To accept defeat?

[helicoptercircling]

AIBU to accept defeat in certain areas of my life, rather than pushing towards goals that have resulted in continued failure?

I have been out of work for 4 years now, and just cannot find a job. I do some voluntary work, but nothing paid. I previously had a very successful career, but now can’t seem to get any work, even jobs I am overqualified for. We do okay on DH’s salary, but no luxuries. Retraining would be very challenging due to some health issues I have.

Related to this - we have attempted a number of times to move to a better house, but each time we just couldn’t quite make it work financially, due to the job situation above.

Part of me now just wants to accept that this is my lot in life. I find it so depressing trying to make something happen constantly, and never being successful. I am the sort of person that will put my heart and soul into something worthwhile or that I am good at, and was very successful at school for this reason, but I find it so demoralising to continually strive for something that now seems like it may be unattainable. I feel like it puts me in a worse place mentally and emotionally.

AIBU?

What sort of jobs are you applying for? What has been the feedback? Are you getting interviews? Or does your CV need some work?

Have you considered some professional coaching, to review your CV and interviewing technique, and help you identify strengths and weaknesses, and give you a bit more direction? It’s perfectly understandable to feel demoralised after having been out of work for so long; but it doesn’t sound as though giving up and just deciding there’s no point trying to do anything about it is going to make you any happier, if it’s holding you back in other areas of life and keeping you from attaining other goals.

If you go for jobs you are over qualified for, they may see you as a flight risk as you will leave as soon as a suitable role comes up.

As PP said, can you give us more info on your sector, types of job etc?

Why don't you get a job in a Supermarket or something while your applying for other jobs?

I struggle to believe in 4 years you haven’t been able to get a single job, have you reached out to local services? Had help with CV/interview prep? Applied for absolutely every vacancy?

Could you apply to a few temping agencies, to get you some temping work. It will add to your CV.

sounds super shitty for your op, I am not surprised it is getting you down!

Are you volunteering in the "right" sector for your chosen profession? Building up a network might help with future role possibilities?

CV feedback. Try and keep it to one page and 2 sides MAX. I have a basic CV with my education, last 4 roles on there and some sort of objective. I will have bullet points underneath with roles/responsibilities that I will tweak based on matching the job spec I am applying for. Then I have relevant CPD with one highlighted achievement/action taken forward. Then I just date, role, final salary for all other posts going back. No need to flesh these out.

When you interview you need to sell yourself and make sure you are answering the questions clearly and concisely with tangible examples. Outputs and Outcomes. Features and Benefits. Get structured.