The Awkwardness of Telling People You're Still Looking for a Job...
Since I was in school not too long ago, telling people that I'm still looking for a job when they ask about it isn't too bad, since usually you just get the default response of "Oh congratulations on graduating! Good luck in getting a job!" which is fine. Still a bit awkward since I don't have super concrete plans at the moment, but at least I can tell people about the companies I've landed interviews with and that'll be enough to not get any nagging or weird looks or comments. I feel particularly bad for anyone who has been looking for work for over a year or so, because despite the crazy job market people still love to tie your value to what kind of occupation you have, and whether you have one in the first place.
I just kind of wish this wasn't the default conversation topic with family members, neighbors, family friends, etc. That isn't to say that everyone who asks about your job or your future plans is being malicious, if anything I think a small amount of people are asking because they are genuinely interested in your life. But I think a lot of people do this because they just don't know what else to talk about, which to me shows how much we all collectively prioritize jobs over other things. What would make for a more engaging conversation to me personally is if someone asked about hobbies, or personal projects, or even pets. Just something that doesn't involve work or school to switch things up a little! This is something that I'm trying to work on myself, because there is a temptation to just mindlessly go for the usual scripted conversation topics when you're talking to somebody who you see at a family gathering or a stranger you're making small talk with. But I think it would be hard to actually connect with somebody if you take the easiest and least risky route.
Random side note: I was inspired to write about this after going to the doctor's office earlier and being asked about this exact thing. Something I noticed while I was at this place was how nice looking this clinic was... I mean, they had plants, a fish tank, great lighting, and a nice seating area. And I have to say I actually really appreciate when regular offices, stores, and other places put some effort into their general appearance even when they don't have to. In the US you do get a lot of depressing looking stores and buildings everywhere, so it's nice to have places that try to liven things up a bit!