I'm currently working at a job that pays $19/hr, but the environment is incredibly toxic. My boss and management have been verbally bullying me to the point where it's affecting my mental and physical health. I know I need to leave this job, so I've been applying to positions like crazy, but the job market is tough right now, and I haven't had much luck. I do have an interview lined up for a position at a school, but I found out they are offering $13/hr for the role. I'm really torn about whether to take a significant pay cut for my mental health. On one hand, moving to this new position could improve my well-being and give me more time off, but on the other hand, going from $19 to $13 feels like a major step back, especially since I've spent 13 years working my way up to this pay rate. I don't have any student loans anymore, and my monthly expenses are manageable since I live at home, but I still worry about saving for a house, marriage, and kids in the future. I’m in my early 30s, and it feels like this would be a huge setback in my career. I'm considering going to the interview and seeing what happens. Maybe I can negotiate a higher salary if they make an offer. I just want to make the right choice for my health and future.

I am feeling really discouraged about my job search and am starting to believe I might be unhireable. My only relevant work experience comes from student co-operatives where I learned to use specialized systems and software, as well as about government classification standards. I gained knowledge in IT, warehouse management, and logistics, but since I was a student, I haven’t been able to secure a full-time position. For instance, I worked in IT for a year, but when management changed, I was reassigned to menial tasks like labeling boxes and sweeping floors. I offered to continue my previous work, but the new manager just ignored my request. I was told that as a student, I was only suited for the tedious tasks that no one else wanted to do. This has happened multiple times. At a military clothing warehouse, after years of trying to get approval to learn the stock taking system, I was replaced by someone I had trained, who was given immediate access. Again, the only reason given was that I was a student, despite having worked there for five years. Now, I feel like my skills are not marketable because I lack references that validate my experience. I hold a combined Honours degree in Contemporary Studies and English, which isn’t the most marketable degree, and it took me six years to complete. This has made it difficult to apply for communications, journalism, or teaching jobs that require 5-7 years of experience. I’ve applied to numerous positions in data entry, data analysis, communications, logistics, and teaching, but I haven’t received any positive responses. At this point, my options seem limited to joining the military, which I really don’t want to do, or settling for a minimum wage job. I’ve thought about going to grad school, but I can’t afford it and I’m already $5,000 in debt. I’m trying to separate my self-worth from this situation, but I can’t help but feel like a failure. Am I truly unhireable? Is there something I’m missing in my approach?

I've been navigating the job market for the past couple of months and, while it's disheartening, I can't help but find some humor in the situation. I'm currently in the running for two positions—one internal and one external. The internal interview seemed to go well, but the hiring manager later expressed doubts about whether I would be satisfied with the role, claiming it might not be as analytics-focused as my current job, even though it was advertised as such. Her response was a mix of confusion and frustration, which left me scratching my head. On the other hand, the external role felt much more promising. It was a stretch position that would allow me to grow professionally. I made it through a panel interview, a technical interview, and provided references that were checked and would give positive feedback. However, it's been a week since then, and I've heard nothing back—just silence. In the meantime, I've been applying to other jobs, but it's been a string of rejections or complete radio silence. To add to the absurdity, I wanted to give back to my community by volunteering with a nonprofit. I was connected to them through a state agency and they seemed eager at first, but now my application is stuck in limbo, and I can't get any responses to my follow-ups. I even tried calling them, only to find the line disconnected. It's like I'm trying to give my time away for free, and nobody wants it. This whole experience feels like a dark comedy.

I'm currently facing a tough job search as a CDL B driver with a passenger and school bus endorsement. I drove a school bus for 7 months, but due to some personal family issues and a CPS case that didn't favor me, I lost my job for this year. I've been applying to various Class B driving positions, but most companies require at least 3 years of experience on the road, which I don't have. I've gone through numerous interviews but have received almost as many rejections. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of where to turn next. I really want to continue driving, but the experience barrier is making it difficult. I'm considering branching out from school bus applications to explore opportunities with paratransit, private shuttles, or tour companies, as I've heard their hiring criteria might be more flexible.

