I recently experienced a layoff from my IT job, and it's been a tough journey trying to navigate the job market since then. I've seen many others in the same boat, and it seems like the situation is only getting worse. Some people I know have taken months to find new positions, often settling for roles that pay significantly less than what they were making before. Personally, I signed an offer recently that was about 30% lower than my previous salary, but I felt I had no choice given the current market conditions. It's disheartening to see how many skilled professionals are struggling to find work, and it often feels like luck and connections are the only things that matter anymore. I’ve also had to rethink my backup plans, considering options like becoming a school crossing guard or even starting my own business. I’ve survived several layoffs in the past, and while I’m told things are stabilizing, I still find myself with very little work. On a more personal note, my family has been going through a tough time as my spouse was diagnosed with AML, a type of blood cancer, which has added to the stress of our situation. We managed to get a little breathing room thanks to a payment from my game launch, but our savings are nearly depleted. I’m really hoping for a turnaround soon, as I’m not looking forward to the upcoming years. Here’s to hoping 2027 brings better opportunities.