Been unemployed since September 2024, after working my last day for my seasonal job as pool attendant. Done so many applications on Indeed for various stores & restaurants. So here were are already at the end of a year later and I STILL have not got a single job offer. Applied to ALDI, Goodwill, Five Below, Surf Park, Gelati Celest.. have all been rejected by them after or even without going to interviews. Have been ghosted by Rigoletto Italian bakery, Milk & Honey, and never got a single response after applying to Chuck e Cheese, UPS, Tropical Smoothie, Hot Topic, Dollar General, Applebee's and much more.
I'm 20 years old, and am about to apply to trade school for Welding from College. But still, I feel like I should be working at least a part-time position right now so that way members of my family won't have to keep giving me anymore of their money under allowances. As well as not having to risk selling any of my valuable belongings on eBay & Mercari just to earn money. Have standard HS diploma and driver's license along with my own car for reliable transportation, but they still aren't helping me increase my chances in getting hired.
I now feel like I'm starting to loose my mind here. Do I still continue applying, or do I just give up knowing that no one will hire me at all no matter what. And has anyone else have had this or is now going through a similar experience?
Holy shit, now this is something else. I thought it was a CS degree but no this is just normal jobs. I actually feel sorry for you dude
Iāve been seeing this. Itās because people are getting let go for more automation. I used to be a rockstar in my field. Now Iām just nothing again.
What field were you in if you donāt mind me asking?
Site reliability
If you were a rock star you would have a job and no issues finding new opportunities. Rock stars have a network that is ready to scoop them up if and whenever they become available.
No reason to be a jerk, especially when you know nothing of the situation
you must suck at parties
This isn't surprising at all, I have a CS degree and have been out since April 2024. Have applied to things like target and fedex and even stocking shelves at my local grocery store, nothing.
same, Iāve tried applying to all the night shift stock/warehouse jobs. Theyād rather give the tech jobs to Indians though. I STILL am being told I donāt have enough experience for associate level software roles that pay ~50-55K. When I was younger the lie was āoh itās just that first job then the recruiters will be calling you!ā They just forgot to add āif youāre Indian or a white womanā to the end of that.
Same imma grocery store worker! Doin cs masters rn too gg
That's horrible I'm sorry. You have done all you can.
make it relatable, relevant and shorter comments that are punchier and invoke more familiarity with people. I mean people should agree with you and say "This is exactly what I was thinking!"
Iām sorry youāre going through this, OP. I actually went through something similar after getting let go from my warehouse job in November 2023 where I navigated a difficult and stressful job search for about 8-9 months while I struggled to find my next role. Iām currently working in retail right now, and even though itās not where I want to be forever, Iām incredibly grateful that I was able to land another job again after such a long unemployment gap. I wish I had better advice for you other than the cliche ākeep applyingā, but I truly empathize with how difficult this job market is. I really hope it gets better in 2026, but unfortunately, I predict the job market will continue getting worse before it gets better. (If it will ever get better). Iām wishing the best for you, OP and I want you to know that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone!
While this isn't the only time where I spent more than 6 months unemployed, this actually is the 2nd yet the longest time that I have ever been so. You're not alone not being let go, I also was let go before as it was just after the first day from Dairy Queen back in June 2023 and it was after when internship for my very first job have ended after 6 weeks. Would struggle for at least 8 more months or so till March 2024 is when I finally got accepted for the seasonal position for a pool attendant and started work in June 2024.
Sorry to hear that. Many times, itās not what you know, but who you know. Do you have any new classmates that have families with businesses that need help? AI has/will take a lot of jobs, but itās unlikely AI will do a lot of welding. In school, you might want to consider looking into welding for robotics, as AI+robotics are growing quickly, and they will need people to be able to assemble these expensive robots. Hopefully, you can find something in the meantime, but if not, you likely have a bright career in the making. Good luck!
I think we should officially declare jobs as a luxury now because of how much effort it takes to get one.
As for the trade I suppose it's not bad to try at OP's young age. But they should be mindful of their health in the long run so definitely transition to something else when the opportunity arises. My dad used to be a welder but eventually had to give it up because it got hard on his lungs.
i think going to school for welding is smart tho!
Oh thanks! Though the reason I've made that decision because I realized my cybersecurity major in college wasn't going to get me anywhere now that I failed to pass 1 class after taking it 3 semesters already, so I decided to go with a trade job.
I hope you have someone that cares for you op!
Its a tough time right now, but the only way forward is to not give up. I'm at 15 months now so I understand what you're going through. Mentally it can be tough to deal with this broken system, but just focus on what you can control and your breakthrough will come.
Oh, so you been unemployed for 2 more months longer than me.. yikes, I'm really sorry to hear that man. But yeah, I haven't entirely given up despite how very exhausted & burned out I am from the interviews I went to and applications that have I put in. Wish you luck on getting hired for a job you apply for in the near-future.
I appreciate that man and I wish the same for you as well. Hopefully 2026 will be different for both of us
just enroll yourself to the welding trade school, in a year you will find a welding job easily.
