This job market is freaking me out.

I currently work in the public sector as a Helpdesk technician. In total, I have over 5 years of experience. I make $63k and work hybrid. I have earned my Security+, AZ-900, and I'm getting ready to test for my AZ-104 this Fall. I know I am behind on certs. I dealt with some personal issues over the last couple years, but I'm trying to make effort now.

Since then, I have been trying to advance in my career. My goal is to leave the helpdesk and become a SysAdmin or Cloud Admin. I've only managed to get a handful of interviews for Systems Admin/Jr. Sysadmin roles in the last couple of years. My lack of experience is why I get rejected.

I also spoke with my director, who is impressed with my self-initiative. He wanted to create a cybersecurity team, expand our network team and put me in one of the roles. Unfortunately, budget didn't allow, so I've been stuck.

There is zero chance of promotion for the role I'm in. I have coworkers who have been doing the same thing for 15 years. My mentor is a retired IT Manager. He told me that employers want to see experience over certs. I've built homelabs to get that experience, but interviewers still seem unimpressed. My biggest fear is ending up stuck in my role.

This job market has been very tough. However, I am grateful to be employed in this economy. There are very little job postings that I qualify. Most listings have unrealistic requirements. Many of them are contract roles. I can't afford to leave my full time job for a contract at this time.

I am starting to freak out. I did not imagine being in this situation in my early 30s. My wife says I am overthinking. Sometimes, I question if I entered the wrong industry. There are days where I wonder if I'll ever escape the helpdesk. I would hate to finally earn my AZ-104, just to be told that it isn't enough.