>>16721416
I don't know how it works in eurostan but in North America someone recommends you, you go to the top of the applicant stack, interview and if you pass the person that referred you gets some cash.
The referral only implies you are not a fraud and not socially retarded, If someone that works there recommended you it probably means they "vibe with the company culture", whatever that means.
In the words of one of my previous fren/boss, we can teach the stack not the soft skills.

>>16721414
So then you do enjoy what you do?
Man even if it guarantees a job, fuck that.
Only reason I can see to slave over it is if you really really like your job, you are maintaining your partner/kids, have absolutely no safety net.

I had a very well paying job almost right out of uni before the market went to shit, enjoyed like 40% of my total work before I was let go and learnt a bunch. Ended up moving back with my parents and I realized I earn almost the same as I did before because I don't pay rent or utilities. Sure the work is a slog but something better will come/I'll study a masters in the meantime.

If your objective is to find a decent job and move somewhere else, I'd think your more than equipped. If I was in your shoes I'd try and tough it out while you finish you PhD, save some dosh, take a breather and apply to jobs.

You have decent skills, just gotta learn to market them. If your social skills aren't great you can work on those too, like any other skills.

I have faith in you anon :)