My Job Hunt: Walking a Hard but Honest Road
Job hunting isn’t just a professional process for me right now — it’s personal, stressful, and, at times, downright exhausting. I’ve been pouring years of my life into advocacy for the military community, and while that work has meaning beyond words, it hasn’t come with a paycheck. Now I’m looking for a paid role that values those skills, and the journey has been a mix of hope, frustration, and lessons learned.
The Silence Is Loud
I’ve sent applications, followed up on leads, and even reached out directly to congressional offices. Sometimes the response is silence. Sometimes it’s a polite rejection. It’s hard not to wonder, “Did they even read my résumé?” But I remind myself: silence doesn’t mean I’m not qualified — it just means I haven’t found the right fit yet.
Re-Defining Value
For six years, I’ve advocated on my own dime, fighting for families, veterans, and surviving spouses. That experience isn’t listed neatly under a corporate job title, but it’s real, it’s intense, and it’s valuable. The job hunt forces me to reframe that: to show future employers that this isn’t volunteer work, it’s leadership, strategy, and policy in action.
The Balancing Act
There’s also the financial reality. Every time I look at my budget, I feel the pressure of needing stability — not just passion. I’d love to be in a place where I can mentor others and carry more than just my own burdens, but right now I have to be honest: I need paid work to survive. That truth doesn’t cancel out my dedication, but it does add urgency.
Why I Keep Going
Even on the hardest days, I remember my “why.” I remember my husband’s service and sacrifice. I remember the families I’ve stood beside, the legislation I’ve fought for, the stories I’ve carried into offices on Capitol Hill. That’s what keeps me pushing through the grind of applications and interviews. I know the right role will come — one that allows me to keep serving this community while also building a stable future for myself.
Final Thought:
The job hunt is not just about chasing a paycheck. For me, it’s about finding a role where my heart, my skills, and my experience all matter. Until then, I’ll keep sending applications, making connections, and reminding myself that the right “yes” is worth every “no.”
