I was recently laid off from my remote position at a California company while on parental leave in Washington State. I took a total of 16 weeks off, which included 12 weeks of Washington Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) and an additional 4 weeks of company parental leave. My leave started on June 1, 2026, and my PFML protection ended on August 24, 2026. I was notified of my layoff on August 25, 2026, just a day after my PFML ended, through a personal text and call from my director. The layoff affected not just me but many others on my team, indicating it was part of a larger reduction in force. My last working day is set for September 21, 2026, which is also the end of my approved company leave. I have never been on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and have consistently received good reviews, so this came as a shock. I am concerned about the timing of the layoff decision, as it seems it was made during my protected PFML period, yet I was only informed after that protection ended. I am currently trying to understand if the anti-retaliation and anti-discrimination protections under Washington law still apply since the decision was made while I was on leave. I plan to document everything and discuss my situation with HR and possibly consult an employment attorney before signing any documents. I would appreciate any insights or similar experiences from others who may have gone through something like this.

I’m Tori, 28 years old, currently working at Taco Bell making $13/hr while pursuing my bachelor's degree in education online. My goal is to complete my degree in 2.5 years so I can get my certification and start teaching. However, I work overnight shifts from around 6-7 PM to 3:30-4 AM, and honestly, I’m struggling with these hours. I used to handle it well when I was younger, but now with a two-year-old son, it's taking a toll on me both physically and mentally. I’m actively job searching to get into a school district here in East Texas, but it’s proving to be more challenging than I expected. I want a position that’s more stable than substituting, and without prior experience, I’m not sure I can land a para role, although I’ve applied anyway. I’m reaching out for advice on how to break into a job or company that offers regular hours and isn’t in food service. I feel burnt out from fast food and really need a better schedule for both my well-being and my son's. If anyone has tips on getting responses from school districts or other avenues I should explore, I’d really appreciate it! Thank you!

I'm feeling completely overwhelmed by my unemployment situation. At 28, I've been without a job for over a year now, and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health. Recently, I had an interview with an NGO that seemed like a perfect opportunity to enhance my resume, even if it was just for a few months. I made it to the second round, which was a panel interview, and I really thought I had a shot. However, despite following up three times, they completely ghosted me. This experience has left me feeling frustrated and crushed, as I genuinely believed this could have been my way out of this rut. I'm actively searching for other opportunities, but it's tough to move on when I feel so stuck. Watching others progress in their careers only amplifies my feelings of inadequacy. I can't help but feel like I'm going insane, and sometimes I just want to scream out of sheer frustration.

I was laid off two months ago from a small service-based company where I had been working for three years. Our main clients were from the Middle East and Canada, but due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, our work from those clients came to a halt, and the company's revenue took a significant hit. I was ultimately asked to resign, and since there was no severance mentioned in my offer letter, I left without any financial cushion. Since then, I've been applying for jobs non-stop, but unfortunately, I haven't received any callbacks. It's been really tough on my mental health, and my savings are starting to dwindle. I'm feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. In terms of my technical skills, I have experience with Nest, TypeScript, React, Flutter, and Laravel, along with AWS services like SQS, SES, Lambda, and S3. I also have some exposure to GCP and have worked on minor projects using React Native, Angular, and Vue. I'm hoping to find a new opportunity soon.

I was laid off two years ago, and it took me ten months to find a new job. I've been working as an IT Manager at my current company for a year now, but I can't shake the fear of being laid off again. Recently, I received feedback that I need to learn the functionality of the company better, which has left me feeling anxious. I was hoping to get a promotion by next year, but the PTSD from my last layoff keeps creeping in, making me doubt my chances. I worry that I might not only miss out on a promotion but also face another layoff.

I’ve been reflecting on my job search journey and how challenging it has been lately. It feels like finding a decent job is harder than it should be. I often wonder what the biggest hurdle is right now—whether it’s getting interviews, the lack of replies after applying, or just the overwhelming competition in the market. From my experience, getting past the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is incredibly tough, especially for roles where hundreds of candidates are applying. I’ve also noticed a frustrating trend where companies post attractive job descriptions with competitive compensation and location, only to lowball offers or change the location when it comes time to present the offer. It’s disheartening. I’m grateful that I landed a job a couple of weeks ago after being laid off last September, but I still feel the pressure. As a software engineer, I started receiving more interview opportunities around April, but the stress of the new role is weighing on me. I often think about how many irrelevant job postings are out there, and when I reach out about them, I’m told they’re no longer available. It’s been a rollercoaster, and I’d love to hear what others find to be the hardest part of their job search.

Today, I was laid off from my position in the Engineering, Product, and Design (EPD) team at Pinterest Mexico. It was a tough day as all EPD employees in Mexico were let go, although the office will still be operational for non-EPD staff. I’m uncertain about the total number of layoffs, but it feels disheartening to see my colleagues and I affected by this decision.

