It’s the trenches. It’s the nine circles of hell. It’s a rollercoaster and a vicious circle all at once. You name it, and chances are it describes what the job market feels like right now.
One Reddit user asked unemployed people to share just how tough things are out there, and they definitely didn’t hold back. Between AI, ghost listings, endless interview rounds, and fierce competition, judging by their replies, trying to land a job these days may as well be a lottery. Read their experiences below.
#41
Accepted a job offer yesterday after a year of looking. 9.5 years in my industry and could barely even get a call back. Took reaching out to the hiring manager directly with my resume and the job posting to get an interview.
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6points
#42
My employer of over three years abruptly went under. That was back in early May.
I have 18 years of experience in the industry across multiple channels and I have numerous certifications.
I’ve had a total of three interviews. And have not yet had a follow up interview. I’ve been passed over for roles that should have been layups.
Four years ago, I had companies asking me to come work for them. I had people offer me more money to work for them.
This job market is insanely hard right now.
I have 18 years of experience in the industry across multiple channels and I have numerous certifications.
I’ve had a total of three interviews. And have not yet had a follow up interview. I’ve been passed over for roles that should have been layups.
Four years ago, I had companies asking me to come work for them. I had people offer me more money to work for them.
This job market is insanely hard right now.
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6points
#43
Wife has 2 degrees, 1 diploma, 2 certificates, 9 years experience, 3 years unemployed.
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6points
#44
It’s the worst market of my 20 year career.
5points
#45
I work in Human Resources in the US. The job market is really bad. I am feeling for anyone that is job searching right now.
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5points
#46
I’m not unemployed any longer, hallelujah. But as of a couple months ago, it was rough. Jobs aren’t paying squat, and the ones that do are snatched up by someone else. The real annoying thing is all the corporate jobs do 2+ interviews nowadays, so you might spend a lot of time and effort just to get a rejection and do it all over again
I found my job through a lead from a current employee, that’s the only way I would have heard about it. I think networking is the most powerful tool you can have in the market lately, that’s really where you’ll get the best opportunity.
I found my job through a lead from a current employee, that’s the only way I would have heard about it. I think networking is the most powerful tool you can have in the market lately, that’s really where you’ll get the best opportunity.
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5points
#47
Graphic designer. Unemployed for over a year. Have to compete with over 70 people per application. Only landed one interview where it came down to me and two others. Never heard back from them.
Can’t even get a job at a restaurant because I have no experience there either. My money has been draining so hard.
Can’t even get a job at a restaurant because I have no experience there either. My money has been draining so hard.
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5points
#48
I just graduated in May but I’m having a hard time finding a job in my field.. 100 applications, 4 interviews, but nothing so far.
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5points
#49
It took me 7 months to find a job and that was in 2023 after my husband got fired and I was a stay at home mom. In 2025 I knew my a coworker at a former employer was retiring from my former job title.
One day I got so overwhelmed with the micromanaging of the current job and being belittled by my boss that I quit with no notice. Only hopes and dreams of getting my old job back lol. That’s about when I started paying attention to “it’s rough out here!” And I got a little nervous. I did get the job though but I also realize what I moron I was to quit with nothing lined up. Just super glad it worked out.
One day I got so overwhelmed with the micromanaging of the current job and being belittled by my boss that I quit with no notice. Only hopes and dreams of getting my old job back lol. That’s about when I started paying attention to “it’s rough out here!” And I got a little nervous. I did get the job though but I also realize what I moron I was to quit with nothing lined up. Just super glad it worked out.
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4points
#50
Our mat leave filler position had PhDs and Masters educated people with solid work histories applying.
In the end my boss gave up filtering through overqualified people, fakes, AI, and picked the nephew of a retired old employee. Their nepoti. Literal nepotism at work but honestly the more sensible choice these days after getting swamped by 600 AI resumes and people who don’t even live in the country. At least the kid is real and local.
In the end my boss gave up filtering through overqualified people, fakes, AI, and picked the nephew of a retired old employee. Their nepoti. Literal nepotism at work but honestly the more sensible choice these days after getting swamped by 600 AI resumes and people who don’t even live in the country. At least the kid is real and local.
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4points
#51
Tech sales here, 10 years experience. 7 months, 62 interviews across 30 companies, made it to the final round 9 times (currently waiting to hear back from one), 0 offers.
Currently in process at a company where I have a direct referral in with the hiring manager. I have more than enough experience, and felt my panel interview went well. But somehow even that does not feel like enough anymore. Its like the planets need to align and it's all fully outside of your control.
Currently in process at a company where I have a direct referral in with the hiring manager. I have more than enough experience, and felt my panel interview went well. But somehow even that does not feel like enough anymore. Its like the planets need to align and it's all fully outside of your control.
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4points
#52
Very dependent on field and location.
I was working R&D in Boston, laid off, hard to find funding. Moved south, found tons of jobs in manufacturing ops.
If you’re flexible and coachable with a good attitude you can find a job. It’s not my dream job but it pays well and I go home at 4:30 every afternoon. Remote work is not a thing in my line- aside from the occasional sick day or bad weather day.
I was working R&D in Boston, laid off, hard to find funding. Moved south, found tons of jobs in manufacturing ops.
If you’re flexible and coachable with a good attitude you can find a job. It’s not my dream job but it pays well and I go home at 4:30 every afternoon. Remote work is not a thing in my line- aside from the occasional sick day or bad weather day.
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4points
#53
I look to see new jobs and none in my field. I get rejection letters more than interviews. And everyday you hear about more layoffs. More people who will now join us in refreshing the minimal jobs out there.
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4points
#54
Took me 6 months to find a job, and it doesn’t even require a degree. I can’t imagine how hard it is past entry level.
3points