I have done that, neither of my bosses replied to my e-mails or returned my calls. I know how busy they are, but it still stings.

I'm switching careers from science to patent law, even passed the patent bar on my own. As far as location, I'm kind of locked into my home town of Boston. There's lots of biotech opportunities here (in theory anyway), and I don't have the money to be able to move anyways. I'd consider moving if I could afford it, but I'm pretty much broke.

I defended my doctoral dissertation in biology in September of last year. I've been on the job hunt for a year now, and I'm still unemployed. I've tried picking up additional skills, going to networking events, having my resume tailored, but there just aren't any openings. The psychological toll is devastating. I'm back seeing a therapist again, and I'm going to have to start taking antidepressants.I am nearly out of money and my credit rating is in free fall. At the age of 36, I'm living in my mother's basement with my PhD.

I feel like I've ruined my life in pursuit of a PhD. I even tried applying to jobs while hiding the degree, and I still get nothing. I sometimes think things will never get better, and every day that passes, I become less employable. HELP!