I have an undergrad degree from UC Berkeley, a Master's and post-grad Certification from Johns Hopkins.

7 Comments

1. Kimberley Ferretti HammettSeptember 26,2025 at 6:43PM UTC

   Unfortunately, even without your specific challenges the market is pretty rough right now. Having more narrow parameters because of your specific circumstance will, of course, narrow your options. But that doesn't mean you don't have plenty of opportunities available to you!

   You're not going to like this but.. the people of Reddit have spoken truth. People who are getting good fit jobs quickly are much more likely to do so because they've already made a connection before application. However, I think what that advice is lacking is actual direction. The fact that you have said "there's only so much other people can do" gives me the idea that you are networking in a very traditional, straight up type of way. And you're right.. that can only go so far. I think you would benefit from a change in perspective and approach.

   You need to think of yourself and your skillset as a service. You told us a lot about the things that you think may be holding you back, but only briefly mentioned a couple things you have going for you. You likely have so much to offer from your education and experiences (including what you've overcome!) What can you do that is valuable to businesses or clients or any type of employer? What's your brand? Then when you meet people (or reach out to people you are seeking to connect with) approach it as "here's what I have to offer" and/or "I'm looking to partner in this way". Create a community, not transactions. Not only will this garner better results, but you will likely learn much more, make deeper connections and start to come up with more creative solutions and opportunities for yourself. You have ideas of how a job needs to look to fit your life and needs, now you need to get more clear on how you fit their needs and sell yourself.

   Apologies if none of this resonates and you're thinking "yeah I've done all that".. I'm aware I'm just going off a couple paragraphs you wrote and also it's just a tough market out there. But in case it does apply, I hope it helps!

2. Elizabeth Stiles WestSeptember 27,2025 at 9:44PM UTC

   So sorry for the near-death experience and complications you had due to medical error in what should have been a relatively minor operation. A few suggestions:

   1. Get a lawyer to sue the heck out of the doctor(s) and/or hospital for the medical error that could have killed you. There are plenty of "we don't get paid until you get paid" lawyers out there. You might get so much money that working becomes optional.
   2. DEFINITELY contact the career centers at both of your highly impressive colleges and have them help you get an appropriate position. Keep reminding them until something gets done; the old adage about the squeaky wheel means you may have to do some squeaking so to speak, but ultimately, they will help you to obtain an appropriate position.
   3. If you are already paying on your student loans, get a deferment; with your medical documentation, that shouldn't be a problem.
   4. Consider contacting a charity for the deaf/hearing impaired; they may have some resources to help you find work (and INSIST you receive proper accommodations as well).
   5. If by any chance you were part of a sorority, see if your sorority will help you also. They might be glad to help with the student loan payments, especially since many people at those colleges are definitely people of means.

   Best of luck! You are extremely well-qualified and there should be plenty of employers that can accommodate your needs.

3. AnonymousSeptember 28,2025 at 2:21AM UTC

   Malpractice is obvious.

   Let's move to your situation. Prioritize your health by focusing on your needs. Use all that education by focusing on providing wisdom, vision and support with well thought out solutions and planning to small to mid sized companies who lack the depth of understanding. I would begin by joining professional organizations that focus on your area of interests and knowledge. Brand yourself (for lack of a better term) as an expert in a specific area. Develop a point of view. Consider writing articles, appearing on podcasts and articulating your expertise on panels. Put together a career strategy that positions you as that subject matter expert. Other people can support but they are not going to "sponsor " your career trajectory. You must be proactive with a career plan. Your health is only part of who you are. You now need to get creative.

4. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdSeptember 30,2025 at 1:02PM UTC

   To begin, I'm so very sorry to hear what you've endured - not only in the job-hunt but physically as well.

   I'm in a similar position in regard to having skills/education. However, I'm fortunate to have a FT job that I've been at for nearly 23 years,. However, for the past year I've been trying to find a PT hybrid or remote teaching position to no avail. I have a Masters in Higher Ed/Adult Ed with a 4.0, my Associates and Bachelors are in Education. I have over 30 years professional office experience including Account Management and Project Management. And for the past 12 years I've been an Independent Tutor.

   And yet it's been crickets on the job front. I'm nearing 60 (HOLY WOW it feels so odd to type that...) and also worry tremendously about ageism.

   It's frustrating for me because I constantly hear how there's a shortage of good teachers. But I can't even get a nod. I continue to network - look at the job boards - and am also a member of two honor societies (Kappa Delta Pi & Nat'l Society of Leadership & Success) where I attend virtual career fairs.

   I wish I had an answer for you, I'm sorry I don't. But one thing I've been doing is applying for any teaching job that interests me, even if my particular skill set/educational background doesn't exact align. I won't apply if I'm way off base from what the position is looking for mind you, but I'm open to trying if I even match 80% of the requirements.

   I appreciate your determination and wish you all the best.

   Final thing... I truly understand what you mean when you said you wouldn't leave San Fran. I live in Illinois and with what's currently going on politically - HOLY WOW am I glad.

5. GirlBossanova934974October 5,2025 at 12:48PM UTC

   This is a very competitive job environment. That being said, it would be wise to quickly pivot away from emphasizing your educational levels and focus on your actual job skills. IT skills are still very much in demand.

   You have to be hit the bricks running and realize that some employers are going to hire based simply on "younger and CHEAPER". You have to offer VALUE as a response to that. Younger and CHEAPER usually requires hiring several instead of 1 or 2. Younger and CHEAPER means long training timelines and lots of supervision required.

   I would also be looking for REMOTE roles as well and make sure my LinkedIn profile is complete and full of JOB RELATED details. Any mentions of disability should be left out, if at all possible. If you are doing it right, you will be getting calls and emails from recruiters.

6. AnonymousOctober 5,2025 at 5:48PM UTC

   Basic job searches are taking 6-9 months. I too live in the bay and the competition here for remote roles is kind of fierce. Keep plugging at it, take casual jobs and if you can do other things that are cash pay to make some dough do that. IE: dog walking, or other. Check places like wellfound, madein and ventureloop for startups that often look for highly educated folks who want remote work. Post regularly about what you know on places like linkedin and other forums where your skills are revered.

7. AnonymousOctober 5,2025 at 10:11PM UTC

   You've received really solid comments! I would fully emphasize the one who said searches are 6-9 mths, for anyone and everyone. Give you are in your 40s, while you have awesome educational credentials, at this point, you need to focus on your specific experience and skills - the degrees are old, the experience is newer. Keep going, it will happen! (also, sue the pants off them!)