BilduEnjoyer [he/him]

As someone who is trans and fled the United States recently because of the political situation- The psychic damage from constantly being exposed to mass shootings and other attacks is real and it does affect quality of life and I think it’s rude as hell to paint people as cowards for wanting to emigrate.

Prior to the genocide I knew very little about the Israel/Palestine conflict and my views were, at best “eh, a two state solution is good???” I got all my views about Israel from surface level media and zero research. Keep in mind that I’m an older millennial so I’ve had to reeducate myself on Middle East politics due to George Bush 2000’s brain rot and political apathy.

I eventually made some new Jewish friends who went on birthright and told me that Zionism is bizarre and fascist. That prompted some research- then the genocide broke out and I started deep diving into the history of the conflict- I’ve gone from a “Idk just want 2 grill, I’m not Jewish or Arab so it’s not my place to speak on this” non-opinion to “I want to see Israel dissolved and every Zionist freak forced to rebuild Gaza by hand while they attend reeducation camps.”

Strategically I think that the genocide is the dumbest thing Israel could have done because the state has ripped off its mask of “civility” and exposed via livestream as the monstrous fascist hellhole it actually is- I just wish that it didn’t have to take the death’s of hundreds of thousands to do it. I don’t believe that Israel will be able to survive the blowback from this genocide, but I’m curious about what other people’s takes on this are.

Ah, I recommend keeping it succinct and answering more questions should they ask. Caregiving + death of a close family member is a very good reason for a gap and, in my experience hiring and being hired- good employers will be understanding.

I can relate to wanting to explain everything, I was always (and still can be) afraid of being misunderstood, but the more I’ve practiced interviews the more I’ve learned to respond succinctly. Honestly, a job interview is more to see confidence and if you’ll get along with your co-workers.

Just talk casually, like “Yeah, I had to spend time caring for a sick family member and I lost a parent. It was a full time job.”

Anyone who is sane will be empathetic, if they aren’t, fuck that job, run.

Also my favorite job seeking tip is at the end of the interview ask this question: “If you were to hire me, what strengths do you see me in that position? What would my day to day look Iike at your company?”

By asking this question you get the employer thinking about you already working there and that will stick with them.

I also recommend that prior to the interview you have a good meal, exercise, and do some breathing exercises to relax. It is tough when you are desperate for work, but the reality is the more that you relax the better your chances. Focus on what you know you’re good at and be kind to yourself.

No problem, good luck with your job hunt!

OK so, I’ve dealt with long job gaps before. IMO, 2 years isn’t that bad. It’s pretty easy to skirt the issue around this. (I’ve also helped with hiring employees so i know the drill)

I recommend being honest and saying “My father passed away, and I took some time to process this. Then I worked on myself did odd jobs, and now that I’m feeling better I feel I can better commit to your company.” Keep in mind- odd jobs can include hobbies, learning skills like languages, or even learning ways to improve yourself emotionally. When we were looking for employees we wanted to see people who just used that time to better themselves. (Tho I worked for a nonprofit that helped students so ymmv)

A good workplace will be sympathetic. I recommend going to a job center and doing some mock-interviews to help build your confidence up.