I recently received a job offer from RD Solutions for a part-time position, where I would be working about 4-5 hours a week. I'm currently looking for a second job and need to make a decision quickly. The role is based in Indiana, and they mentioned that the first 50 hours would be at a set pay rate, after which the compensation would switch to a pay-per-item structure. I'm trying to figure out if this opportunity is worth pursuing.

I qualified for unemployment benefits in DC last summer, starting in late July, after working at Company A. I received payments based on my earnings from July to September 2024, October to December 2024, and January to March 2025. Unfortunately, I ran out of benefits by March. In early April, I was contacted by some AI companies on LinkedIn and did some freelance work, earning a few thousand dollars. The payments were wired directly to my bank, but I did not receive a W-2 for this work. Since then, I've been out of work and refiled my unemployment claim in the first week of August. Initially, I was deemed eligible based on my wages from April to June 2025 and July to September 2025, all from Company A. However, DC is now saying I'm ineligible because I didn't report my freelance work from April. I forgot to account for it when I was filing. I called the employment office, and they advised me to request a review of my wages, which will lead to an interview to discuss my eligibility, including the freelance work. I'm wondering if my freelance income, combined with my sufficient wages from Company A, will qualify me for another claim. I only need a couple more months of unemployment benefits to get by, as I'm very close to landing another job, especially with the seasonal hiring in my field.

I'm currently in my mid-30s and actively job searching to leave my current role due to a toxic company culture that's really affecting my sleep and overall well-being. I'm considering expanding my job search to include rotational and night shifts, even though this isn't my first choice. My main goal is to get my foot in the door at a company or in an industry I want to work in, with the hope of transitioning or transferring to a more desirable position later on. I've noticed a lot of job postings for 40-hour schedules that alternate between two weeks of daytime and two weeks of nighttime shifts, as well as some positions with rotating 12-hour shifts. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has experience with this kind of employment arrangement. I have a few questions: - What was your experience like when you started working these shifts? Did you have a plan to leave, and how did that work out for you? - How did your sleep pattern change, and were you able to adjust over time? - If you lived with roommates, did they have issues with your nighttime schedule? - On your days off, did you find yourself feeling tired, especially after 12-hour shifts? Did you spend most of your time catching up on sleep? - How long did you work these shifts, and was it tough to transition back to a regular 9-5 afterward? - Looking back, do you have any regrets? What advice would you give to your younger self starting a job with these hours? - Lastly, can you maintain a relatively normal life while working these shifts? How important is scheduling? I've read comments about losing track of what day it is—does that improve? I plan to take public transit, so I'm also curious about how the commute differs between night and day shifts. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off from my first job as a fresher, which was a Data and Automation Engineer role that I enjoyed. I graduated in Computer Science from a tier 2 university in October 2025 and landed this remote position right before graduating. Unfortunately, I was let go due to what they described as a "lack of proper communication." As a newcomer, I find this reasoning puzzling; I think communication skills can be developed over time rather than being a reason for termination. Since my layoff, I have sent out over 700 applications through platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and Instahyre, but I’ve only landed one interview. The silence from most applications is disheartening, and the rejections I do receive rarely provide feedback, leaving me unsure of what I need to improve. Currently, my job search strategy includes tailoring my resume for each role instead of sending out mass applications, reaching out to founders and HR via direct messages on LinkedIn, and applying daily on major job portals. I have about six months of experience in data engineering and web scraping, along with a backend project and a mobile app that I've launched, so I feel I have relevant skills to offer. Despite my efforts, the high number of applications with minimal responses is mentally taxing. I’m committed to staying positive and treating my job search like a full-time job, but I could really use some advice: 1. What changes would you suggest for my workflow? 2. Is it worth the effort to cold DM founders and HR, or should I focus my energy elsewhere? 3. Where should I concentrate my efforts as a fresher? 4. If anyone knows of teams hiring freshers or has referrals, I would greatly appreciate it. For context, my tech stack includes Python, Dart, Java, SQL, FastAPI, Flutter, and more. Thanks for taking the time to read this; any guidance would mean a lot to me right now.

