Is the job market terrible for anyone else? Unemployed now for over 15 months, last time it was 14 months. Everything is a contract now. I think the US is failing.

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It certainly feels like that. I've sent well over 500 applications and I've been out of work for 18 months with a PhD. This administration has kneecapped STEM so hard.

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I’d encourage you to take a serious look at the contract position. I’m working as a contract study lead now (FSP model), and the setup has been far more stable and balanced than I anticipated. Being placed with a strong company has made the benefits outweigh any perceived risks.

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After redundancy at 60 I’m finding that STEM has moved-on a long way since my doctorate. I know that my skills are transferrable, but job listings ask for numerous must-haves that I just don’t have. I’m a polymer physical chemist; I don’t have experience of medical communications, pharmacology, AI, renewable energy, injection-moulding, insecticides or ecology. I’m sure I could successfully manage a team that does have these skills, but I don’t have the ticks-in-boxes to get me through the door. Previous employers have appreciated my range of skills but never wanted to pay for me to go on external accredited courses. I should have pushed harder or walked sooner! But I'm determined to secure the next step on my career journey!

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I know how you feel (except I lack an advanced degree).

Ran a lab for 30 years and got downsized in my 60 also.

Only difference is I am looking for the last step on my career path because I doubt there will be another step after this next one.

Advice to young people: Don't get old.

Biggest mistake I ever made.

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Truth! I honestly thought I'd have a job within 2 weeks (the longest I ever went unemployed) (and I only ever had 2 jobs in my entire 60-something years!) (ran my own business after High School for 15 years & then was a Chemist in charge of a lab for 30).

I looked at a 6 month contract position & may have gotten it, but I told them the truth about how I felt; that I was glad it was only 6 months 'cuz I was so overqualified but needed income so it worked for me.

I'm back making websites for churches and porn merchants (only folk who'll hire a self-taught person - but what a resume!) (proves I can work with anyone!).

Point is; have backup skills and plans. You will need them one day. Point of interest: Porn folk are the best people I ever worked for in my life! FAR better than corporate stuffed shirts. And they are better pay than churches or labs!!

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Ran out of characters. I should also add that many temp contract jobs go permanent. My lab job was a 6 month temp position that stretched out to 30 years!

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The job market an absolute train wreck for STEM, especially if you don't have a PhD.

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