The job market is absolute hell right now. I’m sick and tired of people acting like the solution is always “just network” or “just stay positive.”
First of all, you can only know so many people, and you can only do so much networking. Not everyone was born with connections. Not everyone has family members, friends, or parents who can introduce them to hiring managers or executives. Some people are starting from nothing.
People love to say, “Just have a positive mindset.” Why would someone stay positive after applying to hundreds or even thousands of jobs, struggling to pay bills, facing rejection after rejection, and doing everything they’re told to do? Positivity doesn’t magically pay rent or put food on the table.
Then there’s the endless advice:
“Just fix your résumé.”
“Just optimize it for ATS.”
“Just use AI.”
“Just get professional help.”
Many of us have done all of that. We’ve rewritten our résumés multiple times. We’ve used AI tools. We’ve used résumé scanners. We’ve paid professionals. We’ve customized applications for every single job. At some point, there’s only so much you can do.
People also ignore how broken modern hiring has become. Many companies use the same applicant tracking systems and recruiting platforms. If one system flags your application, that can affect multiple companies using the same tools. Some systems even keep applicant data and scores for months. Most applicants don’t even know this is happening.
Applying for jobs is no longer a simple process. Every application requires creating another account, manually entering information already on your résumé, completing personality assessments, answering questionnaires, and spending hours filling out forms. After doing that hundreds or thousands of times, it’s mentally exhausting.
And then people say, “Just call the hiring manager.”
Many of us do. We call. We follow up. We send emails. We visit locations in person. Most of the time, nobody calls back. Nobody responds. Or we’re told they’re still reviewing applications, only to be rejected weeks or months later.
People also act like networking guarantees results. Sometimes it helps, but it isn’t some magic solution. Even referrals don’t guarantee interviews or offers.
What makes it even more frustrating is that entry-level jobs are becoming nearly impossible to get. People are getting rejected from places like fast-food restaurants, retail stores, warehouses, and other jobs that used to be considered easier to enter. Some positions require assessments, multiple interviews, and ridiculous amounts of paperwork for wages that barely cover basic living expenses.
This problem existed before AI became popular. AI may be changing hiring, but companies were already making the process harder and harder. Many businesses simply don’t want to invest in training people anymore. They want the perfect candidate who can start immediately, do everything, and accept the lowest possible pay.
I’m genuinely happy for people who find jobs through networking or family connections. But not everyone has that advantage. Not everyone has a built-in support system.
So please stop pretending the answer is always “just network,” “just stay positive,” or “just apply more.” Many of us are already doing everything we’re told to do. The reality is that the job market is incredibly difficult, and a lot of people are struggling despite putting in tremendous effort.