YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Still job searching unsuccessfully

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Still job searching unsuccessfully https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:43:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Adelfa on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-946278 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 06:48:32 +0000 Adelfa 946278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ DD took two years to find her first job, even after graduating from a top ranked school. It was really hard. It does sound as if you're doing really well in the sense that you're getting the interviews. And it's so true that sometimes after an interview they decide not to hire at all--I've seen that happen. There are also politics. Once I really really liked a candidate and I know I made that clear to her. But then someone who outranked me (and who hadn't met her) didn't like her and I had to not hire her and I couldn't tell her why. Stuff like that happens. Which is to repeat it's not you! Hang in there, we're pulling for you. velvetychocolate on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-944538 Thu, 30 May 2013 03:36:56 +0000 velvetychocolate 944538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanted to chime in and say that I really liked what tarzy had to say - so, so true! My husband got laid off back in 2010 - tons and tons of layoffs at this particular company (they've laid off well over 100,000 people in the past few years), and it was a real eye-opener to be looking for a new job/career. In the end, it turned out that my husband lucked out by looking into an entirely different industry. In the first few weeks post lay-off, it was a bit of a crutch (and 'the norm') to think of a certain title/industry - but the new job ended up being a completely different industry, and entirely different 'title'. I just wanted to throw that out there because if you'd asked my husband six months prior to being laid off if he could see himself as XYZ in ABC industry, he'd have said, "No way...." I'm posting this to suggest applying for some real "out there" positions, just in case. It actually pays to not get locked into thinking of yourself as a certain position or experienced in just one particular industry. You might be surprised how much an entirely different industry/company might value your experience. In the meantime, enjoy your upcoming vacation and maybe take a mini-break from all these applications and interviews. I think it will help! A month after my husband's layoff, we went on a cruise. Ridiculous I know, but it was booked and paid for months prior. That cruise/vacation was just the thing to help my husband calm down from the layoff and get rested up in advance of the really serious job hunting work. All of the positions he applied for prior to the cruise/vacation didn't pan out - but then lo and behold - shortly after the vacation, he started getting all kinds of interviews all over the place, with lots of really good offers. Just some food for thought - you might need a break/rest from this? Be good to yourself Kari - Tarzy is 100% right in that it's tough out there. It's NOT you at all. It's just that the job market is super tough out there these days. Take a break and start again when you feel rested up a bit. Keep an open mind to all possibilities, even if they don't seem anything like the job you're doing now. It's all going to work out - and in the meantime, I think you need a break/vacation ASAP. Things will be a little better and easier once you've had a chance to rejuvenate, I'm sure of it. T-Rex on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-944092 Wed, 29 May 2013 17:04:12 +0000 T-Rex 944092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BTW, what kind of job are you looking for? Not that I have any useful contacts for you, but you never know. Freckles on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-943950 Wed, 29 May 2013 14:16:36 +0000 Freckles 943950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari I was in ba toxic situation once and they built a gym in the basement.  I found that going every day made an incredible difference in my day.  Going to the gym at lunch all stressed out I found I worked really hard working out and came back to the office refreshed and in a good frame of mind. When I changed locations to a different building without a gym I found that I went back to the crashing after dinner and more stressed feeling.  Of course I could have gone out and found a nearby gym but I did not.  Looking back I sure wish I had. I`m so sorry that your work situation is toxic and you`re not having any luck finding a new position.  Hopefully a new position pops up for you in the near future. How fabulous about your trip!  Have a wonderful time. rachylou on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-943483 Tue, 28 May 2013 21:30:51 +0000 rachylou 943483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a lot, Kari! Had two questions: - If you got a job, would you cancel your travel? If you wouldn't, I'd suspend the search too. - 60-70 positions in two months, 3-6 interviews a week is a lot. I'd maybe consider vetting positions more, focusing in and getting pickier about what you apply to in terms of fit. If you can give more concentration and energy to a select few, it might change the dynamic. Beth Ann on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-943012 Tue, 28 May 2013 02:00:20 +0000 Beth Ann 943012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari:  I had little wisdom to offer you, but I commend you for giving yourself to the job hunt unreservedly.   