Where are the jobs?

Anonymous

March 12,2024 at 9:15PM UTC

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Where are the jobs?

I know unemployment is supposed to be at an all time low, but it's certainly not happening in the tech industry. Every day it seems there's another mass layoff. My network is full of people saying they're out of work. And finding new work is horrific. You apply and apply and apply and if you're lucky you'll get an automated rejection email. No feedback, no nothing.

What's going to happen to us? The economy is supposedly good, and I want to accept that, but in this field, our economy is not so great lately.

Apparently there are jobs in healthcare. I'm not qualified for healthcare jobs, and it would take years of expensive re-education even to try to be. We have rent to pay, we have car bills, we have other debts. We can't take a half salary reduction and also go into school debt in our 30s and 40s and then some.

We're qualified people with good and useful skills. What about us?

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AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 9:21PM UTC
It is a nightmare right now.
AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 11:16PM UTC
It is definitely a nightmare right now. And I sometimes feel like being in tech is a stigma when you decide to go for a tech-adjacent role. I have had recruiters all-out say, "Well we can't pay Amazon/Google/Facebook money," or "these aren't the conditions you are used to, I am sure" and totally discount the fact I chose to apply and am more than my last company. Then today, I had an interview where the interviewer basically asked me unrelated questions and had a shallow understanding of the tech concepts, but felt like it was enough to grill me on terms that felt like she got from a Tech-a-Day calendar. Had a big cry after that interview because I had high hopes this may have been the one. I have been laid off twice in 2 years and I feel like each time the next job pays less. Completely frustrated.
c dhMarch 13,2024 at 12:09AM UTC
It happening all over, I worked in media/entertainment 20+years, pharma marketing 7+ years and application tech 2+ years.
I'm thinking of leaving the corporate workplace and going for a multitied of side hustles. My skills appear to be irrelevant even though I know tons of software programs, project management platforms and creative suite tools, I can code, work well with clients and I have even created my own ed-tech company. It does not seem to matter. Its not even about the competition, it's about how employers post jobs and how employees digitally apply. I never had to look for work before, people knew me and that was it. Now, we are all numbers..!
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:22AM UTC
"have no understand of tech" <= THIS! It is super-frustrating when you go in and they seem to think you are confused because they don't understand the difference between Java and JavaScript or how SQL is used.
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:25AM UTC
It’s the early 90’s all over again. Companies are basically in panic mode and going on these mad massive layoffs. I’m guessing that in two years they’ll all be like “we’re understaffed!” just like the 90’s as well!
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:31AM UTC
While I’m not in tech, I emphasize fully. Job growth is limited to few sectors and everyone else is outta luck. Not to be a conspiracy theorist but I just cannot believe those job and unemployment numbers are real/accurate. Even in the few sectors that are hiring, they cannot possibly be hiring THAT much.
I feel like most companies are just saying they are hiring right now to look like the economy isn’t suffering. I have applied to jobs left and right and these last… five months, I would say, I have hardly heard a peep from anyone.
And what about us? We suffer. Because “the job market is booming”. *old person voice* Go learn a trade! Everyone needs a plumber! Quit complaining and go learn a trade!
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:49AM UTC
It completely depends on the industry, your skill set and referrals. Constantly need to up your game and once you receive an opportunity, not taking it for granted.
Just the way it is now.
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:21PM UTC
The job market is not the same as it was even a couple of years ago. Engage a career transition coach if you can, we need onboarding training for the 'new job' of finding work and they can show the way. AI has made online submissions tricky - if you're not getting interviews you are likely not applying properly. There might be job search groups run by nonprofits in your area, find one of them. Left to your own devices without very current information (the advice is changing by the week these days) you might be in for a long haul.
L. LewisMarch 13,2024 at 1:22PM UTC
I totally agree and emphasize.
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 1:23PM UTC
Sorry to say it’s everywhere. I am a healthcare executive and was laid off from the city in June. Even with over 15 years of proven successful targets being met(took a practice from 7 million a year to 44 million when I left) and having a MBA still can’t find a job. This is the worse I have seen the job market. The ghosting is crazy. I say hang in there what is meant to be for you will be. Stay positive and if you can find free resources to update your skills. Artificial Intelligence is a big deal now. Whatever you can do to use it will be a big plus.
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 6:18PM UTC
The ue numbers reported are all kinds of massaged to suit a narrative. Those numbers dont take into account those that fell off or aren't collecting. There is so much that is not transparent.
AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 10:07PM UTC
The media reports on surface numbers without digging into understanding what those numbers actually reflect.
