Computer Science graduate can’t find a job, works at a restaurant instead, asks what’s happening in US - many say same story

A frustrated Reddit post is striking a nerve among job seekers across the U.S., especially recent graduates who were told tech degrees were a safe bet.

Posting on r/jobs, user u/ApprehensiveGoal2782 shared a blunt account of how quickly things unraveled after graduation.

What they expected to be a straightforward entry into the tech workforce has instead turned into months of rejection, silence, and survival work. Judging by the comments, they are far from alone.


The user explained that they graduated in May from what they described as “a pretty good school” with two Bachelor’s degrees, computer science and math. Alongside that, they completed two internships at a medical device company and worked as a researcher and part-time data analyst during college. On paper, it’s the kind of résumé many students are told guarantees opportunity.

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Yet after submitting more than 500 job applications, the result has been only two interviews beyond AI screenings, both of which ended in ghosting. With rent due and no safety net, the poster said they had to return to restaurant work, something they last did in high school, simply to avoid homelessness.

“What the hell is going on????” they asked, adding that even blue-collar jobs are hard to land right now.

Why did the graduate struggle to get even restaurant work?

In a follow-up comment, u/ApprehensiveGoal2782 revealed that they had to strip their résumé of technical credentials to get hired. “I had to basically scrub my resume because I kept getting rejected for not being a good fit,” they wrote, calling the process “excruciating.”

One reply summed up the bleak humor of the moment. u/Hour_Implement_6537 commented, “You’re lucky the restaurant even hired you,” earning hundreds of upvotes.

Are others seeing the same job market collapse?

Many commenters said yes. One user wrote, “That thing about work hard in school or else you’ll be flipping burgers. Either way you’ll be flipping burgers.”

Another commenter, u/descend_to_misery, offered practical advice instead of despair, suggesting professional organizations and mentorship programs as one possible way in. They also reminded readers not to dismiss restaurant work entirely, noting that high-end service jobs can pay well.

The original poster responded simply: “Thank you.”

FAQs

Why is this post getting so much attention?
Many graduates say the experience mirrors their own struggles in today’s U.S. job market.

Did the poster insult restaurant workers?
No. The user clarified they respect the industry but see the move as a personal downgrade after working as an engineer.