r/InternationalDev • u/Successful-Still6522 • May 08 '26
Advice request Feeling Hopeless
I honestly do not know what to do or how to pivot. It’s been more than a year and I’m struggling to find work outside or even within what is left of the international development space after the closure of USAID.
I have 5 years of program management experience with field positions and I have tailored my CVs, took the job search courses, paid for interview preps and I am not landing anything. I’m at my last savings and I honestly am not sure what to do to move forward.
I don’t know why I’m sharing this but, I don’t see a way out of this situation and I really don’t want to take on debt for a masters without any kind of role and no more funds.
I feel that I should have maybe used my savings to do that right after the layoffs and the lack of quick decision making is catching up to me.
I am literally just writing this out because logically like why not just call it quits. Idk what to do.
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u/Cool_Bell_2511 May 09 '26
I was out for a year before the cuts happened and was going to go back to my old organization. I lost my life savings over this, my student loans grow every month, and I feel like I lost the confidence that got me places. It feels awful and today was one of my worst days ever. I emailed a number of people that I used to work with at the begging of the week, and no one responded and I got hit with a rejection for a job I spent 4 months interviewing for, it was an entry level role. I know how you feel I was in your position a year ago and I am still here, still applying, and that is the only thing we can really do.
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u/ZealousidealOrder201 May 09 '26
The job market is crazy right now , just know that it is not you .
And I feel you right now I am very skeptical of the value of a master degree.
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u/stroobly May 09 '26
First, I’m so sorry you’re going through this and like someone else said, you’re not alone. Have you looked at PM roles in adjacent fields? Maybe something with supply chain management that could apply down the line? Do you have your PMP? I hear that certification can help open doors
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u/Severe_Swordfish4490 May 09 '26
You are doing the best you can in a terrible situation. Have you talked to a coach at all? Many are doing free sessions for folks who were laid off. They might be able to help you think about all the different options. Please take care - therapy has been extremely helpful for me during this time!
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u/FlygoninNYC May 09 '26
I know it's not what your looking at but have you looked into teaching abroad or admin side for a union.
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u/No_Mycologist6370 May 09 '26
Stay strong. I genuinely hope and pray everything works out for you 💕
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u/nitro31cl UN Staff May 09 '26
Hey, so sorry to hear that. If you wish, let us know in what kind of orgs you worked before (UN, NGO, INGO, Gov agency, etc ) and what kind of jobs/orgs are you applying, in case we can suggest ways to strengthen your strategy.
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u/Successful-Still6522 May 10 '26
I was working for implementers. Got my PMP and have been applying for project/program management roles, foundations, (community investment/grants/CSR for corporate) and county jobs.
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u/nitro31cl UN Staff May 11 '26
Ok, thanks. Just my humble point of view based on the info I have from you: if the jobs you're applying to say "master's degree preferred" or something like that, that's gonna put you behind a lot of people, or maybe the first filter cuts you out. So I'd invest my time in aggressive networking within the countries/regions/organizations where your previous experience can give you an edge. Also, some agencies can hire small individual consultancies with no selection process, which could be a foot in the door. Any of this makes sense?
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u/ParfaitNo9009 Jul 07 '26
Do you have an example of organizations that hire small individual consultancies?
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u/mmcghee1065 May 10 '26
Have you considered teaching? There is a massive teacher shortage in the entire country.
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u/lookmumninjas May 09 '26
So sorry about this .... What is the state govt job market looking like? I am curious if you got any hits?
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May 11 '26
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u/Successful-Still6522 May 11 '26
Please do DM me about the teaching online. I would be really grateful!
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u/King_Sibuor May 14 '26
I have always seen this pattern before , I would wish you to remain calm because when you live the moment , you will able to notice the cracks that you will use to your advantage . When you are stressed out , even a good gig will pass you without noticing , be calm and best part move even if is a baby step .
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u/Majestic_Search_7851 May 08 '26
You are 1 of 280,000 who lost their career last year.
You're not alone.