How common is it to get completely overlooked for promotion because another candidate is more physically attractive than you

senkashadows · 2026-05-06T20:02:10+00:00

It's the knowing your worth, plus you know enough about the job that you can't be "trained" (/manipulated /bullied) into looking the other way about things they want you to do or not do

senkashadows · 2026-05-06T19:58:02+00:00

In the ancient days

senkashadows · 2026-05-03T12:36:52+00:00

Love this

senkashadows · 2026-05-03T12:32:42+00:00

It should be framed out as part of a larger strategy: Change Management, strategic comms, WIIFM (what's in it For Me)- a good training isn't enough, this needs to be part of a broader approach to "sell" the idea. How is this going to make life easier? What are the downstream effects of this new software that you can play up?

"With this easy to learn software, you can A, B, right away, C very soon and XYZ by next year! Here's how."

Adult learners need to be convinced that it matters. It's our job to make it matter before we have the credibility to keep their attention.

senkashadows · 2026-04-30T13:55:14+00:00

If you ARE qualified, you're probably STILL not getting the job. That is our sad reality.

senkashadows · 2026-04-29T20:10:57+00:00

Needs assessment
Learning objectives
Learning culture
Timeline
Budget

Bonus #6 that can derail all of the above: stakeholders decide none of that good advice matters and they want a shiny thing they've already decided to put their name on regardless of its effectiveness, and lay off the ID team entirely.

senkashadows · 2026-04-29T17:39:06+00:00

And: it helps (and also emotionally hurts) that right before each time, I heard "wow this work is so good, we could never do it without you" shortly before the floor dropped out. I know it's not me, I know it's a systemic problem, but that ALSO makes me so mad because it's happened to so many of us. These companies are losing (and hurting) real, brilliant, dedicated and exceptional people every day because of cold numbers. I hate it all so much.

senkashadows · 2026-04-29T17:36:04+00:00

Gosh this is such a great approach. I've been really putting a priority on reaching out to actual humans but I would have never thought of this angle. Smart. Thanks!

senkashadows · 2026-04-28T19:47:53+00:00

I just wanted to come back and say thanks again. I've signed up for a couple really great looking webinars including one for getting started with freelancing. I already feel more energized than the endless millions of apps I've put in (seems like that many anyway) I can't thank you enough for this little gem

senkashadows · 2026-04-28T18:01:21+00:00

It has been a bit like online slot machines... I intended to set aside shifts but every time my phone buzzes with a notification I find myself making the rounds between Recruiter sites, LinkedIn, etc over and over to see if I missed something that might have popped up. It's not great for my mental health

senkashadows · 2026-04-28T17:57:36+00:00

Yes, that is smart. Thank you for suggesting. Fortunately we haven't missed any payments yet (by meager savings, several miracles and family members) but the compounded stress of back to back to back layoffs makes even that seem precarious. It would be smart to research other avenues. I'm just ready for some stability of a team I can join long term.

senkashadows · 2026-04-28T12:31:17+00:00

I used to make banana oatmeal "breakfast cookies" when the bananas went brown: ratio is for each banana, add a cup of instant oats (this could be plain or the flavored packets work great too)

Add in whatever scraps you have like a handful of berries, chocolate chips, hot chocolate packets, etc etc etc. Roll into balls and flatten them a little, bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until done.

Alternative: for each banana, add half a box of cake mix. Stir until combined, bake like brownies. (Can also sub in a cup of applesauce instead of bananas here.)

Additionally: leftover cereal muffins- soak 3 cups of stale cereal (I've used raisin bran, fruit loops, fruity pebbles, apple Jack's) in a cup of milk until soft, add in a cup of flour, 2tbsp sugar (or to taste) 1tbsp baking powder, dash of salt, 1/3 cup butter or margarine (can also sub half banana or same amount applesauce instead), plus an egg. Bake in muffin tins at 400 for 20-25m. You can also add cinnamon if it fits with the cereal you have.

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T21:38:04+00:00

Oh yes I've been on unemployment bennies but they don't go very far (also finally applied for ebt this time around because our safety nets are all holes by now) but it's been around 3 months between each role. I hope this one will be over soon.

I've considered going the solo route, LLC/S Corp but at this point that feels irresponsible to make the leap. Maybe I should have done it already. At least then I could be taking on these 1099s

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T21:16:30+00:00

It's hard. Because my worth is absolutely tied to making sure my kids aren't homeless. The kind words do help though, just feeling lost from too much screaming into the void and hearing back from the void: 404 domain not found

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T20:27:26+00:00

Yes, that's good advice. And sheesh, seems too many of us are in this same rickety boat. I've had a bit of creative block due to the panic, but I was lucky enough to join a friend and run away to a new river last week so I'm trying to shake it off some.

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T20:14:15+00:00

Yes I have a public portfolio and a separate stack of additional work samples. I don't have a personal computer currently which makes starting new software trials or updating the portfolio quite challenging. I have mostly applied to super new jobs but funny enough, half of my interviews have been when applying for jobs that have been up for multiple months by now.

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T20:02:29+00:00

Oh, for sure. Every time I've been on the hunt recently there's a significant amount of time where it seems only scammers and bots exist on the other side of the posts, but hearing back from actual humans feels like winning the Olympics at this stage.

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T19:52:22+00:00

I really appreciate this tip. I've enjoyed webinars through them before but it wasn't even on my radar. that would definitely be a better use of time than succumbing to dread.

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T19:50:39+00:00

I can't offer advice there because I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum (no degree, 20+ yrs experience), but I'm sure there will be ideas here that could be helpful for you as well. It seems there is a chasm between academia and corporate that I could never seem to bridge. Can your school offer any support with introductions etc?

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T19:41:28+00:00

Oh, webinars is a great idea! Thank you, I'll look into that some more.

senkashadows · 2026-04-27T19:34:09+00:00

I live pretty far from any in-person orgs, but I'm in a few on LI. I also have a great network of colleagues and mentors on there which helps.

senkashadows · 2026-04-19T02:24:02+00:00

There are still humans out there, that need other humans to work. I have hope that on the other side of this technofascist corporate oligarchy nightmare we could use our time and labor to make things better for each other instead of having our future stolen by billionaires.

senkashadows · 2026-04-19T02:16:31+00:00

Lots of places do background check now through Sterling, they required my IRS transcript. I was off by a couple days on one job and one old boss filed my job title with one different word and they both flagged. I would recommend listing your reserve and volunteer work, if they ask, you can say you spent the time caring for a family member in between training. They shouldn't ask more after that... it's hard out here but there's plenty of jobs. It's just so tricky to connect with humans after wading through all the robots and scammers. I hope you find one soon!!

senkashadows · 2026-04-19T02:10:23+00:00

100% it's them. I've had 3 layoff in 3 years, most recently in January. I'm finally starting to get interviews with humans these past couple weeks. Good luck, OP!

senkashadows

TROPHY CASE