I did everything you’re not supposed to do and now I’m reaping what I’ve sown. I never thought I would be in this situation. In June, I graduated with my PhD in physics from an Ivy League. I began looking for jobs last July (2022), waiting until I found one to graduate. I found one which, honestly, was perfect. It was in an HCOL area, paid $100k more than I made as a grad student, and lined up with my interests precisely. …