I was recently laid off from my role after 10 months at the company, and while they cited performance reasons, I suspect my prioritization of family played a significant role. I had been putting in long hours, managing multiple workstreams and products, but it felt like my efforts went unappreciated. My manager often shifted expectations, stating that my performance would be evaluated based on what I could get to a defined state rather than a completed state, which was frustrating. Despite my attempts to communicate and unblock engineering teams, there were misunderstandings that led to issues with implementations that were out of my control. I took my child to daycare and prioritized his time over my work, which I believe contributed to their decision to let me go. Now, I'm facing a managed exit with severance and a few weeks left before my official last day. This experience has been tough on my mental health, and I find myself questioning my self-worth and identity after being laid off for the first time. I'm anxious about the job market and how long I might be unemployed, especially since I've always supported myself since graduating. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has gone through something similar and how they coped. I could really use some support or advice during this challenging time.

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my job as an entry-level coordinator at a firm managing a large portfolio of accounts. Last week, the company hired a new VP, and already it feels like my role is being targeted for automation. My daily tasks mostly involve manual data entry and administrative work that client success managers offload onto me, which I’ve always seen as essential for keeping operations running smoothly. Today was particularly challenging. The new VP reached out to me, demanding a detailed breakdown of my daily workflow for a report I manage. While I was trying to respond thoughtfully, another manager pulled me into a meeting about a project that involves sending over my historical call-listening notes. They plan to run a program using AI, specifically Claude, to automate the very tasks I handle. I can't shake the feeling of being blindsided and disrespected. It seems like a coordinated effort to gather my insights and data before making a move to replace me once my direct manager goes on leave. I feel trapped and anxious about the future, especially with the job market being what it is. I’ve gained valuable experience here, but the looming threat of AI taking over entry-level roles has left me feeling hopeless. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced a similar situation where their own data was used against them in the context of AI efficiency testing. Am I overreacting, or is there a real chance they’re setting me up for replacement? I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and whether there’s any hope for my position in the coming months.

I was let go last Friday from a startup where I had been working for a short period. The reason for my termination was quite unexpected. On Thursday, I accidentally played a song called ‘fat little chud’ at full volume from my phone because it wasn't connected to my AirPods. The song blasted through the workspace for about five seconds, catching everyone's attention. The next day, I had a meeting with the founder, who questioned my seriousness about the job, and shortly after that, I was let go. They did offer to provide me with a good referral for my next job, which I appreciate. However, I think I’ll take a break from applying for new positions for now as I want to focus on my own project.

I got laid off this week from my role as a software development engineer at a mid-sized startup. I had a feeling it was coming for about a month, so I started looking for new opportunities right away. I was only there for nine months, just shy of my one-year mark, and the reason for the layoffs was attributed to AI advancements. As a full-stack developer, I thought I’d have a decent chance at finding another job, but it’s been really tough. Most openings seem to require two or more years of experience, and I’m struggling to find positions that fit my skill level. I’ve applied to numerous jobs, but many turned out to be ghost listings—no responses or rejection emails at all. It’s disheartening because I used to be really passionate about tech, but now it feels like the industry is closing its doors to newcomers. During my time at the startup, we had an appraisal round, and raises were minimal; most of my team received less than 10%, with many getting nothing at all. It seems like the focus is all on AI, and employees are being pushed hard without much reward. I’m starting to think about a career change while I’m still young. My dad has a business, and I’m considering joining him to help grow it. However, I worry that all my education and passion for technology would go to waste. At the same time, I feel anxious about the instability of tech jobs and the possibility of being laid off again. It’s a tough decision, and I’m still weighing my options.

During my time at a previous company, my manager delivered a line during an all-hands meeting that has stuck with me ever since. He said, 'We aren't doing layoffs; we're just optimizing the human capital runway for future synergy.' It was a bizarre way to announce that five people were let go on a Friday via a Zoom call. The disconnect between his corporate jargon and the reality of the situation felt incredibly cold and inhumane. It made me reflect on how language can be manipulated in corporate settings.

I'm currently a teenager trying to secure a summer job, but I've faced quite a few challenges. So far, I've submitted over 10 applications and received four rejections. I'm feeling a bit discouraged and am looking for advice on how to improve my chances. I've heard that calling the places I applied to after about a week might help, especially in retail, but I'm unsure if that's a good strategy. I also understand that the job market is tough right now, with many adults competing for the same positions, which makes it even harder for someone like me. Any tips or insights on how to stand out would be greatly appreciated!

I had an interview recently for a position that I was really excited about. However, the interview was cut short because the HR representative mentioned that they were looking for candidates with experience using their specific system. I understand the importance of having the right skills, but it was disappointing to not even get to discuss my other qualifications and how I could contribute to the team. It felt like a missed opportunity.

