Jumpy_Shallot6412's journey

I spent 17 years running and writing for a website focused on a niche topic that I don’t even want to mention on my resume. I got into it right after high school, and what started as a fun project unexpectedly turned into my full-time job. For 13 years, it was financially rewarding, but the last four years have been incredibly tough. I've tried everything to revive the site, but with the rise of AI and changes in the internet landscape, my income has plummeted to the point where I'm relying on food stamps. I've put together a resume and had some friends review it, but when I reached out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, they told me my resume reads like a "founder resume"—the kind that gets tossed aside because it suggests I can't fit into a corporate structure. They suggested I use AI tools to polish it, but the results were filled with unrealistic fluff. I applied for various roles related to trust and safety, content management, and even positions at Wizards of the Coast, where I have experience working with fan artists. Unfortunately, only Google showed interest, and after a few interviews, I realized I was out of my depth despite practicing with AI mock interviews. Now, I’m feeling lost. I see that places like Pizza Hut are hiring, and I’m considering retail work, but I can’t shake the feeling that my resume is practically worthless for meaningful jobs. I’ve thought about going back to school for a degree, but with AI taking over so many roles, it feels like a waste of time and money. I’m really unsure about my next steps and would appreciate any advice.