2,500 job rejections despite coding expertise, advanced degrees: Techie working at gas station exposes job market's harsh reality
A software developer with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mathematics has shared their frustration online after facing over 2,500 job rejections in just a year and a half. Despite holding professional experience, multiple programming skills, and a recognized cloud certification, the job seeker has been unable to secure a stable role in tech.
The developer, who posted anonymously on Reddit, explained that they have two years of professional experience and are proficient in Python, JavaScript, ReactJS, TypeScript, and Java. They also have experience working with both SQL and NoSQL databases, building backend APIs, and handling full-stack development. To bolster their resume, they hold an AWS certification.
Stuck In A Survival Job
Due to the prolonged unemployment, the applicant has been forced to work at a gas station, describing the working conditions as stressful and demoralizing. "I can't eat while on shift because you get interrupted every 30 seconds," they said, describing an incident where a co-worker showed up over an hour late, leaving them stuck at work.
Despite sending out thousands of applications and making it to the final round six times, they have been repeatedly rejected. 'I know I can do the job,' they wrote. 'I know I am good and I know I can excel if hired.'
Their situation has become more difficult due to financial strain. The user shared that they are unable to move to a more affordable apartment because they cannot meet the income requirements, despite working and applying for jobs consistently.
Other Echo Similar Struggles
The post struck a chord with many others across Reddit who are facing similar challenges. One commenter revealed they have been unemployed for 18 months, filed for bankruptcy, and have submitted over 6,000 applications—despite having a Ph.D. in a STEM field. Another shared that they used to be a professor with a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology but has been without income since 2018.
A former linguistics academic stated that despite reaching multiple final rounds, they continue to be rejected, calling the market "brutal." One user wrote they have been applying for five and a half years with no success and are now filing for disability due to declining health.
Others detailed years of
job hunting
, only to be met with ghosting, hiring freezes, and budget cuts. Even highly educated professionals shared stories of taking minimum-wage jobs in supermarkets and security roles, often dealing with toxic work environments and financial instability.
The original poster noted they have already revised their resume over ten times and had it reviewed by professionals. They've tailored it for specific roles and have received interview calls, suggesting that the issue lies more with market conditions and less with their application materials.
Many commenters echoed this sentiment, noting that hiring is often based on luck, internal company referrals, and being in the right place at the right time.
Looking beyond traditional roles
Several users encouraged the developer to consider roles outside traditional software positions—such as teaching in bootcamps, contracting through agencies, or even pivoting to non-tech work. However, the job seeker replied that many of these roles require senior-level experience, which limits their chances, even though their skills are closer to mid-level.
'I'm not unwilling—I just need someone to give me a chance,' they wrote.
The broader tone of the thread reflected growing disillusionment with the job market. Commenters described feelings of despair, worthlessness, and frustration with systemic barriers.
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