Annoyed by a broken hiring system filled with ATS software, overworked HR staff, and shortsighted hiring managers, "I Want a F*cking Job" is a raw, honest, and straightforward podcast that gives voice to Gen X job seekers facing employment hurdles like erroneous perceptions about salary, skills, and age. IWAFJ features interviews with professionals at the top of their games to demonstrate their value and challenge stereotypes. Highlighting both struggles and successes, we're building a community that advocates for people who just want to f*cking work!
Blindsided at the Peak: How Jean Hale Rebuilt Her Career After 50
In this compelling episode, Mike interviews Jean Hale about her experience losing a vice president position at a point in her career when she thought she'd reached the peak. Jean candidly shares the emotional and practical challenges of job hunting after 50, describing the initial shock as "a physical and emotional gut punch" and discussing the isolation many feel during this process. She reveals her journey from devastation to finding meaningful work in higher education fundraising, explaining how she leveraged her network, evaluated organizational culture during interviews, and ultimately found a position that aligns with her values. The conversation offers both practical job search strategies and emotional support while challenging employers to reconsider hiring practices that might overlook experienced professionals.
Key Takeaways:
Job loss can feel isolating because people hesitate to discuss it openly, fearing others will assume they did something wrong
Well-intentioned comments like "you'll find something" or "take time to pursue your passions" often aren't helpful to someone worried about financial stability
When interviewing, ask specific questions about organizational culture to determine if the workplace will be a good fit for your values
Both job seekers and employers should challenge their assumptions—experienced professionals bring valuable perspectives even when their career paths aren't linear
The experience of job loss can ultimately lead to greater self-awareness, compassion, and finding work better aligned with your values
31 Jan 2025
Even Batman Can't Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems
Even the Dark Knight can't escape the modern job hunt in this irreverent parody episode of "I Want A F*cking Job!". Batman reveals his struggles with translating "striking terror into criminals' hearts" into corporate buzzwords, dealing with bats photobombing his Zoom calls from the Batcave, and convincing HR that being a billionaire vigilante is transferable experience. Turns out saving Gotham is easier than getting through HR—though Batman insists he's proficient in all Microsoft Office products, except Publisher, because "Batman doesn't publish newsletters."
15 Jan 2025
Networking Your Way Forward: A Gen X Success Story with Jim Kunkle
In this episode, Mike talks with expert networker Jim Kunkle who routinely flips the script on the Gen X job hunt, proving age and experience aren't roadblocks - they're rocket fuel.
Fresh off landing a primo role in record time, Jim reveals the game-changing strategies that had recruiters flooding his inbox, including stealth interview tactics and viral LinkedIn videos.
No sugar-coating, no BS - just real talk about turning your decades of experience into your next big win. IWAFJ wants you to see what's possible, not just typical job search horror stories. This is the episode every Gen X professional needs to hear to learn how to actually get it done.
Key takeaways:
Be proactively strategic in interviews. Take control of the narrative by volunteering information rather than waiting for questions. Be prepared with draft plans for how you would accomplish the job when you walk into the interview.
Network with purpose and authenticity. Quality connections matter more than quantity.
Embrace video and content creation in developing your brand and to bring a human face to your search
How to leverage your Gen X advantages (like loyalty and long-term commitment)
Don't be afraid to evolve your skills
7 Jan 2025
From CEO to LinkedIn Warrior: A Gen-Xer's Raw Take on Modern Job Hunting
In this inaugural episode of the "I Want a F*cking Job" Podcast, host Michael Kline interviews Bryan Ward, a seasoned creative marketing executive with 40+ years of experience.
Key takeaways include:
Insights into modern job searching challenges, particularly for experienced Gen X professionals facing AI gatekeeping and age discrimination
Discussion of the broken hiring process, including impersonal application systems and lack of human connection
The value of nonlinear career paths versus linear experience in leadership roles
Changes in the marketing/advertising industry from the 1980s through digital transformation
The importance of networking versus traditional resume submissions
The challenges of maintaining professional presence on LinkedIn while being authentic
How job searching can lead to unexpected career pivots and creative opportunities
Perspectives on retirement and continuing meaningful work beyond traditional career paths
The episode provides candid discussion about job searching frustrations while offering insights on adapting to changing career landscapes and finding new opportunities.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
80
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
0
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