A long job hunt can end with a spectacular new position that was worth the worth and the wait! tarzy on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942884 Mon, 27 May 2013 22:07:23 +0000 tarzy 942884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really feel for you. I know it's hard, but you can not take any of it personally. The economy is still very challenged. Every single person I know is reevaluating their career and trying to make changes - and we're much older than you, so there's that other challenge of agism. In one of my current jobs (I freelance) I take orders from people who are 30 years younger than me. It is what it is. No one - please hear this - NO ONE - is having an easy time right now. It is not you. I agree with Classically Casual. You really have to step back and try to disengage with your present employer. I think we often look to our jobs to be our "family" - we try to please them, we want them to appreciate us, we invest so much. They are not our family. As MaryK said, they would let you go in a second if that was what was best for the company. Are you asking for permission to just leave your present job? No one can make that decision for you. It's an option. There are many options. You may not be able to get the position you're going for. Or maybe you will. No one knows. There are no guarantees. Rae left her (very good) career and started an entirely new career.  Some people go back to school. Some people go work at Starbucks. You're so unhappy now, could it be worse? Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes we're forced into making that choice. I was at a job for 20 years, and when the economy hit bottom I was let go with no warning. One day I had a job with good pay, great benefits, perfect hours - and the next day... I did not. I was unable to find a job in that same field due to various reasons (changing technology, outsourcing, the economy, other things) and now I freelance in a completely different field. I have no benefits, no paid sick days, no 401(k), and I haven't raised my rate in four years. But - I also have a lot less stress and I enjoy my work, when I'm able to get it. You may have to switch fields. You may not. If you want to leave, leave. It may not necessarily be "better." It will definitely be "different." My husband has been retraining himself for an entirely new career - at age 58. (Retire? Maybe someday!) His current industry is changing and imploding, he's seen the writing on the wall, and he's preparing for something different. Like many, many, many of our friends, he's sent out many, many, many resumes and has not had a single interview. He does not take it personally. He networks like crazy and has made incredible connections. He's worked for free through an organization in his new field and has gotten invaluable experience. All of this while still working his current job. He's constantly taking classes in his new area. He gets up early, he goes to bed late, he's exhausted (and remember - we're old!) but after two years of busting his butt he's starting to see a path. Not a job, not yet - but a path. I guess my point is - you have to stop thinking there's something you're doing or not doing. Stop beating yourself up. All you can do is put one foot in front of the other and start moving toward something different.  Which you are. Unfortunately, there is no "answer." We're all just trying our best to find a little happiness. You can't force things to happen. All you can do is put the energy out there (which you're doing.) I'm sorry I don't have any magic words to make it all better! T-Rex on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942818 Mon, 27 May 2013 19:25:31 +0000 T-Rex 942818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another possibility with those interviews where you thought it was a good fit... The economy is better, but some companies are still going back and forth about whether or not they are actually going to hire people yet. It's possible that after interviewing, someone higher up on the food chain decided to wait about filling those positions. ironkurtin on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942749 Mon, 27 May 2013 17:31:05 +0000 ironkurtin 942749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If it helps, this job market sucks. I won't bore you with my story, but - yeah. As far as your current work situation, it is utterly unreasonable to be disciplined for "unexpected" sick days.  That is just ridiculous and it made me angry. ramya on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942529 Mon, 27 May 2013 07:23:07 +0000 ramya 942529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, I just changed jobs... Let me give you some hind sight... I am in a country where there are very few jobs for my skills.I was kind of forced to look out as I wasn't happy with what was going on in my career and the company too wasn't doing good... I applied for all available position and got into interview for only 2... Things that worked for me: <ul> <li>Market yourself</li> <li>Show that you are the best</li> <li>Donot be shy in pursuing them back. Call them, mail them ask for feedback.Ask them when can you expect a feedback, and whom to contact if you don't.</li> <li>linkedIn works. Mail headhunters, add them to your network.</li> <li>I also feel that inspite of doing all this, sometimes it just feels like, it's a game of chance. It may not be so. But then by doing all in our capacity there is no doubt that we didn't do our best...</li> </ul> Hugs darling, I know you are doing all the right things, it's just the matter of the right job, coming your way. Lyn D. on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942525 Mon, 27 May 2013 06:54:24 +0000 Lyn D. 942525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really wish your adorable furbabies were dog-sized so you had to take them for a peaceful walk each day!! If you could manage this instead of crashing after your evening meal, I am sure it would make a difference to your overall fitness and mood. I hope things improve in the very near future. annagybe on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942462 Mon, 27 May 2013 03:21:23 +0000 annagybe 942462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, I'm not so sure if I can offer you actionable advice. When I was having trouble with my theoretical chosen field, I went back to school for an entirely new field. Though if you ever need to get to get together for a glass of wine or a walk I will gladly be there for you.  