I recently had a really terrible experience at a company where I was brought on as an intern right after graduating. I was referred to this position by a vice president, Mr. ###, who was excited about the company’s plans to start a cybersecurity practice. However, my experience turned out to be quite different from what I expected. I went through an interview process with Mr. ###, but there was no skill assessment involved. Instead of receiving a formal offer letter, I was just asked to sign a joining letter that I had printed myself. I thought I would be working in cybersecurity, but the tasks I was assigned were purely non-technical. For the first three weeks, I felt more like an office boy or personal assistant than an intern. I was given menial tasks like partner registrations, creating a potential client list, and generating reports that seemed to go unnoticed. I even had to run around the office to get Mr. ### printed documents that were already on his laptop. Despite my efforts, I was constantly undermined and unappreciated. If I made a mistake or couldn't complete a task, I was called useless and belittled. Whenever I tried to ask questions or seek integration into the cybersecurity practice, I was told that it wasn't my job and reminded of my status as an intern. This treatment took a toll on my mental health, and I found myself crying every day. Eventually, I reached my breaking point and submitted my resignation to the chairman, but he called me back and asked me to continue working. Now, two days later, I'm still stuck doing the same work and feeling lost about what to do next.

I’ve been struggling with severe interview anxiety lately. It feels like no matter how much I prepare, the thought of sitting in front of an interviewer terrifies me. I’ve been applying to jobs but the idea of an interview makes me want to avoid the whole process altogether. I came across some advice suggesting that I write down answers to common interview questions to help me feel more prepared, like addressing my greatest weakness or other typical queries. Additionally, I’ve been trying to visualize myself as a more confident person during interviews, channeling someone I know who exudes confidence. I hope this approach helps me overcome my fears and land a job soon.

I was recently laid off from my position in IT where I managed marketing automation tools, specifically Salesforce Marketing Cloud, earning a salary of ₹50 LPA in India. After two months of job searching, I've noticed that the offers I'm receiving are significantly lower, around ₹30-35 LPA. To stay financially stable, I'm considering taking an interim role while I devise a two-year plan to move abroad for better opportunities. I've been researching the job market in countries like Japan, where I've heard that proficiency in the local language can be crucial for securing roles, even in functional IT and MarTech positions. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial for me to learn a new language to enhance my chances of landing a senior role that pays well above my previous salary, or if I should focus on improving my English skills and targeting English-speaking markets instead.

I recently received some valuable advice from the animal control officer in my county, who encouraged me to apply for a new position that just opened up. I've been working at my hometown humane society for about a month now, and prior to that, I spent 2.5 years at another humane society where I gained experience working alongside animal control. I’m currently updating my resume and debating whether to include my previous jobs in food service and retail, which I feel are not relevant to this new role. Although I lack the full three years of experience in shelter or veterinary medicine, I believe my background makes me a strong candidate. I'm excited about this opportunity and hope to make a compelling case in my application.

Today, I received some unexpected news from my director: my position is being eliminated, and I’m being transferred to a department I know nothing about—IT. I started this job back in 2005 as a temp in the mailroom, eventually becoming a full-time facility technician. Over the years, I've navigated through two acquisitions and six office moves, and I’ve been working from home since our office closed in 2025. With new management in place, I feel increasingly disconnected from the company. I was actually hoping for a severance package, which would have given me three months' pay, but instead, I'm facing a role that doesn’t align with my skills. My only connection to IT is my experience with physical security, which is now being integrated into their department. I have no technical background, and I worry about my ability to handle the responsibilities that come with this transfer. Financially, I’m in a decent position, having saved over $1 million through investments, which provides me with about $3,000 a month in dividends. However, living in a high-income tax state means I’m paying a significant amount in taxes despite being a low wage earner. At 48 years old, single, and without kids, I’m considering my options. I’ve started looking for other jobs, but my lack of motivation after doing so little over the past year is holding me back. I’ve heard about people moving overseas to reduce living costs, and while I’m intrigued, I’m unsure how realistic that is for me. I also have a pension kicking in at 50, which adds another layer to my decision-making. What would you do in my situation?

As a recent graduate in Aerospace Engineering, I've been actively searching for a job for the past year. Despite my efforts, I feel like I'm hitting a wall and losing hope. I'm starting to wonder what I might be doing wrong in my job search. I would appreciate any advice or insights from those who have been in a similar situation.

I recently graduated high school and had an internship at a CPA firm that ended in June. Since then, I've been searching for part-time blue-collar jobs to support myself while attending college, but I haven't had much luck. My internship is still on my resume, and I'm starting to wonder if the termination might be affecting my job search. I'm curious if anyone has experienced a similar situation or has insights on whether a terminated internship can impact future job opportunities.

I was recently terminated from my role at Microsoft during what was supposed to be a "rewards discussion." After four years with the company, I was taken aback when my manager informed me that I did not meet expectations during our previous connect. He mentioned that the next step would be a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or a General Viability Status Assessment (GVSA). However, about six weeks later, I received a calendar invite for a meeting labeled "rewards discussions." To my shock, I was let go during that call without any prior warning or the opportunity for a PIP or GVSA. When I inquired about why I wasn't given the chance to improve, my manager stated that it was a decision made by HR to terminate me immediately. This has left me confused and frustrated, especially since I had been a top performer for the last three years and had received positive feedback and bonuses from my previous manager. I'm seeking insight into whether this is a common practice at Microsoft and if anyone else has experienced similar abrupt terminations.

