The Struggle with Career Setbacks and Negative Thinking

Redemption

I have always been concerned about my future from a young age, and now, as things haven’t gone as planned with finding a job or establishing a career, it’s been really tough. I wasn't happy during college, and even though I completed it, I didn’t know what job to pursue. I’ve tried different things, but nothing has worked out, and job searching has been difficult. Over the years, I've faced setbacks, and people have doubted me, which has only increased my self-doubt. I’ve had hurtful things said to me, and I often think about worst-case scenarios. When those negative outcomes happen, it feels like proof that my fears were justified.

Even though I’ve tried to stay positive, especially before setbacks, it’s hard to hold onto that positivity when things end up going wrong. Sometimes people’s doubts about me have turned out to be right, and this only makes it harder to stay optimistic. I find myself worrying constantly about negative outcomes and worst-case scenarios, especially in terms of my career. It’s challenging to remain hopeful when I’m so often met with disappointment. I feel like I need a few positive things to happen to help turn things around because, right now, I struggle with being positive about anything.

Orchid059

Hi @TheNightmare I can understand your frustration here especially when you've been doing everything you possibly can. I would just like to say that I truly admire your resilience and the way you keep persevering even when you've not been getting the results you have hoped for. I for one think that it is one of the best qualities you can have in an employee and I can tell you will do amazing in whatever you choose to do! Even when things feel especially difficult remember to try and view your setbacks as a source of growth. Don't let others' opinions of you deter you from your path- as long as you are happy that is all that matters. I do really empathise with you and sometimes it does feel easier to refrain from being positive to avoid the dissapointment but if you remain in that mindset, you are only limiting yourself to what you think you deserve. And I can assure you by maintaining a positive frame of mind those set-backs will become less demoralising for you. These things take time and I have every faith in you.

Keep applying, volunteer doing something you enjoy, and everything will eventually fall into place.

Keep updating us with how you are getting on!