Five Months Without Full-Time Employment: A Reflective Update
It has been five months since I last held a full-time job. While it's a milestone of sorts, it's not one I'm particularly eager to celebrate publicly. When this period began, my initial plan was to dedicate a month to rest and reset before diving back into the job market. I anticipated finding something within a month or two, but here I am, still searching with no immediate prospects.
The Sting of Rejection
Last month held some promise as I progressed through multiple interview rounds with three different companies. The conversations were positive, and the roles seemed well-suited to my experience. I genuinely believed I had a chance with at least one of them. However, on the same day, I received three rejection emails, each conveying the same message: they liked me, but another candidate with a more specialized skill set was chosen instead. It seems that being a generalist in the current economy is a disadvantage, as companies often prioritize candidates with expertise in a specific tech stack.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Ironically, on the very same day as those rejections, I received an unexpected opportunity. The co-founder of a startup, who found me through my YouTube channel, contacted me seeking help in creating tutorial videos for their software. This offer was a welcome surprise, as video creation has always been a personal hobby. The prospect of being paid professionally to do something I enjoy feels like a dream.
Re-evaluating Priorities
This unexpected opportunity has prompted me to reconsider my path. Given the constant rejections in the tech job market, I'm wondering if I should focus more on video creation. While I understand that job hunting is a numbers game and only requires one "yes," each interview lately has felt like a dead end, leading to burnout.
Sponsor Message: Delta Hub Carpio 2.0
Transition to a sponsored message
Spending prolonged periods in front of a computer can lead to wrist fatigue and potentially carpal tunnel syndrome. To combat this, Delta Hub offers the Carpio 2.0. The Carpio 2.0 is an ergonomic wrist rest designed with medical expertise to reduce wrist strain and improve posture.
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It is constructed from soft, durable materials for lasting comfort.
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Its lightweight design allows it to glide with your hand, making it feel almost imperceptible.
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I have personally been using it daily for coding and editing.
If you spend significant time at your desk, consider giving your wrists the support they deserve. Check out the Carpio 2.0 using the link in the description. Thanks again to Delta Hub for supporting this channel.
A Break from the Job Hunt
For the next few weeks, I plan to take a break from actively applying for jobs. I'll be focusing on this contract work to give myself some breathing room, rebuild my confidence, and engage in work that I find enjoyable.
Gratitude and Future Plans
The job market is challenging, but I feel fortunate to have this contract opportunity and the support of my audience. Many of you have reached out with job referrals, for which I am incredibly grateful. While I'm taking a break from cold applying, I'm still open to opportunities where I might be a strong fit. Unless a miracle occurs, I anticipate providing another update in six months. Thank you for watching.