Today, I took some time to reflect on my job search, and honestly, it's not going well. I recently completed my master's degree, hoping it would lead to a solid full-time job with benefits. However, I've spent the last twenty years juggling part-time, freelance, and gig work, and I'm still in that same situation. Despite being employed in various capacities since I was 14, I've never held a full-time position. My upbringing has influenced this path; my parents faced their own employment struggles, and in my culture, it was often frowned upon for women to work full-time outside the home. My father was also unemployed for extended periods, which meant I didn't have strong role models for stable employment. Although I've managed to pay my bills and have gained a wealth of work experience, I feel like I lack the traditional employment background that many employers look for. I'm starting to wonder if I need a mindset shift or if there's something else at play. Am I the only one feeling this way? How can I overcome this history? Are there recruiters out there who specialize in helping people like me?

I’m feeling really lost right now. I have college tuition due in 14 months, and the reality is that I haven’t worked a single job in my life. I’m unsure of where to start or how to find a job that can help me pay for school. I’m looking for advice on how to break into the job market and what steps I should take to prepare myself.

I applied for a position at Google about a month ago, and my application has been stuck in the 'Assessment Passed' status since then. I'm feeling a bit anxious about it and wondering what my chances are of moving forward in the hiring process. Has anyone else experienced this with Google? Any insights would be appreciated!

I've been struggling to find a job in retail or fast food, and honestly, I've reached a point where I've given up on applying altogether. I still browse Indeed occasionally, but I just can't bring myself to submit any applications. I've tried my hand at various retail positions and fast food jobs, but nothing has come through for me. The only option I haven't explored is factory work, and I really don't want to go down that route. I just don't think I'd thrive in that kind of environment. Right now, I'm doing DoorDash to make some money, but it feels like I'm relying too much on others for help, which I find inconvenient for them. They don't mind covering gas money, but it still feels like a burden. Interestingly, my mother, who has been out of work for a long time, is on the verge of getting a job delivering medicine, which is a glimmer of hope in our situation. Still, it's pretty disheartening to think about my own circumstances.

I just had an HR interview scheduled for a position at a company, but after reviewing their job listings, I found another role that I’m actually more interested in. I hadn’t applied for that position yet, but I just submitted my application for it. Now, with the HR interview approaching, I’m contemplating whether I should mention to the HR representative that I’m also interested in this other role that I just applied for. I’m unsure if this would be seen as a positive or if it might complicate things.

I’m currently working at a contract company where morale is plummeting. Our new director has been making it clear that everyone is expected to quit, and it’s no surprise that attendance at our yearly work party is dwindling. The company barely managed to secure the new contract, largely thanks to one standout worker who impressed the client. Unfortunately, the director has been dishonest about raises and has even committed wage theft. Many of us are too scared to report it, fearing retaliation or the financial burden of a legal battle, especially during this recession when jobs are scarce. Upper management is unprofessional and rude, which creates a toxic atmosphere. There’s no work-life balance; everyone is stressed and taking work home mentally. While some are getting overworked, others are seeing their hours cut. Promises of raises have turned into statements claiming that raises simply aren’t given. The yearly party is a joke—same old food and prizes, and most employees just show up, eat, and leave within half an hour. There’s no incentive to stay, especially with the lack of meaningful benefits. It’s ironic that the directors are upset about the low turnout; they’ve created this situation through their poor management. With no guarantee that our contract will be renewed next year, I’m focusing on saving money and learning new skills in hopes of finding a better opportunity.

Applied at doctor's office for front desk position

Applied at law firm for cleaner

I'm currently working as a bus operator in California and recently interviewed for a maintenance position at a different city yard that is unionized. I felt the interview went well, and the maintenance supervisor even went to speak with his GM afterward. However, when I spoke with the GM, she informed me that my transfer is now dependent on my current GM's approval. I tried to reach out to her but she wasn't in the office today, and dispatch couldn't provide any information on her return. I texted her, but she replied with a mention of a 1-year tenure rule that I need to meet in order to transfer. I'm really frustrated because my current yard is terrible—there's no union, and the supervisors are creating a toxic environment filled with fear tactics. The GM is often yelling at the safety manager in front of everyone, and I’m only making $20/hr for driving a transit vehicle while dealing with all this nonsense. I desperately want to leave this job. After her text, I left her on read and have been keeping the new GM and maintenance supervisor updated via email and text. I even offered to resign and come in as a new hire if that would help. I've done everything I can for now, but I'm looking for any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently faced a tough setback after being rejected by Apple for an early career EPM role. I went through multiple rounds of interviews, and I genuinely felt that they went well. The managers I spoke with were positive about my responses, which made the rejection hit even harder. I had invested a lot of time and effort into preparing for this opportunity, and it felt like my only chance to break into a FAANG company. Since receiving the automated rejection late last night, I've been feeling devastated and questioning my abilities. I'm torn about whether to reach out to the recruiter to express my interest in future roles or if it’s better to just move on. It’s a confusing and emotional time for me.

I've been feeling really frustrated with the current job market. I have decent experience and a solid education, but it seems like no matter how hard I try, I can't land a job. I'm starting to wonder when this employer-heavy market will end. It feels like this bad phase has been dragging on for too long, and I'm anxious to know if there's any light at the end of the tunnel. Any insights or experiences from others in a similar situation would be greatly appreciated.

