I’m done.
I’m a recently graduated pre-vet student, who’s had dreams of being a vet since elementary school (literally written in the yearbook). I’m done. For four consecutive years, I’ve applied to and cold called every single clinic and entry level position offered in a 40 mile radius, never to any luck. In light of being rejected every summer, I instead worked 2-3 jobs every summer as a pet resort kennel tech + shelter volunteer + disease lab assistant + and medical school receptionist to rack up experience. But upon being graduated and now having all this experience, strong communication skills, and an incredible work ethic - still nothing. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong, what more can they want from me, especially when I see that these positions have been taken by 16 y/o kids who just happen to know someone working there already.
I’m frustrated that even getting an entry level job is impossible, and my hard work has been unhelpful in finding an opportunity. How can these places expect 1+ years of previous experience for jobs that don’t even require a high school diploma? Why are they so against giving someone new a chance, despite everything I’ve done to enrich myself with knowledge and hands on experience?
I know I’m overqualified already, and I’m tired of prostrating myself to just be constantly rejected for no obvious reason. So I’m done. I will excel at anything I try at, and this industry is so soul sucking it’s just not worth it anymore.
UPDATE: I thank everyone who’s responded to this encouragingly, it’s much appreciated! But many people have replied and given advice to gain more experience in fields I already have hundreds of hours in - which just further proves my point that this hardship is a little absurd for unpaid and entry level positions. I’ll probably take some time and rethink my career options, consider some other paths, as much as it breaks my heart. Who knows, maybe by some miracle I’ll finally get a yes somewhere.