I had a meeting this morning for a potential job opportunity at a university, and I made a decision that’s been weighing heavily on me. After months of job hunting and countless rejections, I finally got a chance to meet with a manager thanks to a senior person who liked my CV. However, I arrived late and flustered due to security delays. During the meeting, the manager asked if I was enrolled in a master’s program, stating they prefer candidates who can commit for two to three years. I panicked and said no, even though I am actually starting part-time evening classes soon. I feel sick about lying. I know it was a split-second decision driven by fear of disqualification, but now I’m left with this overwhelming guilt. There’s no job offer yet, as the opening might not come until December, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’d be starting off on a dishonest note. I can’t imagine going back to correct my answer; the embarrassment feels unbearable. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? How did you handle it? Did it ever come out?