I've been in digital marketing for over 10 years, working at the director level in both agencies and startups, primarily in B2B and SaaS tech. However, I've been unemployed for over six months now, and the job search is exhausting. I'm applying to positions that I don't even want because they all seem to offer lower pay for more work, with unrealistic expectations driven by AI companies claiming to revolutionize the industry. Every application I encounter insists on experience with AI tools, particularly in ways that feel gimmicky. They want candidates to be well-versed in using AI agents, but it often feels like a superficial requirement. Additionally, many of these so-called 'AI-first' roles require being in the office most of the week, while remote opportunities are dwindling. It's frustrating to see C-level executives enjoying the freedom to work remotely while entry-level and mid-level roles are stuck in a rigid office setting. The hiring landscape has changed dramatically; hiring managers seem overwhelmed or unrealistic about what they expect from candidates. Marketing roles have shrunk, with one or two people expected to handle the responsibilities of entire teams, yet the pay does not reflect that increased workload. Many of my peers have transitioned to fractional roles, but it’s unclear how much they are actually working or if they receive any benefits. I'm left wondering if I need to take a significant pay cut or even consider switching careers entirely, especially with the rise of AI potentially phasing out marketing departments. I have no interest in moving into sales roles like SDR or AE. I’m looking for some honest advice on whether I should pivot or hold out for something better.