Pressure getting to me

TheNightmare

I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed and worried about not getting "sorted" in time, especially as the months pass, like June, July, September, and October. It feels like the longer it takes, the harder it gets to stay hopeful, and I’m scared that eventually, I’ll just run out of hope. Right now, not much has happened in terms of finding a job, though I’m doing a voluntary placement to gain experience. The placement is only one day a week for a couple of hours, and I’ve tried to get more days, but it's just not available. I’m hoping that the experience will eventually help me secure something paid, but I’m not sure if it’ll be enough. I really want to move into a paid role soon, but I’m scared that if that doesn’t happen, the uncertainty will drag on long-term.

I know there’s no rush, but it feels like there’s no reason I can’t get a job, and the uncertainty is tough. Not being able to find a job is draining—I've been stuck at home applying and haven’t earned any money. I’m trying to stay constructive, but it feels like there’s only so much I can do, and the longer time passes, the harder it gets. I fear that the options I have might fall through, just like previous attempts, and I won’t get anywhere. I’m putting in a lot of effort and not just waiting around for something to happen, but it’s hard. Volunteering, which I never would have considered before, feels like it could lead to something, but I just want to see real changes. It’s frustrating because I want to do more in life, but I feel stuck until I secure a job. People are starting to ask what I’m doing, but it’s not just about them it’s about my own frustration. I just want to use my time to stay busy, earn money, and save for the future. It’s hard to stay positive right now, and at the moment, all I have is here.

Orchid059

I really hear how overwhelming all of this is for you, and how much pressure you're putting on yourself to “get sorted” in a certain amount of time. It sounds like you're doing a lot, but it feels like you're not seeing the results you’re hoping for, which is incredibly tough and frustrating. The uncertainty about your job prospects is draining, and I understand the fear of time slipping by without the tangible changes you're working toward.

Volunteering one day a week, while it might not be the full-time job you’re aiming for, is still a really constructive step forward. I know it doesn’t feel like much when you’re hoping for something paid and more substantial, but the experience you're gaining now will count for something. Many people have been in that same situation, where a voluntary role eventually led to a paid opportunity. But I understand how it feels like the clock is ticking, and you’re eager to see real, concrete progress.

The uncertainty is so hard to cope with, especially when you’re putting in a lot of effort and feeling like the goal is just out of reach. It’s really easy to fall into that cycle of frustration and doubt when you’re not seeing immediate results. I can totally understand why the longer it takes, the more it can feel like you’re stuck in limbo.

It’s also tough when others start asking about what you’re doing, not because they mean any harm, but because the questions can bring up your own feelings of not moving fast enough. It’s natural to feel frustrated with that, especially when you’re already working hard behind the scenes. The uncertainty makes everything feel like it’s hanging in the balance, and it’s understandable that you're getting worn out by it.

While it might not change the timeline, it could help to take a step back and acknowledge the progress you've made so far, even if it doesn't feel like a big breakthrough. You're taking proactive steps: you’re volunteering, you’re gaining experience, you’re applying, and you’re not just waiting for things to happen. It’s hard when the effort doesn’t seem to match the outcome, but these things take time. And while I know it’s tough to believe in the middle of uncertainty, the work you’re putting in will eventually pay off, even if it takes longer than expected.

One thing that could help in the short term is to give yourself permission to feel frustrated, but also find moments where you can check in with yourself and remind yourself that you’re not in this alone. Lots of people go through periods where they feel stuck, but eventually, the work they put in adds up and leads to something. You might not be able to control the timing of it, but you are building a foundation that will make future opportunities more likely.

Is there a way you could adjust your routine to include something that feels productive but doesn’t add to the pressure, like an activity or project that you find fulfilling for yourself, separate from work or job hunting? I’m sure you’ve already been doing your best to stay constructive, but it might help to weave in something that’s just for you too.

I really believe that your persistence will pay off, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. And you’re absolutely not alone in this feeling of uncertainty—it’s okay to feel lost or frustrated, but don’t lose sight of the progress you’re making, even in the small steps

TheNightmare

@Orchid059 I really appreciate you taking the time to write this and for understanding how frustrating and overwhelming this has been for me. It helps to hear that I’m not alone and that even small steps like volunteering still count as progress, even if it doesn’t feel like much right now. The uncertainty and pressure of time slipping by have been really hard to deal with, and when people ask about what I’m doing, it just adds to the frustration. I’ll try to focus more on the progress I have made and find something productive that isn’t just about job hunting, because lately, everything feels like it comes with pressure. Your message really helped, and I appreciate your kindness and encouragement.