Pinkman_Nectar's journey

I recently faced a tough situation while job searching. I work full-time as an inventory and shipping associate for a small distributor, earning $19/hour. For the past four months, I've been looking for better opportunities, particularly in operations and logistics coordinator roles. Two weeks ago, I landed an interview for a position that pays between $26-29/hour, which was exciting because it matched my experience and would shorten my commute. The first interview went well; the hiring manager seemed genuinely interested and praised my background. However, when I was invited for a second interview with two department managers, I hit a snag. It was scheduled for Tuesday at 10 AM, and I couldn't find anyone to cover my shift. I had to take the day off unpaid, costing me $152 in lost wages, plus additional expenses for gas and parking. I tried to reschedule the second interview to a later time or a video call, but the recruiter informed me that the managers only conducted interviews during regular business hours. I asked for alternative dates, but the only option they provided was also during my working hours. Eventually, I had to decline the interview, and I received an email stating they would be moving forward with other candidates. This experience has been frustrating. I understand that companies have their scheduling constraints, but it feels disheartening to be unable to pursue a better-paying job because the interview process itself is financially taxing. I’m still employed, so I know I’m in a better position than those who are unemployed, but it’s made me realize how costly job searching can be when you're on an hourly wage with fixed shifts. I'm now considering asking about the entire interview process before agreeing to initial meetings. I’m curious how others in similar situations manage multiple interviews without losing significant income. And for hiring managers, is it unreasonable to ask for interviews outside of standard business hours?