Unemployment depression
The story
I’m 23M and I finished my IT studies last year thinking I was at least stepping onto a road, even if it wasnt a perfect one. I actually did get one decent thing right after, a paid internship for 2 months, doing small dev tasks, fixing bugs, cleaning messy code, sitting in standups acting like I knew what “velocity” really meant. It was not glamorous but it felt real, like finally I was inside the system instead of just training for it. Then it ended, they said nice things, “you did well,” “we’ll keep your CV,” the usual polite exit lines, and after that it was just silence. Since then I’ve been applying everywhere for junior developer jobs, trainee jobs, “entry level” jobs that somehow still ask for 2 years of experience in three frameworks and cloud certs like they’re handing out pilot licenses. I’m not saying companies are evil for wanting good candidates, because I kind of get it, nobody wants to spend money training someone who might leave, and the market seems bad for everybody right now, not just me. But at the same time it’s hard not to take it personal when rejection emails stack up or, more common, when there is no reply at all. “We have decided to move forward with other candidates” starts to sound like background noise after a while. And the weird part is I can still explain the logic of it, I can still be rational, but that doesn’t stop the mood from sinking. Unemployment depression sounds dramatic when you say it out loud, maybe even too online, but what else do you call it when every day looks the same and your confidence gets slowly sanded down by job boards, fake motivation, and waiting?
What makes it worse for me, honestly, is AI. I know some people love it, some people say “adapt or die,” some say it’s just another tool like Google or Stack Overflow, and maybe for some jobs that’s true. I’m not trying to do the old man yelling at clouds thing at 23 😅. But I hate how it entered the conversation right when I was trying to begin. It already felt hard enough to get taken seriously as a junior dev, and now every article, podcast clip, LinkedIn post, and random recruiter comment sounds like, “junior coding will change,” “companies need fewer entry-level devs,” “AI can boost one senior into doing the work of three people.” Maybe some of that is hype, maybe alot of it is marketing, maybe companies are just using it as the newest excuse to freeze hiring, I honestly don’t know. I’m trying to stay fair about it. I know AI can help with boring tasks, documentation, debugging, whatever. I even used some of it during school and during the internship because not using it at all would be kind of fake. But I still resent it, because I spent years hearing that tech was safe, practical, future-proof, and now the same people are acting like the ladder got pulled up just when my turn came. It feels like someone changed the rules after the exam. And before anyone says “build projects,” yes, I did that, small web apps, GitHub commits, portfolio, CV rewrites, leetcode a bit, networking a bit, messages to old classmates, all of it. None of it turned into actual work. After months of this, even personal projects start to feel fake, like I’m making pretend products for no users just so I can maybe impress someone who will never answer the application anyway;
The hardest part is probably how ordinary it all looks from the outside. I live at home right now, I wake up, search listings, send applications, tweak cover letters, maybe study, maybe stare at the screen pretending I’m still “being productive,” then the day ends and technically nothing exploded. No big tragedy, no dramatic downfall, just a slow, dull shrinking. Friends from school are mixed too, some found jobs, some didn’t, some moved into support or data stuff or just gave up and took whatever paid rent. I don’t judge them, and I try not to judge myself either, because the economy is messy and the tech market is clearly not what we were promised. Still, there’s this embarassing feeling when someone asks, “So what are you doing now?” and the true answer is basically waiting. Waiting while trying to look active. Waiting while telling yourself you’re not lazy, not broken, not useless, just stuck. I don’t think unemployment automatically equals depression for every person, and I don’t want to throw that word around carelessly, but when your plans stop moving, your brain can stop moving too. You start thinking in smaller and smaller circles. You compare yourself to strangers. You read posts where people say “just keep grinding” or “the market will recover” like those phrases are food. Maybe they mean well. Maybe they’re right. But being told to stay positive when nothing changes can start to feel insulting, even if the advice isn’t wrong. So I’m asking, especially to anyone reading this who has been through something similar, how do you keep your head normal when your career hasn’t even started and already feels over? I’m still applying, still trying, still being realistic, but I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t changed how I see myself.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
i understand your frustration completely. it's tough when you've done everything "right" and still find yourself in this challenging position. it sounds like you're doing all the necessary things, even if they feel futile at times. have you considered looking into freelance or contract work to build up your experience and connections? sometimes those opportunities can unexpectedly open doors; also, how do you handle the balance between showing productivity and taking time for mental health??? 😅
I get where you're coming from, and I totally understand your frustration, but it seems like you might be putting a bit too much weight on external circumstances that are largely beyond your control.
