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I've been working as a contractor for a tech company for the past two years, and I'm feeling stuck in what I like to call 'contractor hell.' I really want to transition into a permanent role, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I've been applying to full-time positions but haven't had much luck. I'm looking for advice on how to make this shift. Should I focus on networking within my current company or look for opportunities elsewhere? Any tips on improving my resume or interview skills would also be appreciated!

I’ve been feeling really burnt out lately, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s strange to feel this way after everything that’s happened since last November. I was betrayed by someone at my previous job, which left me in shock and filled with anger and depression. I lost that job right before I was supposed to get a performance raise in January and I missed my three-year anniversary in March. The stress took a toll on me physically; I gained weight because I stopped going to the gym, and I even started losing hair and getting white hairs. My doctor prescribed me blood pressure and anxiety pills, and I’m still taking the blood pressure medication. Job hunting has been brutal. I’ve mostly been ghosted by employers, and the few interviews I did have were disheartening. One CEO even laughed at me during an interview, saying, "It looks like you've worked everywhere." I managed to get two jobs, one in January and another in late February. The first job was only one night a week, and when they wouldn’t accommodate my schedule, I quit. The HR person texted me asking if I was going to resign or if they should do it for me after I only called out twice. The second job I started in February ended badly; I was fired on the first of last month because my supervisor claimed I never did what he told me to do. Last Friday, I finally got a job offer that I accepted. It’s with a company where I won’t be a probationary employee like I was at Costco. I’ll be full-time, earning the same pay, and my benefits will kick in as soon as I start. You’d think I’d feel happy about this, but honestly, I don’t.

I've been struggling with the onboarding process at my new job as a shift supervisor at a retail store. I applied about a month and a half ago, but it took me three weeks just to get through all the required forms, mainly due to needing a photo ID. Last week, my manager informed me that because of the delays, they would have to start me as a store associate instead, which is a pay cut of $1.50 per hour. Today, while texting her about some login issues, she suggested that starting as a store associate would be best so I could prove myself before moving up. She also mentioned that she appreciates my questions but prefers I only text when absolutely necessary. This has caused me a lot of anxiety because I don't want to make a bad impression before even starting. I feel like I've frustrated her by asking too many questions and even overshared about my personal life, which I now realize might not have been appropriate. She asked if I could start on Thursday or Friday instead of the planned Sunday, but when I inquired about the change, she reverted back to Sunday. I’m worried I’ve already messed things up and I'm unsure how to proceed.

I received an unexpected call on Monday while grocery shopping, and the caller jumped straight into an interview without introducing themselves or mentioning the company. I had to ask for details about the role and the company, as I didn't recall applying for this position. After I did my usual pitch, the caller surprisingly invited me to meet the team the next day. He confirmed my email and promised to send more details, but I haven't received anything yet and the meeting is first thing in the morning. I don't even know the caller's name or position, and the number just connects to reception. I'm considering just showing up at 9:30 as planned and telling reception my name and the meeting details. Should I go for it?

I recently found myself questioning whether full-time jobs are supposed to feel this overwhelming. I'm 23 and currently working in the corporate office of an assisted living facility company, handling accounting tasks. My role involves managing 26 locations and over 1,000 accounts, processing daily deposits, and dealing with close cycles twice a month. I also manage ancillary charges like salon services and housekeeping. It's a lot of pressure, and I feel like if I slip up even a little, everything could fall apart. Despite putting in so much effort, I’m only making $60k, and it feels like no one appreciates the hard work I do. My controller is tough to work with, and the environment is draining. I often leave work feeling exhausted, both mentally and physically, and when I get home, I struggle to unwind or even move. I've had previous jobs in retail and banking, so I'm no stranger to pressure, but I thought corporate jobs would be different. Recently, I started applying for new positions and had a phone interview that lasted only 7 minutes. I was nervous it was too short, but shortly after, I received an email to schedule an in-person interview for a role in the insurance industry, which is adjacent to what I do now. This new position as an accounting assistant offers a slightly higher salary of around $70k and seems to promise a nicer work environment. Now, I'm grappling with a few questions: Are jobs really supposed to feel this draining? Does getting an in-person interview so quickly indicate I have a good chance? I’ll need to call out on Thursday for the interview, and I’m worried my manager will suspect something since there are only 15 other applicants. If I do get the job, how do I handle the situation with my current employer?

