One of the hardest things about being unemployed is knowing when to stop for the day because there is no end of the work day. Ever. Until you are actually employed.

Feeling really ashamed today about where I am in my life. Especially at this age. And especially when I think about where most of my close friends are in their lives. Any tips out there on how to get out of this headspace? I feel hopeless.

What job searching feels like:

Start of day - I can do anything! I "figure things out" no matter the challenge! I'm clever and resourceful! A company would be lucky to have me.

End of day - I have no skills. I'm such a loser. I'll never work again.

And repeat.

Rewatched Wild at Heart last night. If Sailor and Lula can make it, then maybe the rest of us can too. #lovemetender

A small waterfall cascades over moss‑covered rocks into a clear stream, leading toward a traditional Japanese covered bridge partly painted red. The stream is surrounded by tall trees and lush green vegetation on both sides. Soft sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

In a quiet little corner of Yahiko Shrine, near Niigata, I found this peaceful place.
The stillness slowly filled every part of me, and I felt I could have stayed there for a long, long time.

#Japan #YahikoShrine #QuietCorner #Peaceful #Stillness #Moss #Travel

A lone duck on water which is catching the rising sun.

The light of dawn on rippled water creates an amazing pattern.
#stunday
#photography

“Arboreal Conflagration or Photo Op?”, Crest Drive, South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, New Jersey, November 3, 2025, 12:00 PM
#photography
#eastcoastkin
#PhotographersofBluesky
#ArtYear
#Stunday
#ColorADay
#OrangeSun
#NewJersey

A dandelion gone to seed against a blurry green background on a sunny day.

My neighbors fume about these. I lay down and stare at them. It's #Stunday Sunday. Post something stunning!
#photography #macro #dandelions #spring

Is there anything better than when your dog sniffs your entire face? It’s almost romantic, like she's memorizing it. Or even better, she's learning something new about me with each sniff. And she's delighted! I love her. Dogs, man. DOGS! #soothingsunday

Sunday scaries aren't really a thing when you're unemployed. Existential dread isn’t limited to one day. What if we make it #soothingsunday instead? One day to focus on what’s good, instead of everything bad.

What's the reason I can't even manage to get an internship in the field I'm interested in (publishing)? Is it impossible when you're over 40? I have relevant experience and transferable skills. I keep reading that the industry welcomes mid-career change folks but it's CRICKETS over here #publishing

You know that feeling when you move to a cheaper apartment because you can't find work and it turns out the building next door is under construction and will be running a generator and power tools EVERY DAY while you are stuck in said apartment looking for a job? NO? JUST ME? #unemployed #hellscape

It's Monday and I'm already panicking about how to best use my time this week. How do other job seekers balance networking vs learning vs applying vs searching job listings? I always feel like I'm failing because I can't focus on any one thing without feeling like I should be focusing on another...

Hollywood Work Dried Up. So They're Taking Survival Jobs. Making T-shirts, opening a backyard swim school, translating for doctors. Whatever it takes until they can get back in the business. But is that even possible anymore?

Interesting article from @lamaterial.bsky.social

My part time job is the only way I'm surviving while I look for my "real" job. But I have mixed feelings about labeling jobs this way. Feels judgemental...but truthfully I AM judging myself for having to do this, especially at my age.

me everyday when i log into linkedin & indeed to job search

"This is the best resume and cover letter I've ever sent out!", I said to myself for the one thousandth time. #jobsearching #unemployment

I just want to connect with others out there. Because you have to be out there...right?

I'll be using this account to post more about the feelings that come up when you've been looking for work for a long time and have yet to find it. And I'll definitely be posting about what it feels like at this age. But that's just my personal experience, I want to hear about all experiences.

So this is my mayday call. I want to connect with other people who are in their own little boats of isolation. Maybe if we sail together, this won't feel quite as hopeless.

Because I keep hearing that everyone is in the same boat. I keep hearing that everyone is looking for work. But there isn't a single person in my life that is in my boat. Every close friend I have is working. Others must be feeling this existential dread, but I feel completely alone.

While the world continues to burn, I feel more isolated than ever. So I've decided to try an experiment. Maybe if I share this experience here and invite others to share their own, I'll feel a little bit less discouraged. A little bit less defeated. And a little bit less alone.

In 2024, the year I turned 40, I lost my job. And as the two year anniversary of this glorious occasion approaches, I'm no closer to finding full-time employment, and I'm even more confused about what to do with the rest of my life.