The job market is tough right now. People are taking on any role just to get a paycheck. This isn't new, but it's becoming more common. The number of job postings is dropping, and artificial intelligence is making things even harder. Plus, there's a good chance you'll be ghosted after applying for a job.

    Many people are stuck in jobs that don't use all their skills. Take Sarah, for example. She used to help cancer patients navigate their diagnoses. Now, she's in a finance role in the same industry. She's grateful for the job, but it's not what she wants to be doing. She's also doing some consulting on the side to make ends meet. She had to choose between waiting for the perfect role or starting to earn money again.

    The economic outlook is mixed. Some good news is that the US added more jobs than expected in April, and inflation is cooling. But white-collar industries are cautious about hiring due to flip-flopping policies from the White House and a drop in economic confidence. Traditional paths to work at nonprofits, science labs, and government agencies have been hit by federal funding and staffing cuts. Employees are staying put, even if they aren't happy in their roles.

    Over 750 Americans across generations have shared their job hunt struggles. Many don't have the luxury of choosing between passion and money. They're taking whatever they can find. Kyle, a talent strategy advisor, says it's tough to choose between paying bills and finding purpose at work. Unfortunately, many people have to make this choice.

    Some people are finding that their dream job isn't what pays the bills. A report found that less than 40% of Americans are excited about their roles at work. Employee engagement dropped to its lowest level in a decade last year. Finding purpose in work is important, but the economic climate has changed. People are focusing on their foundational needs, like paying rent and affording groceries, over their psychological needs.

    Herb, 71, is working full-time and doing a second job on the weekends. He's exhausted and hasn't had a vacation in 10 years. He misses the joy he felt in his early career when he was interacting with customers and leading staff. He needs to work to cover his expenses, and Social Security doesn't cover much.

    Abbey, 21, just graduated with her bachelor's degree. She'd love to land a role in social media marketing, but she's had no luck so far. She's now open to taking any job she's somewhat qualified for. She's even considering being a bartender. Working a job you aren't happy doing has emotional consequences, but sometimes it's necessary to earn a paycheck. People are sticking around in their current jobs for stability, but they haven't stopped searching for well-being.

PERSONAL FINANCIAL STRUGGLES

The Tough Job Hunt: When Passion Meets Reality

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