I took a work break for ~2 months because of my toxic work circumstances before I started looking for a job actively.

It’s been 4 months and I haven’t found a job and I’m really anxious. I only have <2 years of experience and my previous place was my first job. I know that I have such a small chance when compared to others with more experience, and I’m just sad that no companies want to take a chance on me now.


I don’t regret leaving without a job though, because i feel healed again.

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What you tell yourself about why you left and how you describe this on an interview matters. If you want to succeed at finding a job, start by reminding yourself that you took a leap of faith because you know what you can offer a company and owe it to yourself to feel safe and respected. Whatever you do, do not ever tell anyone during the interview process about the toxic environment you left. Tell them anything else. You went on a reality show, you had a chance to travel to another country, they wanted you to relocate, you decided to help volunteer after a natural disaster. Whatever you say is better than bashing the former company or experience. Then remind yourself again that you trusted yourself that you’d be better off leaving that old job. Write down positive affirmations that describe what you offer a company and say it out loud. Think about the great opportunity you have in front of you. Imagine what it will look like. Imagine what a healthy work environment feels like. Giving up is not an option. Many companies would prefer 1-2 years of experience compared to 25. You have the basics and not too expensive or set in their ways. Good luck.

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Most of your advice is great -- EXCEPT for the part about lying about what you've been doing while not working. Everything you listed as a reason could easily be checked out. "Oh, which reality show?" "Oh, what country did you travel to?" "Oh, what natural disaster?" I'm hoping you weren't suggesting making that kind of thing up as a reason you're not working yet.

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You did absolutely right. Don't lose hope and keep finding a new one. Best of luck.

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Best of luck to you! You will land in a better spot! You did the right think to leave the toxic environment behind. It crushes you! No one should have to endure that. I will never understand the toxic staff that create that environment and act like it’s normal.

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Congratulations on making the most difficult decision. You're looking at this wrong though it is not the company taking a chance on you. It's you making a choice to work for that company change your mindset you're coming across is desperate and that's showing up in your interviews

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Glad you feel healed. You’ll get a job, it’s wild 🫂

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I didn’t suggest my examples were lies for this person to tell! But see those as examples of what people have done while unemployed. The examples given are things you could seriously do in your time off instead of sitting at home. Finding something that speaks to this person, going to school, studying for a certification, etc etc. is what the OP should state. Don’t lie. Live your example and make it something that made you into a better person.

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