What does it mean to have a strong desire to work, but still not get a job?

Working and making it in another country is not easy. Especially when you really want to, make an effort, learn and do everything you can – but still fail to find work.

Sometimes I feel powerless. Other times – crushed. And yet, every single experience strengthens me.

Through living and working in Norway, I have understood that the dream job is not just about work tasks or job title. It is also about a continuous struggle for a place, for the right to be seen, heard and valued – especially when you come from another country.

I am convinced that a strong desire to prove that you are hardworking, well-educated, continuously learning and have lived in the country for a long time, is sometimes not seen as a strength, but as an obstacle. It can feel as if you are not accepted because of nationality, because you speak with a dialect, have humor, charisma or understand new systems and rules too quickly.

I have paid a high price – in the form of jobs I didn’t get, dream jobs I lost. I have paid with my health, with my trust in myself and in institutions. Often I have to manage everything on my own.

I remember a job interview where I mentioned that a former manager had described me as a very good and hardworking employee (“super clever”). During the interview, I felt a clear uncomfortable atmosphere – both with the interviewers and with myself. At that moment, I understood that what is seen as praise in one context can be perceived completely differently in another. This experience became an important lesson for me about cultural nuances and how to present yourself.

I have experienced a lot in working life. I have had to fight for myself, for my opinions, for the right to be accepted as I am. If something was not to their liking, I often heard: “You speak with a dialect.” Yes, I do. And I will continue to do so. And I will continue to learn the language. Nevertheless, I find it strange that highly educated people with work experience, who respect the country’s culture and laws, have so much difficulty finding their place in the labor market.

I remember an interview where I said that I have a master’s degree in law from the University of Vilnius, and that I am proud of it. The interviewer replied: “I am not interested in which university it is. You have not completed anything in this country.” It went silent. I just thought: what a strange attitude. It was precisely this that motivated me to take a course at a university in this country. Sometimes I feel like sending my diploma to that interviewer.

When you participate in a recruitment process and are told that over 200 people have applied for one position, you understand that hope is small. Nevertheless, you write personally. And wait. I know that it sometimes causes wonder that I compete with very strong candidates – most often local. But I still believe in my experience and my professionalism.

Over the years, I have received a lot of advice. For example: if a colleague spends 3.5 hours on a task, and you spend 1.5, it is seen as a problem. I was advised not to work overtime. I remember saying: “I am a good person, you will recognize me by how much I can do, I am flexible, and so on.”

Everywhere I have worked, I have received good feedback. Nevertheless, I have several times had to compete with children of influential people. Once a colleague asked me: “Do you know who my parents are?” I knew it. I calmly replied that I work with what I can, and that I do not have influential relatives. I respect and value work.

I have also experienced situations where some compatriots did not support me, but on the contrary criticized me. Some said directly that my education did not interest them in Norway. Nevertheless, it did not stop me from developing further and looking for a suitable job.

I have also felt pressure from friends, acquaintances and family. The question is always the same: “How can you not get a job, you who are so clever?” I try to explain that it can take a long time before you get a permanent contract. It is very exhausting. Self-esteem is already vulnerable, uncertainty grows, and in the end you no longer know where to turn or what to do.

Life has taught me that support, understanding and respect do not always come from those you expect it from. My experience has very clearly shown who is family and friends, and who is just fellow travelers in life.

During the pandemic, I actively participated in digital courses and seminars to strengthen my skills and deepen my knowledge. Later, I went into work practice, became familiar with processes, systems and methods. It was an intensive, but very valuable period that strengthened both my professional skills and my self-esteem, and gave me a clearer understanding of what type of work environment I want to be a part of – a place where professionalism, respect and genuine effort are valued.

I still say to everyone and gladly share my experience: the best way to become part of a new country and labor market is through people and community. It can be voluntary work, events or daily interaction. If you have children – through contact with other parents and the environments the children participate in. The more genuine relationships you build, the safer the road ahead becomes.

It is very important to connect. If you have a hobby – find groups or clubs where great people meet. It is also worth investigating various organizations: in the beginning, the most reliable information is often found on websites, in newspapers or at the municipality. Don’t forget to ask a colleague, manager or neighbor – people are usually friendly and happy to give advice.

Despite everything, I am happy to live in this country. It provides room for change, growth, new discoveries and inner peace. Through my work experience in Norway, I have encountered many challenges – both professional and personal – that have strengthened my resilience, my ability to handle conflicts and to find solutions on my own.

I believe that sincerity, effort and professionalism will sooner or later be noticed.

My goal is to work in a place where work, competence and respect go hand in hand.

And yet one question remains: where is the democracy, the community and the will to retain wise and competent people in the labor market – and further develop them?