I recently applied for a remote job with Apex Marking Performance Solutions, which is a cold calling scheduling position. The pay starts at $7.25 during a two-week training period, then goes up to $15 an hour or commission, whichever is greater. I signed a lengthy contract that promised base pay, which eased my concerns a bit. However, I'm feeling anxious because the recruiter has been somewhat irritated with my inquiries about the next steps, and this is my first remote opportunity. I filled out a W4 and signed a 25-page contract, but I couldn't find much information about the company online, aside from some sketchy results. They claim to be working with a legitimate medical provider, which is reassuring. I start on June 15th, but I can't shake the feeling of uncertainty, especially since I need to provide for my family. I think I might just be being impatient, but it's tough when my only line of contact is this recruiter and I’m left waiting for updates.

I’ve been struggling with severe PTSD and the job market has been incredibly tough for me. My therapist keeps insisting that there are employers out there who would be understanding and willing to provide accommodations, but my experiences have made me skeptical. I've had to quit multiple jobs due to feeling suicidal, and I was even fired from what I considered my best job without any prior warning or performance improvement plan, simply because I wasn’t detail-oriented enough. I also faced discrimination for being trans, which has made in-person work really challenging for me. I’m currently working on my mental health through therapy, EMDR, and rehabilitation services, but it’s hard to focus on recovery when I’m constantly worried about paying bills and don’t have financial support from family. I’ve applied for disability, but I have little faith that I will be approved. In terms of accommodations, I would need to work from home if possible, or at least have headphones and frequent breaks. When my symptoms flare up, I can’t process information and can become very emotional, often feeling like I’m reliving past trauma. I also have specific needs regarding temperature and lighting; I need natural light or I feel like I'm going crazy. I’m just looking for a straightforward answer: is there an employer out there who would be okay with me needing to take breaks every 15 minutes or calling off on particularly difficult days? I’ve had a hard time even getting work-from-home options approved, even with a letter from my therapist at a supposedly supportive workplace. I don’t need anyone to tell me how much I need to get my act together—I’m aware of that and I’m trying my best. I just want to know if there are actually employers out there who would be understanding of my situation.

Today marks my 36th job interview since October, and unfortunately, I didn't make the cut for an Analyst position I interviewed for. The role was advertised as an agriculture insurance analyst, but during the interview, it turned out to be more sales-oriented than I expected. This unexpected twist left me feeling blindsided, especially since I have five years of experience in fraud and financial forensic analysis and am currently pursuing my MBA at a well-regarded university. After the interview, I found myself in tears. It felt like they hadn’t even read my resume, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was unprepared for the sales aspect of the job. To make matters worse, I’m currently stuck in a call center job with no other income to cover my bills, which adds to my distress. I’ve been trying to improve my interview skills, but I feel like I'm hitting a wall. Despite securing 35 interviews, my mental health is deteriorating, and I’m starting to question if all my hard work is worth it. I had hoped that going through bankruptcy would relieve some pressure, but it hasn't. I just want to find a path forward.

I recently tried working with Uber Eats to supplement my income, but after three hours of driving around, I realized the payout just wasn't worth it—only enough to cover a tank of gas. I decided to stop pursuing it and filed my unemployment claim, reporting the earnings I made from Uber Eats and stating that I would no longer be working there. Now, I've been informed that my unemployment payments are on hold while they review my case, which could take up to four weeks. I'm feeling really disheartened about this situation. I'm considering whether I should tell them I plan to go back to Uber Eats, even though I found it unprofitable. It seems like I might have made a mistake in my claim.

I was laid off in the first week of May and remained on payroll until June 5th. I started interviewing at a new company around May 18th and recently received an invitation for an on-site interview scheduled for next Wednesday. Throughout the interview process, I was stating that I was still employed at my previous company since I was technically on payroll. However, now that the payroll period has ended, I can no longer claim that, and I worry about what to say during the background check. I'm contemplating whether I should start discussing my experience in the past tense and hope they don’t ask about my current employment status. If they do ask, I’m unsure how to address the fact that I was laid off without making it sound negative. I've seen advice suggesting that honesty might be the best approach, as many hiring managers understand the current layoff climate. I hope to navigate this situation effectively.

I recently faced a confusing situation at my job. I had been experiencing chest pains and requested some time off. The company responded by offering me the option to switch to an hourly pay structure, allowing me to set my own hours, which I thought would be beneficial for my health. However, after accepting this arrangement, communication from my employer went silent. I received a message stating that they would get back to me after securing another round of funding, leaving me in a state of uncertainty. Although I’m not officially laid off, I haven't had any income for about two months now and I'm struggling to afford insurance. I'm starting to wonder if I should have stayed a full-time salaried employee. Given my situation, I'm looking for advice on what options I might have, including whether I can apply for government unemployment services.

