This is one of the toughest job markets I’ve ever experienced for specialized labor. I was part of the tech industry layoffs last year and I busted my ass for months before I got an offer. Many people I know are going through the same thing. It was honestly more draining than my actual job and I’d occasionally reach a burnout point where I couldn’t even look at listings without being consumed by anxiety and dread.

On top of that, I was still paying ludicrous rent prices because the housing market is also shite and by the end of my unemployed period my net worth had been cut by almost 50%. I’m fortunate enough to have had an emergency fund but having the option to live rent free in my parent’s basement sure would have been nice.

Obviously, every situation is different. But I’d advise anyone to be aware of the situation and ask how they can support somebody going through that rather than assuming they’re just being lazy and regularly pestering them.