I recently faced another setback in my job search after failing yet another interview. I felt like I performed well throughout the process, but ultimately, I was rejected. The only explanation I can come up with is my status as a fresher. I've been trying to land a tech job for what feels like forever, but success continues to elude me. The burnout from this ongoing struggle is overwhelming; I find myself just staring at the wall all day, feeling defeated. It's frustrating to see job postings asking for 0-1 year of experience, only to find that they end up hiring candidates with three years or more. I'm really tired of this cycle.

I am a 23-year-old Manual QA with one year of experience actively searching for new job opportunities. I have been focusing on roles that allow me to leverage my skills in quality assurance and contribute to software development teams. I'm eager to connect with potential employers and explore positions that align with my experience.

Today, I had a frustrating conversation with a friend about the job market. I expressed my concerns about how difficult the job hunt has been for me lately, but she insisted that there are more jobs than people looking for work. It’s hard to understand her perspective since she has been in the same job for over 20 years and seems completely disconnected from the current reality. I mentioned a mutual friend who applied to 50-60 positions without hearing back, but that didn’t seem to sway her opinion. I feel like people who are currently employed just don’t grasp how tough it is out here for those of us searching for jobs. It’s like they’re living in a different world where the job market is thriving, while I see the rising unemployment numbers and the countless rejections piling up. I wish she could experience the job search process firsthand to understand the challenges we face. It’s disheartening to feel gaslit about the state of the job market when I know so many others are struggling too.

I was laid off from Meta in May, part of a massive reduction that affected around 8,000 employees. While I can't pinpoint the exact reasons for my layoff, I've been following a troubling story involving a lawsuit from 26 former employees. They allege that Meta used an internal AI tool called Checkpoint to track employee performance and make layoff decisions, which reportedly targeted individuals on protected medical leave disproportionately. This has been covered by several media outlets, and despite the bias claims, a judge has allowed the layoffs to proceed. I also learned more about how the layoffs were tied to operations within the company. Meta had three teams managing supplier contracts and invoice processing, which were essential for their rapid scaling in AI investments and new factory setups. The complexity of the supply chain was immense, and leadership decided to cut the team down to a fifth of its original size, even as the business was growing significantly. An AI agent company took over many of the tasks that these employees were handling, and while some displaced workers found new roles through a service called Freehand, it raises concerns about how AI-driven restructuring might be a trend across the industry. I'm curious if others are seeing similar patterns in their layoffs and if there's any way for those of us affected to get clarity on how automation played a role in our situations, since companies aren't forthcoming with this information.

I recently faced a significant change in my employment situation. My current employer is ending our positions, but they negotiated a job offer for me through a contracting company that offers similar pay. The new role includes the same rate of accrued PTO for one year, but after that, it drops to 15 days. Given that I have 15 years of tenure and would have been accruing 30 days of PTO if my job hadn't been impacted, I'm feeling uncertain. I'm concerned about whether refusing this offer would affect my eligibility for unemployment benefits, especially with such a substantial reduction in PTO. I've received advice suggesting that since the change in PTO would only happen after a year, it wouldn't qualify me for unemployment benefits if I decline the offer. I'm weighing my options and considering whether it's worth accepting this position while I continue my job search.

I'm currently in the job application process for a teaching position with CPS, and I've hit a bit of a snag regarding references. The hiring manager has specifically requested a reference from a principal, assistant principal, or someone from the HR department at the school district where I worked as a substitute teacher last year. Unfortunately, due to the nature of my role, I don't have any direct relationships with the administration since I was constantly moving between different campuses and primarily interacting with students. I spent the year as a substitute teacher across a large school district, which made it difficult to develop the kind of rapport needed for a reference from an administrator. I was also a full-time student, which limited my ability to take on long-term assignments that might have allowed me to build those relationships. The HR department has stated they can't provide a reference letter since they had minimal interaction with me after my initial hiring. However, I do have a teacher who I frequently substituted for, and she is willing to provide a reference. I'm considering asking the CPS hiring manager if this would be acceptable instead of the requested principal reference. I plan to accompany her reference with my job offer letter and any proof of employment they might need. I'm also providing supervisor references from my previous jobs, which the hiring manager requested. I'm just unsure how to approach the hiring manager about the teacher's reference and if there's anything specific I should avoid doing in this situation.

