I need some advice:

[Muffstser]

Hey, folks. I really need some advice.

I found out that I’m no longer being considered for two jobs I really wanted. I also found out this must be “bash the temp worker” week, since I’ve had nonstop complaints and criticism the past two days. Worst of all? I want to apply for a writing internship, but I’ve Lost My Snark! (GASP!!!)

So, my question is: what do you do to cheer yourself up, and get your sarcasm back, when you feel you’re drowning in a pool of gloom? It takes a LOT to get me down, but I really feel a sense of despair I haven’t felt in a long time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

[gkhouston]

1. wow, I didn't know it was possible to lose one's snark

:hug: you must be having a really lousy week. Do you have a favorite movie you could watch -- something to take you out of yourself and lift your spirits a bit? Maybe Monty Python for the absurdity factor or Blackadder for the snippy remarks? What's the deadline for applying for this internship? Do you have to write something on spec, and does it need to be snarky? I mean, how serious is the time pressure?

[Muffstser]

4. Thanks for the pep talk!

Thanks, GK. The constant rejection just gets to you after awhile. The main reason I even wanted that job in the first place was that the educational benefits were superb…all four years paid for, including books. Of course, I can still go back to school on my own, but it seemed like a perfect fit. Oh, well!

I’m more spooked about losing my creativity and snarkiness, to be honest with you. This internship sounds great, but it’s as though my creativity is just GONE. Hopefully, Keith and a rerun of “The Daily Show” can get the inspiration flowing again!

[gkhouston]

5. focus on the possible future (the internship) and not the past

(the job prospects that didn't pan out). A vigorous walk is a great idea -- step away from what you're doing and a new idea might come to you surprisingly quickly. Are you actively working on an application for the internship now and feel like you're grinding gears or are you struggling to find the impetus to get started?

[SharonRB]

2. Maybe watching KO tonight will help recapture the snark

[_q_]

3. Exercise

Take a brisk walk for an hour and a half, and the endorphins will take care of your gloom.
Did you know that cardiovascular exercise makes you smarter by increasing blood flow to you brain? Supposedly your IQ is raised for a few hours following the exertion.
-q

[RevCheesehead]

6. We will help you.

That's what the KOEB is for. So when you get back home, log on as soon as possible. We'll snark ya. :)

[gkhouston]

7. that we will. ;-)

One of these days, I'm going to put "Snarker" down as my profession on my tax return... just as soon as I find somebody willing to pay me to do that for a living. :+

[WolverineDG]

8. drown your sorrows

in a pint of ben & jerry's finest. always works for me. :)

dg

[crispini]

9. do something to break your routine.

pedicure, visit a museum, art flick, nice meal out, theatre expedition -- anything to shake it up and make it a little bit different and take you away for awhile. :hug:

[Berry Cool]

10. Get a funny video/DVD and watch it.

Seeing as how Keith didn't help you out tonight :sigh:...

A funny book will also help.

When you lose your sense of humor, you've really lost it all. But chances are this is just a temporary letdown. You've had two big disappointments followed by a lot of complaints. That's enough to put a hole in anyone's balloon.

Be patient with yourself and realize that sometimes when people gripe at you, it's not you, it's them. Be honest with yourself and see if there's anything you could have done better, but do it to learn for next time, not to demand perfection of yourself--it's impossible. And try to think of yourself as being two more tries closer to the job that will really be for you. I know it's tough, but sometimes the biggest disappointments can help you focus on what you really want. I know being disappointed about a job I didn't get last year clarified a lot of things for me and made me realize there were things I wanted other than that job. I went for those things--and got them.

It CAN be done. Keep your chin up...and your knees loose! :-)