Transcona Shannon on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942400 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:40:32 +0000 Transcona Shannon 942400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, you've already received wonderful advice here and I feel very similar to Suz. I think the holiday could be worth waiting for. You've obviously got "the goods" because look at how many interviews you are being contacted for?  The right fit is going to come along but I'm awfully sorry it's taking its toll on you. Try to keep yourself healthy as best you can. And those relatives with the not so helpful advice? Stick your fingers in your ears when they start talking. Please come and chat with us when you have the energy and need the support - we are all here for you Classically Casual on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942387 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:25:17 +0000 Classically Casual 942387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari - I read your posting as a cry for help.  I'm so sorry that things feel so extreme.  Here are a few ideas.  I've been through a few toxic work situations myself, so I hope this will help you: <ul> <li>It's not on your shoulders to save your current company. If there's under staffing, too much work etc., it's impossible for one employee to make up the difference.  Stop trying.  I know you are hard wired to be responsible, but think of the toll it's taking on you, and for what?</li> <li>Assuming you're in good standing with your company's attendance policy, if you're sick, stay home and get well.  It's impossible for anyone to give advance notice about getting sick.  Don't let them intimidate you.  Talk to a labor atty. if you feel you need some ammunition.</li> <li>Another way to view the increased responsibilities is to prove that you can do it.  If this is what you're seeking somewhere else, but you're unproven, give yourself six months or so, and there will be more to talk about in your interviews.</li> <li>Don't give up on the interviews you've had.  There are many people who weren't the first choice for a position, but were given a call back when the first candidate crashed & burned.</li> <li>Go have fun this weekend.</li> </ul> Good luck!! Angie on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942358 Mon, 27 May 2013 00:37:44 +0000 Angie 942358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Kari! I'm so sorry you're going through a really grotty and stressful time. (((HUGS))). I wish I had words of wisdom for you. Just know that we are here to support you at any time and be your cheer leader. You are working hard at trying to find a job. THAT is obvious! At the lowest ebb of the sea, the tide will turn. It has to. xoxo Caro in Oz on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942310 Sun, 26 May 2013 22:53:10 +0000 Caro in Oz 942310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to suggest a head-hunter too. That way at least you will get accurate feedback (from them) which is always helpful.  Sending lots of positive energy your way. Give your fur babies a cuddle from me :) DeclawedJaguar on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942308 Sun, 26 May 2013 22:46:31 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 942308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Kari, that is so stressful! I'm struggling with the same issue myself, so I know exactly how you feel. As tempting as it is to quit your current job, I would hold off, because, as you can imagine, it's even more stressful to be looking for a job while unemployed, when you know that your money is simply running out, and you have no health insurance or any safety net at all. Good for you for being able to summon the enthusiasm and the energy when necessary. Speaking from experience, that is very hard to fake. There was a <a rel="nofollow">piece in the NYTimes</a> a few weeks ago about looking for a job. One paragraph especially struck a chord with me: "Job searching involves an uncomfortable mix of constant public self-aggrandizement and the private loss of self-respect. It is tedious and strangely surreal to listen to yourself talk, in a tepid charcoal suit, about achievements and skills while you watch yourself get sucked down a drain." How do you not feel like there is something fundamentally wrong with you, if the employers simply don't seem to be interested? I'm not sure, but I do think it's a copout for someone to suggest that it is the candidate's looks, weight, skin, haircut, or anything else equally superficial, that is deterring employers. In my experience, all of the jobs I've applied for have gone either to people with more connections, or to those with a lot more experience (like decades more), and there is little one can do about either scenario. Sometimes I feel like it's all about nothing more than just a stroke of luck, and not so much about who you are as a candidate or a person, that gets you the job. Have you thought about a change of career? Or, if the current job is absolutely unbearable, could you manage financially by taking a part-time job instead? Or what about interning/volunteering at an company that you like, as a way to gain experience, while working part-time in a less stressful job outside your field? Have you tried listening to something relaxing on your commute? I'm thinking something like mindful meditation exercises or something similar that wouldn't distract you from driving, but would