I recently graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising and have spent the last five years working as a buyer in a buy/sell/trade secondhand fashion store. Now, I'm trying to break into corporate fashion buying, but it's been tough. I've applied to numerous assistant buyer positions on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, but I've only received one interview, and it felt like the interviewer didn't value my experience. I think my lack of a formal internship in corporate buying and no direct corporate experience is holding me back. I'm looking for advice on how to get my foot in the door and any additional job search platforms or skills I should focus on. I'm based in the Southern California/LA area, so if anyone has insights or tips, I would greatly appreciate it!

I'm a 25-year-old mechanical design engineer with four years of experience, currently working at my second company for the past three years. Recently, my company entered a joint venture, and there have been layoffs happening regionally for about four months. My region had been untouched until now, but I'm feeling anxious as my N+2 manager is visiting us next week without a clear reason. I have a strong feeling that the whole team might be laid off. I've received two awards and positive feedback from my colleagues, so I know I do my job well, but the uncertainty is overwhelming. The work has slowed down, and I've been applying for jobs but only received rejections so far. I'm scared that if I lose my job, I might have to move back in with my parents and feel like a burden to them. I'm trying to stay proactive by applying for jobs and upskilling, but the anxiety is tough to manage. I just needed to vent and seek any advice on what I should do next.

I am currently searching for an entry-level Data Analyst position and would love to know which companies are considered the best for this kind of role. I've heard mixed opinions about the availability of these positions, with some suggesting they are hard to come by. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I am preparing for a PM interview at Google for a Level 4 position, and I have my hiring manager round scheduled for Tuesday, July 28. I am reaching out to see if there are any experienced PMs at Google who could provide guidance or mentorship before my interview. I've been unemployed for the past eight months following a layoff, and I have been struggling to secure job offers. Any advice, frameworks, or resources you could share would be immensely helpful to me during this crucial time.

I'm a 26-year-old with a Master's in Data Science, graduating in 2025, and I've been trying to break into the tech industry for a year now. I initially thought my degree would lead me to an entry-level data role, but the job market shifted significantly by the time I graduated. Since then, I've been proactive in my approach. I've learned full-stack web development, completed a frontend internship, freelanced with clients, built production websites, explored Shopify development, and recently started diving into backend development and AI engineering. My skill set includes Python, SQL, data analysis, machine learning, React, Next.js, and Node.js. Despite my efforts, I'm struggling to secure a stable full-time position. Most of my applications go unanswered, and the few interviews I've had haven't resulted in job offers. Financially, I'm facing challenges, being behind on rent and managing student loans, while also feeling the pressure of my aging parents. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. If you were in my shoes today, what would you focus on? Should I double down on data, software engineering, AI, or explore something else entirely? Any honest advice or experiences that helped you would be greatly appreciated.

I just wrapped up two interviews for what I consider my dream job, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about a situation I've created. I submitted my resume back in February, before I started my current role, so it doesn't include that position. During the first interviews, I focused on my previous long-term job, which I held for three years, and didn't mention my current job at all. I’ve only been in my current role since May, and I already know it’s not a good fit for me. I didn't think to mention it since it’s been such a short time. Now, I'm gearing up for a final interview with five people, and I'm torn about whether to bring up my current job. I’m worried that if I suddenly mention it now, they might question why I didn’t mention it earlier when we discussed my work history. Should I just continue with the process and only mention my current job if they ask directly about my employment status? Or should I proactively bring it up during the final interview? I know that if I get an offer, I’ll need to accurately fill out any background check paperwork regarding my current employment. For context, my work history has been pretty stable, with seven years in one role followed by three years in another, and my current position is in a completely different industry than the one I'm interviewing for. I really want this job, and I hope I can navigate this situation smoothly.

I recently experienced a significant layoff at my mid-sized B2B SaaS company in Chicago, where my entire frontend engineering team of five was cut due to my boss's decision to implement an AI agent that he believes will replace us. Despite the challenging circumstances, I took it upon myself to help my team find new opportunities. Within a month, I managed to secure job offers for all of them, which was incredibly rewarding given the tight-knit bond we shared—almost like family. I dedicated a lot of time to one-on-one sessions with each team member, reviewing their resumes and LinkedIn profiles as if they were my own. I polished their resumes and leveraged my personal connections for warm introductions, while also building new ones. To further support those affected by layoffs in the Chicago area, I created group chats using Articuler to connect with others in similar situations. In these uncertain times, especially with the rapid advancements in technology, I believe it's crucial to focus on our human connections and support one another. It's this sense of community and empathy that truly helps us thrive.

