I'm Besar Sadriu, a cybersecurity professional actively seeking new job opportunities. I have a solid background in cybersecurity, built upon my experience in tech support and security-focused roles. I'm particularly interested in positions such as SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, Blue Team roles, and Cybersecurity Engineer or Specialist. I'm flexible with work arrangements, open to remote, hybrid, or on-site roles, and I'm willing to consider various locations. If anyone has leads or advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm also happy to share my LinkedIn profile or resume via direct message.

I was laid off last week from my position in marketing, and I’m still trying to process everything. This is my first experience with being laid off, and honestly, it feels surreal. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for job boards that might be more effective than LinkedIn or Indeed. My background is in marketing and media, but it seems like the industry is struggling right now, especially since I live in a smaller area. Any advice on how to navigate this job search would be greatly appreciated!

Applied at IQ Talent Partners for Unknown

I was laid off from my IT job three months ago, and it's been a tough journey. I've been feeling quite lonely and depressed during this time, and I think it would really help to connect with others who are in a similar situation. I'm looking to start or join a chat channel where we can share our experiences, support each other, and maybe even exchange job leads. If anyone is interested, please reach out!

I was laid off back in April and things have been really tough financially. I'm currently scraping by on unemployment, which isn't much, and I've completely exhausted my savings and severance. Thankfully, I managed to secure a freelance gig for October and November, but I won't be able to access that money until mid-October at the earliest. Right now, I'm down to my last $600 until my next unemployment check comes in. I'm really worried about making rent next month, and I've had to borrow money just to register my car. I might even have to skip a friend's baby shower next month because it's out of town. On top of that, I'm getting daily calls from Capital One and Wells Fargo since I'm months behind on payments. I tried negotiating with them, but they weren't willing to work with me. To make matters worse, I have to start paying my student loans again in November, and my credit score has taken a serious hit. Honestly, I feel like I'm drowning and it's really affecting my mental health. I know this isn't rock bottom, but it feels pretty close. I did everything right, worked hard, and still ended up in this situation. I'm sharing this to vent, but if anyone has any advice, tips, or encouragement, or knows of ways to make some extra cash under the table, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for listening.

I recently started working at Burlington in Indiana, with my onboarding on August 14. During the interview and onboarding, we discussed my availability and transportation, and everything seemed fine. I was hired for a back room position but was reassigned to the sales floor because the manager had concerns about new hires not returning after one shift. I agreed to this change with the understanding that I would have about two shifts a week. However, after my onboarding shift, I checked the scheduling app repeatedly and found that I was not scheduled for any shifts. On September 6, the manager called to inform me that all daytime sales floor positions were filled. She offered me three options: stay in my position with minimal shifts, change my availability to late-night hours which I can't do, or switch to a daytime cashier role. I chose the cashier position and communicated this decision to the manager on September 9 and again on September 14. Unfortunately, I still haven't been scheduled for any shifts in the last two weeks of September. The concern now is that Burlington has a policy of automatic termination after six weeks of no pay, which is coming up soon. I haven't been terminated for any reason; I've been available, but the manager simply hasn't scheduled me. I'm wondering about my chances of qualifying for unemployment benefits to help cover my bills while I continue to search for other jobs, as I've been applying elsewhere but haven't had any luck yet.

I recently received a raise of just 43 cents per hour at my job as an Assistant General Manager, despite taking on nearly double the workload. This raise follows a pattern where my previous requests for increases were denied, including when the state's minimum wage went up. Currently, I'm making $17 an hour, which is only $2 above minimum wage. My district manager claims that my pay is reasonable since I work over 50 hours a week, with guaranteed overtime for those extra hours. However, I'm starting to question if it's worth it to stay at a company that seems to undervalue my contributions. I'm actively interviewing for other positions, one of which offers $2-3 more per hour but caps at 40 hours a week. This new role also comes with better insurance and significantly less responsibility, being a corporate position instead of a franchise. The pay difference would be about $400 a month before taxes, and while my current role has potential bonuses, hitting targets is often a gamble due to frequent call-outs affecting staffing. Many of my coworkers share my frustration about the low pay for management roles, and I'm torn between the potential bonuses and overtime versus the lack of appreciation from my current employer. Is it worth it to stay in this situation?

I was informed yesterday that I will be laid off from my position due to company reorganization, with my last working day set for October 1st. I've only been with the company for six months, and they are offering me three weeks of severance pay, which totals around $3,800, along with a $1,500 bonus if I sign the agreement. My health, vision, dental, and FSA benefits will end on October 31st. I'm considering whether it's worth attempting to negotiate for extended health benefits through the end of the year, as I recently underwent major surgery and have ongoing medical appointments. It would significantly ease my emotional and financial stress if I could maintain coverage until the year's end. I'm seeking advice on whether I have any leverage in this situation and if negotiation is advisable.

