Hey,

We need to talk.

Well… ok, so I guess I need to say something.

Just, um, bear with me.

Ok?

Please?

Right, so I’m looking for my next role and—

Yes, yes… I know. I know this isn’t linkedin but, just hear me out for a second: I can’t be the only one, right? I mean, I have to imagine that applying anywhere online, even with referrals, has become a complete and utter dumpster fire for everyone??

I… um, I don’t know… I guess it just, well…

Doesn’t it just feel like a colossal waste of time?

Sure, I’m trying not to let it get to me, either, but—

Yeah, ok, fair point.

No, I agree; automated hiring systems really have become a pretty ridiculous lottery. You know, but instead of buying tickets at a counter somewhere on your way home, you’re forced to tailor your resume and then re-enter every single word of it after hitting “upload.”

I KNOW RIGHT?!

It’s like, “don’t forget to cross your fingers and hope the robots like your keywords!”

Seriously, though, by the time any notifications, updates, or newsletters about open roles get to me, thousands of people have already flooded the applicant pool.

Oh, me?

Yeah, believe me, I hate asking for help, but I’m definitely trying, anyway.

I was laid off at the end of 2024—

Uh huh, I thought so too. But, being a communications and enablement leader with 15+ years experience hasn’t done much for traction.

Yup, sure have.

Since then, I’ve:

• sold services

• built programs

• created courses

• started a podcast

• joined communities

• done tons of outreach

• maintained a daily column

• told a story on national TV

• volunteered with a nonprofit

But i really just—

*sigh*

I need a full-time role.

Oh, you’re damn right I’ve written and rewritten my resume. I’ve updated and tweaked my linkedin a bunch too. Still, nothing. And I’m losing more and more hope with each rejection.

Yeah, I mean, pretty much everything, i guess:

Roles in my field.

Roles I’ve previously had.

Roles I’m over-qualified for.

Roles down the street in retail.

Roles I worked at 16.

I’ve had a handful of interviews, but mostly rejections. Tons of ghosting, too. Yeah, so, I’ve really been trying to stay vigilant, shove aside my fear of impending doom, and remind myself that whatever I do, I MUSTN’T appear desperate; because people can smell desperation. Ha, yeah, wouldn’t wanna help those who need it, would we?!

It is strange, though, you know?

Feeling extremely competent, but also like you must be really screwing something up? I’ve just been trying to keep looking and networking. I guess I don’t really know what else to do at this point.

Funny thing is, my network is… here, on Substack. It sort of became my community after that layoff, which is why I’m pushing myself to ask for help.

Uh huh, I get that—

I do want to work, though; I like working. And I know that’s a bit of a faux pas here but, like anyone, I need to pay my bills.

Thanks.

Yeah, I think so, too. Well, that’s incredibly kind of you. No, you’re right—it isn’t easy. But I definitely appreciate the support.

Wooof. I’ve really done most of the talking here, huh?

No, no, um… you go.

Anything I can do to support you?

Yes, I’d love to chat!

***

Substack! I’m grateful for any and all help you can give!

I’m looking for Director of Enablement/Learning & Development opportunities in Tech/SaaS.

While I keep searching, I’m also open to working on long-form content (I’m best with onboarding/retention strategy… as well as things like essays, newsletters, profile stories, podcasts, interviews, keynotes etc).

You can learn more about me, my writing, and my podcast at derekmacdonald dot com