I Have Two Jobs, But Guilt Alone Won't Help Those Struggling—Here's What We Can Do

There’s a strange feeling I grapple with every day. I have two jobs—two jobs that I genuinely love—and yet I see so many people struggling to find even one. Whether it's scrolling through LinkedIn or catching up with friends, the conversation often drifts to the difficulty of the job market.

I can’t ignore it. And frankly, I don’t want to.

It would be easy to let the guilt of my situation take over, to feel bad that I have what others desperately need. But guilt alone won’t change anything. Instead, I've decided to let it push me to do something meaningful—to work harder, not just for myself, but for others who are struggling.

I believe we can do more as a community to uplift each other, and I want to start with myself.

The Reality of Today’s Job Market

We’re living in a time where jobs, especially stable, well-paying ones, are becoming increasingly scarce. The global pandemic accelerated a shift in the workforce, and automation, layoffs, and economic uncertainty have left many talented people out of work. It's disheartening to see, and while I may be fortunate right now, I’m very aware that others are not.

I see this struggle daily—friends, acquaintances, people online, all desperate for a foot in the door. For some, the opportunities just aren't there. For others, it’s a cycle of short-term gigs and endless interviews that lead nowhere. And then there are those of us who, by some mix of luck and timing, are doing well despite the turbulence.

But I also know that nothing is set in stone. I could lose one or both of my jobs tomorrow. The market is unpredictable, and no one is immune to the shifting tides. We need to help each other out because the reality is, we’re all in this together.

Last week, many of you commented on my post, sharing your struggles with the market, especially as designers. It seems almost impossible to find a job where you're just designing anymore.

I hear you, and I understand that this is a tough time for us all.

Moving Beyond the Individual Mindset

One thing that stood out from the comments on my post was that while most of you supported the message and shared your experiences, some leaned into the mindset of “I can do it, so can you.” This reminds me of the older generations complaining that we have it easier because of computers or technology.

But here’s the thing: Instead of complaining, why not celebrate progress? Instead of belittling someone’s struggles, try putting yourself in their shoes. Do you really need everyone to go through the same hardships you did? Isn't the point of progress to make life easier for the generations that follow?

We don’t need to repeat the cycles of overwork, burnout, and stress. It’s time to move beyond the individual mindset and realize that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of someone else’s well-being. When we lift each other up, we create a world where we’re not constantly overwhelmed or fighting to stay afloat. We can’t afford to think, “If I struggled, you should too.”

Instead, we should be asking: How can we make things better for those who come after us?

Turning Guilt into Action

I’ve asked myself: What good is feeling guilty about my situation if it doesn’t drive me to do better? The answer is that it’s not. Sitting with guilt only amplifies the disparity without contributing to a solution. That’s why I’ve decided to shift my perspective and take action.

Instead of letting guilt weigh me down, I’m using it as a motivator. I want to leverage my position to help others where I can. While my capacity to help with job hunting is limited to certain geographical places, I’m always available to offer advice, share resources, and provide support to anyone who needs it. I know firsthand how important community is, and I believe we have the power to support each other, even in tough times.

It’s Time to Do Something

We can’t all solve the systemic issues that have led to this employment gap. But what we can do is help one another. You don’t have to be a CEO or have millions of followers to make a positive impact. Small actions—like offering to mentor someone, sharing a job lead, or advocating for fair hiring practices—can change someone’s trajectory.

If you’re like me and you’re in a stable position, I encourage you to think about what you can do to help. Can you connect someone to an opportunity? Can you give someone advice that might help them land their next role? Can you advocate for change in your organization? These actions, no matter how small, matter.

Let’s Connect

I don’t want this to be just another article that gets lost in the noise. I want this to be a conversation, a movement of people coming together to support those who need it most. While my reach in terms of job hunting is focused on Canada and Peru, I am more than happy to offer advice or mentorship to anyone, regardless of location. Together, we can create opportunities where none exist.

I’m committed to doing more, and I invite you to join me. Let’s turn guilt into action and build something better, one connection at a time.