I’ve been working at my current job for 8 years, and I’m feeling completely overwhelmed. I need to leave, but I’m stuck because I don’t have any references that I can use. I work as a clinician, and after about 3 years in this position, my schizoaffective disorder and Crohn's disease started to take a toll on my performance. While I managed to fulfill my duties, my erratic behavior during flare-ups likely made my bosses uncomfortable. They’re good people, but I’ve seen them not recommend others they didn’t like, so I’m worried they won’t support my future job applications. I’ve applied for several positions, but every single one requires direct supervisor recommendations, and I can’t even ask my coworkers for help. It feels like I’m in a no-win situation. I’m terrified that I’ll have to stay in this job forever, and I’m considering going back to school again to change my career path. I just don’t know what to do next.

I’ve been working at a family-owned grill restaurant for three months now, and I’m really struggling. I’m supposed to be earning $10 an hour, which is already $5 below the minimum wage in my state, but they’ve been deducting random amounts from my pay because I’m technically still in training. This means I’m actually making closer to $6 an hour, which feels criminally low for the amount of work I do. They expect me to be perfect in my role, and while I strive for excellent customer service and do my best to ensure every interaction is positive, I know that perfection is unrealistic. I genuinely care about the customers and go above and beyond to meet their needs, yet I'm constantly told to perform even better, with comments like "you need to read the customers' minds" thrown around as a joke. On top of that, my responsibilities extend far beyond just working the register. I handle dishes, clean the bathrooms, prep food, bag orders, and maintain the cleanliness of the lobby. Despite all this effort, I feel undervalued and underpaid. I’ve been applying to other jobs, but the market is tough right now, and I haven’t had any luck. I feel trapped in this situation, working a job where I’m not respected and where customers sometimes treat me poorly. It’s really taking a toll on my mental health.

I’m feeling extremely anxious as I prepare for what seems like my impending termination tomorrow morning. After my performance improvement plan (PIP) ended on Monday, I was told they were deliberating on a decision. Today, I received an invite for a call, which has me almost certain that I will be fired. I'm struggling to focus on work today, and I'm unsure whether I should complete my tasks or just wait for the call. I’ve been considering my options for after the meeting, including applying for unemployment if things don’t go in my favor.

I’ve been feeling completely lost in my job search lately. After being off my chosen career path for six years due to COVID, I found myself stuck in a miserable job for almost five years before finally quitting a few months ago. Since then, I’ve been applying for anything and everything, but I haven’t received a single interview in five years. My resume isn’t terrible, but my experience feels scattered, and despite hiring a career coach and using AI for cover letters, I’m still getting nowhere. I’m 35 years old and have never made more than $20/hr. The job market feels apocalyptic, and every application feels like throwing a stone into the ocean. I’m frustrated by the system—having to list salary expectations without knowing the pay range is just cruel. It’s hard not to feel hopeless when I see that if you’re not overqualified, you’re under-qualified, and connections seem to be everything. I hate feeling this way about my future and the world around me. What am I supposed to do? It feels like it’s only getting worse.

I graduated with my B.S. in June and was accepted into a good master’s program, but I had to defer it for a year due to logistical reasons. Since then, I've been actively job searching, trying to find something that would help me build my skills before starting the program. However, the job market is as bad as everyone says. Today, I received an offer for an entry-level position at a firm that primarily promotes from within, which means there’s potential for growth. The catch is that the role is in sales, which is completely unrelated to what I plan to study in my master's program. I didn’t disclose to them that I would be leaving in a year. I’m torn because while the position offers stability, it doesn’t provide enough time for me to prepare for my master's outside of work. I’m wondering if it’s crazy to consider declining the offer in hopes of finding something more aligned with my career goals. I’m scared of turning it down and then struggling to find another opportunity.

I just received a rejection from what I thought was my dream job, and I'm feeling completely defeated. I got laid off on September 25 and have been underemployed for nearly a year now, applying for thousands of positions in hopes of finding something that fits. This particular role was a perfect match for my skills and experience, almost identical to what I was doing before. I was slightly overqualified and saw it as a great growth opportunity. After my final interview on Monday, I was so hopeful and excited, thinking I might finally be able to turn my situation around. But today, I got the bad news, and it's hit me hard. I'm currently sobbing and just trying to process this setback.

