Still Unemployed, but Staying Productive
By Ali Canary
@AliCanary (4325)
February 19, 2026 7:07am CST
Hi all, I haven't heard back from the place I interviewed with and it's been two weeks, so I'm probably safe in assuming they went with someone else. I am a little surprised that they didn't let me know either way, but I also could have stayed in touch. I had felt ambivalent about whether I really wanted that job, so I never sent a follow-up email to thank them. There's no hard rule about doing that, but it's considered good practice, so they may have been looking out for it.
I've been applying to other places, but in the mean time, I have been trying to keep up with doing artwork and writing, since I have more time. I posted an article to one of my blogs this morning, shared it to Facebook and Pinterest, and now I am popping in here to say hi.
The photo above is of a little collage I made on a card. I may add to it, but I kind of like the way it looks already, so I'll have to think about that. I'm thinking about maybe adding some text from an old book I have that has nice aged paper.
13 people like this
12 responses
@AliCanary (4325)
•
19 Feb
It is true - I just recently heard back about a job I applied for two months ago. It's kind of wild how long some employers take to make decisions.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (500949)
• Italy
19 Feb
@AliCanary - They should at least keep us updated, most people do not wait forever.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
@LadyDuck I finally heard from them yesterday, after two weeks. They went with another candidate. I figured as much, but it is good to know for sure, at least.
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (48084)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
19 Feb
@AliCanary I can totally understand that. It can be rough. At least he is working, which helps.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
19 Feb
Thank you! Fortunately my husband is working, so we have a bit of a cushion. But I feel bad putting that pressure on him.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
19 Feb
There seems to be an issue everywhere lately with finding jobs! It's crazy. I see in all of the local groups where I live that people say they are hiring but it seems no one gets the job-weird.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
22 Feb
@AliCanary I'm so sorry. I hope it gets better soon!
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
Yes, I have heard so many people say they never hear back from the majority of places they apply to, and that does seem to be the case for me, as well.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
19 Feb
You may still hear from them, yet.
My granddaughter had an interview with someone representing the University of Miami. He was very impressed that she immediately sent him an email after the interview. I know this because….. am sworn to silence. 
She accepted early admission to another school.
I would still give them a call. It can’t hurt.
She accepted early admission to another school.
I would still give them a call. It can’t hurt.1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
22 Feb
@AliCanary So sorry, but I am glad you have closure. Now you can go forward.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
They did finally get back to me yesterday to confirm that they went with someone else, and I'm okay with that. It's good to know one way or the other.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
26 Feb
@DianneN yes, my plan is to apply for full-time positions until my unemployment runs out, and then to start applying to ANYTHING, including part-time and temp jobs.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380208)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Feb
@AliCanary I'm sorry you missed out but I don't how many times I've been disappointed about something then found out it was all for the best.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
They finally did confirm yesterday, so I can stop wondering--and keep looking!
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (221334)
• United States
19 Feb
I hope you find something suitable soon. I didn't know you had a hubby. I learn something new every day here.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
Oh yes, we've been married over 35 years! He's fairly private, so I don't mention him much on social media. Every now and then, I might post a picture of him. He's a handsome Japanese fellow :)
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (221334)
• United States
22 Feb
@AliCanary Yes, he is handsome. I love an Oriental adult or child.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
That's a great way to look at it, and that is how I feel, too.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86058)
• United States
19 Feb
I pray you get a job soon. Meanwhile, nice collage!
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97340)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Feb
Nice collage, Always think positively and just keep trying. Keeping progressive from day to day is how I make it through my time.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
Yes, I think I will add a snippet of the old book text. I've used it on other collages, and it looks so nice.
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (3182)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
21 Feb
this little collage looks really good. it's on them, for not recognising you though, i know you wanted the job. sorry.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
They did finally get back to me yesterday to thank me for interviewing, but they went with someone else. It's okay; at lease I know. I feel like it will turn out for the best that I didn't get the position.
@ocard010101 (95)
•
20 Feb
It sounds like you’re making the most of your time, and your collage idea with the aged book text sounds really creative and charming!
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4325)
•
22 Feb
Thank you! I made a small one with the old text, and it has such a lovely color to it.
