I was laid off in July 2026 after over a year at my last job, which ended abruptly and without any severance. It's been a tough month since then, especially with my son just turning 5 months old. I've been actively applying and have managed to secure a few interviews, but I've faced disappointment each time, receiving the same feedback: "At this time we decided to move forward with another candidate." This has happened four times already this month. I hold an MBA and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, along with a drafting certificate in AutoCAD, so I feel qualified for many roles. Despite my efforts, the job market feels brutal. I filed for unemployment and WIC benefits to support my family during this challenging time. Today, I have an interview for an Entitlements Manager position with a homebuilder, and I'm hopeful about another interview next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying for a breakthrough soon. Wish me luck!