Support Lisa's Journey to Stability

UPDATE: Applying to temp agencies and I continue to network and put the word out there that I need some employment. Sadly, I see so many others in the same boat. I look & advertise on Nextdoor , and interact and post with the LinkedIN community (even w/previous employers) Maybe something I applied for will pop up now that the holidays are over? Thank you again for all that you have supported for me. xoxo

GOOD NEWS!! I've secured enough money for one more month in my apartment~!!!!! Thanks to you!!!!!!!!!! I continue to apply to jobs. Now to mall retail jobs. Something has to happen soon!!

Thank you for helping me feel more secure and not so anxious. And for my cat. This is the only home he's ever known. XO

I have drained friends, family and my own personal savings & credit.

It's November 14th, and I want to be open with you about what’s been going on. I thought it might be easier to explain everything here.

Last October 23, 2023, I was laid off from my job. I received an eight-week severance and was then able to collect unemployment. Things stayed relatively stable until February of 2024, when I started a serious job search. I was already sending out applications, reaching out to friends from previous jobs, college friends, and former colleagues. I’ve had great recommendations and a solid work history.

Now it’s November 2024, and I've applied to over 300 jobs. I even sold my car for some financial breathing room, thinking it would just be a matter of time before I found work. I’ve expanded my search to include remote positions, but it’s been a full year now, and I’m mentally and emotionally worn out. My Major Depressive Disorder is out of control and I need mental help. My cat Pepper has been the only love I've held onto.

I’ve had some help from friends and family along the way, but at this point, I'm out of options. I’m completely out of money and don’t have any assets left. I just needed you to know.

Some responses about being chronically unemployed:

Resilience is often highlighted as a virtue in job hunting, but the emotional toll goes far beyond simply staying tough. The constant rejection, lack of feedback, or even being ghosted after investing time and energy into applications can make the process feel demoralizing. Add to that financial pressures, self-doubt, and the uncertainty of when—or if—a good opportunity will come along, and it’s a recipe for exhaustion.

People who haven’t faced prolonged job searches may underestimate how much it challenges not just your resilience but your mental health, self-worth, and patience. Acknowledging that it’s painful doesn’t make you less resilient—it makes you human. It’s okay to grieve the frustration and unfairness of the process while still pushing forward.

When it seems like all your effort leads nowhere, and the weight of uncertainty just keeps building. That sense of immobility often stems from burnout, frustration, and the overwhelming mental load of trying to navigate a system that feels stacked against you.

It’s okay to pause and acknowledge where you are. You don’t have to "power through" every moment. Even small steps—like focusing on one application at a time, or doing something unrelated to job hunting to lift your spirits—can help break the cycle. It’s also okay to reach out for support, whether that's from friends, family, or even a professional if you need someone to help untangle the emotions you're feeling.

You're not alone in this, even if it feels isolating. You've already shown so much perseverance just by staying in the fight, even when it's hard.

Not finding a job right away can feel like a looming threat, but it's important to remember that your current situation isn’t permanent, even if it feels that way now. The reality is that if things don’t change immediately, you might need to make some difficult decisions—but there are often more options than it seems when you’re feeling stuck.

Here are a few possibilities if job offers don’t come as soon as you hope:

Tapping Into Resources: Done it

Local or online support services, whether they’re unemployment benefits, food banks, or community programs, can help bridge the gap. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it.

Freelancing or Gig Work: Done it

If traditional jobs aren’t coming through, freelance platforms, gig work, or part-time opportunities—even if they’re not ideal—can provide temporary income while you keep applying for your dream roles.

Lean on Your Network: Done it

Sometimes, people in your circle may have opportunities or know someone who does. It can feel vulnerable to ask, but many people genuinely want to help.

Pivoting Temporarily: Done it

If your current job hunt feels like a dead end, you could consider learning a new skill, even if it’s something small or adjacent to what you already know, to broaden your opportunities.

Cutting Costs: Done it

If income remains limited, exploring ways to reduce expenses temporarily—downsizing, negotiating bills, or pausing unnecessary subscriptions—can help ease financial pressure.