I recently accepted a job offer from a tool company for $70,000, which is a significant jump from my current salary of $53,000 in my hybrid role. I've been at my current job for a year after graduating, and while I enjoy the hybrid setup, I find the work itself quite boring. I live in Massachusetts, and the new job is only a 20-minute commute from my house, compared to my current 45-minute drive to the office once a week. However, after accepting the offer, I started to feel anxious about whether I should have negotiated for a higher salary, maybe around $80,000. My mother thinks I rushed into this decision and that the pay increase isn't substantial enough to justify the daily commute and potential burnout from the increased workload. Now I'm overwhelmed and conflicted about whether I should rescind the offer or keep looking for other opportunities. My start date is at the end of September, and I really need some advice on how to proceed.

I had my annual review with my boss recently, and while they acknowledged some improvements I've made, they also pointed out that I'm not meeting expectations in certain areas. I tried to get a clear indication of whether I'm underperforming, but they avoided saying that directly. Instead, they mentioned that if I don't improve, I might face an official Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). On a positive note, they expressed belief that I can make progress in the next two months before my work anniversary. Now I'm left wondering if I should start looking for other job opportunities or if there's still a chance for me to turn things around.

I recently accepted a part-time position in academia after being unemployed for four months, but it comes with a 50% pay cut, and I can't shake the feeling of shame about it. My journey began when I left a postdoc role in a reputable biotech lab in 2022, where I eventually advanced to principal scientist at a startup. I knew the company was financially unstable, but I thought I could ride it out for another year, especially if our clinical trial results were positive. Unfortunately, I was laid off in April due to the company running out of capital, and just like that, my position was gone. Initially, I was optimistic and reached out to my network, hoping to find new opportunities. I tailored my resume and applied to various positions, but I received no responses. This led to feelings of anger and self-doubt, making me question my qualifications and experience. After years of education and work, I felt like I was failing. Then, a colleague shared an open position in an academic lab, and I quickly sent in my resume. I was fortunate to get a prompt response and an interview, which went well. However, the lab is currently low on funding, so the position is part-time and pays significantly less than what I used to earn. The principal investigator is understanding and suggested I could take on adjunct teaching to supplement my income. While I know it's better to have something than nothing, I can't help but feel pathetic compared to my peers who are thriving in higher-paying roles. I feel like a failure for taking such a drastic pay cut, even though I remind myself that this opportunity allows me to keep applying for other jobs and avoid a gap in my resume. It's a tough situation, and I'm struggling to find pride in my current position.

I recently went through a frustrating job offer experience. I was hired for an entry-level HR position after a lengthy interview process that started in May and dragged on until July. They took their time, saying they wanted to ensure a good fit, which I initially thought was fair. After a month and a half, they finally invited me for coffee, and the next day I received the job offer. I asked for a week to consider it, which they agreed to, and proposed a start date. However, I needed to push that start date back by one day due to a prior trip. They assured me this was fine and were excited for me to join the team. The following day, I received a call saying they were rescinding the offer because it wouldn't be fair to other applicants to wait a week for my decision, and my proposed start date didn't align with their needs. I offered to adjust my trip to accommodate their timeline, but it was too late. I have a theory about what happened: they might have been trying to filter out candidates who had better leverage by making the process long and arduous. My request for time to consider the offer may have made me seem more competent, which could have raised concerns about me negotiating for better terms. It's puzzling, and I'm left wondering what went wrong from their perspective.

I’ve been reflecting on the concept of company loyalty after hearing stories from friends who have dedicated 20-25 years to the same organization. They were good at their jobs, content in their roles, and not looking to climb the corporate ladder. Yet, despite their long service, they were recently laid off, leaving them feeling lost and broken. This has made me realize that in the end, loyalty doesn’t guarantee job security; we are all just numbers to these large corporations. It’s a harsh lesson, but I’ve come to understand that I need to prioritize my own career and keep an eye out for opportunities, as business is ultimately about profit and everyone is expendable.

