After years abroad, an individual returned to the US seeking stability but faced difficulties settling down in Chicago. Despite excitement for a social media job, the remote nature and unexpected demands led to daily stress and emotional struggles. Soon after, the person left the job and entered a challenging job search phase, applying to hundreds of positions and sending numerous tailored applications. The hopes for a successful career transition were met with frustration and uncertainty about future directions.
"After spending most of my adult years living outside of the US, including seven years in Asia, and two in Mexico, I started wondering if it was time to settle down."
"I thought I'd lucked out when, in early 2021, I accepted a social media job offer at a small nonprofit newsroom in Chicago. Unfortunately, it wasn't what I'd hoped for."
"By April, I was crying almost daily. Sometimes it was before logging on, other times it was during lunch or after logging off."
"I applied to hundreds of jobs. I wrote countless bespoke cover letters and cold emails, and spread the word of my job hunt to friends and colleagues."
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