MikasaH's journey

I’m 26 and currently looking for work after being laid off from my tech job earlier this year. I was making $60k a year, but the company wasn't profitable, leading to mass layoffs. I live in an at-will state, so I was let go without much warning. Thankfully, I still have a part-time job where I can pick up shifts, which helps a bit financially. My daily routine consists of applying for jobs in the mornings, running errands in the afternoons, and going to bed early like I did during my 9-5. I’ve reached out to former professors and managers for feedback on my strengths, which seem to be my friendliness and reliability. However, my parents are worried about my finances since they’re nearing retirement and we still have an $80k mortgage. I’m trying to secure at least $1,000 in take-home pay, so I’ve been applying to part-time jobs that pay $15 or more while also targeting full-time positions. I’ve noticed that job applications can be competitive, with over 100 applicants for some roles on LinkedIn. I feel a bit lost since my experience is mostly in retail and one tech role. I’ve signed up for a job fair and am exploring freelance or gig work options, but I’m unsure if that’s the right path. I’m also hesitant about driving jobs due to my anxiety and medication side effects. Overall, I’m trying to stay positive and keep my options open, but I’m feeling the pressure to find something soon.

In January 2026, I landed a full-time job at a startup tech company with a salary of $55,000. Unfortunately, just three months later, I was let go because the company was struggling financially and had to cut its marketing department along with other positions. Before this job, I was working on-call, earning around $17 an hour, which isn't much but it's better than nothing. Now, I'm in a tough spot. My parents expect me to contribute $1,000 towards their mortgage, but I can only afford to give them about 30% of my paycheck after expenses. I'm trying to save and cover my own groceries, but it feels like I'm not meeting their expectations. I want to find a job that I enjoy and pays a livable wage, but the job market seems slow right now. I've been applying for new positions, but I worry my parents don't see how hard I'm trying. I've been contributing between $100 and $200 to help with the mortgage, and I plan to give more as I earn more. I’m considering sticking with my on-call job while I continue my job search. It seems like the right strategy, but I’m looking for advice on how to balance everything and find a job that fits my needs.