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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

I can’t stand being rejected by museums and galleries any more – what shall I do now?

woman sitting in armchair holding legs
I have so much resentment for this sector ... Photograph: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images/Blend Images

In 2015 I completed an MA in Museum, Gallery and Contemporary Culture studies, and am currently working in two service jobs, which pay my bills, and two that are in museums/galleries, on freelance contracts. I have gained brilliant experience and usually enjoy working in these positions, but it is not feasible to live like this. I have applied for hundreds of jobs and have frequently had interviews, but not got anywhere – even with galleries I had worked with as a freelance for years. My reason for doing the MA was to help enhance my career prospects. After years of rejections, I have so much resentment for this sector that I have stopped applying altogether. I am in therapy and feel better about my situation, but also totally lost with regards to my next direction. This sector is obviously not for me, so where do I look now?

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