I've been feeling really frustrated with LinkedIn lately. It just seems like a platform filled with AI-generated posts and a lot of self-promotion that doesn't resonate with me. It's become a source of stress and anxiety, much like Facebook did before I decided to cut that out of my life. I’ve actually taken a step back from LinkedIn altogether. For my last three job applications, I went old school and mailed in my CV and cover letter instead of applying online. It feels more personal and I think it might help me stand out in a sea of digital applications. I just wish there were more effective ways to connect with potential employers without all the noise.

I recently faced a challenging situation after being diagnosed with long COVID, which led to me losing my job late last year. Now that I’m feeling better and ready to jump back into the workforce, I’m struggling with the year-long gap on my resume. It feels like finding a job is nearly impossible due to this absence. I’m seeking advice on how to effectively address this gap during my job search. I’ve heard suggestions about being honest and framing the gap positively, like mentioning that I was focusing on my health and skill development during that time. I’d appreciate any tips or personal experiences that could help me navigate this situation.

I recently applied for a job that seemed promising and was excited when the owner reached out to discuss my availability. I confirmed that I could work the specified days and hours, but then I was left hanging with no further communication. The next day, I checked my application status only to find it marked as "withdrawn"—and I definitely didn't do that. I'm starting to feel really frustrated with the job search process. I put in my resume and cover letter, answered an automated skills question, and yet it feels like I'm hitting a wall. The job listing is still active, which adds to my confusion. I'm wondering if I should reach out to the company to ask about the withdrawal or just move on and focus on other opportunities. It's tough out here, especially when I know I have the experience they're looking for.

I am currently on the job hunt as my savings are quickly depleting. I've noticed that most positions in my industry take at least three months to process, which is quite frustrating. With so much free time on my hands, I'm eager to find some quick cash opportunities. I used to live in Massachusetts, where part-time jobs were abundant, but I'm struggling to find similar options in New York. Additionally, I don't drive, which limits my options even further. Any suggestions on where I might find some immediate work would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off in March after a strong performance, receiving my full bonus. It's been over five months now, and I'm still on the hunt for my next job. During interviews, I've been upfront about my layoff, but I've received mixed advice. Some suggest I shouldn't mention it at all and act as if I'm still employed, while others say honesty is the best policy. I'm really torn on how to approach this in interviews. Has anyone else faced this dilemma? How did you handle discussing a layoff? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

I'm currently working in Austin, Texas, and I'm facing a tough situation at my job. My supervisor has put me in a position where I feel forced to choose between accepting a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or resigning. It seems like she has already made up her mind about my performance and doesn't want to document it officially. I recorded our conversation to have a clear record of what was discussed. I'm unsure how this will affect my eligibility for unemployment benefits in Texas if I end up resigning. I've heard that resigning when you still have the option to work can disqualify you from getting unemployment. I'm considering taking the PIP while I search for a new job, but I'm feeling really stressed about the whole situation.

I’ve been struggling with interviews lately. Despite applying to numerous positions, I often get interviews but end up tanking when it’s time to perform. I feel this overwhelming nervous energy that just takes over. I know my stuff and can excel once I’m comfortable, but when I’m in front of interviewers, especially if there are multiple people, my mind goes blank. I can practice potential questions and rehearse in front of a mirror, but the moment I’m faced with stern interviewers, I stutter and forget everything. It’s frustrating because I know I have the skills, but my nerves get the best of me. I’ve accepted that I might just be naturally bad at this, and it’s hard to cope with the idea that my anxiety could cost me everything. I’m looking for ways to improve, but it feels like an uphill battle.

I had an interview for a full-time delivery driver position at Rise dispensary yesterday, and I feel like I completely bombed it. During the interview, I blanked out on three situational questions, which was really frustrating because I had prepared for questions about cannabis and laws, but none of those came up. I have a solid background with experience from Walmart, Lowe's, ABC store, and even as a bank teller, but my anxiety got the best of me, and I just locked up. I did apologize to the interviewer and admitted that I was very nervous. He mentioned that they would be conducting a second interview, so I’m holding onto hope for that. In the meantime, I’ve applied to other places just in case this doesn’t pan out. I’m also in remission from breast cancer, and I’m eager to get back to work.

