It's been a tough year since I got laid off from my job in the US, where I had built a life I was proud of. I moved to the US for my degree and spent years developing my career and friendships. Unfortunately, I was laid off at the end of last year while on a visa, which meant I couldn't afford to take a break. I dedicated months to applying for jobs, going through multiple rounds of interviews, and even completing case studies, but the only offer I received was rescinded. After exhausting my savings, I had to move back to my home country, where the job market is much smaller and opportunities are limited. I've faced ghosting after interviews and concerns from employers about my lack of local work experience. It's been almost a year now, and the hardest part isn't just being unemployed; it's the feeling of losing the life I had built. My friends in the US are still enjoying their lives, while I'm stuck here, feeling isolated and watching their moments on social media. Living with my family again has been challenging. My mom has even blamed me for my layoff, which adds to the pressure. I miss my independence, my friends, and the spontaneous plans we used to make. I’ve picked up low-paying babysitting jobs just to make ends meet, and I often find myself questioning how I went from a fulfilling job in the States to this situation. I'm torn between trying to save what little money I have to move to another country or staying with my family until I find something stable. The uncertainty is overwhelming, and I feel like I’m grieving the life I left behind. I’m reaching out to anyone who has experienced long-term unemployment: how did you cope with the uncertainty and the grief of leaving a community you loved? What kept you motivated during such a tough time? I could really use some advice.
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