I went to school for graphic design and got my first job as a designer in 2021. After just over 4 years with the company, my entire department was laid off in December of 2025 with no notice.
Since then I've been putting in application after application, with zero luck. I've even started submitting applications for entry level jobs like local restaurants, and STILL no luck. How is it that at 30 years old I can't even get a job as a barista at Starbucks with a history of working in food service, let alone getting a job as a designer with a degree, portfolio, and 4+ years of experience?
I'm running out of ideas for what to even apply for. I've used up all the unemployment benefits I'm allowed to claim for the year and still have not found anyone who seems to be hiring.