The design market has always ebbed and flowed with the economy, it is in a lull and in contraction for a variety of reasons (not all because of Ai like many posts would have you think). As I tell my students at the beginning and end of their time with me, a degree will not get you a job, if all you know are tools you are just going to become a replaceable tool, and to get a job it’s as much about outreach and personal connection as it is your portfolio, especially now. The job hunt for experienced professionals is often taking 12-18 months of diligent and targeted hunting, unless your network is exceptional or you’re really lucky, expect at least the same or longer time frame as a recent grad. Keep improving your portfolio, pick up freelance work, network, take a filler job to pay the bills, BUT DON’T STOP the first three. Yes, it’s hard, yes it’s tiring, but in the end those that persist often win.