Today marked my last day at a university job I cherished for nearly three years. I’m 26, and this job was my first real career path where I could envision a future. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts and declining enrollment, my position was eliminated. I’m feeling completely lost and heartbroken. I won’t get to see the students I started with graduate, and the future I imagined for myself has vanished. The job market feels bleak, and I’m struggling with the reality that my college degree doesn’t seem to hold much value right now. I’m in desperate need of benefits, and moving is not an option for me financially. I’ve started applying for new jobs, but I doubt I’ll hear back anytime soon. The waiting period for unemployment benefits is daunting, and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the pressure of bills piling up. I’ve considered doing gig work like DoorDash, but the thought of putting on a brave face and pretending everything is okay feels exhausting. I just want to do something productive, but I feel paralyzed by my emotions. I know I’m not alone in this struggle, but it’s hard to see a way forward right now.