I recently had a successful interview experience after taking a low dose THC gummy beforehand. I’m a regular user of edibles, and after feeling like I bombed a few interviews due to nerves and insecurities, I decided to try a 5mg gummy about 30 minutes before my interview. It really helped me feel at ease, and I connected well with the interview panel. I had a strong feeling that an offer was coming, and it did! I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting my new role next Monday with a highly rated company known for its great culture and opportunities for advancement. I was laid off about 3.5 months ago, and my severance has ended, so this new opportunity feels especially rewarding.

A few months ago, I was feeling really down about the job market and my mental health. I had been writing content about video games and making a decent income while living in an inexpensive Asian country, but then AI disrupted that work. To make matters worse, I went through a breakup and moved back to my home country, which left me feeling lost and anxious. However, with the support of friends and some encouraging words from others, I decided to pivot my approach. I promised myself I wouldn't let my pride stop me and that I would seek out remote work. I started by taking on a freelance gig writing blog posts for a cloud GPU services company, which I found through LinkedIn. The pay was low, but the experience was valuable, and I now write 20-30 blogs a month. Then, I landed another freelance role editing synopses for a major streaming platform. I can't share the name due to an NDA, but I'm enjoying the work, even if the pay isn't substantial. Additionally, I decided to leverage my master's degree in behavioral sciences. Instead of applying for traditional jobs in psychology, I began networking and offering coaching and counseling services. I built a website and now have at least two clients each week for online sessions. While these ventures aren't making me rich, they are fulfilling, and I've found joy in my work again. I'm taking this time to travel and connect with potential clients, and I've stopped applying for jobs altogether. I feel empowered and hopeful for the future, and I encourage others to keep their pride intact and stay optimistic.

I recently faced a dilemma during my job search regarding salary negotiations. When interviewers ask what wage I'm looking for, I often wonder if it would be more strategic to ask them what wage they have in mind instead. The job postings I see usually list a salary range, and I typically aim for the middle or higher end based on my skills and experience. However, I feel like I'm being put on the spot when they press for a specific number from me. I worry that if I ask, 'What wage would you be willing to hire me for?' or 'What is the realistic wage you're aiming to hire someone for?' it might come off as confrontational or disrespectful, even though my intention is purely to gather information. I genuinely want the job and don’t want to risk being seen as a smart aleck. In the past, I've tried to play it safe by saying I'm comfortable with the posted range, but interviewers often push for a more specific figure. I understand their reasoning; they want to gauge my expectations and commitment. However, I’ve also read that if I lowball myself, it could signal desperation or a lack of confidence in my abilities. In some cases, I’ve even underquoted myself, especially since I’m trying to break into a new industry where I have little experience. I’ve explained my eagerness to learn and gain experience, but it hasn’t seemed to help much. As I navigate this job search, I’m focusing on salary negotiations as a key area to improve my approach.

I recently applied for a part-time job at a supermarket and haven't received any follow-up emails after two weeks. Today, I decided to call the hiring manager, but I was informed that they were absent. I mentioned that I would call again tomorrow, but I'm feeling uncertain about the timing. I've read that Tuesday to Thursday are the best days to call, and since today is Thursday, I'm wondering if I should go ahead and call tomorrow or wait until next Tuesday. I want to strike the right balance between showing my interest and not coming off as desperate. Any advice on how to approach this call would be greatly appreciated!

