I don’t even know where to start. I’ve been a caregiver for adults with mental disabilities for the last eight years, and I feel like no one really values that experience. It’s like I’m just written off as a glorified babysitter. For almost two years now, I’ve been trying to find something different, something new, but I just keep running into brick walls.

I’ve applied to what feels like every entry-level job under the sun—hundreds of applications—and all I get back are rejections. I’ve only had two interviews during this entire time. It’s so frustrating and exhausting. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because I’m a 33-year-old male caregiver. Does that make me less desirable as a candidate? Do people think I don’t have anything to offer?

I’ve rewritten my resume more times than I can count, trying to make it stand out, but nothing seems to work. I’m starting to feel like I’m the problem. Like maybe I’m not good enough, or I just don’t have the right skills. I don’t want to feel like this, but it’s hard not to after so many doors have been slammed shut.

I’m desperate to figure out what I’m doing wrong or what I can do differently. Am I missing something? Is there a better way to move forward? I don’t want to give up, but honestly, I’m running out of hope.

Should I just accept that I don't have any value? Because honestly, I'm starting to feel so worthless. I'm tired of having to be in constant composition. Having to prove myself. Playing this stupid game that I never wanted to be part of.