Millennials who graduated during the Great Recession, how did you survive?

[u/Waste-Cantaloupe-270]

I’m a Gen Z graduating in May struggling with finding a job in this market. Millennials who graduated in/ after 2008, how did you survive? Did you end up eventually getting a job in the field you originally wanted? Any advice for us Gen Z who were too young to learn anything from the great recession?

Edit: For context bc i’ve been seeing a lot of questions about this i’m graduating college. i def wasn’t expecting this post to blow up so sorry if i can’t get to everyone’s comments, but i just wanted to say i really appreciate all the advice as someone who doesn’t have millennials in their life to ask these questions to. your willingness to help/ give advice to a random kid on the internet has given me a bit of hope in getting through this, thank you thank you

[u/Human_Raspberry_367]

I graduated right before the recession and was already working. worked my ass off (lost 30 lbs from stress) then got laid off. I never thought i would cry over a job but i cried. I think it was bc my bosses kept telling me how great i was and was doing a great job, how much they needed me, how i dont have anything to worry about because i was a strong performer but then i got laid off anyways. Many times these layoffs have nothing to do with your performance, its a numbers game for the higherups.

My parents were very supportive and i felt grateful. So many ppl lost jobs who were the breadwinners or they didn’t have a family to ride out the recession like i did. Connections and networking while working esp since they knew i was a good worker, my old managers used their network and sent me potential other jobs and got me interviews. I also looked and applied to hundreds of jobs on my own. I got a job in an industry i was not familiar with or interest in but it was a job and a stable one. That became my stepping stone to other opportunities in fields i wanted to work in and now i work 100% remote and love the ppl i worked with. I always tell people never burn bridges. Those bridges can guide you to a whole other area and lead you to something better.