Career gap coming up on two years. Got the humbled after trying to explain it. Feel crushed.
Two years ago, I was laid off from an entry level marketing position of two years due to a massive downsizing and restructuring of the company. My role was completely removed. Since then, I haven't gone a day, nay, a week without applying or networking. Some periods get higher volumes of interviews than others, but the gap is approaching two years. I filled my time caregiving, doing freelance work, updating and acquiring new certifications, volunteering for non-profits, and using my skills to help my mom grow her own company, which is at the top of my resume and gets asked about the most.
But no full time roles.
Yesterday, I explained the gap to a recruiter and she said even though I was working part time, freelance, and doing caregiving on top of it, she was still hesitant about my ability to work full time. Absolutely crushed. I am wondering if I should give up, if my career is over before it even started, what I should even do now. I feel like if I keep this any longer, it will be time wasted.