still help you relax and alleviate the anxiety that you're feeling. Hugs! Hang in there! Anonymous on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942301 Sun, 26 May 2013 22:35:46 +0000 Anonymous 942301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! You must be completely exhausted. I hope you can juggle things long enough to completely enjoy your holiday and then have a promising job lined up! Sending you a virtual hug... Suz on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942295 Sun, 26 May 2013 21:51:45 +0000 Suz 942295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, I have no words of wisdom. Only sympathy and support. This is a very stressful position to be in. No wonder you're feeling worn down. I sort of feel that the holiday is worth hanging in for, simply because you're in desperate need of it. I know they say a change is as good as a rest, but at this point, if your luck changed and you managed to land a position, I fear you'd be too worn out to do your best at it!  Five minutes of calm breathing is a good idea. And time with the fur-babies, as well as loved ones who don't criticize. Anonymous on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942293 Sun, 26 May 2013 21:46:38 +0000 Anonymous 942293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, first I want to say I am really sorry to hear about this. The only thing I can think about is, do you have access to your college's recruiting services? I know most colleges seem to have lots of resources for alumni. I keep on getting brochures about events. I am thinking perhaps they help you with diagnostics, if there is anything you could improve upon. Hace you gotten any feedback, at all? To be honest, I just think that is how hard finding a job has become. I can see it thru the recruiting events I attend, on behalf of my employer. Hang in there! ETA: I just read your comment re. feedback. Can you afford a headhunter? some services are not as expensive. MsMary on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942286 Sun, 26 May 2013 21:40:23 +0000 MsMary 942286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, I think the tactful way is just the truth: "it hurts me to do this while you are away, but the opportunity arose and I felt like I owed it to myself to pursue it." Kari on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942279 Sun, 26 May 2013 21:10:46 +0000 Kari 942279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are both so sweet.  Thank you. MaryK - I'm torn about that, because it's not just my current employer's travel plans, it's my own coming immediately afterwards; at this point I feel like for a future job I could count on a good reference from my immediate supervisor and I wouldn't want to burn that bridge by quitting while she is away from the office.  I'm not sure there would be a good way to do so tactfully, but I'm open to suggestions. ClaraT - most of the time I hear nothing at all from the jobs I interview for and get rejected from, but when I have, it has been a generic "very impressed with you and your experience, but another candidate was better suited to the position."  I really try to play up different skills based on the job description, both in interviews as well as in my cover letters.  And I know, from being in the place of the person who is hiring, that sometimes that is a tactful way to reject a candidate who isn't qualified without actually saying anything negative to them, and sometimes it truly is a choice between multiple candidates and one simply has stronger experience or qualifications for the role. It's kind of like reference checks; many employers don't want to give ANY comments on performance to prevent a company representative from saying something that could potentially be a liability. I am grateful, though, that I'm getting interviews.  The job market is improving, and it's actually a pretty low unemployment rate in my neck of the woods for people with Bachelor's degrees or higher. So maybe if I do hold off - assuming that I don't crack from stress in the meantime - maybe by 2014 I'll have a better chance. ClaraT on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942272 Sun, 26 May 2013 20:29:22 +0000 ClaraT 942272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Kari--I love your website and your happy fashion, and I'm sorry things are so overwhelming right now. Can I say that on the upside (yes, I think there's an upside here), the interviews illustrate that you are a good candidate for the jobs you are applying for. I have a friend (a paralegal) who is unemployed, and he is sending out resumes right and left and just not getting calls. So getting calls is rather promising (ok, I know you need an actual job here, but you are clearly on the right track). I think your appearance could only be a plus--you have a fresh but very professional style (so I"m not sure that 'loved one' is on the right track). I'm wondering if there is any way to get feedback from the interviewers that loved you (seemingly) but didn't hire you? Because for any of those jobs, that job could have gone to the boss's nephew (or whoever)--you just don't know if it is you or if they had someone who is simply more experienced or better connected apply. Ideally, a mentor or friend might also have some ideas (for example, you may need to stress different skills than you are stressing now or something like that). I'm sure you have thought about these things, but I'll just put them out there... Please breathe (literally, 5 minutes of slow breathing is really calming!) and do what you can to remember that you are an accomplished, amazing person. I hope other YLFers will have some wisdom for you, and I am sending best wishes your way.  MsMary on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942269 Sun, 26 May 2013 20:16:15 +0000 MsMary 942269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hugs, Kari!  