Has anyone ever felt like they're running out of time? I want to let this out because I honestly don't have anyone I can comfortably talk to about these things. I hope this stays here. I'm sorry if this seems like a small or unimportant problem to some people, but I just need somewhere to let everything out because I've been keeping so much to myself.
I graduated a few months ago, but I'm still unemployed. I've been in Cebu for almost eight months now, living with a relative. I'm from somewhere in the Visayas where job opportunities are very limited, which is one of the reasons I came here.
I've been helping at my relative's store while looking for work. There's nothing wrong with being a tindera, and I don't look down on that kind of job. Work is work, and I respect anyone who earns honestly. But sometimes, I can't help feeling disappointed in myself. I graduated, and I had dreams for myself and my family, yet here I am, still trying to figure out how to get my life started. I feel useless sometimes, like I'm just taking up space, even when I'm trying my best to help where I can.
I'm not saying I'm above any job. I'm just hoping to find something where I can grow, use what I studied, and eventually become independent.
Breadwinner ako kahit wala pa akong stable job. I don't have parents to depend on, and I want to help my grandparents and siblings. Gusto ko rin naman maranasan na ako naman yung makakatulong sa kanila, hindi yung lagi na lang akong nangangarap na balang araw magiging okay din ang lahat. I want to be someone they can depend on. That's one of the reasons I keep trying, even when I'm already exhausted.
I've applied for office jobs online, sent emails, walked into establishments to submit my resume and asked if they're hiring. Sometimes I can't even use certain job applications because my phone is too old. I also tried applying sa BPO companies here in Cebu, pero rejected. I know my communication skills are not that good, especially when speaking English. I stutter, I get nervous, and sometimes I can't express what I really want to say. Alam ko naman na kailangan ko pang mag-improve, and I'm willing to learn. Pero ang sakit lang kasi sometimes I feel like people judge me based on how I speak, without even knowing what I can do if someone gives me a chance.
I thought graduating would make life a little easier. I worked hard in college, became a scholar, and kept going even when things weren't easy. I know I didn't get through all those years just to give up on myself. I know I can learn if someone gives me a chance. But lately, I'm starting to question everything.
A customer once joked that I was "not hireable." I laughed with at the time, but honestly, that comment stayed with me. What if they're right? What if I'm not good enough? I know I shouldn't let one person's words define me, but it's hard not to think about them when application after application leads nowhere.
Sometimes people tell me I should be grateful, or that I should just accept a low-paying job. I understand that I need to start somewhere. I'm not expecting to become successful overnight. But I also want to earn enough to live independently, help my family, and have a place where I can feel comfortable without worrying about being judged, insulted, or made to feel like a burden. Is it wrong to want that kind of life?
Living with relatives is different from living with your own family. Even when nobody says anything directly, sometimes you become so conscious of your presence that you start feeling like you don't belong. You learn to laugh things off, even when they hurt. You keep things to yourself because you don't want to seem ungrateful.
And then I look at other people my age, and I wonder why life seems to be moving for them while I'm still standing in the same place. Why wasn't I born into a family that could give me a little more of a head start? Why does everything have to be so difficult? Why do I keep feeling like I'm not as capable as everyone else?
I even want to try working from home, but I don't have a laptop to start with. Sometimes it feels like I need resources just to get the opportunities that could help me earn those same resources.
I've been praying, too. Sometimes I ask God why life has to be this hard for me. Bakit parang ang hirap maging mahirap? nauubos na ako kasi. And sorry , Lord : ( I'm not asking for a perfect life. Gusto ko lang naman ng chance. A chance to work, to learn, to help my family, and to prove to myself na may kaya rin akong gawin. I keep asking Him why life has to be this cruel sometimes, why I have to struggle so much just to have a chance at a decent life. I know other people have their own battles, and I'm not saying my problems are greater than theirs. I'm just tired of pretending that I'm okay.
I'm still young, but I feel like I'm running out of time. I want to help my grandparents while they're still here. I want to give back to the people who raised me. I want to stop worrying about money and stop feeling insecure about where I live or how people see me. I want to be independent. I want to prove to myself that I'm capable of something.
I keep walking in, submitting resumes, asking if there are vacancies, and trying again. Every time I do it, I carry a little hope with me. And every time nothing happens, I go home feeling a little heavier.
I don't know what I'm doing wrong anymore. Maybe I still have a lot to learn. Maybe I need more time. But sometimes I'm so tired that I wonder how much longer I can keep feeling this way.
I don't need anyone to tell me that everything happens for a reason or that I should simply be patient. I know life doesn't owe me anything. I just wish things didn't have to feel this hard all the time.
I'm tired. Sobrang pagod na akong mag-isip. I don't want to give up on myself, pero there are days when I honestly don't know how to keep going with the same hope.
I just needed to let this out. I'm tired.