I created a group chat for six job seekers. They opened up about the emotional and financial toll of looking for work.

"As the number of open roles in the US dwindles from the record-highs reached in 2022, many have told me their searches are stressful, emotionally draining, and isolating. They've also found it difficult to assess the flood of advice they come across, saying the market is shifting so quickly - due to factors that include tariffs and AI - that it's hard to know which tips will actually pay off."

"Between June and September, they opened up about how their search has affected them emotionally and financially, the strategies they've tried, and the obstacles they believe have stood in their way. Here are some of the highlights from our conversations, lightly edited for length and clarity. Business Insider has heard from hundreds of Americans over the past year who are struggling to find work. Share your story by filling out this quick formand read more on how others are coping:"

"Scott Strohmyer, 60, Nebraska - Looking for full-time IT sales jobs since being laid off last year Hilary Nordland, 53, Minnesota - Looking for full-time healthcare marketing jobs since being laid off in 2023 Chris Patterson, 55, Ohio - Looking for full-time sales jobs since being laid off last year Brad, 27, Utah - Looking for full-time communications jobs since earning a bachelor's degree in communications last year."

Many American job seekers report that searches have become stressful, emotionally draining, and isolating as the number of open roles declines from 2022 highs. Job seekers describe difficulty assessing abundant advice while rapid market shifts driven by factors such as tariffs and AI change hiring dynamics. Six individuals participated in a group chat between June and September to describe emotional and financial impacts, strategies attempted, and perceived obstacles. Participants ranged in age from 27 to 60 and sought roles in IT sales, healthcare marketing and management, sales, communications, and project management. Hundreds of other Americans have also reported struggles finding work.

Read at Business Insider