I have exhausted every option.
I apply to 50-100 jobs each week, crafting many iterations of resumes. I set a goal of applying to 10-15 jobs a day.
Often get the rejection emails hours later, if I'm lucky I get the automated AI rejection done at 3am and know a human never saw the resume.
I have had 3 interviews this whole time in a year.
Only 1 was I a final candidate (they went with someone internal anyway)
I've tried working with recruiters and headhunters, I've been open to relocating, I gave up on hybrid/remote and was willing to go 5 days into an office, even as far as a 90 minute commute.
Against the embarrassment, I've posted on LinkedIN asking for help.
I have over 1000 connections and only two reached out, both of them sent referrals but its been over 2 weeks and I haven't heard anything.
I've looked at hourly jobs (guess what I'm overqualified with my Masters degree)
I've taken up adjunct teaching (guess what it pays shit and enrollment is down so my hours got cut)
I looked into starting my own business and spent about 3 months doing research, Porter's 5 forces , SWOT, MVP and differentiator exercises, etc. Can't find anyone to partner with (i have business experience, need SW experience. Guess what the software guys all want money up front and aren't interested in partnering on a business startup for equity/ownership) I don't really want to put money into developing something that wont be turning an immediate profit.
I've messaged recruiters, hiring managers, company executives on LinkedIN and via email, showing their need and my proven track record and what I can bring to the table. I never get responses and if I do, i get ghosted shortly after.
I know a lot of people are struggling out there, but I just don't know what to do anymore.
I'm tempted to go back to being a day trader because I had success years back, but I know the market has changed due to economy and influx of retail investors.
People have suggested going into Sales or Real Estate (like those aren't highly competitive and oversaturated too)
I am out of ideas and cant take the mental drain of applying constantly for a year and getting rejected and ghosted.
And I hear there are phantom jobs and most of the positions out there aren't even real.
NEED HELP!