I recently shared my interview experience with Master Kong (康师傅) on social media, detailing some concerning interactions during the process. After posting about it on various platforms, including Threads and Reddit, I received a call from the recruiter stating that the company had seen my posts and demanded I remove them within 24 hours or face potential legal action for defamation. I firmly told the recruiter that I would not be taking down my posts and welcomed any legal pursuit. During the interview, I was asked about my salary history, which I informed them is prohibited by California law. The interviewer responded dismissively, claiming, "I’m probably more American than you." This experience prompted me to share my story online, and instead of addressing my concerns, the company is now threatening legal action. Interestingly, another applicant from Southern California reached out to me, sharing that the same hiring manager did not ask her about salary history, but an HR representative from Hong Kong did, continuing to press for information despite being told it was illegal. I believe that if a company wants to operate in the U.S., they must comply with local employment laws and treat candidates with respect. It seems that Master Kong is struggling to adapt to these standards, and I stand by my decision to speak out.

Today was a tough day for my mom, who has been a nurse for over 25 years. She works at an infusion clinic that is currently undergoing a merger, and today was the first day employees had to sign new contracts. While some nurses took minor pay cuts, my mom discovered that new graduates in her department were earning more than her, despite her extensive experience and additional certifications. She currently makes around $102,000 for 36 hours a week, which is significantly less than what new grads are getting. Feeling undervalued, she decided to bring up the possibility of a raise when she signed her contract. She even offered to increase her hours to 40 a week, which is standard for most nurses, as long as her hourly rate remained the same. However, when she discussed this with the director of her department, things took a turn for the worse. Management reacted aggressively, surrounding her with multiple HR representatives and insisting that there must have been a mistake in her contract. They claimed she should only be making $101,885 even if she worked more hours, which felt incredibly unfair to her. Despite her attempts to explain her situation and the calculations she had prepared, she felt intimidated and belittled. The director even swatted her hand away when she tried to apologize and walked out, leaving her feeling overwhelmed. In the end, she signed the contract out of fear and pressure. It’s disheartening to see how management treated her, especially when she was just trying to advocate for herself. Her colleagues were outraged when they heard about the incident, and I can't help but feel angry about how she was treated.

I recently accepted a job offer within my current company, moving to a different team in the same department. I rushed into the decision without fully considering the financial implications, and now I realize I'm going to be making a few hundred dollars less each month. I was feeling overwhelmed by my previous job's schedule and stress, which led me to make a hasty choice without crunching the numbers properly. Now, I'm in a bit of a panic. I tried to negotiate my salary but didn't get anywhere with that. I'm contemplating whether I should talk to my current manager about my concerns, but I'm worried that trying to back out might put me in an even worse position. I know I acted impulsively, and I'm trying to figure out if I should just accept this new role for the long haul or start looking for other opportunities aggressively. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

I've been trying to connect with smaller startups directly since they often don't post entry-level roles. However, I'm struggling with how to craft my emails so they don't come off as generic. My approach has been to mention something specific about what the startup is building, briefly explain how my background could be useful, and ask if there's a way I could contribute. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has successfully cold emailed founders, engineers, or recruiters, especially those who did this early in their careers without extensive experience to showcase.

I’m currently exploring job options due to some physical limitations caused by a hip and back injury from a car accident four years ago. I’m a 21-year-old female with a strong background in customer service, cashiering, and stocking, having worked in these roles for about 7-8 years. I’ve enjoyed active jobs, but I’ve realized I can’t continue to push myself in that direction as it exacerbates my pain. I’m now seeking a sedentary position, ideally something remote or at a desk, as standing for long periods is no longer feasible for me. I’ve been considering insurance sales, but I’m unsure what that entails and would appreciate any insights. I’m quite proficient with computers, including Dell systems, Windows, and POS systems. I would love to hear any suggestions for roles that might suit my situation, such as administrative assistant positions or project coordination in construction or electrical companies.

