Ina, a 35-year-old resident of Helsinki, is grappling with the emotional toll of job hunting after receiving no responses despite applying for numerous positions. Following two interview rounds, the disappointment of not receiving a follow-up phone call left her feeling shocked and embarrassed, as she thought the interviews had gone well. Since May, she has applied for at least one hundred jobs, reflecting the increasing difficulties in finding employment in Finland, where there are fewer job openings now than in the last decade.

The situation is compounded by the rising unemployment rate in Finland, which reached its highest level since 2009 in December. This backdrop of escalating joblessness adds a layer of anxiety and hopelessness for job seekers like Ina, who find the search process mentally exhausting. She expresses that the true weight of unemployment is often misunderstood by others, leading to feelings of shame when faced with repeated rejections.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, personal stories like Ina's highlight the struggles faced by many in Finland today. The lack of available jobs and the emotional resilience required to continue the search signifies a critical issue for the Finnish economy and its workforce. Initiatives to support job seekers may need to be intensified to address the mental health aspects of unemployment alongside the need for more job opportunities in the market.