I’ve been reflecting on my job search experiences and how much connections really matter in landing a job. It’s frustrating to see people land roles they aren’t qualified for just because they know someone in the right place. I experienced this firsthand two years ago after leaving my previous job. I made an effort to connect with my friend’s brother, and after hanging out a few times, I asked him if he could help me get a job at his company. Just one week later, I was hired! I didn’t even have to go through the usual rigorous application process. This has made me realize how broken the system can be. It feels like being the nice guy and putting in hard work isn’t enough anymore. I’m tired of going through multiple interviews only to receive automated rejection emails. It’s disheartening, and I’m starting to think that if I want to make ends meet, I might have to play the game differently. Thanks for letting me vent about this. It’s tough out there.