Today was a tough day for me as I was fired from my corporate job after nearly 13 years. I'm a 35-year-old woman, and honestly, I feel like a complete failure right now. The past year has been incredibly challenging, marked by a divorce that left me feeling miserable and alone. My performance at work suffered, and I ended up on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). To cope with the stress, I started drinking heavily, although I managed to keep it hidden from everyone. I tried to maintain a façade of being put together, engaging in activities like cooking, cleaning, and even pilates, while also attempting to get back into dating and making new friends. However, inside, I was really struggling. Recently, I began experiencing health issues related to my drinking and decided to seek help. I went through detox and spent some time in the hospital. Today marks my 10th day of sobriety, which is a small victory amidst all this chaos. I was planning to file for FMLA and short-term disability this morning, but when I tried to reach my boss, I found my access to work systems had been revoked. Shortly after, I received a knock on my door with a termination letter stating I didn't meet job requirements. I was devastated and couldn't control my emotions, calling my therapist for support. Now, I feel like I've hit rock bottom. I don't have a degree, just a high school diploma and a couple of college years, and I got my job through connections from my ex. I worry that I won't find anything else that pays well, especially since I have ADHD and struggle with most jobs. I’m still dealing with health issues from withdrawal and the aftermath of losing my job. I know I need to start the unemployment process, but I'm feeling lost and unsure of what to do next.

I was recently laid off from my job and have been collecting unemployment benefits for a few weeks now. Every time I file my claim, I have to answer a questionnaire that includes whether I've attended school or received any training. I'm thinking about enrolling in some part-time evening classes at a university to earn a certificate in my field, which would be about 6 credit hours per semester. I'm concerned that this might affect my unemployment benefits. I still plan on actively searching for jobs while I'm in school, but I want to make sure that taking these classes won't disqualify me from receiving my benefits. I've heard that as long as I'm looking for work and available, I might be okay, but I'm not sure about the specific rules in my state.

I'm a 27-year-old woman with an associate's degree that mainly covers core subjects like English, math, and history. I've been working as a teacher's assistant for a long time, but I'm feeling burnt out and underpaid. As a type 1 diabetic, having good insurance is crucial for me, especially living in the U.S. I've been trying to find a better-paying job to escape poverty, but it's been tough. In New Jersey, entry-level admin and office assistant positions are hard to come by, and most require at least three years of experience with specific software, which I lack. I'm not very tech-savvy, but I can manage basic tasks in Google Suite. My English skills are strong, and I often communicate better than my lead teacher. However, I realize that degrees in English, history, or psychology don't lead to many job opportunities. I'm open to getting a certification or a two-year degree to gain some business skills, but nursing is off the table due to my immunocompromised status. I've applied for government jobs for years without success, and I don't drive, so real estate isn't an option either. I'm seeking advice on how to improve my situation and find a job that pays better and doesn't leave me feeling exhausted.

As a new grad in Canada, I've been struggling to find a full-time job, which led me to take on two part-time positions while I continued my search. Thankfully, I recently secured a full-time role at a bank, but I'm currently going through the background check process due to the FINRA-related requirements for the position. The situation is tough because I'm feeling completely burned out from juggling both jobs and applying to countless positions. I had hoped to take some time off to recharge and visit family before starting my new job. I've already given my two weeks' notice at one of my part-time jobs, but I'm really unhappy at my second part-time job as a teller at another bank. I've only been there for a month, and I want to quit as soon as possible instead of waiting until my new role starts. My main concern is whether quitting this job while my background check is still in progress could negatively impact my new job offer. I'm not trying to hide my employment status; I would disclose it if necessary, but I'm worried that changing jobs during the screening process might raise a red flag. Has anyone else faced a similar situation, especially in the banking or finance sector? Should I go ahead and quit now, or should I wait until the background check is completed? I'm really looking for some advice or personal experiences to help me navigate this exhausting time.

I've been on the job hunt for a while now, and I'm genuinely curious about the possibility of landing a role without a referral. With over 10 years of experience in enterprise tech at well-known companies, I thought my background would help me stand out. However, it feels like the market is oversaturated with talent, and I'm not even getting callbacks. I suspect that AI might be filtering applications, making it even harder to get noticed. I've seen some success stories where people landed offers without referrals, which gives me a glimmer of hope. One person mentioned they were contacted by a recruiter on LinkedIn after being laid off, and ended up with a better-paying contractor role that turned into a full-time position. Another shared that they received three offers at once, with one company reaching out after they sent in their resume. Hearing these experiences makes me wonder if I should be more proactive in networking or if there's still a chance for someone like me without those connections.