It ain't easy being a single guy on the dating, er, job-hunting scene.

I'm employed, thankfully, but with no guarantees past February. And even though I've been assured numerous times how valuable I am, I have the growing feeling there just won't be any money when the end of my contract arrives.

So I'm on the prowl -- not for some useless man, but for gainful employment.

And after more than two months of ad-scouring, resume-sending and interview-going, I realize the two emotional roller coasters are one and the same.

The sense of depression/dread/futility/giving up is very familiar:

Why hasn't he/they noticed my profile/resume posted on Facebook/JournalismJobs.com?

Why didn't he/they call after I gave my number/mailed in my resume? I'm perfect for him/the job!

Why hasn't/haven't he/they called after our first date/interview? Oh my God, what did I say that soured him/them on me for a relationship/job?

Well, screw him/them. I didn't want to date him/work for them anyway.

I'm going to be single/unemployed forever.

I'm going to die alone/end up on the street.

It doesn't take a therapist to diagnose that it all comes down to one thing for me: fear of rejection. I need a man to want me. I need an employer to want me.

And right now, I feel very unwanted.

So if you're a company in Northeast Ohio looking for a journalist/writer/editor/marketer/communications specialist, send me an e-mail!

Because I suck as a boyfriend.

But I'm a freaking awesome employee.