Karina Kalinchuk, a Ukrainian who moved to Los Angeles earlier this year, has experienced the full range of challenges associated with job hunting in the USA over the past year. From working as a waitress to an internship at a nonprofit organization, her journey has not been easy.
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SubscribeIn Ukraine, Karina was an HR director, but the American reality forced her to start from scratch. Her first job was at a restaurant, from which she was let go while she was sick at home. The next step was working as a waitress at a Brazilian restaurant with low pay and endless commutes across the city.
Karina wrote about this on LinkedIn.
"I had a very low salary, no fixed schedule, and no tips," Karina shares.
But this was just the beginning of her American adventure.
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Karina sent out over 1200 resumes to various companies, trying to find something that would allow her to grow and practice her English. Finally, luck smiled upon her: she was invited for an internship in the HR department of a nonprofit organization.
"I happily accepted. I started doing everything I was asked. Due to my restlessness and desire to do everything well or not at all, I quickly handled my responsibilities, for which I received thanks for completing the necessary work three times faster. They found free interns and said goodbye to me."
So, she was left without a job once again. Karina spent her last working day with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, realizing that the endless search was still ahead.
Karina honestly admits: the job search in the USA – is expensive. Every day – subtracts $100-200 that could have been earned. She keeps returning to platforms like Upwork, purchasing paid contacts for job listings, but things are not smooth there either.
"If this continues, I will end up without a job and on the street," she writes.
But despite all the difficulties, Karina remains determined. In the past two weeks, she has gone through 10 interviews and continues to fight for her place in the sun.
"Give me a fishing rod, and I will catch fish for you!"
Her story – is not just a cry for help. It is addressed to those who are thinking of giving up.
"I will keep moving forward."
Karina continues to search, learn, and believe that her efforts will bear fruit. And judging by her perseverance, she will surely achieve her goals.