Left behind at 26, no job

[Sunita]

Hi everyone, I'm feeling very depressed. I did my MBA in 2024 from a tier‑2 college. The placement was terrible - only sales roles with field work and a salary of about 15k. My friends who joined also left after six months. Then I bought a new laptop and enrolled in a UI/UX design cohort that cost 1.12 lakh rupees. I regret using my parents' money for that. I did UI/UX design, but AI took over and design jobs disappeared. I tried hard for 1.5 years, did internships but couldn't get a full‑time job. My father is retired and we have no other income. I feel I made a wrong choice and have failed in life. I regret doing the MBA; maybe if I had done UI/UX earlier I would be better off. I may have left UI/UX design, but I don't see any other career option. I just feel I've messed up my life.

[Sangeeta]

How much did you pay for the MBA? What was your bachelor's degree?

[Satish]

Keep trying, buddy. Start with a sales job at least; don't waste more time. There are plenty of sales positions that pay around 25‑30k, and you can improve your CV on weekends before switching industries. A solution exists if you look properly. Connect with seniors from your college on LinkedIn, be open about your current situation, and keep moving forward. With time things will improve.

[Pranav]

Why was the placement so poor at your tier‑2 college? Was it because AI affected everyone, or were there academic issues during campus placements? Also, which college was it? Sorry to hear this, I'm also jobless (though not an MBA graduate) and I understand how miserable life feels right now.

[Rishi]

Which college?

[Deepak]

Hi,

Which stream did you study for your graduation and MBA? If it's computer science, consider appearing for IBPS SO IT. If your MBA is in marketing, try IBPS SO MO. Vacancies come up regularly and the competition is lower. Everyone is fighting their own battle; use whatever weapon you have. No one can motivate you more than yourself - the realization comes from within. Only you can save yourself, so figure it out sooner rather than later. All the best, brother, and may Mahadev bless you!

[Vinay]

Hi friend,

If you're running out of energy, first focus on regaining it. The other things will fall into place as you move forward. Energy is the foundation, so concentrate on that one thing now.

Best wishes!

[Harshit]

Sometimes we have to take what we get in the shortest time possible. We set the bar so high that we think we deserve better, and in chasing that, we often get lost.

[Ayaan]

I'm a 27‑year‑old fresher, in the same boat as you. Don't lose hope.

[Mohit]

Don't lose hope, brother. I'm 31, just cleared my 12th this April, and I'm currently doing graduation while driving an Uber.

[Himani]

I don't think the MBA was your biggest mistake. The real mistake is thinking your life is over at 26. The market has been brutal for freshers; many take a year or two to land a decent role. Take any job you can for now, ease the pressure at home, and keep applying. A temporary job isn't a permanent career.