The Great Job Hunt: Between AI Bots and Old-School Grit

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I will be the first to admit it: my "rambling" usually involves parenting chaos, political insights, or travel, and sometimes a bit of historical whisps. But lately, my mind has been stuck on a much more stressful loop—the modern-day job hunt.

If you’ve been following along, you know I’m a "roots" kind of person. I like to plant things, nurture them, and watch them grow. That’s why being laid off just two days before the New Year—after over two years of pouring myself into a company—felt less like a fresh start and more like being uprooted in the middle of a winter storm. No warning, no fanfare, just a sudden "thanks for your service" and a very quiet house.

The Numbers Game (And the AI of it All)

Since then, I have put in hundreds of applications. I’ve done the old-school manual entries on company websites, and I’ve embraced the new-age tech by using AI job-hunting sites like Massive and JobHire.

The result? Two interviews.

They both went well—great, even! We talked strategy, shared laughs, and I left feeling like I’d found a potential new home. But then... silence. The dreaded "ghosting" seems to be the new corporate standard. But of course I'm still holding my breath that those two hiring managers are just perusing me or someone else, and that, through God's good graces, it will be me. 

A Resume That Tells a Story

It’s a strange feeling trying to condense twelve years of life into a few bullet points. My career path hasn’t been a straight line; it’s been a rich, winding road. I’ve written for:

  • High-stakes Banking
  • Grassroots Nonprofits
  • Environmental Initiatives
  • Cutting-edge AI Development

I’m looking for that "Content Specialist" or "Writing Maven" role where I can weave all those experiences together. I know I have the words—I just need the right person to read them.

Thinking of Dad and 80-Hour Weeks

I find myself thinking about my Dad a lot lately. He was the epitome of an "old school" work ethic. He spent 30 years at GM, standing on the manufacturing floor building car parts on assembly lines or stamping metal in these giant presses that could cut your arm off. I remember him working 80-hour weeks, coming home exhausted but proud, just to save up for the things our family needed.

He had loyalty to the company, and in return, the company provided a life.

But things have shifted, haven't they? We live in an era where workers often jump for the highest check, and companies treat employees like line items on a spreadsheet. I’m a bit of a relic in that sense. I don’t want a stepping stone; I want a workplace home. I want a place where I can grow roots and be genuinely proud of the work I produce day in and day out.

Keeping the Faith

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. My anxiety regarding our finances has skyrocketed, and there are moments when the "mass of applications" feels like a void I’m shouting into. But then I remember the grit I inherited. So, I’ll keep hitting "apply," I’ll keep refining my portfolio, and most importantly, I’ll keep praying. I’m holding onto the hope that the right door isn't just going to open—it’s going to welcome me in.



If you’re in the same boat, hang in there. We’re more than a LinkedIn profile, and our value isn't defined by a layoff.

I’m curious—have any of you made a big career pivot lately? How are you handling the "new" way of job hunting?

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