I accepted a government job relying on connections (wasta) a decade ago, and I deeply regret that decision. Over the past four years, I've applied to countless positions—more than 10,000 applications—and faced rejection after rejection. This job did nothing to enhance my employability, and I feel like I've wasted a significant part of my life. I want to share my experience as a cautionary tale: don't make the same mistake I did!