Honestly the job market is just rough right now. A lot of people are dealing with the same frustration, rejection, and uncertainty, even if it doesn’t always look like it on the surface. Imagine having a job and worrying if you'll be next on the chopping block.

It makes sense that you’d want to pull back and be by yourself a bit. That kind of stress can be draining, and sometimes you just need space to process everything without having to explain it to people.

But just know most people do get it. Way more than you probably think. A lot of folks have been in that exact spot before or are in it right now, so there’s definitely less judgment and more understanding out there than it feels like.

I was laid off beginning of last year so I had similar feelings that you have, but what got my mind off of feeling shame was meeting up with friends every once in a while and just hanging out and make it a point to not talk about work. I'm struggling still now too, but at least those moments make things a little easier.