Why Do I Have to Pay to Apply for a Job?

So there I was, researching work-from-home jobs like a responsible adult, when I found a website charging people for access to remote job listings and job alerts.

Excuse me?

I need a job because I need money. But to find the job, I have to spend the money I do not have?

That is not job hunting. That is a subscription-based hostage situation.

Naturally, I doubled back to look at the job numbers.

In June, payroll employment increased by only 57,000, while unemployment stayed at 4.2%. The job market is already slow, competitive, and exhausting.

Yet somehow, companies have decided unemployed and underemployed people should pay for the opportunity to apply.

WHAT THE FUCK, DUDE?

Job searching is already a full-time job with no pay.

You upload your résumé, then manually type everything that is already on your résumé.

You write a cover letter. You answer why you want the job.

Because I enjoy having shelter.

Then, after all that, a website pops up asking for $19.99 a month to “unlock premium opportunities.”

Does the membership guarantee an interview?

Does it come with an emotional-support snack?

Because otherwise, respectfully, move.

People should not need a monthly subscription just to access the possibility of employment.

We are tired. We are qualified. We are trying.

And we should not have to pay to apply for a job.