In early October 2017, I was awakened from my sleep when I got a phone call from the Digital Content Director of WLBT in Jackson, Miss, offering me a part-time job to join her team.
I felt like I made it! I would be working, and not interning, for a television station that I’ve admired as a viewer and now becoming an employee. But a short time later, four months to be exact, my life came crashing down when I found out that my position of Digital Content Producer was being dissolved.
I was devastated. I loved so much about that job. I loved how my social media skills were improving. I loved the people I was working with. I loved finding out more about the Jackson metro area. Most importantly, I loved how my writing skills were improving.
What’s supposed to happen is when one door closes another door opens right, well not in this story. Instead, I feel like I’m in a purgatory of doing the insane ritual of filling out online applications and hearing different forms of the word “no.” The one I love the most is:
“While your credentials and experience are valuable, we have determined that other candidates may better fit our needs at this time.”
Isn’t that the nicest way to say “Thanks for applying, but we found some people who are better than you.”
I have been proactive mentally, physically and even financially to find another dream job. I continued my studies at Syracuse University and used them to get a jump start in the job hunt. I went to job fairs, workshops, and spent a large amount of my money to take part in an internship in New York City. FOR FREE! (try to live there with not income, it’s stressful).
I even made this introductory video to send to recruiters on how I would be perfect for their organizations.
But on top of that, I had a health scare that took my anxiety and depression into a tailspin. “Was I going to be sick?” “Was I going to lose my hair?” “Was I going to die?” Those questions would be on repeat in my brain until I got a clean bill of health 8 months later.
Determined not to give in to defeat, I would say my favorite Bible verse in my head:
“I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
My faith has strengthened with this experience and I know HE will get me through this. But for now, since no one will hire me, I will hire myself.
I’ve started my freelance company Allison Joyner Enterprises this year that I am so excited about! Here, I would be able to offer clients my content skills, particularly writing, to help enhance their business, publication, or website. READ MORE HERE
So if you need help with your social media or homepage, come to me at AJE and I’ll take care of you!
