It’s Been a While… But I’m Still Showing Up

It’s been a minute since I last posted—and even longer since I suited up for an onsite interview. But this week, I did just that. Tie, jacket, the whole deal. And you know what? It felt good to step back into that space.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of how unpredictable and amazing this ride can be. My last role came from a hiring manager who had my resume sitting on his desk for over a year. One call with him, one with the recruiter, and boom—offer on the table. I countered, they accepted, and life was good.

That company had been my dream job for years. I’d applied more times than I could count. And when it finally happened, it felt like destiny. But dreams evolve, and now it’s time to chase new ones.

Before that, I landed a role through a simple phone conversation—no video, no onsite—just a real, human connection. It’s wild how much the job search landscape has changed since then. These days, it’s a full-time job just to find a job.

As I hit the six-month mark of unemployment (9/20/25), I’ve taken a moment to pause and reflect. It’s not a milestone I ever wanted to reach, but it’s part of my story now. I’ve faced more rejections than I care to count—well over 50%—and yes, I’ve officially joined the long-term unemployment club.

But here’s the thing: I’m still here. Still showing up. Still believing.

Ghosting happens. “Overqualified” and “too seasoned” are phrases I’ve heard more than once. But I know who I am. I know what I bring. And I know the right opportunity is out there.

Most of my interviews have come from my own hustle—not my network. And while I haven’t landed my next role yet, I’m staying focused: networking first, targeting companies I believe in, interviewing, and training like crazy to stay sharp and relevant.

This week, I wore a suit. I walked into that interview with confidence. It’s been a while—but it felt right.

Staying positive isn’t always easy. But I keep showing up. That’s the key. I truly believe that every closed door brings me one step closer to the right one opening.

To anyone else out there searching: keep showing up. You’re not alone.

Someone who lost their job around the same time I did reached out to me recently, feeling overwhelmed. I told them:

“You’re not alone in this, and everything will be okay. I know the job market feels brutal right now, and it’s exhausting to keep putting yourself out there without seeing results. But your resilience is powerful. Every application, every interview, every moment you show up—it matters.”

“Keep showing up. Even when it feels pointless. Even when the silence is deafening. You’re doing the hard work, and that counts more than you know. The right opportunity is out there, and it’s going to find you. You’ve got grit, heart, and a whole lot of strength—and that’s exactly what gets people through times like these.”

So, here’s to six months of persistence. Here’s to growth, grit, and grace.

Now it’s time.

Rock on!