For many, unemployment is a difficult and often debilitating experience. It can sap one's confidence and leave them feeling like they have nothing to contribute. However, our next interviewee, Sarah, a 27 year old from Cunnamulla, QLD, refused to let unemployment hold her back. After years of searching, Sarah finally landed a job, and she's here to share her inspiring journey with us.

Interviewer: Sarah, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you found yourself in long-term unemployment?

Sarah: Sure. I've always had a bit of a spotty job history, to be honest. I struggled with depression and anxiety, which made it hard to hold down a steady job. I would get overwhelmed and have to take time off, and then it would be tough to find work again. Eventually, I found myself out of work for a few months, and those few months turned into a year, and then two years. I started to feel like I was never going to find a job again.

Interviewer: That sounds incredibly tough. How did you keep yourself motivated during that time?

Sarah: Honestly, there were times when I wasn't very motivated at all. But I knew that I couldn't just give up. I started setting small goals for myself, like updating my resume or applying for one job each day. It was a slow process, but eventually, I started to see some progress.

Interviewer: And what was the process like when you finally landed your first job?

Sarah: It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. I was excited, of course, but I was also nervous about whether I could actually do the job. It had been so long since I had worked in an office setting, and I was worried that I had forgotten everything. But my new coworkers were really supportive, and my boss was patient with me as I got up to speed.

Interviewer: That's great Sarah! Can you tell us a bit about your new job?

Sarah: Sure. I'm an office assistant at a small accounting firm. I do a bit of everything - answering phones, scheduling appointments, filing paperwork, that sort of thing. It's not the most glamorous job, but I'm really enjoying it so far. It's nice to be part of a team again and to feel like I'm contributing something.

Interviewer: That's wonderful. Have there been any particular challenges that you've faced since starting your job?

Sarah: Oh, definitely. It's been a big adjustment, going from having all day to myself to being at work for eight hours a day. And there have been times when I've felt like I don't know what I'm doing or like I'm not doing it well enough. But I'm learning to be patient with myself and to ask for help when I need it.

Interviewer: That's a great attitude to have. What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with long-term unemployment?

Sarah: I would say that it's important to take things one step at a time. Don't get too overwhelmed by the big picture - just focus on what you can do today. And try to stay positive. It's easy to get discouraged when you're not seeing results, but it's important to remember that progress takes time. Keep putting yourself out there and eventually, something will stick

Interviewer: Can you tell us about your experience of being unemployed for a long time?

Sarah: It was really tough. I felt like I was constantly hitting a brick wall in my job search. I was applying for jobs every day, going to interviews, and getting my hopes up, only to be rejected time and time again. It was really demoralizing and it made me feel like I wasn't good enough.

Interviewer: How did you manage to get your first job after being unemployed for so long?

Sarah: It was actually a stroke of luck. I was at the job center, and a woman overheard me talking about my situation. She was a manager at a local restaurant and said they were looking for staff. I applied and got the job!

Interviewer: That's great! How has it been working there so far?

Sarah: It's been a huge adjustment. I had forgotten what it was like to work a 9-5 job and be on my feet all day. I also didn't have the appropriate clothes for work, so I had to buy some on a tight budget. But overall, it's been a really positive experience. I'm learning new skills, meeting new people, and I'm just really grateful for the opportunity.

I didn't have any work clothes, and I didn't have the money to buy a whole new wardrobe. I had to get creative and figure out what I could wear that would be suitable for the job. It was also really difficult to find clothes that were the right size and looked professional. But I managed to find a few things that worked and I feel a lot more confident now that I have the right clothes for work.

Interviewer: That's wonderful to hear. What advice would you give to others who are in a similar situation?

Sarah: My advice would be to not give up hope. It can be really tough to find a job, especially if you've been unemployed for a long time, but there are opportunities out there. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to reach out to your network. And if you're struggling to find appropriate clothes for work, try thrift stores or online marketplaces for affordable options. Remember that it's okay to start small and work your way up.

* Name and identifying details have been changed to protect anonymity. Names, places, and other details have been changed to protect anonymity.