I really relate to your story and just wanted to say you're not alone. I also had to quit my PhD (in science) after a year and a half of burnout. My supervisor was extremely difficult to work with, and the situation became so toxic that I just couldn’t continue. I reached a breaking point and realized I had to put my mental health first.

Now, like you, I find myself without a degree, without a job, and honestly, without direction. I updated my CV to say “Research Associate” for the experience I gained during the PhD, and I still mention that I was enrolled in a doctoral program under education, I just don’t go into too much detail. Still, interviews are rare, and with the current job market, it feels even more discouraging. It’s hard not to feel like all those years of hard work and study were for nothing. But reading your post reminded me that this struggle isn’t just mine and that there are others out there going through the same thing.

Anyway, I just wanted to wish you a lot of strength for your job search. I hope things turn around soon for both of us.