Since childcare is so ridiculously expensive I was forced to quit my first job out of college. I would have gladly worked part-time but the numbers made that silly. Right when I was able to get back into the workforce the pandemic happened forcing me to stay home with the kids even longer. I loved my time with the kids and have no regrets. In fact I consider myself extremely fortunate that my partner makes enough that we could make that decision. Our kids are thriving because of it.
My general gripe is the society we've created that punishes parents with high childcare costs and the view that employees with family are a liability.
I'm looking for entry level lab work that claims to only need high school or associates, yet I have a biology degree with a chemistry minor from a reputable science and technology university. I'm not even getting interviews and rejections are only a few days after application.
These rejection notices are killing my confidence.