The Chronicles of a Professional Job Seeker

Title: The Chronicles of a Professional Job Seeker

Ah, unemployment. The one thing they never put in the school curriculum, but somehow, we all graduate with a PhD in it. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another episode of “Why Did I Even Bother Studying?”—starring me, your favorite unemployed graduate with big dreams, an empty wallet, and a Wi-Fi connection strong enough to keep refreshing job listings.

I swear, the moment you step out of high school, life hands you a rejection letter before you even apply anywhere. Since matriculating, I’ve been applying for jobs like it’s a full-time occupation. It’s gotten to the point where I can list “Professional Job Seeker” on my CV. You want my experience? Oh, honey, I’ve been in the field for years—literally. The field of rejection, ghosting, and "we regret to inform you" emails.

And don’t get me started on the interviews. Oh, you got an interview? Congratulations! Now, let’s talk logistics. It’s either the interview is on Mars, and I have no rocket fuel (aka transport money), or the employer wants “five years of experience” for a job that pays in exposure and disappointment. Sometimes, I think I should just start a business called “Applying For Jobs PTY LTD” because, at this rate, I should at least be getting paid for the effort.

Now, let’s talk money. Or should I say, the absence of it. There are so many things I need money for—college, short courses, a driver’s license, clothes (because apparently, wearing the same T-shirt for five years isn’t “professional” enough for interviews). And let’s not forget my future—my dreams of building a life, having my own place, and actually being able to afford the things I want without checking my bank balance with my heart in my throat.

I’ve been positive for too long. I’ve been searching for too long. And if things don’t change, I might just do what every desperate student does—take a loan and enter the thrilling world of Debt & Regret: Student Edition. Oh, the horror.

Teachers used to say, “Study hard, get a good job.” Lies. The news complains about unemployment? I’m living the unemployment statistics. No one ever warns you about the feeling of waking up every day, checking your emails, and realizing the only new message is from Takealot saying there’s a sale you can’t afford.

But you know what? I’ll keep searching. I’ll keep applying. Because if I don’t laugh at this situation, I’ll probably cry—and tears don’t pay bills either. So, to all my fellow unemployed warriors, stay strong. Maybe one day, we’ll all be hired. Or at least, we’ll have enough data to keep complaining about it online.

Until then, I’m off to refresh those job listings for the millionth time today.🥲

Disclaimer:

I do not own any of these pictures.

Waiting to Regret – I Mean, Exhale!

Waiting to Regret – I Mean, Exhale!

Alright, my dear Dreamers, gather around. Let me tell you about a movie that I thought was going to change my life. A movie that I waited my entire existence to watch, despite the fact that it was released when I wasn’t even a concept in my parents’ minds. A movie that I illegally got my hands on (don’t judge me, the hype was real), and when I finally watched it... Oh. My. Goodness.

Regret. Pure, unfiltered regret.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about Waiting to Exhale—the so-called classic that was supposed to be the movie for Black women. The film that had the audacity to be born on this day, and I still have the nerve to be discussing it instead of pretending it never happened. But here we are.

First Things First—Let’s Talk Facts

For those of you who have better things to do than waste two hours of your life, let me give you a quick rundown: Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 film based on the novel by Terry McMillan, directed by Forest Whitaker (yes, that Forest Whitaker). It stars four stunning Black women—Whitney Houston (the queen herself), Angela Bassett (a powerhouse), Loretta Devine (forever playing the sweet, motherly role), and Lela Rochon (the gorgeous light-skinned one who had me asking, "Where have I seen her before?" Oh yeah, Girlfriends!).

The movie follows these four women as they navigate love, heartbreak, and friendship, all while dealing with the disaster that is their dating lives. Sounds promising, right? WRONG!

Now, Let’s Talk TRUTH

Listen, when I say I was ready to exhale my soul out of my body while watching this, I mean it. First of all, what was even the point of this movie? What was the message? What was I supposed to learn?

Because all I saw was this:

Black women being degraded left, right, and center.

Sex being treated like a casual handshake. Like, “Hi, I’m Sandra, nice to meet you.” Boom, they’re already in bed, and then they start introducing themselves. What in the Netflix & Chill nonsense is this?!

Men being absolute disasters, and the movie acting like it’s just part of life. Like, “Oh well, sis, men ain’t ish, but at least you got your girls.” No, I need solutions! Not sisterhood trauma bonding!

The interracial relationship drama. Why is it always the same storyline? Black man leaves Black woman for a white woman, and the Black woman loses her mind. I mean, sis was furious! I get that heartbreak is real, but must we always turn it into a racial war?

And don’t get me started on the agenda this movie pushed—because yes, there was an agenda.

The Biggest Problem – Normalizing Foolery

Y’all, I have never seen a movie so obsessed with making reckless decisions look normal. The way these women were just hopping into bed with men they barely knew? The way they acted like it was fine to have multiple partners without any emotional accountability? The way they made it seem like you could just sleep your way into love? Make it make sense!

And guess what? They never actually won in the end! No character arc, no growth, no redemption—just more heartbreak and tears. So what exactly was the lesson here? “Go out, make bad decisions, and suffer”? Because if that’s the case, I could’ve just watched reality TV.

The One Thing That Saved This Movie… THE MUSIC!

Now, if there is one reason not to completely erase this film from my memory, it’s the soundtrack. Oh, my goodness! Whitney Houston, Babyface, Brandy, Mary J. Blige—legends! If the entire movie was just Whitney Houston singing all the songs, I would’ve called it a masterpiece.

But nooo, she had to act, and let’s just say… her voice carried the movie more than her performance. Sorry, but facts are facts.

Final Verdict – Is It Worth Watching?

If you’re watching for the comedy of it all, yes. If you’re watching for life lessons, absolutely not. Waiting to Exhale was just two hours of watching beautiful Black women make terrible life choices while blaming men instead of choosing better men. No accountability, no growth, no resolution—just vibes and soundtracks.

And that, my Dreamers, is why I wish I could inhale back the time I wasted.

Until next time,

The girl behind The Dreamer’s Pause ⏸️

 For those seeking concrete references to back up my reflections on Waiting to Exhale, here are some reputable sources:

1. Roger Ebert's Review: The esteemed critic offered insights into the film's portrayal of Black women's desires and the challenges they face. 

2. Rotten Tomatoes Audience Reviews: Viewers have shared their thoughts on the film's themes and character dynamics. 

3. IMDb User Reviews: A collection of audience opinions highlighting both praise and criticism of the movie. 

4. Wikipedia – Soundtrack: An overview of the film's acclaimed soundtrack, featuring contributions from prominent artists. 

5. Spotify – Soundtrack: Stream the full soundtrack, showcasing the musical talents that accompanied the film. 

These sources provide additional perspectives and information on the film's narrative, reception, and musical achievements.