You know I may actually just end up doing that if am still unsuccessful in getting hired for a part-time, seasonal, or temp position.
whats the difference between trade school and apprenticeship, how do you know which to choose
I don't have any advice that you haven't already heard, but I wanted to pop in to say that you're not alone. The job market is a brutal mess right now.
I appreciate your response. I wonder why nobody's trying to do anything about the fact that the employment rate just keeps growing as time goes on.
Have you gone to any temp agencies?
Well no, but I might end up doing that now that you mentioned it.
If you ever find yourself in this position again that should be the first place you go, I know it's not a 100% guarantee but the odds of you getting a permanent job is higher AND its income
Do not give up. Keep applying but also get involved with volunteer work. Find something you are interested in and work for the experience. If you want to learn a trade, Habitat for Humanity is a good start.Ā
My kid was in the same rut for 18 months with only part-time work. Got another part-time job with a nonprofit which led to a full-time job with benefits.
Prayer changes things I donāt know you but I know God and heās going to make a way for you šÆ
i got 2 years of unemployment on ya
Damn... I'm honestly am very sorry to hear that. 2 years sounds very painful just be looking for another job.
oh, it is.
this is horrible i'm sorry. you have to still apply, maybe grocery stores? what was the job you got laid off from.
i've been laid off for almost a month and i feel like im going insane. just itching to work :(
Got laid off from Dairy Queen, which was the job I had before I worked the pool job that I mentioned in the post. Applied to ALDI, was already rejected without even going to an interview.
I would try all grocery stores. In my experience, they are always hiring for something.
I am unemployed almost the same length as you and I have decade of experience. Iām not giving up and you shouldnāt either! This is a temporary period of time that is beating down almost everyone. Please remember that youāre worth more than what employers think: Persist, my friend! Call temp agencies, apply for jobs you might not think to otherwise. Try to apply to local jobs that are not chains (feed and pet supply stores, cleaning services, construction jobs, etc). Itās a numbers game and you just need 1 yes!
Can you do another seasonal job? A lot of people chain together a summer and winter season.
Um Probably. But it would depend on where is though because my family said it can't be more than 10 miles away.
dont let them limit you
the job is not great, bad even, but whole foods hires in-store-shoppers without any interview through their website.
Hi, I'm old. I grew up in South America in the 90s. I'm here because my life just ended like that to be fair. But, back in the days I was living in a country in the 90s. The economy was taken over by right-wing supporters, and I was 20, too. The " liberals " ideas of that time were under global influence by " Teatcher" ( the first minister of England) and followed by many leaders, including mine. Was " reduce the Government expenses, fire everyone who works for the Government, cut " benefits " like health insurance, and retirement. Stop paying for medications for the poor and the retired. Open importation, ( like everything from China, killing the industry of my ex-country) under the slogan of the " free market ". Deregulate workers' protection laws ( like stop paying for severance, to make the hiring process " more flexible " for the companies). I was 20 years old, and I was in my second year of the Accounting Major at college. The Country sank into such a depression that 50% of the population lost their jobs. I also applied everywhere. My parents didn't have that much money to support me. So I needed a job. It took me 5 years to get a decent job. But in those 5 years, the country flipped again, and let's say the " Socialist " took back the country and started to protect the Internal Market and hire people, force everyone to pay benefits, and restore the protection laws for labor. My recommendation is not to put this on you. As my family did. "- It was my fault I wasn't hired. I ended up getting hired because I had contacts. Simple, it wasn't my qualifications or my skills. ( that I had at the time and now. Like for example I'm bilingual with higher education ) I remember being in line to apply for a job ( it was the 90s; you had to do that in person). The lines were 5 blocks long. Does anything I said about the economy ring a bell for you? Well, I'm sad to see how history repeats here in the US. And I'm warning you all, it already happened. Here too, the 90s. Except now you have to compete with IA. The employers are not avoiding you. There are no jobs. Don't you think all these Doge measures had no consequence? I'm sorry for you. Your parents failed you. My generation (Generation X ) absolutely failed all of you. But it was also very difficult to fight against a system that says that you don't work because you are lazy or because you don't want to work. ( a minimum wage for 1000 hours a day ) . Prostitution and drugs are going to be the main money makers of this country too. If you don't believe me, watch "OnlyFans " grow. The only industries that work in depression are food ( people have to eat ), birth ( kids keep on happening), and death ( mortuary houses ), those are jobs guaranteed.
All the rest is superficial.
Another thing that works very well is the financial market. ( that will destroy the country eventually) But the banks always survive. (They will be bailed out with your family tax money, no matter what .) ( try to stop them! Finland did it. The My recommendation is to become an activist, stand for your rights to live and work on these lands that are your land. Do not allow corporations to steal it from you. And go back to school keep studying. Be patient, if your family can afford it, do not compete with people who have kids to support. More competition is bad for them and for you. Because you will end up accepting a slavery job. ( expending your own money to go to work for the promise that the future is gonna be better and they will give you a raise, - they won't) More of you competing means more blood the companies are taking from you. But this one is the 2nd. Coming. This is the 2nd. Time the world adjusts to the " liberals "ideas and the " free market " . Before the 90s. Only 1 man will support a family of 4 with his income. After the 90s. You need a " couple " working in a household ( at least for the middle class ) . So now is the second coming. My idea, this is gonna end like in the dark ages, next step is slavery.
