Have you ever been told that you are overqualified for a job? Well I have...several times over the last 7 months. I have applied for so many jobs that I have lost count. I have gone to over 50 job interviews. If I meet the experience requirements, I am over-educated (I have a Masters degree in Criminal Justice). If I meet the education requirements, then I do not have the experience necessary to get the job. It is a catch-22 situation that I cannot seem to figure a way around. I am more than willing to accept a lower paying job in order to work a few years to get the necessary work experience, but they see my Masters degree and think I will run the first chance I get.
My 16 year old daughter has a job. She got it so she could learn some skills, meet new people and get out of the house during the summer. Sad to say she has had to help us buy groceries and pay bills with her paycheck because her mom cannot find a job. I have had people tell me to just go get a job at Walmart or some other minimum wage paying job. I am more than willing to do that, truly I am, but it won't be enough to cover our bills. Besides I have a very large student loan debt that is coming due. I was able to qualify for a deferment when I became unemployed 7 months ago, but they have sent a notice telling me that it is over and I have to start making payments.
The stress is beginning to settle in. Depression weighs me down most days. I feel so discouraged at times. I thought pursuing my education was going to help my family down the road, but it seems like it is hurting us more. I have saddled us with a huge debt that we cannot afford to pay because I cannot get a job. Hopefully something comes through soon.
