18 years of experience in tech sales, a PhD candidate, and still unemployed for 3 years

I’m going through something really similar right now and I’m at my wits’ end. Makes me angry that I’m far from the only person experiencing this.

Being a PhD candidate can make you harder to hire because you are seen as having a bigger commitment than the job. And that you'll be asking for more $$ as soon as you graduate.

Also - PhD in what? 

She works in sales. They don’t want you when you are older. This isn’t new. Everyone I know who worked in sales, ended up unemployed in their 40’s. They all had to switch careers to survive.

I had this happen to me in the recession 15+ years ago. It was brutal but i got employment again after 3 years of looking, in my field and ended up leaving it entirely, pivoting, retraining and started another career path. Was the best thing i did. But the shame of failure i carried with me, still lingers today. Therapy and job stablity has helped me be more comfortable. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemies. It really messes with your head.

I was 2+years without a job. It's demoralizing. 

The place I got hired at, I literally knew a guy, who worked in an adjacent department to recommended me personally. My application was called in the system and I had to send my resume personally to my future manager. The passed on me the first year and the next year they hired me for a different but related position. 

The only jobs I have ever gotten was because I knew someone. If I am fired or downsized I'm not going to know what the hell to do. 

The huge time gap, " sorry I can't discuss that I signed an NDA". Good luck.

I totally empathize with what she’s going through.

When I’ve been in that situation I’ve accepted literally anything, temp agency bs, call center operator, parking attendant etc. it didn’t matter, as long as I was working somewhere, doing something, no matter how mundane or pedestrian, I was able to keep my spirits up.

I wonder if she’s doing that now.

Yes more data needed. And any job is better than no job . Seriously 2.5 years.

Ain’t no way none of that is her fault

When I hear about how bad the job market is out there, I am so grateful ive been at the same place for a couple years. It's not always the best job but it's paying my bills so I won't complain too much