I totally get your frustration. It’s like being in a game where the rules keep changing, and it feels impossible to level up. One thing that helped me was joining local tech meetups or online communities; it's amazing how much you can learn from others' experiences, even if they have entirely different backgrounds. Plus, it's a chance to network without the pressure of job applications...sometimes those casual chats can lead to unexpected opportunities. Keep pushing forward; even small steps matter!
man, i totally get it; been there myself, grinding through the same cycle of applications and silence. but from my experience in the IT industry, it's all about perseverance and finding those hidden opportunities that might not be immediately obvious!!! you kinda gotta treat it like a complex algorithm—sometimes you need to refactor your approach rather than stick to one method. maybe consider doing some contract work or freelancing? honestly, you'd be surprised by how much it can boost your portfolio and give you networking opportunities! i joined a few tech meetups and forums back in the day that helped me connect with other devs who were in similar spots. trust me, even if it seems like you're just going through the motions right now, every bit counts as experience—even rejection eventually pays off when you learn from it; keep pushing!! 😤
honestly, sounds like a classic case of expecting one thing and getting another; the industry doesn't care about your timeline or what you were promised. it's all about adapting quickly and not getting caught up in those depressive loops - easier said than done, i know;.. stop being dramatic though; no one's career starts perfect, just gotta keep pushing without overanalyzing every rejection.
Man, I totally feel you. That sounds rough, but it's good you're keeping your head up and pushing forward. Have you thought about attending meetups or joining online tech communities to connect with people in the industry? Sometimes those connections can lead to unexpected opportunities! What do you think about exploring a slightly different path within tech, like project management or support roles; might be interesting while waiting for dev positions to open up? Keep going—something's gotta give!!!
the tech industry can be brutal, especially with constant shifts in demand and technology; have you explored mentorship programs or tech communities that offer guidance and networking opportunities?
I totally get you, man, trying to break into tech right now feels like you're walking a tightrope with no safety net below. 😬 It's seriously frustrating how the goalposts keep shifting; one minute it's all "tech is the future," the next it's "AI is taking over!". The pressure to keep up while also managing your mental health can feel overwhelming for sure. Have you thought about diving deeper into AI or machine learning courses? It could be worthwhile - maybe not as a career change but just to stay ahead of those evolving industry trends and show potential employers you're adaptable? 🤔
it's completely understandable to feel disheartened given the current situation in the tech industry; the landscape is undeniably shifting and it's not at all easy to navigate these waters, especially at the start of your career. perhaps considering a more diversified approach may be beneficial—exploring adjacent fields like data analysis or technical writing can sometimes uncover opportunities that align with your skillset while still contributing to professional development. additionally, enhancing soft skills, which remain invaluable regardless of technological advancements, could provide an edge when dealing with dynamic job requirements. maintaining a balance between upskilling and preserving mental well-being is crucial during such transitional phases; sustaining hope amidst uncertainty often demands this dual focus. even amidst challenges, remember each application and project enhances your adaptability and resilience;
it is indeed a challenging time to enter the tech industry, especially when it seems like the goalposts have moved just as you're starting out. i empathize with the disconnect between doing all the textbook right things and still feeling stagnant; perhaps this period could be an opportunity for reflection and skill diversification, venturing into niche areas that may not immediately demand vast experience but hold potential for growth. have you considered pivoting slightly into related fields where skills are transferable? sometimes thinking slightly outside the traditional junior dev role can reveal unexpected pathways that still leverage your core competencies. while it's a difficult pill to swallow, remember that adaptability is key in our ever-evolving industry; continue to refine your skills and remain open to unconventional routes; they might lead you somewhere unexpectedly fulfilling.
hey man, i totally get where you're coming from and it's rough out there for sure. but maybe try to shift how you see this downtime; it could be a good chance to explore other interests or skills that might even complement your IT knowledge in unexpected ways. like, dabbling in different fields can sometimes spark creativity and maybe even carve out new career paths you didn’t think of before! 😉 don't let the silence define you, because every small step forward is still forward progress.
Dude, it's like you’re at the crossroads where nobody seems to remember putting up any freaking signs 😬! It’s rough when everything you've been told about the "secure" tech field suddenly feels as stable as a house of cards. Honestly, have you thought about leveraging your skills in unconventional ways? Maybe dive into creating unique open-source projects or offer tutoring on platforms—it's practical experience and might just set you apart from the usual crowd scrambling for those elusive junior dev roles; it also looks great on resumes because it shows initiative and leadership!!! Don't let this industry keep you spinning in circles—chart your own course, even if it means making some temporary detours along the way;
it appears you're experiencing what’s often termed the "quarter-life crisis," a phase where many people question their career choices and future. this feeling of uncertainty and doubt is far more widespread than it seems, especially in tech, which constantly evolves at an extraordinary pace. having worked in a start-up myself, i've seen how market dynamics can suddenly shift expectations—what was relevant yesterday may not hold today. i suggest embracing this transitional period to cultivate empathy towards yourself as well as those around you facing similar challenges; it's crucial for emotional resilience.
consider leveraging platforms like GitHub or open-source projects to showcase your passion and technical capabilities beyond just traditional roles; these can often be invaluable assets during times when the job market feels unyielding. the famous stoic philosopher seneca once said: "luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." keeping this perspective might offer solace and motivation as you navigate through these tumultuous waters. while your current path might feel daunting, remember that every attempt contributes incrementally towards growth, fortifying both your skill set and character for eventual success! 🌟