So I have officially been unemployed for a year now. And nothing has really changed with my job hunt.

I’ve lost count of how many jobs I’ve applied for. Initially I wasn’t keeping a log, but at the start of 2025 I created a spreadsheet (of course) for tracking my applications. I’m applying for jobs in my area and remote jobs. Unfortunately I don’t have transportation to apply for jobs further away. But I check job boards and apply to anything I find Monday through Friday. I take the weekends off, because at this point I find the whole thing incredibly stressful.

My last interview was in June.

I’ve updated and reworked my resume multiple times.

I’ve written countless personalized cover letters.

We’ve had at least 5 major businesses close in the past 3 months, so that increased the number of people I’m competing with for jobs. And now with all of the federal programs that are struggling, there are more people out of work (there’s a big VA presence here).

I’m frustrated and discouraged. Sometimes I feel like I’m never going to find work again.

But I haven’t given up. And at least I’ve had more time for reading (and resisting).