Today, I find myself reflecting on the current state of the tech industry and the wave of layoffs that seems to be sweeping through it. It used to feel like a stable career choice, but now it feels like uncertainty is the norm. I see colleagues and friends, all highly skilled professionals, facing job losses and instability, and it raises the question: what’s happening to the services industry? In my experience, if a client pulls out or a project isn’t renewed, companies are quick to let go of the engineers who were dedicated to that work. This model doesn’t seem sustainable to me. What happens to the engineers who have families to support and bills to pay? Their responsibilities don’t vanish just because a project ends. With hiring freezes becoming common, I wonder how anyone is supposed to navigate these gaps. I get that businesses need to manage costs, but the human aspect seems to be overlooked. When I chose to pursue a career in computer science, I was led to believe that technology was the future. I worked hard, adapted, and built my career around it. Yet now, even those of us with experience are left questioning the stability of our jobs in just a few months. It feels like the old notion of job security in tech is fading away. If that’s the case, we need to have more honest conversations about what a sustainable career in tech really looks like. The comments from others resonate with me; it feels like we’re becoming gig workers in a way, and many who entered the field may not have the same passion or skills. The uncertainty is palpable, and it’s a tough time for all of us in this industry.

I've been reflecting on the ongoing tech layoffs that seem to have no end in sight. For the past four years, it feels like the industry has been in a constant state of flux, with companies cutting jobs left and right. I'm really starting to wonder if the market will ever stabilize enough for someone like me, who is pursuing a career in tech, to find a stable and decent-paying job without an overwhelming amount of effort and time. I’ve seen various opinions on this. Some believe that the tech industry needs to shift its focus to truly benefiting humanity rather than just chasing profits. Others suggest that this is the new normal and that we should brace ourselves for it to get worse before it gets better. It's disheartening to think that in the next couple of years, the situation might deteriorate further. The consensus seems to be that companies overhired during the post-COVID boom when ad spending was high and borrowing was cheap, only to realize they had too many employees and started laying off in droves. This cycle of layoffs has become normalized, and it’s hard to see a way back to a healthier job market. I can't help but feel anxious about the future. Will there ever be a time when tech companies start hiring again, or are we stuck in this cycle of layoffs for the foreseeable future?

As a recent college graduate with an international business degree, I've been on the job hunt since May and it's been incredibly frustrating. I've applied to countless positions but have only landed three interviews. Out of those, only one company followed up to let me know they chose another candidate. The rest just ghosted me after I submitted my applications. I'm left wondering if my resume is even being seen by a real person or if it’s getting filtered out by some AI due to a lack of relevant keywords. I've noticed that while big cities have a lot of job openings, the competition is fierce and the cost of living is so high that even if I secured a job there, I would barely scrape by. In smaller towns, the cost of living is lower, but the job opportunities are scarce and often require 1-2 years of experience for entry-level roles, which is frustrating since I'm applying for basic positions like administrative assistant and office coordinator. I’ve had my resume reviewed and it seems fine, and I have some internship experience. My interview skills are decent too. I know I can do these jobs, yet I find myself reaching out to hiring managers on LinkedIn, practically begging for a chance. I’m not aiming for anything extravagant; I just want a job that pays enough to cover rent. Living with my parents has become unbearable due to a toxic family situation, and I really need to find a job and my own place soon. What am I doing wrong?

I applied for a Data Entry position at a company that specializes in language courses. Today, I received an email outlining the next step in the application process, which involves recording a 5-minute intro video where I explain why I want to work there. This is supposed to happen before the actual Zoom interview. The job description emphasized the need for high attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions, which is reflected in the steps provided for the video. However, I find it a bit strange that a Data Entry role would require a video presentation. Given the current concerns around AI, I'm also feeling uneasy about this requirement. I'm curious to hear what others think about this process.

I'm currently working as a Sales Admin at an automotive company that manages three brands. Recently, due to some management conflicts between the OEM and our CEO, two of our brands have been acquired by another automotive company. This has left me feeling quite anxious about my job security. We've been informed that by September, there might be layoffs or salary cuts, and I'm really worried about what that could mean for my position. I'm seeking advice on how to prepare for this potential situation and what steps I should take moving forward.