I have a first-round interview coming up for what I consider my dream job at a company I have collaborated with frequently over the past ten years as an external partner. I know the hiring manager fairly well and we have had several friendly conversations, although my interactions have mostly been with their team members. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and concern because the situation seems so straightforward, and I worry that I might become overconfident or under-prepare for the interview. I’m looking for any guidance on how to approach this type of interview, potential pitfalls to avoid, and tips to stand out, especially since I know there are other candidates who are just as well-positioned as I am. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started the onboarding process for a new job and I'm feeling a bit anxious about the background check. The company is using Thuro for this, and I noticed something concerning. When I filled out the background check form, I didn't see an option to decline contacting my current employer. However, when I printed the form, there was a box indicating this, and it was left blank. I’m worried that this might lead to my current employer being contacted, which I definitely want to avoid. I've already indicated on the company's onboarding site that I do not want them to reach out to my current job, but since Thuro is a third party, I’m not sure how that will play out. I'm considering reaching out to Thuro directly to explain the situation and clarify my preferences regarding my current employer. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I took a significant step in my career by putting in my two weeks' notice at my current job, where I've spent the last five years. At just 23 years old, I've progressed from an entry-level customer service position to managing a team of 30 people. However, I've realized that I'm underpaid compared to the market, and I recently received an offer for a new role in a different industry that comes with a substantial pay increase while maintaining similar responsibilities. Leaving my current position was tough, especially since I have a lot of respect for my direct manager and my Director, both of whom have been incredibly supportive. They encouraged me to take this opportunity, emphasizing that it would be foolish not to accept it. Despite their support, I can't shake off the anxiety that comes with this transition. My biggest fear is the possibility of failure as I step into a new industry where I have no prior experience. I'm expected to lead a team that may have more experience than I do, and while I excelled in my current role due to my five years of experience, I worry about how I'll perform in this new environment. This is my first job switch, and I'm concerned about derailing the progress I've made thus far. I'll also be working alongside other leaders who are likely older and more experienced, which adds to my apprehension. Is this feeling of anxiety common among those switching jobs? I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this transition successfully.

I’ve been working at my current job for less than a year, and I’ve quickly realized how much I love my team and the work I do. It’s a role I can genuinely see myself in for a long time. However, my husband is in medical school and may match in another state in about 10 months, which would mean relocating for us. My job is hybrid, with the expectation to be in the office four days a week and work from home one day, but the company is flexible. They have offices across the country, but my team only operates in a few states, none of which align with our potential move. I’ve noticed that some colleagues on my team work almost entirely remotely, and there are other teams within the company that offer full remote positions. I’m really hoping to keep my job if we have to move. I’m curious if anyone has had a similar experience where they managed to retain their position after relocating. If so, what did your conversation with your employer look like, and when did you have it? I’m planning to discuss this with my employer once my husband matches and we have clarity on our move. My idea is to propose working in another division’s office to meet the hybrid requirement. I’m a bit anxious about the possibility of being told I have to quit, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I’m feeling pretty desperate right now and could really use some advice on my job search and life goals. Currently, I don’t have a driver’s license or a car, which severely limits the types of jobs I can apply for. I’m also working on getting my GED, as I have long-term aspirations to enter the healthcare field, possibly as an X-ray technician. I’ve considered starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to get my foot in the door. At the moment, I’m focusing on getting hired as a caregiver, ideally in a senior living facility since I can’t drive. I’ve been drawn to caregiving because I’ve seen several of my exes work in this field and they often picked up a lot of overtime, sometimes working 60 to 80 hours a week. I know that kind of schedule can be tough, but right now, I’m in a position where I need to work as much as possible to pay off debt, save for a car, and eventually get my license. My resume is pretty thin, only listing two jobs. I had another job that I left due to a no-call/no-show incident, so I don’t include it on my resume, but I don’t have an employment gap because of it. I do have restaurant experience, including some leadership and management roles, but I’m trying to transition out of that industry and into healthcare. I’m not expecting a quick fix; I’m just trying to figure out the best order to tackle everything: job → debt → license/car → GED → healthcare training/career. If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially caregivers or CNAs who transitioned into healthcare later, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what I should prioritize first. Is caregiving a good stepping-stone, or am I going about this the wrong way?

I'm currently at a crossroads in my life and really need some guidance. I'm working on getting my life together, but I feel like I'm starting from a challenging place. Right now, I don't have a driver's license or a car, which limits my job options significantly. I'm also in the process of getting my GED, and my long-term goal is to enter the healthcare field, potentially as an X-ray tech. I've considered starting as a CNA to get my foot in the door. At the moment, I'm looking for a caregiver position, ideally in a senior living facility since I can't drive. I've noticed that many caregivers, including some of my exes, have been able to work a lot of hours, sometimes 60-80 hours a week, which is appealing to me as I need to earn money to pay off debt, save for a car, and eventually get my license. My resume is pretty sparse, listing only two jobs. I had another job that I left after a no-call/no-show incident, so I don’t include it. However, I do have restaurant experience, including some leadership roles, but I really want to transition into healthcare. I'm not looking for a quick fix; I'm trying to figure out the best order to tackle everything: job → debt → license/car → GED → healthcare training/career. If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially caregivers or CNAs who entered healthcare later in life, I would love to hear your thoughts on what I should prioritize first. Is caregiving a solid stepping-stone, or am I missing something?

I recently graduated college and have been struggling to land an entry-level job. My volunteer experience and unpaid student assistant roles make up most of my resume, but I feel like they don't count as real work experience. I've been applying to various positions, including some familiar retail stores, just to get my foot in the door. I’ve received a few callbacks, which was encouraging, but during the interviews, I find myself explaining my experience in a way that feels inadequate. After each interview, I get rejections saying they found better candidates. It's frustrating because I have a degree, yet I feel unqualified for both entry-level positions and retail jobs. I’m starting to wonder if I’m presenting my experience wrong or if I need to find a different approach to my job search.