I've been unemployed for 1.5 years now, and it's been a rough journey. I’ve applied to countless jobs, and while I understand the economy and job market are tough right now, I can't shake the feeling that I'm failing as a person. My resume is solid, packed with certifications and extensive experience in the solar industry. I often get calls from employers who say they love my resume, but then the promised follow-up calls never materialize. It’s a frustrating cycle of hope and disappointment. Recently, I even reached out to a union for a job opportunity where the foreman assured me that HR would call me soon because they needed someone like me. I waited for that call, but each week passed with no news. I tried to follow up, expressing my willingness to wait, but it felt like I was just being strung along. Eventually, I decided to give up after my last text went unanswered. In addition to applying for jobs in my field, I've also looked into smaller positions, even at places like Whataburger, but nothing seems to stick. I feel like I'm going crazy and I can't help but feel like a failure, even though I know it's not entirely my fault. The ghosting from employers is particularly disheartening; I wish they would just be honest and say if the opportunity is no longer available instead of leaving me hanging. I'm at a point where I'm flat broke and exhausted from waiting. I’ve always been a hard worker and passionate about my career, but life feels like it's throwing me around without any clear direction. I just want to escape my hometown and find a new opportunity. I’ve bounced back from tough times before, but this feels different. I keep questioning what I did to deserve this situation. I just want to find a way out of this rut.