As I said, my recommendation is to become an activist. Learn history. And do not feel guilty. It's not your fault. Is the leadership doing this to you. Go back to college anyway, all revolutions started at college. And get involved. The system is broken, you are just another victim. A dispensable. But you are young. I did it. I survived, and I had a good life. Be ready to adapt. But remember, is not your fault. Your life has value. Someone is stealing from you with " lies" they are going to say " is the market " and it is not. The market is not like the weather, which is not something that " just happens " ( I studied economics, which is a social art, let's say ). The market is whatever this society builds. And if they take away regulations to protect people to increase profits, that darling is a " political decision " is not the rain. It didn't happen by itself; someone decided for you.
Same thing Iām going through. Itās been an entire rough year and Iām still struggling to find a job. Itās so hard in America. I canāt even get in school around here because I canāt afford it. This is like a damn if I do damn if I donāt type of time for me rn
Doordash, Uber, Instacart, and so on are always hiring. Better than nothing. It's also a good idea to go to job boards that don't tolerate ghost jobs (LI is infamous, in my experience, for welcoming fake jobs), and a good one is HiringCafe--will be hunting there in near future.
Frankly, I'd give the ghost job epidemic a middle finger. Yes, do trade school, dedicate yourself, ask about opportunities for internships and whatnot cause sick of employers lying about hiring.
The job market is brutal. Unfortunately, at your age, retail and fast food at your best options, even if they pay slave wages.
Worse news, it won't get better. AI/robotics will ensure more and more people will lose their jobs.
Yup, I been applying to retail and food places.. still hadn't had any luck. Forgot to mention that I did apply to Ollie's Bargain Outlet 1-2 months ago, but I didn't hear back at all after interview, even though I do have a high school diploma which the only requirement needed for the job. And I actually did go to another interview yesterday for a morning-to-afternoon restaurant, but I'm unlikely to even be hired there since I was interviewed by an employee and not the actual employer cos' they are away till January. Thus were very obscure when they asked me why my last job ended in September 2024 and was a very short process.
When people ask, "Why do you have a gap in your resume?", I speak the truth. "I only seem to get temp roles that last 3-6 months at a time. In between each temp role, I upskill, do free online study in my area of interest." Does work for the temp roles but not long-term roles.
People who do interviews need a level of creativity. Except they don't, so they ask all the generic interview questions.
In Australia, shelf-stacking in retail is in-demand.
What are examples of the free online study you have done? Might be better to say something specific. Because that sounds like bs and your little buzzwird upskill says nothing.
If this represents wording on your resume or what you say in interviews that might be the problem.
https://www.futurelearn.com/
https://newskillsacademy.co.uk/
GitHub - cloudcommunity/Free-Certifications: A curated list of free courses with certifications. Also available at https://free-certifications.com/
Go to school get an on campus job also join a club get free food as much as you can, you can also try an apprenticeship
Try going directly to the company website of something you see on Indeed. I don't know anyone who successfully landed a job only applying on Indeed. Even if they take you to the company website, don't trust it. Go directly.
At least you're only 20, and have your entire future in front of you. Young enough to retrain, if necessary. It's far worse on the other side, when you are on the wrong end of 50, or god forbid, 60. No one will even give you the time of day, let alone an interview.
Is there a Little Cesears nearby? I think Little Cesars would hire you.
hey my husbands been unemployed for 13 months as well and he has 17 years of finance experience. it's just shitty out there. sorry you're going through this.
Donāt lose hope , itās bad out there for everyone . Get into security or even a dealership
T y
are you plannin to be an apprentice? Anyways im in the same boat as you, my uncle said just appky to the trade dont wait for the minimum wage job, u just gonna be stagnant there anyway, u can owe them back once u get paid training
Have tried the Amazon
I do suggest lying more on your resume for these retail and food jobs as you really will learn how to do the job duties while working, so no need to take the high road here.
Also be careful welding. My friend went the welding trade route and although he liked it he had to quit still owing some money because of how much the zinc fumes messed up his lungs. Keep breathing protection in mind so you can work long enough to make the schooling worth it.
If only it were that simple, cos what's the point of putting lies on my resume? Because I'm pretty sure that companies nowawdays don't even want to do any kind of training. Tho many thanks for warning me about the bad effects welding, I may reconsider for another trade job instead, just I would have to sit down and talk with a family member about it again.
maybe the unemployment is not that serious I went on Boxing Day and the malls were so packed
People go to malls?
Yes still do
that makes it even more true, real money makers dont need discounts, the people in the mall on boxing day probably needed it
Youāre not trying hard enough. Take anything that will accept you. Go through temp agency.
lol