I recently gave my two weeks' notice as a milk tanker driver after nearly 11 years with my current company. With 16 years of overall driving experience, I decided to apply for local fuel hauling positions after relocating to a larger city. I received calls for interviews and was invited to take the drive test, but since I was out on the road, I couldn't make it back in time, which led to me being sidelined while they hired someone local. At least one company was kind enough to inform me about the situation. Currently, I have a potential offer with Loves for a fuel driver position. If I get the green light, I might just skip the two-week notice altogether, clean out my truck, and leave it at the terminal. I want to ensure that the new job works out for a few years. I'm sharing this experience because I've seen mixed advice about giving two weeks' notice. It seems to work well for corporate jobs, but in the trucking industry, it's often better to jump ship once you secure a new position, especially after dedicating a decade to your previous employer. It's interesting how frequently terminal managers change in this field, which adds to the unpredictability.

I just received a 6-month notice that my role is expected to be redundant. It's a tough pill to swallow, especially since I was hoping to help the company through its next transition. While I appreciate the heads-up, I can't help but feel that this might be some sort of mind game. My motivation and morale are at an all-time low right now. I've been advised to treat this as a paid interview period and start looking for new opportunities immediately, which makes sense. I understand that a 6-month notice is actually longer than what most people get, but it still feels unsettling. Some comments have pointed out that everything is impermanent, including jobs, and while that's a hard truth to accept, it might be a blessing in disguise. I need to focus on what’s next and find something that excites me. I remember a similar situation from a friend who was able to negotiate a retention offer while they transitioned out. Maybe I can hold some leverage here if the work is still there for the next few months. It's just a waiting game now.

I recently graduated with my B.S. in Human Services and I'm actively seeking a full-time job. Currently, I'm based in New York but I'm open to relocating for the right opportunity. Initially, I had planned to continue my education with an MSW program, but financial constraints have made that unrealistic for now. My main focus is to enter the workforce, gain valuable experience, and work towards becoming financially independent, with the goal of eventually returning to school for my MSW. I'm considering a variety of roles within the human services field, including case management, residential services, youth and family services, care coordination, and community programs. I have a particular interest in positions that offer housing, room and board, or other residential arrangements, but I'm also open to more traditional roles. If anyone has recommendations for employers, job titles, or opportunities that align with a B.S. in Human Services, I would greatly appreciate your insights!

I recently interviewed for a position at my college and they asked me to provide three references. Since my only work experience was during high school, I haven't been in touch with my former bosses for about two years now. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether I should reach out to them beforehand to let them know they might be contacted. I'm worried they might not remember me. Is it common for all three references to be called? I want to make sure I'm doing this right.

I've been actively searching for a new job lately and primarily using Indeed and LinkedIn to apply. Unfortunately, I haven't received much feedback from my applications, which has been quite discouraging. After some reflection and feedback from others, I've realized that LinkedIn might be more beneficial for networking rather than direct applications. I'm now focusing on reaching out to connections and sending cold messages to expand my network. Additionally, I'm exploring smaller job boards that seem to have more frequent updates and might offer better opportunities. I'm hopeful that this new approach will yield better results.

I've noticed a concerning increase in scam job offers lately. It's really disheartening to see how sophisticated these scams have become. Recently, I received a job offer that looked completely legitimate, complete with company letterhead. They even sent me an I-9 and W-4 form to fill out, asking me to return them along with my personal documents. It was alarming! I can't believe how many people might fall for this. It's a reminder to always do thorough research and trust your instincts when applying for jobs. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

I've been working at my current job for over a year and a half, and I genuinely love it. However, I've developed a serious problem due to a nearby building that burns toxic materials. I've been experiencing allergic reactions, including rashes and severe headaches, which make it difficult to continue working in this environment. Despite my efforts to find a new job, the search has been frustrating, and I haven't had any luck so far. I'm really torn because I enjoy my role, but I can't keep dealing with these health issues. The job market feels so bleak right now, and I'm worried about being stuck in this situation for years to come. I'm considering seeking medical advice to address my allergies, but I'm also open to any suggestions on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I recently had a virtual interview with HR for a position I'm really excited about, and I was thrilled to be invited to the second round of interviews in-person. During the second interview, I felt confident and wanted to show my eagerness, so I offered my references at the end. I had a printed copy ready and mentioned that I could also send a digital version if needed. Now, I'm second-guessing myself and wondering if that was too presumptuous. The interviewer seemed friendly and accepted the references, but it's been a week since the interview and I haven't heard from my references being contacted. I'm starting to worry that I might have jeopardized my chances for this job by being too forward. Did I shoot myself in the foot?

I recently interviewed for a position at a large finance company. I passed the first interview and completed the second, feeling positive about both. They mentioned I would hear back within a week, but it's now been 10 working days without any communication. I reached out to the recruiter three days ago for an update but haven’t received a response. I'm starting to wonder if I've been ghosted. My experience is highly relevant to the role, and during the interviews, they discussed development opportunities, which made me hopeful. However, the silence is unusual. Should I follow up again or assume I didn’t get the job?