I recently quit my job at a small landscaping company, where I had been working for about three months. I didn't sign a formal contract, which has led to some complications regarding my final paycheck. The owner mentioned they would only pay me once they found a replacement, which seems unlikely to happen. I have some photos of myself working there, but I'm unsure if they will be enough to prove my hours. I also worry that they might delete any camera footage that could confirm my presence on the job. I'm feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what steps I can take to ensure I get paid for the work I've done.

I’ve been actively searching for a job lately, but I’m not getting any responses from employers. It’s been really frustrating and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I would appreciate any advice or feedback on my approach. If you want to roast me, feel free, but I could really use some help too!

I was laid off from my job after 15 years of service, where I consistently received top performer reviews. Since then, I've faced a tough time, getting fired from two healthcare analyst positions in just four years. I'm starting to wonder if the issue lies with me or if it's more about the current economic climate. I'm considering whether I should explore opportunities in a different industry altogether. I'm reaching out for thoughts and guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I just got fired from my job at a local food service restaurant, and I’m feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. Earlier today, I approached my boss to let him know I intended to submit my resignation next Thursday. Instead of understanding, he exploded in anger. He initially told me no, then remembered that resignations must be in writing and required two weeks' notice. When I explained that I wanted to go back home, he snapped at me, saying, "I wish you fucking told me." That comment has been haunting me all day. For months now, my boss has been verbally abusive, yelling at me regularly, which has really taken a toll on my self-esteem. I’ve been struggling to sleep and feeling anxious before every shift. I keep questioning whether I’m just weak for not being able to handle it, especially since other employees seem to cope. There have been other instances of mistreatment that I can't get into right now, but the constant yelling has pushed me to my limit. I know I need to leave, but I’m scared about how he’ll react when I go in for my shift tomorrow. It’s a tough situation because sometimes he can be nice, which makes me doubt myself. But I realize that no job, especially one in food service, should make me feel this way. I’m looking for some validation or advice on how to handle this situation.

I'm a recent graduate from the 2026 batch and currently unplaced, which has been quite frustrating for me. I've been trying to figure out my next steps in this job search. I'm reaching out to see what others in my situation are doing. Right now, I'm considering various options: should I focus on preparing for data structures and algorithms (DSA) and aptitude tests, or should I be applying to off-campus jobs on a daily basis? I've also thought about moving to cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Hyderabad for walk-in interviews, as I've heard there are more opportunities there. Additionally, I'm contemplating whether I should take on internships or pursue certifications to enhance my skills. I feel a bit lost and would really appreciate hearing from other 2026 graduates or anyone in a similar situation about their strategies and plans. Any advice would be incredibly helpful!

I was laid off on Wednesday, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I never saw it coming, and I was the only one let go from my location in the death care industry, which you would think offers job security. The CEO announced they had overextended by acquiring too many funeral homes, leading to the elimination of 130 positions. After dedicating the last six years of my life to this career, working nights, weekends, and holidays, I feel completely lost. I've sacrificed family gatherings, birthdays, and even funerals for this job, and now I'm applying for food stamps and unemployment. Thankfully, I don't have children to support, but I do have two little dogs that rely on me. Being a mortician was my passion, and without it, I feel empty and defeated. My skills are so specialized that finding another job seems daunting. While I have other abilities, they just don't feel meaningful right now. I'm struggling to find the strength to move forward, and I really need some positive vibes to help me through this tough time.

I just experienced a shocking layoff at Pentaho, where I was part of a mass termination that affected 130 employees. It all happened in a two-minute Teams meeting just a month after our acquisition by Constellation Software. I'm left wondering if it's common for companies to lay off so many people right after an acquisition. It seems like it would be more efficient to handle layoffs during the transition rather than terminating everyone afterward. It feels frustrating and unfair, and I can't help but feel disheartened by the whole situation. I'm also seeing so many others struggling to find work in this tough job market, and it's weighing heavily on me.