If anyone wants to feel better today, I got ghosted by TJMaxx for a job. The kicker? I have a PhD in Biochemistry.

So I thought I would share something strange that happened to me and why I know the job market....is well what it is.

At the time, I was in grad school doing research, finishing my thesis to get my PhD in Biochemistry. Graduate students don't get paid very well and in my state our wages are so low, we qualify for medicaid, food stamps and subsidized housing, because we get paid so little.

Although, we aren't allowed due to Graduate School policies, many of us do take on outside employment. (It wasn't like the University was going to pay my bills). I have taken on outside employment before, without my advising committee knowing and this was going to be no different. I decided to get a job, (this was pre-Covid) to make extra income, so you know, I can live and eat.

TJ Maxx was advertising they needed holiday retail workers. I had two years of retail experience prior in high school/college years ago. I applied and got a call for an interview. I went in, (professionally dressed and ready to interview) and the hiring manager was sort of confused because they've never had a PhD candidate applying. I sort of expected this and explained to her that I was looking to supplement my current income and that I was interested in working part time.

She continued asking me questions and she seemed pleased. I had to translate how my skills in the lab might work here, (i.e. organization, attention to detail, handling/troubleshooting problems, working efficiently). Most of their workers were single moms or women in their late 30' or early 40's, peppered with a few part time college students, so I could fit in. She kept mentioning that I had a good attitude.

By the time the interview was over, she said she was interested in bringing me on and to check my email so that I can fill out the appropriate forms and they can schedule me.

Lol, but what do you know? The hiring manager never emails me.

Three weeks pass by and no email. Not even a call. I know they have my email address correct because that's how they contacted me in the first place for an interview. After that, I chalked it up to them ghosting me and it was clear I wasn't getting the job.

So what does that mean? I guess it reminded me why the job market sucks. Even if you are qualified and have experience and can do well and the interview goes well, sometimes I feel like someone's livelihood and careers are simply at the whim of another.

It also doesn't mean having a degree, or multiple degrees, or relevant ones will secure you a job. So you might as well shoot your shot or do what you love anyway.

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