Feel despondent, any advice please.

Hi everyone.

I could really do with some advice (or a kick up the bum!) I graduated in 2008 and have been trying to get a proper full time job in the area (or similar area) I want to work in which is market research. When I graduated I was full of optimism and thought I'll have a job and have moved out of my parents home within a years time at the most. I took a contract job doing admin so I could fund internships and get some good experience. So last year I finished my contracted and found an internship in a tiny market research agency. I've now been here for ten months and I am so so fed up. The agency is tiny and there is no opportunity for employment or maybe they just don't want to pay me a proper salary.

So I've been speculatively applying to agencies, tried for other internships at bigger agencies, gone to recruitment agencies and networked with people who own agencies but only take on people with a few years experience. Most of the time I am fine and I get on with it. But lately I just feel so despondent, I wish I was earning properly so I could move out. I wish I was doing something that had a bit of job satisfaction and I wish the agency didn't take advantage so much. (I've paid people out of my money who have undertaken interviews with us, and am still waiting to be paid back over five weeks later)

I'm sorry I know people are in far worse situations I just so desperately need someone to help me. Just something to help me feel a bit more optimistic. Everyday revolves around work and finding a job and it's just getting me a bit down. All my friends are doing something that might not be their ideal role but is similar and are enjoying it. I've barely learnt a thing from this agency but I know I can't leave either. Sorry I'm complaining again.

Anyone feeling the same and has any idea how to break the cycle?

Thank you if you read this far, don't blame you if you're bored!!

Hi there !
It all feels so crappy at the moment, doesn't it. I guess I have no real advice except it IS a shite time of the year, for a lot of poeple, they feel very despondant and down feb/ march, then things get better.

You just need to keep your chin up and keep on actively doing what you are doing. Perhaps, do some charty work, for your CV ( perhaps there is a hospice you can do some research for or one of the major charities that you can work for) I know Oxfam do some fab placements - can you look at this, perhaps during some time off?

Talk to your mom if you can, get her to understand how down you feel.
And keep on here, you;re in a failry quiet forum, but if you come over to the Bar, you can rabbit on about anything there and you'll prob get more replies.


Keep being positive.

Thank you. Been hoping someone would reply soon. I have looked at other internships its just I can't afford to do them anymore, few of the charities can cover my travel expense because I don't live in London so I commute in and it is about �400 a month.

But I will keep trying. Thank you. I have tried speaking to her, but I end up feeling frustrated I know she means well but for some reason she doesn't seem to think I'll amount to much as suggests just going for an 'easy' job instead trying to get into market research or marketing. Plus I'm in a LDR and my fella now has his perfect job which I'm so happy for him but he now just fobs me off just 'keep looking and try the Guardian.' (which obviously I am doing)

Anyway I just wish I could stop this negative thinking and feel a bit more optimistic.

But thank you, honestly. I need to break this cycle. Might come and snoop in the Bar!!

xx