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Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

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121–130 of 602 posts

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#121
Almost 2 years for me but I've hardly applied anywhere in that time. I'm disgusted at what the field has become and can't see myself working in it again.

I saw this coming for a long time and kept my lifestyle simple and expenses low so that I'd be able to retire early. I'm happy to work again if I can find something reasonable but I'm not going to kill myself anymore faking my way through some "agile" AI/ad-tech company job.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#122

I've been unemployed for almost three years. It's somewhat intentional - at least leaving my last job was and I've been dragging my feet. Hopefully will have a job in upper management at the start of next year if things work out. Coping by trying my best to become the type of person that I aspire to be. Quit weed, alcohol, caffeine. Lost 20lbs of fat and put on some muscle. Run 6 days a week, lift 3-4 days a week. Me…

My friend, so much self-work, you should be proud. Contentedness comes from within. If you think about it, do you really want your worth to be determined by your career? Really? After beating the vices, investing in yourself? I'm proud of you.

There is no "accomplishment". Get off twitter and instagram, and seek contentedness. Everything else is creative self-deceit or comparison games on a rubric that is artificial and asinine.

No one actually cares about your title. Or rather, you probably know that them validating your title isn't really what's going to matter to you? Or is it? Why?

I say this with love, I spent a lot of time (albeit voluntarily) unemployed asking myself such questions. Good luck.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#123
post #102
post #96

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Canada, but I'm a rare case that I'm open to relocate anywhere (except the US) and have been working remotely since before it was made popular by the pandemic. So I've been applying literally all over the world for two years (though it's been mostly Europe due to personal preference and desire to relocate there).

Why not the US? Anecdotally, I'm beginning to see the US market pick up again and a TN visa should see you employed pretty quickly.

Do you really need additional clarification on why non-American citizen might choose not to travel to the US for literally any reason? If you do need examples, let me just gesture broadly to the entire US society.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#124

I 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.

And this is how corrupt abusive companies can keep thriving. People will tell you "vote with your feet" from their high horse but it just doesn't work. These companies will always find somebody else to fill that role. The person needs the job more than the company does. EDIT: Oh, wow, so much disagreement. 30 minutes, 3 downvotes, 0 comments. So tell me _where_ I am wrong.

Microsoft is not an abusive employer. Most people today or at any point in human history would envy the typical Microsoft job. Pretty much all large tech companies are similar in this respect. If your employer is actually abusing you in some way you should contact a lawyer. If you simply have a distaste for your employer you should seek alternative employment.

The defeatist "all corps are evil" mentality will not do you any good.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#125
post #118

Earlier quoted context omitted.

After that much if you're as skilled add you think you should be finding an interview coach and someone to edit your CV. Have you asked past bosses, co-workers for referrals?

I've done a few rounds of CV edits and reviews early on, it hasn't helped. It's worth noting that the initial CV I had was one where I never had trouble finding work with. Edit: misunderstood "referrals" for "references" so edited my reply out. No, I've never asked for referrals from past colleagues.

Hiring managers check you on LinkedIn 100 percent of the time. Not having a LinkedIn is a huge issue.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#126
post #114
post #109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because I'm Canadian. There's three places I won't go, the US, Israel and Russia. Happy to work remotely for US, but won't set foot in the place.

Well, that's a personal decision. And personal decisions can have financial costs.

The dilemma to relocate to the US hasn't come up regardless.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#127
post #116

I was arrested for reasons I still do not understand for 1.5 years as the charges and reason(s) for my arrest make no sense, so in that sense, yes. Developed intensified bipolar disorder while locked up in jail. Biding my time until the charges get dropped or I get declared innocent by a judge so I can file a lawsuit against the police department. All that's left to do is wait, either for lawsuit time or for job appl…

What are the charges? Please be honest.

Obstruction of justice (???), simple battery of a police officer (I ran into a police officer while trying to flee).

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#128
post #118

Earlier quoted context omitted.

After that much if you're as skilled add you think you should be finding an interview coach and someone to edit your CV. Have you asked past bosses, co-workers for referrals?

I've done a few rounds of CV edits and reviews early on, it hasn't helped. It's worth noting that the initial CV I had was one where I never had trouble finding work with. Edit: misunderstood "referrals" for "references" so edited my reply out. No, I've never asked for referrals from past colleagues.

Referrals are the only way right now. The front door is broken everywhere. I spent 4 years off and I managed to come back, but only referrals were worthwhile in getting me roles worth anything

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#129
post #123
post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why not the US? Anecdotally, I'm beginning to see the US market pick up again and a TN visa should see you employed pretty quickly.

Do you really need additional clarification on why non-American citizen might choose not to travel to the US for literally any reason? If you do need examples, let me just gesture broadly to the entire US society.

Not really. I even live in one of the cities that is "under siege". It's basically another day.

People read headlines, lock themselves in a cage of their own making, and assume the world is on fire. People would do better trusting their own eyes and ears.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone else been unemployed for over two years?

#130
post #59

Lost my job in early 2023. Couldn't find anything (25 years of exp, director of engineering managerial/technical type, great at what i do by past coworkers/bosses admission). By EOY I had to sell my house, figured I could use the (significant) profits to buy time or I could travel and make the time a little more enjoyable, so I set out to explore most of Europe thinking, well I'll for sure find a job before I run out…

I’m curious about personal connections. I’ve got many fewer years of experience and have had great luck with finding jobs thanks to friends and former colleagues even in tough job markets.
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