I am blessedly not in the job market so I don't have any words of wisdom for you, just lots of love and support. Honestly, I wouldn't suspend the job hunt to accommodate your current employer's needs re: planned travel.  If you get a job and have to leave and it's inconvenient for the travel plans, too bad, so sad.  They would terminate you in a red hot second if they felt like it, and in my view you owe them two weeks' notice and nothing else. More hugs!!! Kari on "Still job searching unsuccessfully" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/still-job-searching-unsuccessfully#post-942258 Sun, 26 May 2013 19:44:56 +0000 Kari 942258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I apologize for the length of this rant. Nothing much has changed since the last time I posted on this front.  I'm still job searching constantly.  I have applied to at least 60-70ish positions and for the past couple months, I've averaged about 3 phone or in person interviews per week; some weeks I have had as many as 6.  I've lost track of how many I've had, honestly.   I'm doing this while being employed full time, while work is constantly getting busier, while commuting at least 90 minutes per day (typically longer.)  Most of my lunch breaks are skipped either because I keep getting dragged from one request to another at work, or because I have a phone interview scheduled.  I can keep up the energy long enough to power through work and interviewing and staying awake to drive home, but that's as long as I can make it.  I'm exhausted by the time I reach home and often crash on the couch as soon as I've had a meal.  The idea of finding time to exercise is just a joke at this point. To date, I have not made it past a 1st round in person interview.  I thought I had a pretty good sense of how an interview was going, but either my perceptions are way off or (what I think is more likely) I am just not a strong enough candidate with my experience level to make the cut to the next level.  My resume is doing its job in the sense that I've had a lot of employers contacting me, I communicate and engage well, I have strong examples of what I have done, I am positive, I am able to summon energy, and I ask a lot of thoughtful questions about the role/business/industry.  I've been on both sides of the table frequently in the past as a candidate and as a recruiter, so I'm generally comfortable with the process.  I can't think of anything that I could have done better when I replay interviews in my head. Last time I wrote, I had not really had an interview where I was confident that I was a good fit, so I wasn't expecting an offer.  This time I have had a couple, and yet... even after what I thought was a really strong interview, where the hiring manager and recruiter were very excited about my background, and where I really left the interview thinking based on how things were going that I was likely to get an offer... that was the last I heard from them.  Not even a rejection email or a follow-up to my thank you; nothing. I've worked at companies that are busy or that take a long time to make a decision, but sheesh, we at least try to follow up with the people we have met with face to face. I still have other interviews ahead that I'm really interested in, but I'm kind of at the end of my rope.  I think I might throw in the towel if nothing transpires within the next few weeks.  My boss has long trip in about a month, and then I have a trip immediately afterwards... it seems like there's not much point to applying with that ahead, to be honest.   That would mean re-starting the process as early as August and staying with my current employer at least until then, and who knows if my chances would be any better or not.   In the meantime, the stress level at my current job is almost as bad as it's ever been.  Lots of layoffs and people jumping ship for other jobs.  Reductions in headcount on my team means that I have more responsibility and am expected to accomplish it in the same amount of hours per week as I was working before, and I have no one who I can delegate to or ask for help.  The same cultural and systematic problems that started occurring a year and a half ago have continued uninterrupted, and I have approached every resource I can think of for help/requests to change these issues without any alteration or estimated date for when the problems will be fixed. I don't have a back-up if I need to be out of the office.  For that reason, I can't be out even when I'm genuinely ill, and on top of that, my employer is big on issuing formal disciplinary action for "unexpected absences" when sick days are taken without advanced notice.  For the past year and a half, I've given up on trying to eat breakfast because I'm so anxious before work that food nauseates me, and without being able to afford a sick day and having low energy, I don't want to deal with an upset digestive system on top of an already busy schedule.  The only bright spot is that my anti-depression regimen *is* working, so my mental health is so far in a much better place than it was last time I was so stressed at work.  However, I'm scared that it is only a matter of time before things go downhill again; my doctor has cautioned me over the years that I can't rely on medication to make me less unhappy about a toxic work environment. I have no idea how I'm going to stick it out for several more months without breaking down, but given that I'm already massively struggling in my job search, I feel like it would hurt my chances even worse if I were to quit without another job in sight.   My former and current colleagues who know that I'm searching are really surprised that I've not been able to attract any offers and I've applied every suggestion that they have given me. On top of that, a loved one has suggested that my weight could be a deterrent too; that's one more thing that I am failing at. I do not know what to do.