I'm currently preparing for a long-distance move from the mid-west to the east coast and exploring job possibilities. I plan to make the move alone and have nearly 10 years of experience in mostly entry-level, part-time roles. I hold a degree in Computer Science, but I've realized that programming doesn't bring me the satisfaction I hoped for. One of my main concerns is securing a job before I move, as it seems challenging to find opportunities out of state. I'm even considering settling for a custodial position if it pays enough to cover rent. I've thought about working with recruiters, and while temp jobs initially seemed appealing, I've come across many negative experiences regarding recruiting agencies. I'm unsure if it's worth pursuing that route given my background. I'm open to any recommendations or thoughts on how to navigate this job search. Thanks for any help!

I need to vent about my recent job search experience with a European cybersecurity company I used to work for. I joined them back in 2017 during their initial U.S. expansion as one of the first employees in a hybrid pre-sales and technical role. We had a successful run, but the company eventually decided to pause U.S. investments and focus on Europe, so I left on good terms in 2019. Fast forward to now, the company has grown significantly and is reinvesting in the U.S. market. Many former employees, including myself, have returned to the company over the years, which made me feel confident about applying again. I have connections with around 50 employees there, including the CTO, which I thought would give me an edge. When I saw an opening for a Technical Account Manager role, I applied and reached out internally. I tailored my resume specifically for the position, even though their version of the role is more technically focused than my recent experience. We had multiple discussions about my technical expertise, especially my previous work with the company. However, after about 10 days of silence, I received an automated rejection on LinkedIn without any personal feedback. I reached out to the recruiter for clarification, but it took another follow-up email to finally get a response. The recruiter mentioned that the hiring manager was looking for someone with a background more closely aligned with the technical requirements. This is where my frustration lies. I had already handled those technical responsibilities when I worked there, and I have a deep understanding of their environment and products. It feels like I'm being gatekept by someone who doesn't fully grasp my history with the company. In today's hiring process, it seems like candidates are filtered out based on keywords rather than actual experience, which is incredibly discouraging.

I was working in a data science role where I dedicated the last few years to building and enhancing tools that automated many manual tasks for my team. I truly enjoyed this work; it felt rewarding to make processes more efficient and help the business scale. However, I now realize that the efficiencies I created ultimately led to my layoff. While I can't say that the app I helped develop was solely responsible for my redundancy, it's hard not to feel that my contributions to automation and optimization made my position expendable. I take pride in what I built because it addressed real problems and added value, but I also feel conflicted knowing that my success in these initiatives may have contributed to fewer job opportunities for people like me. Now, I'm unemployed and actively applying for new positions. I'm questioning my career path and whether I should continue in this field or consider a pivot into something different. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? Have you automated processes or built tools only to find yourself laid off later? I'd love to hear how you coped with it.

I was laid off from my high-paying corporate job at the beginning of the year after a series of reorganizations and new management. It felt like a relief, honestly, as I had been looking for a way out for a while. I received a decent severance package and qualified for unemployment, plus I have savings that can support me for a couple of years, which takes the pressure off finding a new job immediately. I really emphasize the importance of saving and living within your means for anyone in a similar situation. However, the job market isn’t as favorable as it was a few years ago. There are fewer opportunities that match my skill set, and I've noticed that compensation has decreased while inflation continues to rise. One frustrating aspect of the job search has been the interview process; it feels very one-sided. As a mid-level professional, I find myself constantly selling my skills without getting much insight into the role or the company. I've even been asked to complete intensive case studies before I’ve had a chance to decide if I want the job. The worst part of my layoff experience was the gaslighting from my manager. I was accused of underperforming while being overloaded with additional projects. I tried to discuss my workload and seek feedback, but was met with vague responses about needing to 'manage ambiguity' better. It was clear they were trying to push me out, but I had to maintain a façade of normalcy while dealing with the stress. This situation took a toll on my mental health, and I even started seeing a therapist who suggested I consider taking a leave of absence, but I chose to push through. Now, a few months later, I’ve been enjoying my time without the stress of a toxic work environment. I think it's important to recognize that layoffs can happen in various forms, not just through formal reductions in force. Sometimes they come disguised as performance issues, especially in fast-changing corporate cultures.

I've been on the job hunt for entry-level, part-time positions lately, and it feels like every hiring manager is on vacation. I've applied online and even called several stores directly to check on hiring status, but I keep getting redirected back to their websites. When I do manage to get an interview, it seems to fall through without any follow-up. For instance, I applied to Chick-fil-A and actually got an interview, but after multiple attempts to reach out via call and text, I keep hearing that the hiring manager isn't available. It's been over a month now, and I still haven't received any formal rejection. I've tried contacting various stores in my area, but those that do pick up either say they aren't hiring or that the hiring manager isn't there. I'm starting to wonder if I should directly email the hiring managers to make sure they know I'm interested in the positions. Would that even make a difference? Where are all the hiring managers?

