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Ivory CoastFormer England Defender Steven Caulker Details Toll of Unemployment
Steven Caulker has shared his struggles with unemployment as he looks for his next coaching role.
The Frustration of the Job Search
Steven Caulker has spoken honestly about the emotional challenges of being out of work. The 34 year old former defender posted on LinkedIn to describe the strain he is facing while searching for a new role.
He first posted at the start of October to let people know he was looking for work between coaching jobs. On Sunday, he followed up with a candid update about how difficult the wait has been.
"Being unemployed is stressful," Caulker said. "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."
Maintaining Routine and Perspective
Despite the setbacks, Caulker explained that he is trying to stay positive and maintain a disciplined routine.
"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," he said. He added that keeping calm is vital and that establishing structure in his day has helped, noting that a morning run gave him a lift.
Caulker has previously been transparent about difficult personal periods, having shared his early career struggles with alcoholism and gambling.
A Look Back at His Playing Career
Caulker spent years in the English top flight before moving into coaching. He began in the Tottenham Hotspur youth academy and went on to make 18 Premier League appearances for the club.
His Premier League debut arrived during a loan spell with Swansea City. He then moved permanently to Cardiff City, where he served as captain for the 2013 to 2014 season. After Cardiff went down, he signed for Queens Park Rangers in 2014. He later had loan stints with Southampton and Liverpool.
Across his Premier League career, Caulker made 123 appearances, scoring eight goals and adding two assists. On the international stage, he earned one cap for England in a 2014 friendly against Sweden, scoring in that game. He has since held coaching and assistant management jobs at FC Málaga City in 2023, Stjarnan in 2025, and Konyaspor in 2026.
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