiters within a few hours, getting warm intros from our network, being connected to opportunities by people who believe in us, and the list goes on. While these things do happen, they don’t all happen in just one week. They happen over time. I’m naturally a person that loves getting things done. I’ve always been proactive about seeing a problem and starting to find a solution for it ASAP. So having to slow down and “smell the roses” has been a dramatic change. Realistically, I can’t send out job applications every day, simply because I don’t align with every role out there. I don’t share the same values as every company out there. I don’t want to go into an office 5 days a week or move somewhere that has weather I don’t enjoy. I have standards and in order for me to put in the time to apply somewhere, the job posting (and company) has to meet those standards. I’m picky about where I apply because I want to work somewhere I can look forward to contributing to, not just a place that pays the bills. But being picky means I have to be patient. Ugh. Having said that, one of the positives about being picky is that when I get a call from a recruiter, I can just be my authentic self, because my excitement for the role will shine right through. There’s no need to practice how to make them think I really want to work there because… I genuinely really want to work there! So, here’s to hoping that I learn to be a little more patient throughout this process. And if you’re in the same situation, I hope you get that call, get that email, and get that offer soon. I’m rooting for you. 🧡

I am quickly approaching the 1 month mark of unemployment post lay-off. The process of searching for the right type of role, applying, following up, waiting for replies, getting rejection emails, or finally an interview only to get yet another rejection email is...exhausting. I'm worn out. I have had my fair share of breakdowns over this time. I am having to do as much releasing and trusting in this time as I have had to work and push to find a position. The consequences of what might happen for me and my family if I don't find something soon is both disheartening and motivating. Yet I would be lying if I said the fear of that isn't coming full circle and causing the breakdowns. Something will come. I know it will. God provides and His time isn't always (in fact is rarely) our timing. But it will come. I am still in the market! If you or someone you know is hiring for a role that might be a good fit, please pass along my info! If I lack any knowledge or experience, I will make up for in hard work and a hunger to learn!

Spent the entire day today trying to revive my old, nearly dead resume. Got greatly discouraged; it's only barely showing a weak heartbeat. Started wondering if it's even worth the work. Afterall, who am I kidding to think that anyone will hire me at my age to start a new career path or to do things I haven't done for a long time after I dust-off the old skills from past jobs. Do you need a resume to be a greeter at Wallmart or an assistant at Home Depot? Unemployment messes with your head. It contains the possibility of doing something new and different, to be excited about stepping out onto new ground. It also raises all the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) that your mind can imagine. It could take months to find another job, but I don't have months; weeks, maybe, but not months. Those old skills are universal and transferrable to any job, right. Sure, 30 years ago when you last used them they were, but that was then and this is now, dude. Then God uses a couple of conversations with people to open your eyes to a different approach. Maybe you don't need to find your "forever job" in this moment. Maybe you just need shelter from the havoc of the current economic hurricane until it passes. A simple, safe place to rest, to restock, to heal, and to prepare properly for what comes after the storm. I'll be back to wrestling with my resume tomorrow. It's the bait on the hook that you throw into the job openings lake hoping it will attract the fish. And, I'm going to spend more focused effort to find the shelter beside the lake where I can hang out until better fishing days come. It doesn't take a resume to find it. You just need to talk to the right people. #thoughtsfromtheunemploymentline

I'm reluctant to share this, but I have no other choice.It's been well over a year since I lost my job, and I'm at a point where I have to start making despirate move or nothing will change. I've sent out countless resumes, conducted extensive research, and sent numerous emails to hiring managers, far more than I ever anticipated. With barely any response. Despite only going to a few rounds of interviews for positions in Cloud, entry-level roles, or Sales/Account Management, customer service/retail since May , I haven't received any job offers feedback I suspect I may have been blacklisted without explanation, as I keep seeing the same hiring managers and recruiters reposting the job openings on LinkedIn. I don't get it! You have a dedicated and eager candidate here, ready to work hard and learn the role. This process has been stressful, disheartening, exhausting, and frightening. It's taken a toll on me every single day, and I feel like I'm at the end of my rope and or not good enough. Without any income, I'm in a precarious personal financial situation and I'm reaching out to my network for support. The choice to return to school part-time while working has forced me to take out additional loans. There may be gaps in my resume, but that doesn't reflect my capability to work. All I need is a chance. I'm not seeking sympathy from my network; I'm looking for help and opportunity. Some may overlook this, but for those who care and recognize my efforts, any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ed Powell- Balancing job loss and being productive in our job search is key to managing stress. As so many of us know, and you have mentioned in your post there are so many things we can do to assist us in this transition. LinkedIn influencers post continually on what they are doing and help me in my process. Here are things one can do: Structure your day, set realistic goals, stay connected, exercise and stay active, practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, maintain a healthy lifestyle, limit job search time, learn new skills, volunteer, seek professional help if needed, and reflect and reassess. I am a firm believer that job loss is an opportunity in pivoting to something more fulfilling, such as considering different roles or different industries, one may not have previously thought about. Look at it as a period for personal growth and look outside the box. At every point in my career, I can look back and see what I have learned, appreciate the relationships I have made, and see where I was caught up in things that caused me to lose focus and direction. If bad habits need to be changed, work on it. But find the support group one needs in family, friends, church, and community. #jobseeker #findingbalance #growth #mentalhealth

Well I am 3.5 months into this unemployment journey, which is the most polite descriptor I can think of for a very emotionally draining time in my life. I continue to be shocked at how hard it is to get through the initial hurdles of screening for companies, and frankly speaking, the difficulty in getting any sort of follow through from recruiters and talent teams. As time ticks on, it becomes harder and harder to keep a positive outlook on the job market, but I am doing my absolute best to manifest that the right role is out there! - If you or someone you know is hiring, please reach out. - If you want to know more about my experience or skills, please reach out. - If you want references, I have tons of them. - If you are looking for a hard working, quick learning, motivated leader, I would love to chat! Even if I am not a fit, I have a long list of colleagues and acquaintances who have been impacted by reductions in force at various companies, and I can happily refer you to them. After all, I can only ask for help if I am willing to give it as well: people helping people!

Have you ever been stuck between finding a "job" and finding a career or calling you're passionate about? Passion is what seeps through my pores. The feeling of fulfillment, purpose, and alignment, coupled with collaboration, feeds my soul. I have spent my entire career pursuing positions either 1) Motivated by money or 2) out of necessity because of layoffs, mergers, and outsourcing- mainly the latter. I'm Tiyad! I've been unemployed since April 3rd, and I'm at a crossroads between doing the same thing: applying out of necessity or taking a risk and seeking something more, much, much, more. Do I even have the option to be picky?! This job market is nasty, and bills have to get paid. But what if I choose the road less traveled? Have you been there? If so, let's talk about it.