‘There are days when I feel like giving up’: Software developer with 20 years’ experience says he’s been jobless for a year
The pressure of today’s job market is showing up not just in hiring numbers but also in the stories people are sharing online. More professionals are speaking openly about long job searches, repeated rejections, and the challenge of staying positive through it all. One such post has now gone viral after a software developer with 20 years of experience shared his own journey.His message was simple but deeply personal. Nearly a year after losing his job, he said he is still searching for work and has not been able to secure even a short-term contract. The post quickly drew attention on LinkedIn, with many users saying they were facing the same situation.
Software developer says nearly a year of job hunting has brought no success
Edward Whitehead, a software developer from South Africa’s Western Cape, shared on LinkedIn that it has been almost 12 months since he was laid off. Despite trying different ways to find a job, he said he has not received a single offer, including contract work.Speaking about the emotional impact of the experience, he wrote, “It’s been almost 12 months since I was laid off, and I haven’t secured a single job – not even a short-term contract. There are days when I feel like giving up. Then I look at my two beautiful children and my incredibly supportive wife, and I’m reminded why I can’t.”
‘There are days when I feel like giving up’
Whitehead also said he has made several changes to the way he has approached his job search, but nothing has changed so far.“At times, it feels like I’m banging my head against a wall, hoping for a different outcome. The reality is that the results have been the same, despite trying countless approaches. New resumes, new strategies, new applications, networking, reaching out to people, you name it, I’ve tried it.”
Building software products while waiting for the right opportunity
Instead of depending only on job applications, Whitehead said he has been working on two software products during this period. He hopes one of those projects could open a new door for him.“I’ve been pouring my energy into building two new software products. Maybe, just maybe, one of them will become the opportunity that changes everything,” he said.Even after months without success, he said he continues to stay hopeful.“Keep believing that the right opportunity is out there. Keep showing up, even on the days when it’s hard.”He also asked LinkedIn users if they knew of companies looking for someone with more than 20 years of experience in software development, technical leadership, product delivery, or technology consulting.
Professionals respond with messages of support
Many people responded to Whitehead’s post, with several users saying they were also finding it difficult to secure a job despite their experience.“I hope you find something soon! My layoff started 5 days ago, and I have been looking since April when I found out and nothing,” one user commented.Another wrote, “I can definitely relate. It feels like having extensive experience has become a disadvantage for many professionals in today’s job market.”A third user added, “I feel your pain. It seems like having a lot of experience is actually hurting many people in today’s job market. You’d think companies would jump at the opportunity to hire candidates with years of proven experience, but instead it often feels like they’re being overlooked.”Disclaimer: This article is based on a post shared on LinkedIn. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made by the individual or the responses shared by other users. Comments have been reproduced as they appeared at the time of writing. Thumb image: LinkedIn
