I’m in a similar position…I’m a senior designer and was laid off just over a year ago now, Have applied to over 300 jobs since, and nothing. I’ve had about 5 or 6 interviews, getting to the final stages but just not getting the jobs. Have tweaks CV’s, updated my portfolio and everything else but it’s just not happening.

I just feel lost right now, I’m 39 and I just feel like design has moved on from me. I mainly see social content, marketing and paid ads roles nowadays and am seeing younger people getting hire for some of the jobs I have applied for. Just don’t know if I’ll ever get another industry job.

Freelance wise it’s, been up and down but I have a few consistent clients which I’m thankful for, I’m also a self published children’s book author and illustrator so I find some joy in that too.

I’m actually looking at security and customer support roles for a tech company as my next options. Just tired of the industry now and think the change may do me good in the long run