I'm currently in the frustrating process of applying for jobs and ran into a major issue with an application on a company's website. After creating an account, I reached the Education section where I needed to input my school. However, every time I type in the name of my school, it disappears as soon as I click out of the field. I've even tried entering random schools, but the same problem occurs. It's incredibly maddening, and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

I hold three passports: U.S., EU, and Ecuadorian, but I'm struggling to find a job beyond roles like waiter or Amazon driver. I have a degree in management information systems and some experience as a data entry clerk, yet I can't seem to land any position in IT, no matter how I adjust my resume. It's frustrating to feel stuck in this job market.

I received an interview offer for a position that seems a bit suspicious. The pay is $26/hr for a week of training, then jumps to $36/hr after that, with full-time hours and benefits. The interviews are being conducted over private messages, and they want to schedule them very soon—possibly today. I applied through Handshake, which is where this message originated. I'm feeling skeptical about the legitimacy of this offer. Some comments I read suggested it might be a scam, especially since interviews over private messaging seem unusual. I did find out that the company, dmdcommercialroofing.com, has been registered since 2017, which adds some credibility, but I'm still wary. I think I might call their publicly available phone number to verify the offer before proceeding.

I recently applied for a deli job and was asked to provide my first name and phone number. I’m trying to decide whether it’s better to call them in a couple of days or to visit the store in person to follow up. I've heard that being proactive can make a good impression, but I'm unsure which approach is more effective. Should I physically go back to the deli or is a phone call sufficient? I want to make sure I stand out, but I also don’t want to seem overly pushy.

I got laid off about two months ago and I'm feeling pretty lost. I live in an area where remote jobs are really hard to come by, and most local companies don't offer decent pay or work-life balance. My last job was through a referral from a friend, which helped me land an interview, but now I'm struggling to find legitimate remote opportunities without that kind of connection. I've been actively searching on LinkedIn and various job sites, reaching out to recruiters, but I haven't had any luck so far. I check job postings every morning and apply or contact recruiters, but nothing seems to be working. I’ve had multiple people review my CV, so I don’t think that’s the issue. On top of everything, I have a wedding coming up at the end of the year, and I’m really worried about getting married while being unemployed. I’ve already postponed the wedding twice before, and I hate the thought of feeling useless on such an important day. I’m trying to stay productive by working on AWS certifications; I’ve completed the Cloud Practitioner and am now working towards the Solutions Architect Associate. I’m looking for any advice on how to navigate this job search and whether I should consider postponing the wedding again. It’s tough waking up without a clear direction, and I just want to feel like I’m moving forward.

I recently applied for a Management Analyst II position with my local city government, and I'm feeling a bit conflicted about being overqualified for the role. At 28 years old, I just completed my PhD in Economics, and while this position only requires a BS degree, the work genuinely interests me since it's in my home city. The posted salary for the role tops out at $65k, but given my extensive research, teaching, and analytical experience, I believe a salary in the $80-90k range would be more appropriate. My advisor even suggested asking for $100k, which seems a bit aggressive for a government position. I'm also contemplating whether I should inquire about being considered for a Management Analyst III or IV position instead, considering my qualifications. I don't want to come off as presumptuous, especially since I applied for the II role, but I feel it's worth raising the question. I recently received a verbal offer and am expecting the written offer soon, so I'm trying to navigate how best to handle the salary conversation without leaving too much on the table after all my years of education and work. Has anyone else dealt with similar situations in local government? Did asking for a higher grade level ever work out?

I had a pre-screening call with a Talent Acquisition officer from a company I applied to directly through LinkedIn. During the call, they asked about my current status, education, and expected salary. At the end of the conversation, they mentioned, "Thanks. We will shortlist and contact you." This has me feeling a bit anxious since my past experiences with pre-screening calls typically ended with scheduling an interview right away. I'm currently unemployed and worried that this could mean I'm not moving forward in the process. I'm trying to stay positive and keep applying to other jobs, but it's hard not to read into their response.

I'm an 18-year-old about to start college, and I've been feeling really overwhelmed by my family's financial situation. My parents are doing their best, but it hurts to see them stressed about money. I genuinely want to help out, but I haven't found any job opportunities yet. I've been exploring side gigs that would allow me to earn some money while studying, but many seem unrealistic or require experience I just don't have. I often feel guilty for spending my parents' money, especially when I know things are tight. I understand I'm still young and just beginning my career, but the weight of responsibility feels heavy. I don't want to just wait for things to improve on their own; I'm eager to learn new skills and work hard, but right now I feel stuck. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions for online work, remote tasks, internships, or any beginner-friendly opportunities suitable for a student. If you've faced similar challenges, I'd love to hear how you managed those feelings and found ways to earn while studying. Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I recently received a job offer, and both the company and I signed the offer letter. However, the offer is contingent on a background check conducted through Checkr. I'm feeling anxious because I forgot to include my Bachelor’s degree information on the background check form. I did list my MBA, but I completely spaced on the BS. I know that the MBA implies I completed my undergraduate degree, but I’m worried that not including it might raise red flags. To address this, I emailed the HR department to explain my mistake and offered to either redo the background check with the correct information or provide the details directly since my undergrad is from a well-known state university. Now I'm just hoping I didn't jeopardize my offer.

