Personal timeline

VicariousFlaneur's journey

Milestones, reflections, and progress updates connected as your layoff-to-next-step story unfolds.

  1. 2

    A few months ago, I was feeling really down about the job market and my mental health. I had been writing content about video games and making a decent income while living in an inexpensive Asian country, but then AI disrupted that work. To make matters worse, I went through a breakup and moved back to my home country, which left me feeling lost and anxious. However, with the support of friends and some encouraging words from others, I decided to pivot my approach. I promised myself I wouldn't let my pride stop me and that I would seek out remote work. I started by taking on a freelance gig writing blog posts for a cloud GPU services company, which I found through LinkedIn. The pay was low, but the experience was valuable, and I now write 20-30 blogs a month. Then, I landed another freelance role editing synopses for a major streaming platform. I can't share the name due to an NDA, but I'm enjoying the work, even if the pay isn't substantial. Additionally, I decided to leverage my master's degree in behavioral sciences. Instead of applying for traditional jobs in psychology, I began networking and offering coaching and counseling services. I built a website and now have at least two clients each week for online sessions. While these ventures aren't making me rich, they are fulfilling, and I've found joy in my work again. I'm taking this time to travel and connect with potential clients, and I've stopped applying for jobs altogether. I feel empowered and hopeful for the future, and I encourage others to keep their pride intact and stay optimistic.

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  2. 1

    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.

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