Applying for big girl jobs in big girl places

September 16, 2012

I’m finishing up my time in Tanzania. I’ve had a few leads for jobs here and one in South Africa—but family things and matters of my spiritual and mental well being are telling me that it’s time to be back in the states, at least for a little while.

Plus, when I was fairly certain I was gunning for a PhD, I was lucky enough to get a small grant to start some oral history research with a few communities/collectives in several metropolises across the states, you know possible dissertation research. I won’t bore you with the details just yet because it would derail my trajectory, but basically grant wise, I have enough to either pay very meager rent or do some research—but not both (rendering this opportunity an option [and a difficult one at that] rather than a given).

But it’s always been one of my dreams to move to the big city—and now that I have a reason—it’s a little disappointing, albeit sadly typical, to not have all the means. Since my volunteers have left, and I’ve been able to stay in town where electricity and internet is more consistently available—I’ve been sending out my resume and cover letter to any job I feel even remotely qualified for. At the same time, after officially getting my degree (yes, the diploma came in the mail), a few years of unpaid interning (working more hours a week than in my paid positions), and a few part-time jobs in various sectors, I want to have a “big girl” job where I can use all the skills I’ve accumulated, where there’s some room to grow—maybe be challenged, maybe learn a bit. Oh, and where I get paid enough to buy good cheese, okay, even decent cheese.

I know this is a fairly typical plight for recent grads at this point in the game, but having been here and being consistently on the clock pretty much all day every day here in Tanzania—it’s frightening to imagine being in that weird jobless limbo again.

So Dear Every Employer Ever,

I understand you have a high volume of applicants, but it’d be nice to get something from you considering I spend way more time tailoring my resume and cover letter to your company than you will spend reading it. A job offer would of course be ideal, but even a “look elsewhere” would be more helpful than an unacknowledged application that I’ll keep hopelessly checking up on.
You’re right, it is unfortunate that you have no paid entry-level positions available. And while I would love to share my talent with your company as an unpaid intern, the invaluable experience I would gain in the position sadly does not pay the rent.
Take my above snarkiness as more than frustration, but rather as a sign of my quick wit and strong character. I’d be a fun and very grateful addition to your team.

Sincerely,

Elaine