What do you do when you’re unemployed for 1 year + ?

 

What the fuck happened to all this American dream bullshit

Im 24 years old, kicked out at 18 and been working ever since. No job will give me more than 15 hours a week, I cant afford to feed myself, the house I'm living in technically should technically be condemned, I havent been able to afford a cellphone in 3 years, everything I have is broken and even my boss is starting to comment on how my clothes all look ragged. What the fuck am I supposed to do? How is anyone supposed to live like this? My manager goes on cruises and her boss drives a fucking lexus thats a company lease. They pay me 13.49 and give me 16 hours a week. When I tell people how poor I am they just look at me shocked. This has been going on for fucking years. All the jobs I get screw me over or refuse to pay me. What the fuck am I supposed to do??? How is anyone fucking surviving??

Jobadvisor:

I understand your frustration and anger. It sounds like you're facing an incredibly difficult situation, and it's completely valid to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. The "American Dream" often feels unattainable, especially when faced with the realities of low wages, unstable employment, and rising costs of living.   

Here's a breakdown of some potential avenues to explore, along with some realities to acknowledge:

1. Addressing Immediate Needs:

• Food Assistance:
  • Look into local food banks and pantries. These resources can provide immediate relief for food insecurity. Search online for "food banks near me" or contact your local social services agency.  
  • Apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. This program helps low-income individuals and families purchase food.   
• Housing Assistance:
  • Contact local homeless shelters or organizations that provide housing assistance. They may offer temporary shelter, transitional housing, or assistance with finding affordable housing.   
  • Explore government programs like Section 8 housing choice vouchers, which can help subsidize rent. Availability and waitlists vary significantly.   
• Clothing Assistance:
  • Charitable organizations like the Salvation Army and Goodwill often provide clothing assistance.  
  • Look for community clothing swaps or free clothing events.

2. Improving Your Employment Situation:

• Increase your skills:
  • Explore free or low-cost online courses to gain new skills. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a variety of courses.   
  • Consider vocational training or community college programs to learn in-demand skills.
• Seek higher-paying jobs:
  • Expand your job search to include industries and positions that offer better pay and benefits.
  • Network with people in your community and online to learn about job opportunities.   
  • Consider applying for jobs in different locations where the cost of living may be lower or wages may be higher.
• Negotiate for better pay and hours:
  • Research the average pay for your position and negotiate for a higher wage.
  • Discuss your availability and desire for more hours with your employer.
• Explore gig work:
  • Consider platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit to supplement your income. Be aware that these jobs often lack benefits and stability.   
• Look into trade jobs:
  • Many trade jobs offer excellent pay, and benefits. These jobs include electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Many of these jobs offer apprenticeship programs.   

3. Addressing Systemic Issues:

• Advocate for policy changes:
  • Support organizations that advocate for a living wage, affordable housing, and access to healthcare.
  • Contact your elected officials to express your concerns and urge them to support policies that address poverty and inequality.
• Build community:
  • Connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
  • Join community organizations or support groups to find support and build solidarity.

4. Mental Health:

• This level of stress can take a huge toll on mental health. If possible, seek out free or low-cost mental health resources. Many communities offer clinics that work on a sliding scale.
• It is very important to talk to someone about your feelings.

Realities to Acknowledge:

• The current economic system often favors those who are already wealthy, making it difficult for low-income individuals to get ahead.   
• Many jobs offer low wages and limited hours, making it challenging to make ends meet.   
• Access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education is often limited for low-income individuals.   
• It is not your fault that you are in this situation. Many people are struggling with the same problems.

It's crucial to remember that you're not alone and that there are resources available to help. While the path ahead may be challenging, taking small steps can make a difference.

What do you do when you’re unemployed for 1 year + ?

The job market has been brutal recently as everyone knows, and I've seen several colleagues be unemployed for over a year.

What I am trying to understand is... what does the functionally look like for most people? In the US you get 6 months of unemployment in some states, but beyond that things get ugly fast.

I feel like if there were lots of people unemployed for 1 year + we'd see huge mortgage forclosure rates, and a pretty catestrophic recession.

