I am a mid-level strategic comms pro/marketer who has been looking for work since the EOY 23.

7 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 18,2025 at 9:22PM UTC

   I would try levering your skills into another industry. I looked for 2 years as well on and off and left 1 industry (i had been in for 15 years) and for the last 2 year work in another industry. Currently I just landed a job that I start in Jan in a 3rd industry. ITs hard but leverage your skill set into something new.

2. Kim PfeifferDecember 19,2025 at 4:06PM UTC

   Chances are very good that she's already tried this over the past two years.

3. AnonymousDecember 26,2025 at 2:52PM UTC

   i had the same thoughts. I was laid off from a 6 figure position 7 years ago- (very specific field; company was going under/bought out)- and over time, I began to realize two things: I had to change my expectations (salary, benefits) and I had to use my skills (master's and post graduate degrees) and get into a new line of business. In the meantime, I worked as a substitute teacher for the local school district and this brought in some cash and kept me fresh. Sometimes, moving out of that fixed field and being more fluid in job expectations (and unfortunately, lowering expectations too) lands the position. I'm not a big advocate on "going back to school"- which often adds more debt and not more job possibility, unless it's skill training specifically. I would say that if this poster hasn't done SOMETHING in 2 years of searching (volunteering, working part time, start LLC..."something")- that looks bad on a resume'

4. Gisele CloutierDecember 19,2025 at 4:14PM UTC

   You're not alone. I've been a career coach & recruiter for 20+ years. Every day I read posts of people who are hugely frustrated in their job search. That's why I decided to create and teach the Job Search Clinic - it's a four-hour live virtual course that debunks 10 job search myths that, sadly, many people still follow (such as all you need is one resume) and shares over 20 innovations in job search. If you can't fight this dysfunctional job market, go around it. See https://tinyurl.com/Job-Search-Clinic. Happy to answer any questions/meet over MS Teams. Gisele Cloutier, gcloutier@eduquencher.com. Hope I can help!

5. Carol Brumer GliksmanDecember 26,2025 at 2:27PM UTC

   Can you pivot into another area? Nonprofit work? A return to school for a new degree or certificate? Alumni networking? Is geographic move necessary?

6. AnonymousDecember 26,2025 at 5:47PM UTC

   I'd suggest looking into the possibility of starting your own small business, as it would allow you to have flexibility and control over what you are doing and the amount of hours that you are working.

   I ended up going to work for myself as a self-employed bookkeeper when I couldn't find a traditional employer that was willing to hire me, because of my disabilities that meant I needed a flexible work schedule due to having multiple medical appointments each week. I couldn't be happier, as I have the flexibility I need and I love working with my clients. It's not always easy, but I do really love being my own boss now. You might enjoy it, too.

7. PatriciaDecember 27,2025 at 12:25PM UTC

   I really feel for you. The market, since late 2023, has been brutal, especially for experienced comms and marketing people, and long searches can wear down even the strongest confidence. What you are describing is not a lack of effort or ability.

   When someone has networked, applied and volunteered with little traction, it is often a positioning issue rather than a skills gap. It may help to narrow your story to one or two very specific problems you solve, rather than presenting as broadly capable. Clarity tends to cut through where volume does not.

   You might also try shifting from job seeker to problem solver. Target a small number of organisations and share a short, thoughtful insight relevant to them, such as a comms risk scan or campaign critique. That can open doors CVs never do.

   For 2026, think about side doors as much as front doors. Short term contracts, fixed-term roles, parental leave cover and consulting via agencies often bypass frozen headcount and quietly turn into longer-term work.

   Most importantly, please protect your energy. This process can be deeply depleting, but none of this negates your capability or value. Many people re-enter through unexpected paths and then regain momentum quickly once conditions shift.

   You are not broken. The system is just tough right now.