Because as noted, the reality of those individuals not collecting unemployment benefits but in the market for work are not included in media's numbers. Nor are those workers who have given up and stopped looking altogether.
It's a mess and there is so much talent not utilized.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 4:36PM UTC
Spot on!
I was laid off this summer after nearly 25 years with the same employer. My unemployment benefits ended last month and I'm still actively looking for work. I've sent hundreds of applications which has yielded three interviews (one finalist but didn't get the offer). I've taken on part-time work to help reduce the withdrawals from my savings but wondering how long I can make it without taking on a retail or administrative job and if I actually need to start reconsidering this unemployment phase as a forced retirement. No one seems interested in my management-level experience or credentials (MA degree, executive education). I wonder if being a 55+ year old, single mom, person of color is the real reason?
Star7March 14,2024 at 3:04AM UTC
Ugh...statistical data is and had been distorted. I had posted previously, how this feels, looks, smells just like the 2008+ years. I went through hell. I pray for everyone in this country it does not go into non recovery mode. Not just for us, but the future of our families. Not trying to sound like a negative Nellie. I wish everyone the best. One tip I posted that I used to do, was use the Yellow Pages, those are potential employers. Additionally, your local Unemployment Office does give free resume courses, and some have ties to businesses in the community. Look at all local levels of government: state, county, city, township.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 10:25AM UTC
The jobs ARE very competitive anymore.
Unfortunately, takes a lot more effort to get noticed AND keep what you have.
Everything is more challenging: more work, less pay AND personal expenses have increased.
I completely changed my life from 5y ago (I'm 51)- purposely living on relatively nothing to preserve my resources. I have a new sense of want vs need. I need to retire and travel and nothing else matters right now.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 10:32AM UTC
I'll be 60 and in the same boat. AND I'm a single household income with NO OTHER income- I have all those bills to pay and by myself. When I say people ate offered jobs 46k LESS than their current wage what is that- $1? Some of us don't even make THAT much
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 10:42AM UTC
I'm 51 and it's only me. I go nowhere and do nothing to routinely save for a rainy day.
I don't want a roommate because of bringing a stranger in my home is not an option. I don't want to remarry because my first marriage was full of abuse.
I remain extremely resourceful and remember what I truly want, it's not shopping for random crap
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 1:19PM UTC
I have to laugh every time I hear how good the economy is and how low unemployment is and I say b***s***! I know of new grads that have been out of school for over a year and still can’t find a job in their educational field; I know so many people in tech that can’t get jobs after a year. How can they be boasting that the economy is strong when you can’t buy a decent meal that’s affordable or pay basic living expenses. It’s getting quite scary
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 3:21PM UTC
It is not a lie. The economy IS good for very specific and limited data points and very specific groups of people, like: investors and corporations. They just expect regular humans to go along or not understand.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 1:20PM UTC
Unfortunately, tech is moving away from humans - being in this industry, you had to see this coming. AI is replacing people and will continue to do so. Unless you have specialized skills that AI can't replace, I suggest you look elsewhere.
It's incumbent upon us to stay on top of trends and look ahead. No one can afford to be complacent. Companies will look to maximize profits, and reducing costs is a fast path to that.
That being said, the economy is in a good position, and there are opportunities out there. They may look different than you expect. I suggest you work with a career counselor to help you determine your future path.
Best of luck.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 1:50PM UTC
that's how it's always been. I have gone through many trials and tribulations at work, you name it but I managed to pull through by my sheer will and have amassed enough money to stop working if I wanted to.
Start saving, investing and push through. you really have to be resilient these days
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 2:23PM UTC
I could have written this!!!!!! Whomever you are, THANKS SO MUCH for understanding!!!!!
AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 7:42PM UTC
The "start saving" however doesn't help the OP given simply paying the bills right now is a struggle.
Jen MolanderMarch 14,2024 at 3:31PM UTC
Right there with you. Not in Tech but in Corporate Socially Responsible/Nonprofit work. It’s been 4 months of hardcore job hunting. It’s been ups and downs with feeling badass & feeling like I add no value.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 3:58PM UTC
I am waiting on the background check and drug screen to start at a new employer the 25th.
160 instant rejections, 7 interviews, 2 follow up interviews and I’m still doing an additional next week before I start elsewhere. I had no luck with the 4 weeks of 30 hours on Indeed and Ziprecruiter each week. The only responses were to the 10-15 options I liked the best I’d also drop hard copies to every other day. I’m terrified still of being let go and this not panning out somehow. It’s going back down to poverty level and needing to get back to the 50’s but with teens and bills to pay I can’t just wait around and hope. It’s all just scary.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 4:28PM UTC
