How are you coping?
Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
1–10 of 602 posts
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#2I take from this you would like to be employed? If so, what are you doing to change the situation (instead of coping with it as it stands)?
I know it's hard out there (at least where I am) but I have helped a few people get jobs in the last 90 days, so please share the barrier you're facing and maybe someone can help.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#3I did once - but it was on purpose.
After 4 years at AWS, and ~20 in the industry, I was utterly burnt out, and needed a break. So I took two years off.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#4I take from this you would like to be employed? If so, what are you doing to change the situation (instead of coping with it as it stands)? I know it's hard out there (at least where I am) but I have helped a few people get jobs in the last 90 days, so please share the barrier you're facing and maybe someone can help.
Tech-wise in the US it was tough. I went to work in factory for a bit. I had recruiters hitting me up but they were 6 month contracts so I kept turning those down but eventually I just accepted one and I'm almost a year in now.
I will note I at the time had 5 YOE but no degree so that is a factor (many I don't qualify since no degree).
Reading r/cscareerquestions is depressing not that I go on there much now. People talking about applying to thousands of jobs.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#5I was unemployed for 14 months in 2023/2024.
It definitely hit my self-esteem, as well as 401(k).
I ended up taking a job with Microsoft, but it was a poor fit because I hate the company as well as the product area I was in.
As soon as I could I found another employer that, while not perfect, I'm much happier with.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#6I did once - but it was on purpose. After 4 years at AWS, and ~20 in the industry, I was utterly burnt out, and needed a break. So I took two years off.
Was it worth it
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#7Yes. 3 years. Marriage ended. Sold everything.
But emotionally, much better off than last year.
Making ends meet with a return to non-tech after a 3 decade break. Won’t ever stop doing that at least part-time, going forward, for security. For tech, focused on a body of work to create opportunities.
Optimistic.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#8I have, but it's retirement. I have no desire to rejoin the rodential rally.
Been about eight years, and, after I got over the butthurt of not being hired, I leaned into retirement (I am grateful to have the means).
Best thing that ever happened to me.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#9It was 16 months for me in engineering management but then I wasn’t really looking for the first 6 months so probably closer to 10 months. Been employed for over a year now with a drastic pay increase.
Best time of my life honestly, after 15 years of working. I realized I get 0 pleasure from working and have plenty of things to occupy me if I wasn’t. I learned I don’t need a purpose in life. What I really love is running, woodworking, reading, eating, lifting weights, traveling and spending time with my family.
Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?
#10I learned an instrument (guitar), then I learned another instrument (bass guitar). I caught up with my family, I got to spend a lot more time with my nephews and nieces. I got to spend a lot of time with my dad. I picked back up circuit design and made an overdrive guitar pedal from scratch and learned KiCad in the process. I caught up with old friends but lost touch with other ones. I probably acted like an ass to a lot of people. I finally came to understand why people like watching sports. I learned how to write in cursive. I walked a lot. I listened to a lot of music. I listened to some podcasts.
I dunno, it sucks and its painful. You're constantly worried and people who at first try to support you then get pissed off at you for something you can't really control. I hope you can find your way through it.