I recently faced a setback in my job search after being rejected following three rounds of interviews for a position I was really excited about. I took PTO to participate in the interviews and complete an online assessment, but after two weeks of silence, I received an email stating that another candidate was more aligned with their needs. I reached out for feedback, but they didn’t respond, which I understand since they aren’t obligated to. Rejection is tough, and I know it’s part of the process, but I genuinely wanted this job. My team lead at my current job was rooting for me and kept asking if I heard back, so it was awkward to tell him I didn’t get it. I feel like I’m entering a hopeless phase in my job search. It’s been nearly seven months of applying and tailoring my resume for each opportunity. This particular job was conveniently located and matched my qualifications perfectly, so not getting it hit hard. I suspect I may have struggled with the assessment; they seemed to want someone more outgoing, while I’m more of a work-first, play-later type. I do interact with coworkers, but I’m not one for company outings unless my work is done. I realize that my personality might not have fit their culture. Financially, I’m feeling the strain. My current job doesn’t pay much, but I was okay with it while pursuing my master’s degree since it was funded by my employer. Now that I’ve graduated, the commute is exhausting, and the rising cost of living is becoming a concern. I want to be in a role where I can comfortably pay my bills and student loans. Moving up in my current position seems nearly impossible, as most colleagues have been there for over eight years, and promotions only happen when someone retires or passes away. I don’t want to be stuck in that situation. I guess I just needed to vent. My family keeps telling me that rejection is protection and to keep praying about it, and I’ve been doing just that.

I recently had a fantastic interview for a state job, and I'm now at the stage of providing references and undergoing employment verification. However, I'm concerned about alerting my current employer during this process. I'm looking for advice on how employment verification typically works for state or civil service positions and whether this could potentially jeopardize my chances of securing the new role. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I've been laid off recently and am currently facing a tough financial situation. My priority has been to keep the lights on and ensure that my bigger bills like mortgage, rent, utilities, and groceries are covered. However, everything else feels like a wash. I'm grappling with the decision of whether to search for a job that pays what I used to earn before the layoff or to hold out until after the midterm elections and the holidays, hoping for a better job market in Q1 of 2027. The stress of being financially strapped due to a pay cut is weighing heavily on me. As a single person without a spouse to help out, and also being a caregiver for my aging parent, I feel the pressure even more. I know I need to make a decision soon, but I'm unsure of the best path forward.

I've been job hunting for about two months now, and I keep encountering the same frustrating situation during interviews. After making it through the first and sometimes even the second round, I inevitably get asked about my current salary. It's not about what I'm looking for, but what I'm actually making right now. I know that in some states this practice is illegal, but unfortunately, that's not the case where I live. The problem is that I'm currently underpaid at my job, which is a big reason why I'm seeking new opportunities. If I disclose my real salary, I worry I'll just end up getting lowballed again in any new position. However, if I try to dodge the question or provide a salary range instead, the interviewers often push back, claiming they need a specific figure for their budgeting processes. Just last week, I had an interview where the hiring manager insisted that they couldn't proceed without knowing my current compensation. I attempted to steer the conversation towards my salary expectations based on the role and market rates, but she kept insisting on my current figure. Eventually, I gave a number that was about 15% higher than what I actually make, and now I'm anxious they'll ask for pay stubs during the background check. I just don't understand why this is still a common practice. They already know the salary range for the role, right? Why does my current salary matter if I can fulfill the job requirements? It feels like they are just trying to see how little they can offer me. Has anyone else faced this issue? How do you navigate this without jeopardizing your chances of getting the job?

I was laid off nine months ago from a major global corporation right around the holidays, which felt especially harsh. It was a tough experience, but I managed to find a new job relatively quickly, and I was relieved to move on from the negative environment. However, I recently received a corporate AMEX card from my old company in the mail, and it triggered an intense wave of anger that I didn't expect. My heart raced, and I felt a surge of adrenaline as I realized that this company, which had laid me off along with hundreds of others, was still sending me materials as if nothing had happened. It made me question whether my reaction was unreasonable or if it was a normal response to a delayed emotional impact. I’m starting to think that this anger stems from feelings of rejection and abandonment, and it’s frustrating to feel this way about a company that I thought I had moved on from.

I’ve been in a traineeship for over a year and a half, and while I love the industry, I absolutely hate my current job. The workload is minimal and boring, and the company culture just doesn't fit me. I recently moved about two hours away from London to start fresh, but my job requires full-time in-office work, which means my 40-hour weeks often turn into 50+ hours with commuting. This is going to be even worse in winter, and I dread the thought of it. I’m actively interviewing in my new city, but I only have 6 days of annual leave left, which I’m burning through just to attend interviews. My contract runs until March, but I can't see myself lasting until Christmas. I feel like handing in my one-month notice now could help me focus on my job search without the burnout. I know the job market is tough, and I need an income, but I genuinely believe I can secure a job once I leave. I’m torn between staying to ensure I have a paycheck or leaving to pursue better opportunities. What would you do in my situation?