I just started a new job three days ago, and honestly, I'm feeling really down about it. I'm 23 and fresh out of college, and this is my third job in less than two years. I left my first job to focus on my thesis, and I quit my second job because the boss's treatment was unacceptable. After that, I lost a lot of motivation and spent time helping my mom and working on personal projects. I was also hoping to get a scholarship for a master's in Interior Design or Fashion Design, but I didn't get into either program. I applied to many jobs out of guilt for not being enrolled in anything or working, and finally, one company called me back. I wasn't as excited as I pretended to be, and now that I'm here, I feel miserable. I know I might sound like a spoiled brat, but being in the office all day makes me really sad, especially since I can't see my family until night. We live in a dangerous area, so I worry about both of us being out alone, especially after a scary incident last night. I've only been at this job for less than a week, and I've already cried about it multiple times. I applied out of guilt, feeling like I needed to have my life figured out by now. It's a standard office job, ten hours a day, Monday through Friday, and the atmosphere is pretty gloomy. I wake up at 3 or 4 am to get ready and get there by 7, and with gas prices rising, I'm worried about how much I'll spend each month. I guess I just thought my life would be different at this point. The idea of doing this for the next 30 to 40 years is overwhelming. I'm torn between wanting to continue my education to start my own business or pursue my dreams, and the pressure to just do something that others expect of me.

I had an interview at Aldi today for a position that I'm really hoping to land. Previously, I worked as an Assistant Manager at Dollar General and as an Overnight Stocker at Walmart. During my interview with the store manager, I was pleasantly surprised to be invited for a second interview on the spot with the district manager. I felt that the interview went well overall, but I could sense some hesitation from the DM regarding my job history. He pointed out that my time at previous jobs has been less than a year and that I've held multiple positions. I made sure to address his concerns directly by asking if there was anything in my application that might disqualify me. He acknowledged that my job history was a concern but reassured me that it wasn't disqualifying. I took that opportunity to express my genuine interest in the role and my commitment to growing with Aldi for the long term, aiming to establish a stable career with opportunities for advancement. Now, I'm left wondering if my efforts to alleviate his concerns will pay off.

I was laid off during a vacation in May while traveling. I had just opened Outlook on my phone, and to my shock, I found out I was let go from a Fortune 500 company as part of their second round of layoffs. It was my first experience with a layoff, and it hit me hard, especially since I had performed well in the last financial year. The timing couldn't have been worse, as I was in a location with terrible cell coverage, forcing me to scramble for a decent signal just to join the HR call. It completely ruined my trip, and I had to cut it short. Initially, I felt lost and hopeless, but I maintained my discipline and continued applying for jobs. By August, I landed a position at a great product company with a 30% salary increase compared to my previous role. I applied to over 50 companies and went through numerous interviews, and I learned some valuable lessons along the way: 1. The advice about applying within 24 hours of a job opening is overrated. I found that referrals didn't significantly impact my applications either. 2. Using a standardized resume on job portals worked better for me than customizing my CV for each application. Most of my interview opportunities came from recruiters reaching out after viewing my profile. 3. I refused to settle for a lower salary just because I was laid off. I held firm on my worth, and it paid off. 4. I created a dynamic 'Interview Cheat Sheet' to help me prepare for interviews. I documented common questions and updated it after each interview to improve my responses. 5. The job market may seem tough, but there are opportunities out there. It requires patience and persistence, but you only need one good offer. If you're going through a layoff, don't let it diminish your confidence. Keep refining your pitch and stay positive. I'm here to help with any questions about job search strategies!

I've been working at an ENT office for about 5 weeks now, and I'm starting to feel like I'm just taking up space. The office is extremely short-staffed, which has really hindered my training. I thought that by getting onboarded, I would help alleviate some of the workload, but instead, I'm still just shadowing fully trained techs and writing down notes. Every time they say I'll get training to go solo, the office gets too busy for that to happen. I feel like I'm not making any progress, and it's frustrating to spend 8 hours a day feeling like I'm not contributing anything meaningful. Even when I take a day off, it doesn't seem to make a difference because I'm not doing much anyway. I'm seriously considering quitting due to the lack of proper training and the feeling that this job isn't going anywhere for me. I want to find another opportunity where I can actually grow and become independent in my role.

I’ve been struggling to find even a minimum wage job for several months now. Despite having 6-7 years of retail experience, I’ve applied to every supermarket, store, and fast food joint nearby that offers low-skill positions. It’s baffling because when I was a teenager, I could land a job within a week without any hassle. Recently, I applied to a fast food restaurant that advertised $11 an hour with no experience required. I thought it would be a perfect fit, especially since I have open availability. I even completed their AI assessment, which was a bit ridiculous, asking me to choose between pictures like 'Fantasy' or 'Likes dressing up.' After all that, I received the standard rejection letter. Confused, I called the restaurant to ask why I was rejected despite meeting their criteria. The manager didn’t have much to say other than, "I don’t know, just re-apply." I tried to re-apply, but the AI system wouldn’t let me, saying I was ineligible. So, I called again to clarify, but the response was still vague and unhelpful. The manager seemed annoyed and just suggested I apply elsewhere. It’s incredibly frustrating. Why is it so hard to get a job right now? I feel lost in this process.