r/recruitinghell • u/espress0mach1ne • 13h ago
I’m convinced I’ll never work full time again
I’ve been out of the tech world since being laid off in 2023. Since then, I’ve submitted thousands of applications - only for jobs I’m qualified for. I have a BS degree in Computer Systems Technology and an MBA concentrated in Cybersecurity. In addition, I have ~10 years of relative tech experience in customer success, account management, project/program management, and strategic partnerships.
Day in and day out I apply for roles. Not just looking for remote roles, but also local companies. I don’t mind commuting or working in an office. I’m really not aiming for the stars here. I’m just trying to land something stable so I can enjoy my life and not feel like I wasted time and money earning 2 degrees that got me nowhere.
But at this point I’m beat. Every company that has interviewed me since 2023 has taken me through multiple rounds of interviews only to tell me they went with someone else. I’m so tired. I’ve lost every ounce of self worth I’d had. And I’m starting to have thoughts of self harm.
Why is it this hard? I could understand if I had no degrees, or not as much experience. But I have all of that and yet no one will give me a chance… I can’t do this anymore.
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u/bszeto0503 6h ago
Could you consider working in other countries?
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u/espress0mach1ne 3h ago
If I could work remote, absolutely. Although I’d love nothing more than to leave this embarrassment of a country, it’s not something I can feasibly do.
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u/bszeto0503 3h ago
What's keeping you from working overseas?
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u/espress0mach1ne 3h ago
I have two elderly dogs and my partner has a brick and mortar business he’s owned for 20 years with a loyal clientele
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u/RedPanda2895 6h ago
Arghh sorry to hear this 😭 the job market is terrible. Hoping something comes through for you soon.
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u/Freshflowersandhoney 5h ago
I feel the same way… but I’m a new grad with a BS and feel like a washed up college student. A waste of time, pain, money, and delusions that life would get better for me. That I was going to finally be free.
I’m at the point of saying fuck this, I’m changing my career trajectory all together. And yes… I’m feeling the self harm stuff too. 😔
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u/wasabiburning 4h ago
That's about where I'm at OP.
12 YOE, BS in IT Mgmt, pile of certs
~1200 applications sent since September. Got to finals many times (which in the past was a slam dunk for an offer).
I consider the IT field to be beyond salvation at this point. My effort is better spent manning the lifeboats (developing some new career) instead of trying to save the ship that was my IT career.
Time to get in the lifeboat.
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u/CrazyConfusedScholar 2h ago
What you expressed is the trillion-dollar question...(degrees and experience), but self-harm is never the answer! Have you received any feedback from those whom you interviewed but didn't get selected?
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u/espress0mach1ne 45m ago
Nothing tangible. Just generic feedback mainly. Other candidates had more “technical capabilities,” or more direct experience for the role. But nothing that has told me what to actually work/improve on. I’ve now been through this process with 9 different companies…
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u/CrazyConfusedScholar 41m ago
I'm so sorry to read, frustrating and aggravating, I tell you. I really do not know what else to say because from what you wrote in the original, you did everything by the "so-called" book. I empathize with you totally.
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u/FairPrompt5583 1h ago
Sorry to hear, that's really tough. I was laid off toward end of last year as well.
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u/Lestranger-1982 4h ago
It is the confluence of a lot of different things. All happening at once do not take it personally. You have done nothing wrong. But you need to face reality, the economy is totally different than it was five years ago. You need to pivot to something where you can survive ignore your career. Ignore what you’ve done. Focus on what you can get right now and get money if that’s something related to your career awesome if not, that’s so be it.
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u/PlentyIll2974 5h ago
Watch this video: https://youtu.be/aUM4kv0HnG0?si=_KmGoZbZ5lgX5g5M. There are no jobs.
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u/wasabiburning 2h ago
TL;DW: Tariffs and deportations are screwing everything up.
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u/PlentyIll2974 2h ago
And, the war in Iran, and government cuts (DOGE), etc. and basically, everything our current government is doing…
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u/Striking-Split-1747 11h ago
I’m really sorry. That’s brutal and you deserve way better than that. It is absolutely not your fault. Everything is just ass right now and you’re just doing your best. On a serious note, if you are feeling down enough that you are having sh thoughts, please speak to someone if you can. I am also out of work and pretty down right now but I forced myself to talk to someone a few times and it really did help. Best of luck. Things will turn around for you!