VicariousFlaneur's journey

I recently found a full-time job after a year of searching, but I lost it within just 24 hours. Since graduating in 2020, I've been working as a writer and editor, initially creating content for major gaming websites before transitioning into the SaaS sector. Unfortunately, the job market took a downturn around 2024-2025, leading to the loss of most of my clients. By the end of last year, I was struggling financially and had to rely on my parents for support. Despite these challenges, I managed to earn a master's degree in behavioral sciences while freelancing. I attempted to apply for UX and research roles but had no luck. To enhance my qualifications, I completed several certifications and am on track to practice as a mental health counselor soon. However, the reality is that many people in my country cannot afford therapy, which makes it difficult for practitioners to charge what they deserve. Last week, I was thrilled when an agency contacted me for a scriptwriting role with a major gaming channel, writing scripts for one of my favorite games. I was overjoyed and celebrated with my family and friends. To top it off, I had also published a book I had been working on. It felt like a dream come true to have both a new job and a book launch in the same week. The CEO of the company informed me that they would be testing my work for two weeks, requiring 10-11 hours a day, six days a week, with a pay of around $420 a month. While this is a decent amount in my country, I was desperate for any opportunity. I dedicated an entire day to my first assignment, only to be told that my work "clearly looked like it was written by AI" without any further explanation. It was humiliating to be accused of using AI as a writer who prides themselves on originality. I tried to explain that I didn't use AI and acknowledged their concerns, promising to ensure my next assignment would not have that 'AI feel.' However, I received no response after that. Now, I'm back to being unemployed, feeling lost and heartbroken about my future as I approach my 30th birthday. This isn't how I envisioned my life turning out. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my story. Thank you.

I've been struggling with the job hunting process for the last few months, and it's been tough on my mental health. About a year ago, I was working as a freelance writer focused on video games, earning between $1000 to $3000 a month while living in a low-cost country. It was a great setup until around 4-5 months ago when all my clients suddenly stopped sending work. To make matters worse, I also had to end a significant relationship, which added to my emotional turmoil. Since then, my lifestyle has taken a significant hit. I've been sending out around 4-5 job applications daily, trying to pivot my career towards roles like UX Writer and Content Specialist, but I've only received a handful of callbacks and interviews. The majority of my applications have gone unanswered, leading to feelings of loneliness, guilt, and embarrassment. I'm 29 years old, with a master's degree in behavioral science and a bachelor's in human-centered design, and I never expected to find myself in this situation. My dad is the only breadwinner in our family, and as I approach my 30s with little to show for it financially, it's been a rough journey. I'm reaching out to see how others cope with the anxiety and depression that can come from this prolonged job search. I've tried to keep a routine, but it often feels overwhelming. Any advice on how to stay positive and motivated would be greatly appreciated.