Wtf do I do

[ComingUpTrumps]

I'm so fucked.

Wtf do I do?

Have had a bit to drink (with friends) but now on my own - so this has maybe made me feel quite down.

No fucking luck with applying for jobs.

A couple of years ago, I graduated from a degree at Oxbridge (would prefer not to specify which one) to get a good job and to get some validation from people close to me. And I haven't got validation from it or a stable job (I currently work part-time and am job-hunting, and also feel ridiculously nervous and self-conscious around close friends and the few friends I have - most now live far away from me).

Seeing a counsellor at the moment, but it's quite a structured approach, so I don't feel like I can talk about exactly what's been bothering me when I come to each session. I really think my counsellor is great though.

Just would really like a bit of a handhold please.

You're all amazing. I can't thank you enough for your answers - they were so perspective and felt like you knew me as you see describing my situation perfectly.

I'm just heading out now, but will make sure I reply to you all when I get back :) and I'll make sure I write down the advice that you've all given me on here :)

Thank you all so much again.

am glad you feel lifted by your thread op x

I do think I'm being fairly realistic - I'm applying for entry-level jobs, so I don't think I'm applying for jobs that are overly ambitious.

You know, this could be the problem. Three times I went for jobs I wanted and was told they didn't pick me because they thought I was over qualified and would get bored and move on too quickly, even though I'd scored highest in the aptitude tests for the jobs! I was gutted on all three occasions as all three were jobs I'd have been over the moon to get. But, interestingly, when I applied for jobs that imo were way out of my reach and I only applied as a joke, I got them. Twice. great jobs, great pay.
Maybe you are aiming too low?

Thanks so much everyone :)

millifiori that's such an interesting point - thanks. Until now, I've never considered that, as I was always worried about aiming too high when applying for jobs, so I've just stuck to applying for jobs where I felt confident that I met all parts of the job spec.

I feel a lot better today. I'm paraphrasing quite a bit here, but a PP suggested that I should look into doing things that give me a sense of achievement so I can feel like I've got a sense of control and direction, which is such a good point. Earlier, I went out for a 10k race and beat a personal best I'd set a couple of months ago, so I feel quite pleased and like I've achieved something :) I think running will really help me with general anxiety and stress too :)

Glad you've found something to get you feeling better op!

Have you used/considered using the careers service?

There's a good (free) CV book available from the Cam one and you're eligible for free preparatory interviews etc. There are often a lot of jobs on their websites who are keen to employ oxbridge grads.

I also definitely think it's super easy to feel like an under-achiever following oxbridge - my friends are all doing PhDs or city law or consulting in London etc etc and I sometimes feel like I'm not doing "enough" in comparison. I have to remember that comparison is the their of joy, and repeat that to myself sometimes.

Well done on your 10k!

Thanks so much Etymology :)

I've actually started using the resources on the Careers Service website a lot more in the past few months, and have found them all really useful, but hadn't come acrosss their CV book - will have a look at that :)

I'll also have a look at seeing if I can book in some interview practice sessions with them - that would definitely be massively helpful as well.

I can't log onto the website to link you without opening my laptop but I think it's under "CVs and cover letters " or some such heading.

Colleges often have a career service too. - I know mine has a list of all the people willing to offer w/e or internships to alumni and students so could be worth looking at that. If you're thinking politics and can afford to locals MPs (even if it's the wrong party) will sometimes give work experience too.