Down But Not Out

‘I have led men in combat, but my last job was a temporary cashier position in the women’s department at Nordstrom’s’

I am an unemployed Iraq war veteran that hasn’t had steady work since I was Honorably discharged at the end of 2009. I have a BS in International Relations, an active security clearance, and I speak four languages. I am currently enrolled in an MBA program in hopes of bettering myself, and my situation, but being a college student doesn’t pay the bills, and I have been looking for full time employment for nearly 2 years.

I have led men in combat, but my last job was a temporary cashier position in the women’s department at Nordstrom’s—I led the team in sales, but they still didn’t keep me after the holidays. My concentration is in Finance, but I am looking for jobs in virtually any field. I don’t get many interviews, but when I do, I get a lot of handshakes and a “Thank you for your service, but you’re not what we’re looking for.”

Sometimes I am told that I am overqualified for their “entry level” job, but because I have no “entry level” experience, I am unqualified for anything higher. I am in the interview process for a logistical firm at the moment, and that may be looking good, but the process has already taken two months, and that is a long time to be waiting on a yes or a no. I have defeated an enemy in battle and then rebuilt their country. I know I have the skills to succeed in business, if only I could be given a chance.

Marshall, via comments