Why Do I Struggle to Find a Part-Time Job?

Job opportunities can indeed be scarce, especially for those seeking part-time work. The global job market can be particularly challenging, as evidenced by the figures provided. According to data, there are about 8 billion people in the world. Approximately a quarter of this population are active-age job seekers, equating to roughly 2 billion job seekers. However, there are also around 500 million unfilled jobs globally. This stark imbalance can leave many feeling disheartened and questioning their abilities.

Currently, I am in a lull phase with my translation work, and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, I have taken the initiative to search for a part-time job to supplement my income. All I am seeking is a job that would involve approximately 20 hours of work per week. I am relatively flexible with my working hours and am open to basic roles in retail, call centers, and other customer service-related positions.

To date, I have applied to a variety of roles, including a locally owned carpet and flooring shop, a large insurance provider’s call center, a phone-based sales job, a B2B lead generator role, a remote position training AI, and even a mystery shopper position. However, my efforts have not yielded any positive responses. Not a single call or invitation for an interview has been received.

Limited Job Options in My Area

Living in Mullingar, my range of job opportunities is quite limited, and I currently lack a driving license, further restricting my options. The only other positions available locally that I am qualified for are care assistant roles, but honestly, there might be a mismatch in personality as the role requires someone who is more outgoing, and I do not think I would thrive in that environment. Additionally, some positions may require a driving license, which I currently don’t have.

CV Focused on Translation Work

Although my CV is heavily focused on my translation work, I have been taking a more targeted approach to my job applications. I am writing each cover letter individually and in a highly personalized manner, addressing the specific demands of each job I am applying for. This personalized approach is meant to increase the likelihood of a positive response. However, despite my efforts, it feels disheartening to receive no responses at all.

Job Market as a Dating App

The process of finding a part-time job feels almost like using a dating app. The online job portals are designed to cater to a wide range of roles, making the selection process more impersonal and less about building rapport. It feels like the job market has become more about filling positions as quickly as possible rather than nurturing a long-term relationship between an employer and an employee.

One example is the local carpet shop where I applied. Despite expressing my desire to discuss the role in person, the woman insisted that the only option was to apply online. This rigid approach to job applications can make the process feel cold and impersonal.

Freelance and the Future

Given the current state of the job market, the feeling of dejection and rejection is understandable. It’s not just me; it seems to be a widespread issue, not just in America or Europe but globally. This has reignited my interest in freelance work. The freedom, flexibility, and satisfaction that come with being your own boss can provide real value in a challenging job market.

While I still hope for a call back or a positive response to my applications, the idea of returning to freelance work is becoming more appealing. The ability to work for clients on a project-by-project basis, set my own hours, and potentially benefit from a direct personal relationship with my clients is a significant draw. This way, I can build a reputation and a network that can lead to more job opportunities in the long term.

In conclusion, the job market is a challenging place, especially for those seeking part-time work. The impersonal nature of online job applications and the perceived difficulty in building a rapport with potential employers can be disheartening. However, alternative avenues like freelance work offer a way to gain flexibility, build a reputation, and navigate the increasingly difficult job market.