There are jobs yes, but the time it is taking to fill them is longer because of many things. Companies are cutting their internal staff (HR/Recruiting) that fill those positions. They in layoffs are the first to go. Then the hiring managers often deprioritize the hiring because they don't have time and are sloppy at it or cannot decide what they want. Also since many companies are still struggling with remote and in office the market for talent has shifted because the candidate pool of qualified people is more spread out and not necessarily where companies want them to be. The market itself is going through a shift and until things settle a bit and funding gets stronger in tech again (thank you pandemic) it is going to take longer still to find something new.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 4:50PM UTC
Unemployment CLAIMS are low.
Guess what happens when you run out of UI? I looked at US statistics on people of working age that were not working, and was staggered to see that for my age group (I'm 45), 1 out of 4 people were not working. Even worse for younger people.
Putting aside people who have disabilities or other things that prevents them from working, that's a LOT. And I doubt the remainder are all stay-at-home moms and dads, because by my age, peoples' kids are in school.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 6:39PM UTC
Also, in tech people get severance for a few months which means many are not eligible for unemployment for a period of time after layoff (varies depending on state, how severance was divvied up). The last time I was laid off, I didn't get unemployment because of severance and this time even though I found out I would be laid off in January, my last day is not until April. So, people get hidden in these weird distinctions as well.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 10:33PM UTC
I just applied for the second time! In California, if you wait more than 12 months since you last field and still have funds, you can do that. What’s horrible is that I had to.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 8:16PM UTC
God I hear ya. When will this settle down and be an actual job market again? I've never been through anything like this.
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 3:16PM UTC
If you read the tea leaves (aka corporations, investors, tech, AI disruption, global politics) it won't “settle down” again for regular humans.
We will never have those glory days again. Not to be my grandmother but seriously start stuffing some cash in your mattresses. We are one TikTok away from a massive financial crisis.
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 3:42PM UTC
If your grandmother lived through the Great Depression I would 100% take her advice.
Rachel RobisonMarch 14,2024 at 10:31PM UTC
I have the same problem. I’ve heard it’s a “white collar recession” all the jobs for my role are in construction, ignoring the fact that I have no interest in construction, they have to be able to read schematics, use autocad, and go out in the field.
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 1:51PM UTC
When you hear things like the job market is great, migrants are enhancing our economy, there is no inflation and there is not recession…all of those are things that they say to calm the public and none of these things are true. Those of us who are out here know that the job market is not a good one. You have fake job postings just storing your information. Companies put you through multiple round interviews to steal your ideas and to get you to do free projects. Rise in groceries. Products that have shrunken in size but prices have not. Gas rising and those are just some of the things. At the end of the day we see and feel the truth but we are not being told the truth. So ignore what is being told to you that everything is glorious and amazing and go by what you are experiencing because that is far more accurate.
AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 3:13PM UTC
Entry level manufacturing is in dire need. Maybe $18-20 hour. Retail and restaurants have constant turn over. Lots of early career roles at $35k. I think you get my point. There are very few high paying jobs that would easily support a family with one income and pay the bills. People who have those jobs are holding on for dear life because there is no where to go but down.
AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 3:26PM UTC
I was laid off in a mass layoff in November that I didn’t see coming. I’ve applied to so many jobs and been ghosted or when I got an interview that I’m overqualified and be too bored. I never did take unemployment, instead I took a job making less than half of what I made before. I’m sure that’s why statistics aren’t matching reality. People are taking any job just to get by so we are underemployed. In my area of the country, jobs are starting between 15-$18 an hour. They expect years of experience and degrees for that pay too. That’s not enough to even pay rent. I am switching positions already just to find something with medical insurance. At least I had a goood severance package but my subsidized cobra is about to run out.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEMarch 18,2024 at 2:13PM UTC
Yes, the job market has it's challenges. With over 30-years of experience in the business world, I have experienced it on more than one occasion (lay-offs, mergers, etc.).
Have you registered with any contract/temporary services that specifize in your field? These opportunities can open doors.
Have you considered volunteering (even a couple of hours per week) -- it is a great way to networking and meet new people.
In challenging times, you may have to rethink or expand your search methods.
Have you tried positive affirmations? If you are not familiar with this practice, you may want to visit louisehay.com.