Last year I planned to make a big move across the country. I’m a teacher, so with the teacher shortage, I didn’t think finding a job would be difficult. My sister agreed to let me stay with her for the summer while I saved money and waited for a job offer. I’ve been applying since January and currently have 34 active applications. I’ve called schools multiple times, but only 5 have answered. None have answering machines, and despite emailing principals directly, only one responded—and it was to say the position was already filled. The schools I reached just told me to apply online. I even flew out for a job fair, only to find that half the schools didn’t show and only one was hiring for my position. Now, with only weeks until school starts, I feel defeated. It’s hard not to feel inadequate when years of teaching experience seem to mean nothing. The thought of changing careers kills my spirit and feel like a failure who made a huge mistake.