I had a 20-minute initial call with a recruiter regarding a role I applied for. They covered the basics of the position and the company. Now, I've been scheduled for a 20-minute video call with the hiring manager, which is new territory for me. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves since I’ve never met with a hiring manager before. I'm curious about what to expect during this call and how to prepare for it.

I graduated with my bachelor's in economics in May 2024 and have been applying for jobs ever since, but I've had no luck. I completed my master's degree in October 2025, and I'm still searching for a position. To make ends meet, I've been doing Uber Eats since May 2024, but the wear and tear on my car is becoming a concern as the repairs are getting more expensive with the added mileage. It's frustrating to be in this situation, especially when I see others who graduated around the same time struggling as well. The job market seems to have worsened since 2024, and despite my qualifications, opportunities are scarce. I'm trying to stay positive and consistent in my job applications, hoping that something will come through soon.

I've been feeling really defeated in my job search lately. For the past year, I've been applying to 50-100 jobs each week, which means I set a daily goal of 10-15 applications. I put a lot of effort into customizing my resumes, but the response has been disheartening. I've only had three interviews this entire time, and the one where I was a final candidate ended with them choosing someone internal. I've tried working with recruiters and headhunters, and I've even been open to relocating. I let go of my preference for hybrid or remote work and started looking for positions that require a daily commute, even if it means traveling up to 90 minutes. In my desperation, I reached out on LinkedIn for help, but out of over 1000 connections, only two responded with referrals, and it's been over two weeks without any updates. I've also considered hourly jobs, but it turns out I'm overqualified due to my Master's degree. I took on adjunct teaching, but the pay is low and my hours were cut due to declining enrollment. I even explored starting my own business and spent three months doing research, but I can't find anyone willing to partner with me. Most software developers want upfront payment and aren't interested in equity. I've messaged recruiters and hiring managers, highlighting my skills and experience, but I often get ghosted or no response at all. The mental toll of applying constantly for a year and facing rejection is exhausting. I've thought about going back to day trading since I had success in the past, but I know the market has changed. People suggest careers in Sales or Real Estate, but those fields seem just as competitive and saturated. At this point, I'm out of ideas and just feel drained. I hear about phantom jobs and wonder if many positions aren't even real. I genuinely need help and advice on what to do next.

I recently applied for a job at a country club alongside a friend who used to work there. When the managers saw his application, they quickly reached out to confirm his identity and hired him almost immediately due to their familiarity with his work ethic and reliability. The kitchen is currently short-staffed, with employees working around 60 hours a week, so they are actively seeking help. During a conversation with the managers about his schedule, my friend recommended me for the open position. He highlighted that I was instrumental in helping him secure his job and shared our past experiences working together. He mentioned how I covered shifts for him when he was sick and provided him rides to work, emphasizing my kitchen experience. He reassured the managers that I wouldn't require extensive training since I already know how to cook and operate in a kitchen environment; I would just need a few days to learn their specific menu and procedures. Another friend who works there also noted that they prefer hiring individuals with experience to avoid the constant cycle of training new hires who leave quickly. My friend is scheduled to meet with the kitchen manager on Thursday and plans to mention me again. He also informed me that one of the managers had already inquired about my application and wanted my name to keep an eye out for it, which he provided. I'm curious about how much weight employee referrals carry in the kitchen job market, especially at a higher-end establishment like this country club. Have any of you landed jobs due to a friend's recommendation, and how did that turn out?