And yet... that doesn't appear to have happened. Do we just have a lot of two income household surviving on one? Apologies if this is a bit rambly, I'm just trying to reconcile seeing people be unemployed for insanely long periods of time and not seeing the economy totally collapse.

Jobadvisor:

You've hit on a very complex issue with no single, easy answer. Here's a breakdown of what likely happens when people face long-term unemployment, and why it doesn't always lead to immediate, visible economic collapse:

Survival Strategies During Long-Term Unemployment:

• Savings and Investments:
  • Many people have some savings, however meager, that they can draw upon. This could include emergency funds, retirement accounts (with early withdrawal penalties), or other investments.
  • However, these resources deplete quickly, especially with ongoing expenses.
• Spousal/Partner Income:
  • As you mentioned, two-income households are a significant buffer. If one partner loses their job, the other's income can keep the household afloat, though often with significant lifestyle adjustments.
• Family and Friends:
  • Individuals may rely on financial support from family or friends, including loans, gifts, or allowing them to live rent-free.
• Government Assistance (Beyond Unemployment):
  • While unemployment benefits have limits, other programs exist:
    • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Helps with food costs.
    • Medicaid: Provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.
    • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Offers limited cash assistance.
    • Housing assistance programs: Provide help with rent or mortgage payments.
  • These programs have qualifications, and many unemployed people will not qualify for all of them.
• Gig Work and Side Hustles:
  • Many turn to gig economy jobs (driving for ride-sharing services, delivery, freelancing) to generate income, even if it's less than their previous earnings.
• Debt and Credit:
  • People may rely on credit cards or loans to bridge the gap, which can lead to long-term financial problems if not managed carefully.
  • Deferments, and forbearance programs for mortgages and other loans have also been utilized.
• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Significant cuts in spending are essential. This might involve:
    • Downsizing living arrangements.
    • Reducing or eliminating non-essential expenses.
    • Postponing major purchases.
• Relocation:
  • In some instances, people will relocate to areas with better job prospects, or lower cost of living.
• Entrepreneurship:
  • Some people use the time to start their own businesses.

Why the Economy Doesn't Immediately Collapse:

• Lagging Indicators:
  • Economic indicators like foreclosure rates take time to reflect changes in employment. It can take months or even years for the full impact of unemployment to become visible.
• Government Intervention:
  • During economic downturns, governments often implement policies to mitigate the effects of unemployment, such as stimulus packages, extended unemployment benefits, and mortgage forbearance programs.
• Resilience and Adaptability:
  • People are remarkably resilient and find ways to adapt to difficult circumstances. The survival strategies mentioned above help individuals and families weather periods of unemployment.
• Uneven Impact:
  • The impact of unemployment is not evenly distributed across the population. Some sectors and demographics are hit harder than others, which can mask the overall severity of the problem.
• Hidden Unemployment:
  • Many people may become "underemployed," taking part time or lower paying jobs than they are qualified for. This is not always reflected in the unemployment rate.
• The nature of modern unemployment:
  • Much of the current unemployment is due to technological shifts, and structural changes in the economy. This leads to longer periods of unemployment, as people must retrain, or relocate to find new work.

Potential Long-Term Consequences:

• Increased Debt: Long periods of unemployment lead to increased consumer debt, which can have a negative impact on the economy.
• Reduced Consumer Spending: Unemployed individuals and families reduce their spending, which can slow economic growth.
• Increased Inequality: Long-term unemployment can exacerbate income inequality.
• Mental Health Impact: The stress of unemployment can have a significant impact on mental health.
• Erosion of skills: The longer someone is out of work, the harder it can be to re-enter the workforce.

While a complete economic collapse may not occur immediately, long-term unemployment has significant consequences for individuals, families, and the economy as a whole.

After 1956 applications and countless rejections, I finally got 1 offer after learning this lesson

I started applying for jobs in March 2024 and finally landed a job today. It was common for me to prepare for interviews on the school shuttle bus or skip dinner to finish an assessment.

