I was in your exact position last year. I had the opportunity to stay on as a PGY-2 surgery prelim, but I decided I'd rather take my chances instead of doing that, and I'm glad I did. My fiance's dad (in finance) advised me to apply for unemployment while looking for work. Definitely do this if you don't have money saved up. I remember looking into NIH type fellowship things, but by the time I did, the deadline had passed. We adopted a dog & cat in August, so that kept me busy while I continued to look for work. I started looking in April, basically just after the match. I could not find anything that worked for me, or anybody who replied to my emails and applications. I checked craigslist and job search websites daily without any luck. My fiance had suggested that I look into dog walking or nannying, but I really wanted to stay in something peripherally related to medicine. In October I got a job as a sub-investigator for a standalone clinical trials facility. I did need to apply for my medical license to do this. It was full time, with about the same wage as a resident; no benefits. The job itself is so easy, anybody who could read could do it, but my boss is a bit crazy. So it has been kind of stressful for the past 4-5 months, but I'm getting out with 2 weeks to spare before orientation. I'm sure you could find similar jobs wherever you are located, and may have better luck with your employer. Also, for those saying go into urgent care, you have to beware of the liability that will come with those jobs. I applied for a ton, but never heard back. Getting a healthcare job where you have not completed a residency is very difficult.