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my current job, which I've been at for about 43 days now, during my 90-day probation period. I was laid off from a job I held for eight years, where I excelled, and after that, I took a position in March that was more of a temporary fix. The commute was long, and the pay was lower than I was used to. I then found a new job that was much closer to home, had better pay, and offered hours that fit my full-time university schedule. However, when I started this new role, the person meant to train us was on medical leave, leaving me with minimal guidance. I was paired with a colleague who had only been there for four months, and he was primarily focused on his own tasks. The training I received was inadequate, and I felt like I was thrown into the deep end without proper support. The supervisor has been difficult to deal with, often placing blame on me for issues that arose due to the lack of training. After realizing that I was set up to fail, I've decided to start looking for another job this week. My concern now is how to explain my short tenure at these two positions, as I've already bounced between them this year. I’ve heard that since both jobs were under six months, I might not need to list them at all, or I could combine them and say I wasn’t a good fit. I’m feeling a bit lost on how to navigate this, but I’m determined to find a better opportunity.

I was laid off from my job on May 1, and my insurance coverage ended on May 31. My husband has just been diagnosed with a serious blood condition that requires weekly treatment, and he is currently not working. On top of that, I have lupus and we face multiple health issues together. Our monthly medications are going to cost over $6,000, even with every possible discount applied. If I have a bad flare-up, I may need additional medical care and hearing aids, as I am deaf, though not legally so. I managed to get our prescriptions filled for three months just before losing our coverage. I can't afford COBRA, so I immediately applied for MassHealth through the connector. I've spoken to representatives multiple times but am still waiting for a decision. I'm reaching out to see how others have managed their health insurance while being unemployed.

I was laid off in May and since then, I've been actively searching for new job opportunities. Unfortunately, despite sending out numerous applications and putting in a lot of effort, I haven't received any interview calls. It's been quite discouraging, and I'm trying to figure out what I might be doing wrong or if there's anything I can improve in my approach.

I've been job hunting for a while now, and I recently took a deep dive into my application data to understand the impact of submission timing. I spent 8 weeks applying to various roles, treating each application the same, using the same resume and putting in equal effort. However, I discovered that this approach was misguided. When I broke down my applications by when I submitted them, I found a significant difference in response rates. Applications sent within 24 hours of a job posting going live yielded a response rate of about 3-4%. In contrast, applications submitted on the second or third day dropped to around 1-2%, and those sent after day four fell below 1%. It was eye-opening to realize that the only variable affecting my results was timing. It seems that recruiters have limited time to review applications, and the first 30 to 50 submissions typically get real attention. After that, many applications are filtered through keywords, making it much harder to stand out. By the fourth day, I was essentially competing with hundreds of other candidates, with a machine deciding my fate. This experience has taught me that timing is crucial in the job application process. I never realized how quickly the application pile forms and how it affects the chances of getting noticed. I've also noticed that the rejection notifications look the same regardless of whether I was one of the first or one of the last applicants. It's frustrating to see how little feedback we get from this process, but the data has been a valuable lesson in optimizing my job search.

I’m currently facing a tough job market while searching for a tech position. I've interviewed for six roles so far, making it to the first rounds and assessments, but I haven't progressed past the second round. The companies seem interested, but their responses to my follow-ups are lackluster. I've been proactive, even sending live demos showcasing how their products could be improved with my ideas, yet I still can't secure a job. I’m starting to wonder what I might be doing wrong. For some context, I hold a Computer Science degree and am about to graduate with an MBA. I have over seven years of Software Development Engineer experience from both big tech companies and startups. I’m particularly looking for summer internships right now, but it feels like an uphill battle. I’ve received some feedback suggesting that my issue might be more about how I’m positioning myself rather than my actual skills. Some have recommended that I consider targeting contract roles since many companies have paused full-time hiring but are still looking for contract engineers. This could be a strategy to get my foot in the door, and it might even lead to a full-time position later on. Despite the challenges, I’m trying to stay motivated and open to advice.

I've been on the job hunt for a few months now, and it's really taking a toll on me. I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a tech startup, and ever since, I've been sending out applications left and right. The rejection emails keep piling up, and it's hard not to feel discouraged. I've tried networking and reaching out to contacts, but the competition is fierce. I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever find a new role that fits my skills and experience. It's exhausting, and I'm just hoping for a breakthrough soon.

Applied at Nvidia for HPC Engineer

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I applied for a job a few weeks ago and have been checking the application status on Workday, but it hasn't updated at all. I'm starting to feel confused and anxious about whether my application was even received. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this issue and what it might mean for my application.