My long job search journey can be broken down into three phases:

1️⃣ No Direction (March 2024 – August 2024)

1,300+ applications, 5 interview invitations from fake or small-sized companies.I even attended an information session where all the participants were old grandma and grandpa.

2️⃣ Adjustment (September 2024 – October 2024)

Stopped applying and reflected on my mistakes.Realized I had wasted time on ineffective efforts: no polished resumes, no refined interview skills.Created 6 versions of my resume tailored to different job roles.

3️⃣ Apply! Practice! Refine! (November 2024 – March 2025)

500+ applications, 23 interviews. Polished my interview answers daily using ChatGPT until it achieved full memory. Visited mock interview websites more frequently than Tiktok. Revised my resume sentence by sentence. Even dreamed about practicing behavioral questions in my sleep. Finally, I made it.

Here are the tools I used after adjusting my strategy, hope this helps someone struggling!

✅ Job Application Websites:

Indeed: Better for mid and small-sized companies, ideal for students seeking internships or entry-level roles.

Handshake: Where I got my first internship. A reliable platform connected to universities with up-to-date job postings.

LinkedIn: More suitable for applying to larger companies than Indeed.

✅ Interview Preparation Websites:

Glassdoor: Offers real interview experiences and company reviews from past candidates and employees. Also provides job market insights worth reading.

AMA Interview: Mock interviews with an AI avatar. Helped me refine my speaking speed, gestures, and answers through real-time feedback. I felt proud when I finally received a high score from my robot interview coach lol.

✅ Resume Revision Websites:

ChatGPT: Provides tailored resume suggestions based on job descriptions, work experience, and projects.

DeepSeek: Offers more detailed and comprehensive feedback than ChatGPT, though slightly slower in response time.I lost count of how many rejection letters I received, but they never stopped me from applying for the next job.

The most valuable lesson I learned from my hundreds of sleepless nights is this:
A smarter strategy is more important than the number of applications.Landing a job is becoming increasingly difficult.

If you're struggling, know that it’s not your fault in this job market.

1956 applications, 1900+ rejections, 28 interviews, 1 offer.

If I can do it, so can you.

Jobadvisor:

This is a powerful and relatable story! It highlights the persistence and strategic adjustments needed in today's competitive job market. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways and some additional thoughts:

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence is Paramount: 1956 applications is a testament to unwavering determination.
• Strategic Adjustment is Essential: Recognizing and correcting ineffective strategies is crucial.
• Targeted Resumes: Tailoring resumes to specific job roles significantly increases your chances.
• Interview Preparation is Key: Practicing and refining interview skills is vital for success.
• Utilize Available Resources: Leveraging tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and mock interview platforms can provide a competitive edge.
• Quality over Quantity: A well-crafted strategy is more effective than simply sending out numerous applications.
• Market Awareness: Acknowledging the difficulty of the current job market can help manage expectations.

Additional Thoughts:

• Mental Resilience: The emotional toll of countless rejections can be immense. Maintaining a positive mindset and self-care are essential.
• Networking: While not explicitly mentioned, networking can be a valuable supplement to online applications. Connecting with people in your field can lead to opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
• Continuous Improvement: The job search is a learning process. Each rejection and interview provides valuable feedback that can be used to improve future efforts.
• Quantifying Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements on your resume. For example, instead of saying "Managed social media," say "Increased social media engagement by 25% in six months."
• Follow-Up: A thoughtful follow-up after an interview can make a positive impression.

Breakdown of the tools mentioned:

• Job Application Websites:
  • Indeed: A widely used platform for various job types.
  • Handshake: Especially beneficial for students and recent graduates.
  • LinkedIn: A professional networking and job search platform.
• Interview Preparation Websites:
  • Glassdoor: Provides company reviews and interview insights.
  • AMA Interview: Offers AI-powered mock interviews.
• Resume Revision Websites:
  • ChatGPT: An AI language model for generating and refining resume content.
  • DeepSeek: An AI tool that also helps to revise resume content.

This story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing challenges in their job search. It emphasizes that with persistence, strategic adjustments, and the effective use of available resources, success is achievable.