Former Cardiff City and Swansea City defender Steven Caulker has spoken publicly about his difficulty finding a new job in football after leaving his most recent role last month.
The 34-year-old retired from playing in December last year following a short spell with Stjarnan in Iceland. He then moved into coaching, most recently serving as assistant manager at Turkish club Konyaspor, a position he left last month.
Caulker remains determined to return to the game and took to his LinkedIn account on Sunday to express his frustration at being unable to secure even an interview for roles he believes he is qualified for. He also revealed that he has turned down some offers that did not match his ambitions.
Caulker opens up on job search frustrations
“Being unemployed is stressful,” he wrote. “I've been here many times before, I'm used to the rollercoaster of emotions, but it doesn't make it any easier.
“Applying for jobs for which I have all the qualifications yet am unable to get even an interview hurts, but that does not mean I should panic.
“Walt Disney was rejected over 300 times; rejection is part of most people's stories. The bit I find difficult is then turning down the jobs that do come my way which are not aligned with my goals.
“Staying calm and composed during these times is important, and adding some kind of structure to my day certainly helps. I've just finished my morning run and feeling pretty good after releasing some endorphins.”
Career spanning Tottenham, Liverpool and south Wales
Caulker, who won one cap for England, began his career at Tottenham before playing for several clubs in the UK and abroad. He had a loan spell at Swansea in 2011, making 26 league appearances, before signing for their rivals Cardiff in 2013.
The former centre-back made 38 league appearances for Cardiff and scored five goals, including the winner in the South Wales Derby. He later played for Queens Park Rangers and had a short loan spell at Liverpool.
Past struggles with mental health
His career took place against the backdrop of personal struggles. In 2017, he spoke to The Guardian about his mental health problems, which at his darkest moments left him contemplating suicide. Gambling addiction, alcohol problems and depression were all factors in his difficulties, which he later reflected on with The Athletic in 2019.
“It's only been in the last few months that I've finally freed myself of the shame, of the guilt, of the embarrassment and everything else that comes with living a life as an addict,” he said at the time, having signed for Turkish side Alanyaspor.
“For a large period of my life, I'd felt so ashamed of the opportunity I'd thrown away, of what a mess I'd made of everything. I always isolated myself, shied away from anyone who was successful, those who were achieving something, because seeing their success made me feel worse. I couldn't even watch games on the television.”
“Mentally, I'm probably in the best place I've ever been,” he added. “With everything that has happened, the experiences I've had, I feel a more complete human being. I believe I'm a better father today, a better friend, a better son. I'm more content with who I am. I hated football for so many years but now I'm free of the shame and the guilt. I love the game again.”
