Why the Job Market Sucks (And It’s Not Just in Your Head)

If job hunting in 2024 has you spiraling, refreshing LinkedIn like it owes you money, and rewriting your resume for the 17th time just to get ghosted—girl, same. The job market right now? Absolute trash. And no, it’s not just bad luck or lack of experience. The whole system is giving ✨ delusional ✨ energy.

Let’s break down why finding a decent job feels like playing a game you weren’t given the rules to—and why it’s not your fault.

1. Ghost Job Listings Are a Thing (Yes, They’re Real)

You know those jobs you apply to and never hear back from? They might not even be real. Companies often keep job posts up just to make it look like they’re growing—or to collect resumes for future hiring needs.

• Some roles are already filled internally but legally have to be posted.
• Others are outdated or put up just to “test the market.”
• You could be applying to something that was never available in the first place.

So if you’re feeling rejected, just remember: you might’ve been ghosted by a listing that didn’t even exist.

2. Overqualification Is the New Red Flag

You’d think having tons of experience would help, but in today’s job market? Not always. Companies fear overqualified candidates will expect too much money, get bored, or bounce at the first better offer.

• It’s not uncommon to get passed up for being too good.
• Some hiring managers prefer someone they can “mold”—aka underpay.
• You may need to strategically undersell yourself to even get in the door.

3. The Market Is Oversaturated AF

Between tech layoffs, pandemic career pivots, and people chasing remote work dreams, everyone and their cousin is applying to the same 15 jobs.

• A single job can get hundreds (or thousands!) of applicants.
• ATS systems (Applicant Tracking Software) often filter you out before a human even sees your resume.
• Even the most qualified people are stuck in application limbo.

4. Pay is NOT Keeping Up With Reality

The cost of living is in the stratosphere, but salaries? Still stuck in 2015.

• Entry-level jobs are demanding 3-5 years of experience.
• “Competitive pay” often means vibes and not actual money.
• Some listings don’t even mention salary, forcing you to waste time applying for underpaid nonsense.

5. Employers Want Unicorns for Peasant Pay

You’ve seen the listings: “Must be a creative genius, tech wizard, excellent communicator, expert in 4 software programs, and willing to work weekends.” Oh, and the pay? $42K. LOL.

• Job descriptions are often wild laundry lists of unrealistic expectations.
• You’re not underqualified—they’re underpaying.

6. Remote Work is Disappearing

After the remote work boom, many companies are pulling back. Jobs that were flexible last year now come with “hybrid” expectations that somehow mean “in the office 4 days a week.”

• Employers are backtracking on flexibility.
• Remote listings are now scarce and competitive AF.
• The dream of working in pajamas is fading fast.

7. Burnout is Blocking Your Glow-Up

Job hunting is exhausting. Writing cover letters, tweaking resumes, doing unpaid “assignments” for interviews—it’s emotional labor, and it’s draining.

• The pressure to always “stand out” is overwhelming.
• Rejection feels personal, even when it’s not.
• It can make you feel like your career is stalled, even when you’re doing all the right things.

So What Can You Do About It?

Until the system gets a much-needed upgrade, here’s how to protect your peace and play the game smarter:

• Tailor your resume with keywords from the job description (yes, for every app).
• Network like your career depends on it—because it kinda does.
• Apply selectively. Quality > quantity. Don’t waste your energy on sketchy listings.
• Negotiate always—even if it feels uncomfortable.
• Document your wins at work to boost your confidence (and portfolio).
• Take breaks. Mental health > hustle culture.

Final Thoughts

The job market might be broken, but you’re not. Your worth isn’t defined by who does or doesn’t hit “schedule interview.” The economy is shaky, the hiring process is a mess, and expectations are wild—but you’re still showing up, trying, and that’s powerful.

So take a deep breath, polish that resume, and keep going. The right opportunity is out there—and when it comes, you’ll be ready.

What’s been your biggest job search struggle lately? Let’s rage and relate in the comments. 💼😤