r/jobhunting • u/68sedate_amber • 3d ago
This job searching thing is unnaturally exhausting.
I don't know if it's just me or what, but I feel that this whole process of looking for a job is terribly draining, both mentally and physically. And sometimes I even feel it's humiliating and humbling. I think we can all agree that the job market is tough right now, really, really tough. ‘Entry-level’ jobs want 5 years of experience, minimum wage jobs want experience, and jobs that are supposedly for any age want experience.
The whole thing has become absurd. I spend most of my nights scrolling on Indeed or Facebook through a ton of jobs that have absolutely nothing to do with me, just to find one single thing that might interest me. And after I finish reading the job description, and the long list of ‘requirements,’ I slowly close the browser and Indeed and just give up.A few people told me that the best thing to do is to submit your CV for jobs you think you have absolutely no chance at, but even after I tried doing that, it was still no use.
Edit: Thank you for all this unexpected support.
We're in the middle of an historically bad job market. Generally speaking, there are far more job seekers than there are open jobs. And the recent layoffs have only made things worse.
I worked a lot on improving my resume with the ATS system, and it didn't bring any results.But I will try not to give up and continue the journey of daily applications, and I will follow your advice.
I'm afraid the problem might be in the interview or that I don't convince them enough, so I want to work on improving this. I started reading articles like How to pass your interview and watching YouTube videos to help me.
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u/Virtual-Orchid3065 3d ago
If you want help, I will recommend the following:
My advice:
Step 1: Go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Government Website:
Step 2: On the website, look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Step 3: Look at the jobs with the highest growth potential. Look at the skills needed to get the desired job.
** They have links to certificate websites on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics government website.
** If needed, you can check LinkedIn Learning at the nearest Public Library in your area. Most public libraries offer LinkedIn learning to those with a library card. LinkedIn Learning has videos that teach in-demand skills.
Step 4: Go to your local library and ask for help with your resume.
If you are curious about college options, I recommend the following:
Step 1: Take CLEP exams on the College Board Website (same website used for the SAT)
Here is the link to the College Board CLEP exam website:
https://clep.collegeboard.org/
** I recommend CLEP exams because they will save you money on college courses. Take a CLEP exam and then find a college that will accept all your CLEP exam college credit. There are CLEP exams in multiple subjects like English, Algebra, and Accounting, just to name a few.
** Would you rather pay $100 for a CLEP exam that may provide 3 to 12 college credits OR pay over $1,000 for one college class for 3 college credits?
Step 2: Find ACCREDITED colleges that will accept all of your CLEP exam college credit.
To check the accreditation of colleges and universities, use this link:
https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
Here is the link to help you search the CLEP exam information of certain colleges and universities:
https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-college-credit-policy-search
Here is another link to help you find test centers:
https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-test-center-search
After you take a few CLEP exams, you can still save money by reaching out to your school's financial aid office about the 1098-T form for tax benefits.
Here is the link to the 1098-T form:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1098-t
If you are pursuing your first college degree, you may be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/aotc
If it is not your first college degree, you can still pursue the Lifetime Learning Credit for tax benefits:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/llc
If you end up accruing any college debt, you can reach out to your student loan company about the 1098-E for student loan deduction for more tax benefits:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1098-e
If you want to save more money on taxes, you may be eligible for a free tax return via IRS VITA:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
To become eligible for the Segal Education Award, you can join AmeriCorps. The Segal Education Award can reduce college debt.
https://www.americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award
Whichever path you choose, you know you have options.
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u/Objective-Amount1379 3d ago
These are great links!
But real world- you get jobs based on experience v education for the most part
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u/Virtual-Orchid3065 3d ago
Indeed, those are important factors in the real world. My comment serves as a guide on how to navigate the system. If you want to pursue education, there are cheap options like the CLEP exams on the College Board Website. You can also reduce potential student loan debt by serving AmeriCorps. If you lack connections, you can still get jobs by attending job fairs hosted by taxpayer-funded public libraries. To get experience, you have to start somewhere. For many people, that somewhere might be the nearby public library hosting resume workshops.
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u/supercali-2021 3d ago
Wow!!!! That's one of the most helpful comments I've seen in a very very long time. Thank you so much!
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u/AlarmedFirefighter14 3d ago
You’re not crazy--it IS exhausting. And it's because you’re competing in a game designed to drain you: thousands of people, one role, and algorithms filtering resumes before a human even looks. That’s why it feels humiliating. It’s not about you, it’s about the system.
The way out isn’t to double down on scrolling and applying. It’s to change the game:
1) Build visible proof of work (projects, case studies, content) so people come to you.
2) Spend less time shotgunning apps, more time targeting 10–20 companies you actually want.
3) Reach out to humans, not just portals. Personal ties get jobs, not job boards.
You don’t need to beat the system. You need to step sideways out of it.
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u/GizmoLegionQuake 3d ago
I just applied to Walmart and passed the Retail Assessment Test. Now I'm stuck waiting and it sucks. Why is it so hard, you need somebody to push the carts. I can show up right now, just give me the name tag and let me go. This market is fried. I'm more than likely gonna be stuck waiting because Labor Day Weekend.
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u/ReputationRound8805 3d ago
LOL not making light of your situation but that cart comment is accurate as hell. When I had no experience it was so frustrating to get my first retail job.. I've made it to 6 figure salaries now but I would have used life experiences to make myself stand out when I was starting out. A good manager only cares about how you talk about dealing with customers, adapting to changes, and being proactive or helpful without being forced. They have no idea how you will be to work with. Convince them it won't be trouble.