I got laid off today, and honestly, it feels like a huge part of my identity has been stripped away. My role was a significant achievement for me, and now I'm left in shock. I know I need to take some time to process everything and not let this define who I am. I've read some supportive comments suggesting that this could be an opportunity for something better, and I hope that's true. I plan to reflect on my career and start networking soon, but for now, I just need to let everything settle. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in this experience.

I just had a very brief in-person interview for a temporary part-time office job at a well-known international company's HQ. I applied last weekend and got a text from HR about scheduling a phone screening, which happened the next day. Surprisingly, during the phone screening, HR focused more on selling the job rather than asking me questions. They mentioned that the manager could interview me the following day, but I was busy, so I went in today instead. When I arrived, I was interviewed by a different manager than expected. They asked me what HR had told me about the role, and I repeated it back to them. They emphasized that the job is simple and they want someone who can handle tedious work. I shared a bit about myself, confirmed my availability, and asked a couple of questions about the software and start date. They seemed eager, saying they wanted someone to start immediately and asked if I could start Monday, which I confirmed I could. The interview lasted only about 5 minutes, and they mentioned they were interviewing other candidates and would update me by the end of the week. I'm left feeling confused about how it went and whether I have a chance at the job.

I'm currently facing a tough situation at my job as a retail associate. My management has become increasingly aggressive, and it's really affecting my mental health. Recently, I was written up for taking a break to eat, even though I had informed them beforehand. They changed the break policy, stating we can only take 30-minute breaks instead of 15-minute ones, which is frustrating. I worked an 8-hour shift without a proper break and when I came back on time, they claimed they couldn't find me and issued a write-up. I expressed my feelings about how unfair this is, and even threatened to quit because the pressure is overwhelming. They insisted I shouldn't leave, citing job abandonment, but I’m at my wit's end. I’m actively looking for a new job, but I don’t want to leave without a backup plan. It’s exhausting being blamed and yelled at in a role that I no longer want to be in. I feel like I’m reaching my breaking point.

I applied for a position at a large payment company about a month ago and have been checking the candidate page regularly. It still says 'Application under review', but I noticed that the job posting has been removed. I understand that this could mean a few things: they might have reached the candidate threshold, they could be sorting through applications, or the role might have been filled or even canceled. I'm trying to stay optimistic, but it's hard not to feel a bit ghosted at this point. I know there's no way to know for sure unless I hear back from the recruiter or hiring manager, but I'm left wondering what my status really means.

I’m a 23-year-old currently looking for temporary work while unemployed. I've come across several cashier and food service jobs for the U.S. Open, where I previously worked security without any issues. However, I'm concerned about the working conditions. The shifts are incredibly long, ranging from 10 to 13 hours, and they only offer a single 45-minute break during that time. Additionally, the venue is located on the outskirts of the city in a wealthy area, making my commute from NYC around 5 hours. I'm considering these jobs out of necessity for income, but the commute and the conditions seem quite unreasonable. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these event jobs and if I might be overreacting about the break situation.

I am a former music teacher and professional violinist looking for a new career after experiencing significant challenges in my previous role, particularly related to my identity as a transgender individual. Teaching was rewarding in many ways, especially the impact I had on my students, but the environment became untenable. I am currently pursuing a degree in allied health to become a medical lab technician or biomedical equipment repair tech, but I’m not entirely sure if that path resonates with me. What I truly enjoy is working with my hands and utilizing my fine motor skills, which I honed through music and activities like snowboarding and skateboarding. I also have experience repairing computers and cell phones, which I found fulfilling and challenging. Ideally, I’m looking for a job that allows me to leverage these skills while providing a livable wage of around $60k, as I need to support myself independently. I’m open to apprenticeships and want to avoid roles that offer low pay without growth potential. Additionally, I’m considering opportunities that could facilitate my move to Canada, especially given my concerns about the current climate for transgender individuals in the US.

I have been searching for a job for the past 8 months, and it feels like the job market is much worse than the numbers suggest. Despite the seemingly fine job statistics, there's a significant disconnect when it comes to actually finding a position, especially in the tech industry. I've noticed that many people, including myself, are experiencing a lot of frustration. There are so many part-time workers who want full-time hours, and many individuals have simply stopped looking for jobs altogether. Wages don't seem to be keeping up either. I regularly connect with other unemployed professionals who have solid experience, and it's disheartening to hear that they are also getting ghosted after months of searching. We are all trying to stay proactive by tailoring each application, networking extensively, and following up persistently, but it feels like an uphill battle.