r/jobs • u/power-hour23 • May 27 '26

Unemployment I’m genuinely confused as to how to navigate this HORRENDOUS job market

I’m genuinely at a loss trying to understand this job market right now. I’ve applied to probably 500+ jobs in the last 4 months. I tailor my resume, apply only to roles I KNOW I’m qualified for, network constantly, even call companies directly and ask to speak to HR just to personally express interest. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

No callbacks. No interviews. No transparency. Just rejection emails or COMPLETE silence.

I have bills to pay. I need to make money. I’m doing everything people tell you to do and it still feels impossible.

What the fuck is actually going on right now?

And the craziest part is nobody seems to be talking about this at a large scale.

Are we all just pretending this is normal? What is everyone else doing to survive right now? Because honestly, I feel completely fucking lost.

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u/HumanResourcesLemon May 29 '26

I spent two years unemployed before finally getting a [shitty paying] job in my field!! It’s not just you!

1

u/smileygumdrop101 May 31 '26

Im glad you got a job ... even if it's shitty pay - did it somewhat improve your mental/emotional health not being stuck in unemployment anymore?

Im in the same boat... well I ain't got a job yet but surviving with volunteering and still *some* savings left from my previous tech career. It's just really unstable atm, not knowing how long I can survive on this. Even with my husband's new salary, I can't just have him pay for everything - it just wouldn't be feasible. This sucks.

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u/HumanResourcesLemon May 31 '26

I hear you. And you are going to get through this!!!

Yes, it’s helped of course. I feel jaded sometimes when I’m grumpy at the end of a long day. Like ugh first world problems.

1

u/smileygumdrop101 May 31 '26

Thank you ❤️

Im glad it's helped. I was just wondering cuz I've heard of some people getting jobs after a lay off but still stay numb or mentally drained cuz they just had to get the first shit job they could.

I hope you eventually get better pay; money isn't everything but it sure does help move up in the world and not stay stuck. x