Job hunting is rough, no matter of what life stage or industry you’re in. Breaking into a competitive industry is incredibly difficult — especially if you’re a recent graduate or still studying.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimised by job hunting. This article is for you.

#1 The Broke Life

It’s one of the main things that drives you to get a job. And boy, is it hard to live without. You’re in limbo: do you follow your dreams and put all your effort into finding that dream job? Do you get a side job in hospitality or retail while you wait? Will the stress ever end? Gosh, existing is really expensive.

#2 Experience To Get Experience To Get Experience

That thing where employers want you to have years of experience at an entry-level position, but no one will actually give you experience SUCKS. Of course, you can do internships or freelance, but no matter how hard you work, it’s just not the same as having full-time paid experience in the industry. Won’t someone think of the graduates?

#3 Every Application Takes FOREVER

Job hunting takes SO MUCH TIME. There’s writing, perfecting, updating and modifying your resume and cover letter for each individual job to show you really care about the advertised position. There’s choosing outfits, and primping yourself to perfection. There’s traveling to the interview—which can sometimes be hours, and the actual interviews themselves. It’s a full-time job in itself—with terrible pay.

#4 Spending Money On Making Yourself Look Good

Obviously, you want to look good for an interview. Depending on the gender you identify with and the kind of person you are, this can be any number of things—hair, makeup, nails, shoes, clothes, as well as transport. Hey, $16 on a train ride is expensive when you have exactly $4.02 in your account. Send help.

#5 Having To Do Heaps Of Research

When I see an opportunity I’m interested in, I do a lot of research to make sure my application will stand out. And if I’m lucky enough to receive a call or email for an interview, I research like crazy. I put much more effort in job hunting than I ever did at university. This meticulous research is super useful and great — if you’re successful. But if not, you’re just left at the end with no money, and a lot of information about a lot of different companies who didn’t want you.

#6 The Build Up Of Hope

You see a listing, you apply, you get an interview, and you put your absolute everything into it. Your heart, your soul, your blood, your sweat, and your tears, as well as time and money. You feel pumped, excited and on top of the world — that is, until you read the words “unfortunately, in this instance you have not been successful”.

#7 Getting Your Heart Broken

Having your heart set on a job, before being told you’re not good enough? Rough. Being knocked back from your dream job time and time again is so demoralising — especially when you’ve put so much time and effort into the process. Your best bet is to ask for feedback, try and try again. Someone eventually has to say yes, right?

#8 The Raging Self-Doubt

When you’ve been knocked back time and time again, you begin to wonder if this is the career for you. Should you leave your dreams behind and get any old job? Is there something wrong with me? Will someone ever give me a chance?

Yes, job hunting is hard. But if you keep working hard, and keep gaining experience, someone will see your potential—eventually. May the odds be ever in your favour!

Zoe is a journalist with a passion for all things wacky and strange. Like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter for more!

(Lead image: Broad City/Comedy Central)