Readers: How long have you been searching for a job?

"Tell Us We want to hear from job seekers in Massachusetts about how long you've been looking - and what your experience has been like in today's market. Recent layoffs, tough competition, and slow job growth rates have made this one of the most challenging job markets in years for Massachusetts residents. If you're actively looking for a job right now, we'd like to hear from you. How long have you been on the hunt - weeks, months, a year or more?"

"In early October, Berklee College of Music laid off 3 percent of its employees across its campuses. Suffolk University laid off 35 staff members in June amid budget pressures tied to enrollment shifts, while Boston University announced in July that it would cut about 120 positions, as part of a 5 percent budget reduction plan."

"The biotech and life sciences industries, long a pillar of the Boston economy, have also taken a beating. Revvity Inc. is cutting over 100 jobs in Massachusetts as it prepares for a consolidation to its Hopkinton headquarters. Similarly, Takeda Pharmaceuticals announced it will lay off 137 employees next year. There were 79 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act notices filed this year so far, according to the state data."

Massachusetts has experienced widespread layoffs across major sectors including higher education, biotech, and life sciences, leaving many workers reconsidering career plans. Universities reported cuts such as Berklee College of Music reducing 3 percent of staff, Suffolk University cutting 35 staff, and Boston University trimming about 120 positions. Biotech firms also reduced headcount with Revvity Inc. cutting over 100 jobs and Takeda announcing 137 layoffs. The state recorded 79 WARN notices so far this year. Economic uncertainty, high living costs, and lingering inflation are constraining hiring and making lower-paying or industry-switch positions difficult for job seekers.

Read at Boston.com