DontThrowAwayPies's journey

I was laid off 11 months ago and I'm still struggling to find a job. I've had a few interviews, but each time I hear that someone else had more experience. I've tailored my resume and actively networked with companies, but I rarely receive responses. I've even hired two different career coaching services, but they ended up being a waste of money. Now, I'm forced to take a survival job because my finances are dwindling. I can't shake the feeling that this is my fault; I only have two years of experience, and it seems like all the junior roles I apply for go to candidates with much more experience. I feel like a failure for not landing a job yet, especially since I'm not picky about salary—I'm just trying to cover my rent. It's disheartening and I feel defeated.

I was laid off 10 months ago and I feel completely lost and scared about my situation. With two years of experience under my belt, I've been applying to various jobs that match my skills, as well as some that are a bit of a stretch. I've managed to secure a good number of interviews, but unfortunately, no offers have come through yet. It's a frustrating and disheartening experience, and I feel stuck. I've been actively networking with people in the industry, sending out tailored cover letters, and preparing thoroughly for interviews, but nothing seems to be working. My financial situation is becoming increasingly dire; I’m living off my retirement savings and trying to manage my weekly grocery expenses while paying rent. I feel guilty for spending on groceries, but I refuse to eat just rice and beans—it would only make my mental state worse. I qualified for EBT, but I haven’t received any assistance in months, which adds to my anxiety. I worry constantly about my living situation, even though my rent is currently paid. The job market feels incredibly bleak, and I often feel like an imposter, doubting my skills and abilities, especially after a negative experience with my last manager who was fired after I reported her. My confidence is at an all-time low. I keep applying for jobs, but it feels like I’m not making any progress. I find myself venting to my friends, and I feel bad for burdening them with my struggles. I recently went out to pick up free pet supplies for my foster pets, and as I walked past restaurants, I longed to enjoy those experiences, but my financial constraints hold me back. I can't shake this feeling of failure for not being able to secure stable employment, and being neurodiverse adds another layer of humiliation. I just needed to vent and express how overwhelmed I feel. Thank you for listening.

I've been job searching for 7 months now, and it's been a tough journey. I have a background in technology compliance and operations analysis, but I'm struggling to figure out what skills I should focus on to transition into business analysis or product management. I know the common advice is to upskill, but I'm overwhelmed with options and unsure what would be most beneficial. I've been applying to roles where I can highlight my transferable skills, but it feels like most positions require specific experience that I don't have. I'm particularly frustrated because I notice that job postings are scarce, especially on Mondays when I start my search. I'm hoping to get some guidance on what specific tools or skills I should learn to improve my chances.