Feeling a mix of anxiety and depression lately. I have three interviews lined up this week, and I've already completed one. Tomorrow is the big day for my top choice, and I’m really struggling to practice my elevator pitch out loud. I can't decide if the anxiety of the upcoming interview is worse than the depression from feeling stuck in this endless cycle of applying and not hearing back. The only time I feel relief is right after I finish an interview, especially when I think I did well. Just hoping this all comes to a positive end soon.

I was laid off just a month after returning from maternity leave. Last year, I lost my dream job while I was on leave following a complicated delivery. They made me finish a high-value project, and right after it shipped, I was let go. I had sensed this might happen even before my leave, despite submitting my request way in advance. Once I was laid off, I spent three months focused on building and learning AI. I went through four interviews and applied to around 230 roles. After four months of unemployment, I finally landed a new job. I was really passionate about learning during that time, and although it took longer than I expected, I secured a position that offered a $70k pay increase. My interview process was swift, taking only seven days. I want to encourage others in similar situations: keep looking for roles, especially at competitors. Remember to prioritize your own development and growth. Stay curious and keep learning; you deserve it.

I recently had my first group interview experience while trying to transition into a new industry. I've been in my current role for a few years, but I applied for an entry-level position with a lower salary to gain relevant experience. During the interview, I was taken aback by the other candidates who had decades of experience, which made me feel quite anxious. I was the last to answer every question, and I struggled to present myself well. It was really uncomfortable, and I felt embarrassed since I could only share that I'm pursuing a part-time degree related to the role. The next day, the HR consultant reached out and asked if I would be open to redoing the interview one-on-one because she was worried that the group interview recording might not reflect my potential. I'm torn about whether to go for it. Is it common for companies to conduct group interviews? I found it much more challenging than a one-on-one. Also, is the job market so competitive that experienced professionals are applying for entry-level jobs?

I recently had a couple of colleagues laid off from our company last week. This week, I was approached by the CEO of a partner company who asked if I could recommend someone for a sales and marketing position. I immediately thought of two of my former colleagues who would be perfect for the role. I went ahead and made an introduction using their personal emails while I used my work email for the communication. Now, I’m starting to overthink whether this could cause any issues. Did I cross any boundaries by using my work email for this?

I recently got laid off from my position in the Bay Area tech scene and I'm looking for ways to connect with others who are in similar situations. I'm particularly interested in finding online or in-person meetups where mid-level managers and engineers gather. I think it would be really beneficial to network, share emotional support, and explore potential co-founder opportunities for new projects. Additionally, I'm eager to discuss job opportunities and strategies for preparing for the next steps in our careers. If anyone knows of any groups or events, please let me know!

I was laid off last year from my role as an Office Manager, where I was earning $98k. Now at 62, I’ve been actively searching for a new position for the past 7 months. I've sent out over 210 resumes and attended numerous interviews, but I can't shake the feeling that my age is working against me. Despite looking much younger than my years due to a healthy lifestyle, I’ve faced rejection after rejection. Eventually, I accepted a job offer at a company for significantly less pay, just to have something. Unfortunately, the role has me doing tasks outside of my job description, which I really dislike. Recently, I spotted a position at a firm where a friend works. I applied, got a call the next day, and interviewed. They even hinted at a better position that wasn’t listed yet, and my friends mentioned they were going to make me an offer. However, after waiting for weeks, I was told they were going in a different direction. I can’t help but think my age played a role in their decision, especially since the interviewers were likely around my age. Now, I'm stuck in a job I hate with the nagging feeling that no one will hire me due to my age. It’s frustrating to see ageism so prevalent in the job market.

I had my first real job interview last Thursday for a position on my college campus. The interviewer mentioned that I should expect to hear back by early this week. It's now Wednesday night, and I haven't received any updates yet. I'm feeling really anxious because I genuinely want this job. I was quite nervous during the interview, and I don't think I performed as well as I could have. I'm considering sending a follow-up email tomorrow to inquire about my application status. I'm unsure about what to say in the email, though.