Cloud_N0ne's journey

I've been reflecting on my career path lately and I'm feeling quite lost. I initially pursued a degree in Game Art at the Art Institutes, hoping to become a concept artist in the video game industry. Unfortunately, I discovered that the program was misleading, offering only one class related to concept art. After realizing this, I switched to graphic design and graduated, landing a job that I held for four years until my entire department was unexpectedly laid off. Since then, I've been unemployed for over nine months. I've applied to numerous positions in graphic design, but the responses have been discouraging. I've only had three interviews, all of which ended with the same disappointing message: they chose to move forward with other candidates. Even fast food jobs seem to be out of reach, likely because employers see my degree and assume I won't stick around long-term. Now, I'm contemplating a shift in my career. Graphic design feels increasingly threatened by AI, and I'm considering going back to school to pursue my original dream of game art. However, I'm hesitant due to the current state of the gaming industry, which is facing significant layoffs—around 15,000 this year alone. I worry about investing time and money into another degree only to find myself in the same predicament. I'm really questioning whether it's worth pursuing a career in the video game industry or if I should explore other options. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this uncertain path.

I've been out of work since my entire department was laid off last December. It's been incredibly frustrating as I've submitted hundreds of applications but only received one response, which ultimately ghosted me when it came time for a phone interview. I'm wondering if there's a service that could apply on my behalf. I thought staffing agencies would help, but most seem to act more like job boards, focusing on filling positions for employers rather than assisting job seekers like me. I've heard that smaller, boutique recruiting agencies might be more effective, especially those that specialize in my field. They seem to provide better support and communication throughout the job search process.