DarthOptimistic's journey

I'm a 28-year-old recent college graduate trying to kickstart my career, but I'm facing a major hurdle with references. I previously worked part-time at a company where I was unhappy, and when I decided to leave for what I thought was a promising job at a non-profit, things went south. My boss reacted poorly to my two weeks' notice, leading to a lot of yelling and a toxic situation. Unfortunately, that non-profit turned out to be a scam, which was a painful lesson in job hunting. Now, whenever I apply for jobs that ask for three professional references, I'm at a loss. I only have one recent employer who remembers me positively, and while I could reach out to a couple of my college professors, my last two years were quite challenging, and I only feel comfortable asking one or two of them for a reference. Currently, I'm stuck in a contract job that I dislike, which only lasts until the end of the school year. I feel trapped in a cycle where I can't get a job without references, but I also can't build new relationships without being in a job. It's frustrating to have worked minimum-wage jobs for years and now, with a degree in hand, still struggle to find a career path.

I've been unemployed since mid-January, and it's really starting to take a toll on my confidence. I graduated with a BA in History last March and worked a few part-time jobs afterward, but now I'm struggling to find anything full-time. Thankfully, I can live with my parents, which eases some financial pressure, but every day without a job increases my anxiety. I worry that being out of the workforce for so long has made me lose my skills or even basic workplace common sense. It's a constant thought that weighs on me, and I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do next, but the uncertainty is overwhelming.

I've been feeling really lost since I graduated with my BA in History last May. I've been stuck in a series of dead-end jobs and have been unemployed since mid-January. It's becoming clear that I might need to let go of some of my dreams and consider transitioning into a trade. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation and can offer advice on making this switch. I've heard from others that it can be tough at first, especially physically, but that the skills I gained from my degree, like reading and writing, might actually come in handy. I'm also looking into local apprenticeship programs or trade schools where I can earn while I learn. If you've made a similar transition, I would really appreciate any tips or insights you can share.