404: Job Market Not Found

Welcome to the space where the job market gets real and honest. In 2023, my department was eliminated (we were no longer required), and like many, I thought I'd bounce back within a few months.

I've submitted thousands of applications and counting, faced countless ghostings, and watched the job application process turn into a black hole. The silence isn't just frustrating - it's dehumanizing.

So I created 404: Job Market Not Found - a space for those of us caught in the modern job search nightmares.

What This Blog Is

A reality check. A support system. A callout to a broken system.

It's built by a job seeker, for job seekers.

This isn't a "how to beat the ATS" blog or a place to normalize what's going on. This is about trying to learn about what's really happening - the ghost jobs, toxic hiring cycles, and the emotional toll nobody talks about on LinkedIn.

What I'm Not

I’m not an expert — just someone trying to figure out wtf is going on with today’s job market and if I'll ever work again. This blog is my way of creating a centralized location to try to piece together what’s happening, using what I see on social media, in the news, and in everyday conversations with others who are also stuck.

I’m writing under a pseudonym because I still have to play the game. I still have to look hireable, send out resumes, pretend to be optimistic. I still need a job. I still need stability.

What You'll Find Here

• Real stories from job seekers across industries

• Curated posts from Reddit, LinkedIn and community forums

• Reseach into hiring trends, scams and data-backed dysfunction

• Resource and tools to stay grounded and supported

• A space to vent, share and feel less alone

Why It Matters

If you've ever:

• Been ghosted,

• Spent hours tailoring resumes for jobs that don't exist,

• Been told to "network harder" instead of being heard….

You're not imagining it - and you're not alone.

The job market has changed (for the worst). We're here to talk about it without the corporate filter.

Stay Connected

You can:

• Share your story (anonymously or not)

• Join the conversation in the comments

• Suggest a resource or topic you want covered

• Submit leads, tips, or support if you're an employer or ally who wants to help job seekers

This isn't just a blog, it's a community.