I’m feeling really confused about my job search requirements after being laid off in Washington. I worked as a stocker and order filler, but now I want to explore other job options, even if they are in fast food or janitorial work. The guidelines say I need to search for work in the same occupation, but that feels limiting. If I say I’m not looking for the same type of job, I have to pick one specific occupation to focus on, which seems unfair since the options are so narrow. For example, a fast food cook is not considered the same as an industry cook, and a janitor is different from a housemaid. I’m worried that if I was let go from a housemaid position, I wouldn’t be eligible for benefits if I applied for janitorial jobs. It seems like I can only apply for jobs similar to my last role, but I really don’t want to be stuck in the grocery sector. I thought about applying for other types of jobs, but I’m unsure if I’ll still qualify for benefits if I do. It feels like I’m trapped in this specific job category.

I'm currently in a yearlong fellowship in New York that is set to end in September. I'm starting to worry about what happens next if I don't secure another job before then. I wanted to know if I would be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits after my fellowship concludes, even though it has a specified end date. I've heard mixed opinions on this, so I'm trying to get clarity on whether I can file for unemployment or if the defined term of my job disqualifies me. I've been paying taxes, so I hope that works in my favor.

I had my unemployment appeal hearing last Wednesday after my initial claim was denied. The hearing officer submitted the results this past Monday, but as of today, my portal still hasn’t updated. I’ve seen some discussions online suggesting that if I win the appeal, my payment history could change immediately or I might receive payment right away. I’m really hoping that’s true, but I’m unsure how long it typically takes to see a decision or get paid after the paperwork is submitted. I’m feeling overwhelmed with bills piling up and the waiting is adding to my stress. If anyone has experience with this in Illinois, I’d appreciate any insights.

I was recently terminated from my job due to health issues, but my employer reported it as "misconduct" to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which led to my unemployment claim being denied. I appealed the decision the very next day, but it's been a tough six weeks since then, with financial difficulties and the threat of eviction looming over me. In an effort to speed up the process, I reached out to my state senator's office for help. They contacted TWC on my behalf, and as a result, I received a call and text from TWC requesting an expedited appeal hearing. I’m really grateful for the support and wanted to share my experience as a bit of encouragement for anyone else in a similar situation. Now, I'm just hoping for a positive outcome!

I recently filed for unemployment after being fired from my position as a retail store manager three weeks ago. I was shocked to learn that my claim was denied because my employer had accused me of various reasons for my termination, some of which were completely unfounded and others that were outright lies. Yesterday, I received a call from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) where they explained the accusations against me. I tried to rebut them, but when I began to provide detailed responses, the representative informed me that he ran out of space to type my answers. I even offered to provide names and contact information for former employees who could support my case, but he said that wouldn’t be necessary, despite one of the accusations being that I was mean to my staff. There were no formal write-ups or warnings given to me during my time at the company, yet my employer claimed to have provided verbal warnings and coaching. I was taken aback by this, as I had never experienced a claim denial before. This morning, I immediately appealed the decision, feeling frustrated and confused about how this could happen. I do know of a former employee who would be willing to vouch for me, but I’m hesitant to reach out to current employees for fear of retaliation against them since they are still working there. I’m open to providing their information for private consultation if needed. I’ve never faced anything like this before, and I’m seeking any advice or wisdom from others who might have been in a similar situation.

I am currently working as a truck dispatcher in Illinois, and my work hours have been changed multiple times since I was hired. Initially, I was set for a Monday to Friday schedule from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, that quickly shifted to a 2 days on, 2 days off schedule from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. They even suggested a 9 AM to 9 PM shift, which I told them was not feasible for me as a single parent raising my 9-year-old son. Eventually, I ended up on a 6 AM to 6 PM schedule, still with the 2 days on, 2 days off pattern. Now, due to a night dispatcher quitting, my boss is insisting that I switch to the 9 AM to 9 PM hours. I had a conversation with my boss and made it clear that I cannot make that change for my son's sake. If I am forced to resign because of this, I want to know if I can still claim unemployment while I search for a new job. Additionally, if they offer me a significantly lower-paying position that fits my hours, would that negatively impact my unemployment claim?