There's something I'm seeing a lot more of lately— desperation.

It's rare now to go on LinkedIn without seeing stories about families that are precariously close to losing their homes due to the inability to find a job. Or posts from people who have already become homeless and are forced to beg for donations to cover this week's Airbnb. Even conversations looking for tips on where to find a quiet place to interview while living in a car.

It's heartbreaking.

Others, not quite that bad, suffer in silence. I've spoken to former executives, C-levels with tenures at well known companies and truly impressive accomplishments, who can't get a response to their applications. I've messaged with young people still searching for their first job, more than a year after graduation, who are ready to give up. I've met with "older" people (over 40) who've landed interviews only to be told they're not a good "culture fit," and wonder if this means their careers are over.

It's soul destroying.

If you're there, you are most definitely NOT ALONE. We are living in a time when 9,000 people can be thoughtlessly dumped by one of the world's largest companies with barely a mention. Where 1.6 million job seekers are long-term unemployed, and it's hardly reported. This has become normal.

But if you're in it, it's far from normal.

You know that you didn't do anything to cause it. This job market is scary, frustrating, unfair, and confusing. I've heard accounts of people receiving stellar reviews one week, and getting riffed the next.

Remember this: You are still the same amazing person, with the same skills and experiences, as when you had a job. You are special and wonderful, and your job is only part of that.

I can't fix the situation, of course. I wish I could.

This mess of a job market is a big reason why I started ZenSearch. It's why I built a tool from the job seeker's perspective, one that supports people through a very challenging time. I want to help.

Sometimes, when I'm looking for companies to add to our database, I come across a company with only a single open role posted and wonder if it's worth including. Then, I imagine a very desperate job seeker stumbling across that job, applying, and getting hired. In my fantasy, everyone finds a great job. Of course, I add it.

You can help too, even if you're looking yourself.

If you know someone who is suffering, really struggling, reach out to them. Check in. Listen without judging. Refrain from giving advice. Just be supportive, and human.

Meet in person if possible. Take a hike, a run, or a yoga class together. Share a meal. Lend a hand.

Let them know you care and are there for them. Don't wait. Do it now.

-------- Check us out at ZenSearch.jobs and share our platform with anyone looking for something new. Together, we can make job searching a little more zen.