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u/GizmoLegionQuake 3d ago
I applied for "Stocking Team Associate" & "Cart Attender" (by mistake, but I can handle it.) It's just like, dude, There is no way actually having a resume will do much to improve my workflow at this job. I've pushed Walmart carts all my life I think I can do it for a paycheck as well. Stocking is like, it's just products in boxes man. Just tell me the safety procedures and let me go. I got advised by someone else that I make a resume but I don't have much to put on it to be honest. I could glaze it a bit but I'm like what does that do. I'm not looking for a higher position. What would you suggest? Would you mind reading a draft just off the top of my head for all I think I can put on a resume?. I'm not very smart, I'm just a person who understands that the game is pretty fixed against me and I'm trying to learn how to navigate it. I just hit my 20's. Any advice or feedback would mean the world, thanks.
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u/Murky_Bottle8564 3d ago
Projects and networking can keep you going. Health is definitely going to take a hit. Keep going everyone, let's support each other.
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u/_awk_girl_ward_ 3d ago
Totally with you. The other day, I was having a difficult time focusing, but I made myself take the time to edit my resume and tailor it for a specific job posting, in addition to a custom cover letter. But then I went to apply, and the job was no longer accepting applications. I was so frustrated for all the wasted time.
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u/MilkyRae24 3d ago
Mannn who are you telling?? Smh. I’ve been hunting for a year! I finally got a job offer, and I start the day after Labor Day…I’m so pumped !
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u/Dapper-Train5207 3d ago
Job hunting really does drain you, especially when “entry-level” suddenly means 5 years’ experience. One thing to keep in mind: you don’t need to tick 100% of the requirements to apply. Most people who get hired meet maybe 60-70%, the rest they learn on the job. I hit the same wall of exhaustion myself, and that’s why i started building hirepilot, just to keep things organized and stop feeling like my efforts were disappearing into the void. My advice, don’t measure success only by how many apps you send. Focus on fewer, better-targeted ones and give yourself breaks in between.
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u/OkIron6206 3d ago
This is sadly normal. Learning to ask for feedback and being open to the responses could help you. I know that as I interview, I get better and better. Hang in there, it’s inevitable you will get a job. Make it a time to improve your skills. I watch Madeline Mann on YouTube, her suggestions are helpful.
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u/According_Focus_1267 3d ago
I think the problem with job hunting is that companies use different methods of job applications. Back when I lived in my hometown. I tried applying for Burger King and someone who is now no longer my friend. Gave me the thing she used? The lady doing the interview told me she uses something different. So that leaves me baffled. The ghost jobs too from what I saw. I think jobs should go back to paper so this way at LEAST they get the said application that people do. Yes, I know everything is online now and probably won’t ever revert to the old ways. But I think that’s what they should do. Especially with how difficult it is getting jobs these days. People can apply for 50-100 jobs? And still receive nothing in return.
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u/Ojcfinch 3d ago
I applied Walmart thru referral I got automated email that they no longer move with my application, so I reached out job seekers they helped me to prepare resume and they submitted referrals I hope l can hear good news from them
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u/Go_Big_Resumes 2d ago
I feel this in my soul. The “entry-level requires 5 years experience” paradox is straight-up soul-crushing. Honestly, the job search is exhausting because it’s mostly a test of patience, not skill. Keep tweaking your CV and applying strategically, but also give yourself a break—burnout doesn’t help anyone, not even the algorithm.
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u/Andydaltonblowhard 3d ago
tbh I’ve felt the same, the process drains you fast. What helped me a bit was using Zippia (free) for job matches, Huntr (free) to track everything, and Zety (paid) for quick resume edits. At least it makes things feel less chaotic.
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u/Key-point4962 3d ago
You’re not alone! Honestly, one reason the job market feels so tough is because many employers and recruiters are also using AI now. So my thought was, if they’re using it, why shouldn’t we? The key is to make sure it’s ATS-friendly. In my case, I got really tired and hopeless doing manual applications and even reaching out to people I know. Now I’ve started using AI to automate my applications, and so far SmartApplierAI has been really helpful.
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u/supercali-2021 3d ago
Where or how did you learn to use AI in your job search? Did you take a course? If so, which one? Or did you just start playing with it? Which AI do you use? There are so many now it's hard to know which one is best. Or are they all pretty much the same? Can you share more about how you use AI? Like what is the exact prompt you used to get it to revise your resume? Would something like this work?
"Please review this [insert job description] and revise this [insert resume in word format] to better align with the job description and meet ATS standards."
Is SmartApplier free to use? Most of us job hunters are broke and have no extra cash to pay for anything. Does it write cover letters for you when they are required in the application? Does it only apply to EasyApply jobs? Or does it also apply on company websites? Does it provide a list of all the jobs it applied to on your behalf?
Thanks
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u/hamburginseights 4h ago
You’re absolutely right — the whole job hunt process has become exhausting and often feels unfair. Constant rejections, “entry-level” jobs demanding 5 years of experience, and endless scrolling just to find one role that seems halfway decent… it wears you down. You’re definitely not alone in this.
It’s great that you’re working on your resume and practicing interviews — that shows persistence. But sometimes the real problem is the system itself: applications that disappear into black holes, requirements that don’t match reality, and companies that don’t even reply.
That’s one of the reasons why tools like Bricksapp exist — instead of endless cover letters and unrealistic requirements, you can apply to jobs in minutes, directly in retail or hospitality, without the hoops. It doesn’t solve everything, but it takes away a lot of the draining busywork so you can focus on actually landing a role.
Keep going — you’re not failing, the system is broken. And finding little ways to make the process easier on yourself can really help. 💙
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u/OldSchoolPrinceFan 3d ago
Keep at it. I was job hunting for well over a year. Normally, it takes 4 months for me to find a job. I ended up doom applying on Indeed. Something hit. I start on Tuesday! It's a job in my field for the pay I want.