I recently reached out to the onboarding specialist for the position I accepted, as I hadn't received the background check form yet. I have my employee health appointment scheduled for Tuesday, so I was a bit concerned. The specialist mentioned they have some "due diligence" to complete before sending the form. I wasn't familiar with that term and it left me wondering what exactly it involves. The recruiter had previously told me the background check would cover criminal history and employment verification, which I have no issues with. I'm just trying to understand if they are simply entering my information into their system or if there's more to it that I wasn't informed about. It's a bit stressful since I'm in a tight spot with my job situation.

I just signed my official offer letter for a new job and I'm currently going through the onboarding process. However, I can't stand my current job anymore due to the toxic coworkers and leadership. It's been unbearable, and the thought of working there for two more weeks feels impossible. I want to give a one-week notice instead of the standard two weeks, as a compromise to tie up loose ends without burning bridges. I usually use a friend as a reference rather than a supervisor, so I'm not too concerned about that. Still, I'm worried about how my current employer will react. I have no documented write-ups or anything, but I know how toxic the environment is. I doubt I would want to return to this company, but I want to leave on decent terms if possible. I'm curious to hear others' opinions on this situation.

I just had my first interview in nearly five years, and I couldn't be more excited! As a mom to a four-year-old, I often find myself at Blick Art looking for supplies for my acrylic paintings, graphite sketches, and various other art projects. One day, while browsing, I noticed an elderly lady struggling to find what she needed. I approached her and offered my assistance, even though I wasn't an employee. We ended up chatting about her art, and I gave her some advice on paints and brushes. To my surprise, a manager saw me helping her and mentioned that they were hiring. I submitted my application and got called in for an interview. During the interview, I shared my retail experience from a small business where I handled cash registers, managed stock, and provided customer service. The manager seemed impressed with my background and noted that I wouldn't need to handle as much responsibility there since the managers take care of most of the financial tasks. When he asked why I wanted to work at Blick, I shared my passion for art, which I inherited from my grandfather. I love expressing myself through creativity and enjoy seeing others' artistic expressions as well. The interview felt great, and he even offered me a discount after noticing I was shopping before the interview. He mentioned he pushed for me to be interviewed because he saw me helping the lady, which made me feel even better about my chances. I truly hope I get this job! I wanted to share this experience because I don't have many friends to discuss it with, and I'm just so proud of myself for taking this step. Regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for the opportunity.

As my paternity leave is nearing its end, I've started considering job hunting. I currently work as a technology project manager for a well-known retail bank, and with the recent layoffs affecting my team, I'm feeling a bit uneasy about my job security. I've been with the company for about six years and received an 'Exceeds Expectations' rating last year, but the atmosphere has become increasingly uncertain. I made sure to leave my projects in good order before my leave, so I wouldn't be abandoning anything crucial. However, I wonder how it might look to potential employers if they know I'm job hunting while still employed. I’ve heard that the best time to find a new job is when you’re already employed, but I’m also concerned about the perception of looking for new opportunities during my leave. I’ve received some subtle hints from my HR manager that things are not stable back at the office, which adds to my anxiety. I’m torn between wanting to secure a new position and feeling a sense of loyalty to my current employer. Is it really that taboo to start applying for jobs now?

I recently applied for an entry-level role at a tech company and went through the initial interview process fairly quickly. After applying, HR reached out to schedule my first interview, which took place shortly after. I felt it went well, and they scheduled a second interview with the hiring manager just two hours later. I was excited because I was one of the first candidates interviewed. The interview with the hiring manager also seemed to go well, and I was told I would hear back either the next day or by Monday or Tuesday at the latest regarding whether I would move on to the final round. However, when Friday and Monday came and went without any updates, I decided to reach out to HR on Tuesday evening for a status update. They responded promptly, mentioning that the hiring manager was still interviewing candidates and that they hoped to get back to me by the end of the week. Now, it’s the weekend, and I still haven’t heard anything. I’m starting to wonder if I should take the silence as a rejection or if I’m just being impatient. I’m torn between wanting to follow up again and fearing that I might come across as too eager. I know I should continue applying for other jobs, but it’s hard not to focus on this opportunity.

I recently came across a concerning trend in my job search: companies posting ghost jobs. These are positions that seem legitimate but are either not real or are just a way for the company to gather resumes without any intention of hiring. I’ve encountered a few listings that looked promising, only to find out they were either filled long ago or the company never intended to actually hire anyone. It’s frustrating and feels like a waste of time. I wanted to share this experience to warn others to be cautious and do their research before applying. Always check the company’s recent hiring activity and reviews to avoid falling for these ghost job postings.