So, it’s been almost two weeks since my last update, and I’d love to say I haven’t had time because I was working or doing something interesting… but the truth is, I just didn’t know what to write about.
I suppose you could call it writer’s block — although I’m not sure that term applies to an unemployed bloke sitting at home, updating a random blog.
Anyway, here’s a quick rundown of what’s been happening since my last update, and I’ll finish with the WordPress Daily Writing Prompt for the laugh.
At This Point, I Should Be Charging for My Interview Appearances
I’ve had four interviews since my last update… and zero offers. My confidence is really taking a beating, if I’m being honest. I requested feedback on all interviews and pretty much got the same response:
“You were great, it was close… but someone with better experience…”
I’ve got a screening call tomorrow for a new role. The money isn’t great, but at this stage, I think I need to lower my expectations and take whatever’s offered.
I also got an email about another role, but it smells like one of those scam interviews where they ask for loads of personal info or try to sign you up to dodgy “recruitment” sites. I’ve reached out to the company directly to double-check before accepting the invitation. LinkedIn is plagued with these kinds of scams!
I’m still waiting on a final decision from an interview I attended last week. Apparently, it’s down to four candidates — including me. Who knows, maybe this time I’ll have some good news… maybe.
As for recruitment agencies? They’ve totally abandoned me. I’ve sent my CV to all of them, heard back from one or two, but the big agencies haven’t even acknowledged my applications. It’s disheartening — and since they hire for most of the big companies, it’s like pissing in the wind.
Social Life Status: Please Try Again Later
I’ve never had much of a social life. Most of my “friends” are folks I met online while gaming — could be bots for all I know.
I’ve always struggled in social situations, whether it’s the anxiety kicking in before I even head out or the awkwardness of trying to interact with people when I do go out. It’s just hard.
But… I did attend a birthday party last weekend, and to be honest, it was one of the best nights I’ve had out in a long time. It was my best mate’s wife’s party, and I spent so much time humming and hawing about whether or not to go. But in the end, I said, “Feck it, I’ll go for it.”
I arrived pretty much on time, thinking there wouldn’t be many people there… place was packed. Took me a few minutes to even find the right room, which only added to my anxiety.
Finally found it, walked in — and I swear, it felt like the whole room turned to look at me. Typical — I managed to walk in right between songs, so the place was deadly silent. Nearly turned and walked straight back out until the birthday girl called me over.
Sat down, relaxed a bit, and headed for the bar. I’m not a big drinker — usually just for special occasions or holidays — but sure, I thought I’d have one. Ended up with a fancy bottle of Corona, even got a lime wedge. Look at me being sophisticated.
Before I knew it, I was doing shots at the bar — about 15 shots and 7 bottles of Corona later, and I’m out chatting to literally everyone, especially in the smoking area where I was vaping (proud of myself for not accepting any cigarettes, by the way!).
I ended up chatting with a group of girls outside. Thought nothing of it until later when it was time to go home. Said goodbye to my mates, got them sorted into taxis, and was standing there waiting when I heard:
“Hey, you!!”
It was the same group of girls. Couldn’t remember their names to save my life, but hit them with a solid, “Heyyy, you back again!”
Now, the area we were in is a bit isolated, and there’s a hotel nearby that’s recently been used for housing refugees. I’m not going to get into that debate, but let’s just say the vibe that night wasn’t great. A group of lads were hanging around, whistling and shouting at the girls.
At that point, my protective mode kicked in. I asked the girls where they were headed and if they wanted me to order a taxi, but they were off into town for some food. So… I ended up walking into town with six random women.
We grabbed filthy kebabs at some chipper, had the craic, and eventually called it a night. I saw them off in taxis and went home myself — arrived back just before 6am according to my Ring doorbell, and passed out fully clothed on the sofa.
Woke up at 11am covered in kebab sauce. The sign of a great night out.
Other Weekend Adventures
I also took part in a charity walk with my son — it’s a cause that means a lot to me, raising awareness and support around suicide prevention.
It was a 5km walk, and we smashed it in under an hour — a new record for us! We raised over £350, which was amazing.
I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve used the charity’s support services before. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who listens. If anyone reading this feels the same, please know there’s no shame in asking for help. And if you don’t feel like reaching out to a service, feel free to reach out to me — even if it’s just for a chat.
There’s still too much stigma around mental health, and it needs to change. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. There’s nothing wrong with not feeling happy all the time. And there’s nothing wrong with you.
WordPress Topic of the Day
Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.
I’d have to say the person who had the biggest impact on my life was my grandad. He passed away a few years ago, and I took it hard — it was a massive loss for me.
I’ve always felt like the black sheep in the family. Most of my family work physical jobs, out in the rain or on their feet all day. I’ve always worked in office jobs, and to them, I’ve always had the “easy life.”
But my grandad was different. He worked in finance himself and knew the kind of mental strength it takes to do this type of work. He got me in a way no one else did.
He always asked how things were going with work. He kept up to date on the latest business news, and we’d spend hours chatting and debating.
One of my best memories was when he took me abroad to meet his sister — my first time flying. I found the button to recline the seat and just as I was about to press it, he leaned over and said:
“Stop! Don’t press that — it’s the ejector seat!”
Me, being a naïve kid, believed him. Sat there terrified the whole flight while he sat beside me grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
He also taught me one of the best life lessons I’ve ever learned.
While we were away, we walked past some hedging, and he stopped me dead in my tracks.
“What do you hear?”
I said, “Cars passing.”
“What else?”
I listened again, “People talking near the church grounds.”
“Listen again. What else?”
And like something out of a movie, the world went quiet. I could hear birds, the wind through the hedges, insects clicking away.
He smiled and said:
“When everything around you seems loud, chaotic, and out of control — stop for a moment and just listen. Ignore the loud sounds and focus on the smaller things.”
And I still do that to this day. When life feels overwhelming, I stop, sit in silence, and focus on the small details.
So, thank you Grandad. You showed me so much, taught me real-life lessons, and shaped me into who I am today. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
Until next time, folks — keep being you.
Enjoying the ramble? Keep the coffee (and kebab sauce) flowing here! ☕
Peace out and much love,
The Bloke
Just Another Blokes Blog 
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