[marbartolome]

Been unemployed since 2018.

It started with a maternity leave. Then after a year, I tried going back to my old job and it was a disaster, so I decided to delay it for a bit longer. Then COVID hit. Then I had another child. Then one day you realize, "has it really been 5 years since I stopped working?"

Coming back at that point felt impossible: I wanted a part time job, my skills were outdated and rusty - I didn't even bother applying anywhere, I wouldn't stand a chance. I started searching for alternatives: small freelance gigs, bounties, personal projects... None were a success.

This year I mustered the courage to start applying to jobs again, only to realize that my most pessimistic fears were totally falling short.

I haven't burned all my rope yet, but It's not looking great.

If you're wondering: the way I'm surviving financially is because my spouse does have a full-time job, so we adapted to live with that.