Being unable to find real employment for almost 3 years ruined my self-esteem. I began to feel worthless like I got the wrong degrees and couldn’t bridge the gap from student to early career. I can’t thank this thread enough for making me feel normal again. This job market is shit, but over the past 2.5 years I’ve sent thousands of applications and I burnt out. I was going to end it, but a friend recommended using a paid service so I took out a loan. It was money I didn’t have, but they were so much better than me at marketing myself. In my resume, cover letters, and outreach emails, it was embarrassing honestly. But I got my dream job IN MY FIELD AFTER LESS THAN 3 MONTHS!!! I’m just happy I don’t have to sell myself anymore, reducing myself to a bullet points that probably won’t get past ATS. Long term job search is demoralizing and harmed my relationships, yes I’ll have to rebuild myself but either way I’m grateful. It’s nice to know I don’t have a monopoly on suffering and that we’re all trying to pursue security, our dreams, our goals. I hope this post rubs off some good luck on the job searchers who need it.