Exhausted to be here!
I was going to say “excited to be here”… and I am, in a way. But let’s be real — a lot of us are also just exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, existentially exhausted.
Looking for work starts off with optimism, but it quickly starts to feel like the five stages of grief:
Denial: “I’m skilled, I’m experienced. I’ll find something soon.”
Anger: “They ghosted? Another virtual recruiter? They re-posted the role!”
Bargaining: “Anther resume tweak? Lower salary? Share my desperation?"
Depression:“I’m not good enough. I suck in interviews. My resume is awful.”
Acceptance: “I’m here. It sucks. I’m not alone. One day at a time, I'll make it"
So yeah, I’m exhausted to be here — but I’m also glad we’ve got a space where we don’t have to pretend it’s all sunshine and networking tips. If you’re in any of these stages (or all five at once), I see you.
Let’s lift each other up while we figure out what’s next. Erin
Erin, THIS. Right. Here.
You just gave voice to what so many are feeling but don’t always have the words — or the safe space — to say out loud.
Your vulnerability is a gift, and it’s exactly why I created this group. Because the job search isn’t just about resumes and interviews — it’s about heartbreak, hope, and holding on when things feel impossible.
Each of those stages you named? Been there. Done that. Lived them all… sometimes in one afternoon. And it freakin’ sucks!
Thank you for being the first to speak up and help break the silence here.
If anyone else is reading and nodding along, just know — you’re not alone. Not here.
Let’s keep lifting each other up, even on the days it sucks. One honest post at a time. One human at a time. One small win at a time.
We’ve got you, Erin. 💚