Behind the Books Bi-Weekly Update 29 December 2025

All is quiet on the western front this week. Most of my focus has been on my part-time job, and even the mentorship has been quiet, probably because the new year is approaching and everything is just… busy.

I suppose this is a good moment for a little recap. The new year is on the horizon, and looking back feels almost necessary. It’s been a trying time, busy, but also strangely quiet. For some reason, being unemployed feels like a kind of humiliation ritual. And pursuing your dreams, following the direction of your passion… well, ironically, that can feel like a nightmare.

I didn’t realise how much all of this could affect someone’s self-esteem. Having all these pressures floating around every day, hearing how hard it is to get a job and keep one, knowing the economy is dreadful, the housing crisis, the idea that you’d need to make close to £50 an hour at minimum wage just to match the homebuying power boomers had in the 70s. Degrees feel like they’re losing value, entry-level roles demand more experience than entry-level should, applications often go unanswered, and young people are doing unpaid internships in an economic climate that makes it impossible to survive without pay. 

It’s a lot, but there are also things to be thankful for, not all doom and gloom over here. I’ve had a lot of time to write and read the things I love most in the world, and honestly, that’s what I understand most about myself. I get it, and it gets me. It’s nice to have something you can have faith in, even if it isn’t so valued in the job sector. I had a mentorship from SYP, which has been really special, just to talk to someone in the industry and show that sometimes, by some divine miracle, you get chosen. And soon, I know that will happen for a job too. 

I’m trying desperately to remember the good things, but honestly, there’s nothing truly desperate about it. Looking back, I’ve been blessed with good people and moments that were enjoyable and special, even if they’ve been downplayed by the soul-sucking experience of unemployment and other unexpected things. I got a cool haircut. I went to Scotland for the first time in the summer. I had my cousin's wedding. My family fostered a training police dog (I always wanted a dog). I celebrated my nan’s retirement, climbed the Seven Sisters, saw my favourite artist in concert, cat-sat for my neighbours, celebrated my 24th birthday, watched a play with my dad, finished a 1,000-piece puzzle that took me way too long, went to the infamous cheese-rolling competition with my friends, visited a medieval women’s exhibition at the British Library with my mum, and had the most wonderful Christmas with my family.

Truth is, I did a lot of things in between job hunting, but it sucks that I feel like all I can remember is how long it’s been without one. I want to remember the rest. I need to. Otherwise, what’s the point?

This one’s a bit more personal than the rest, I guess, but for the end of the year, why not? Hopefully it will make others feel better, or not, it doesn’t matter. I think it does for me. See, told you, writing understands me.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you on the other side.

And to all my lost bookworms,

Stay Steadfast x