Feeling

I recently had a significant moment at my job at Arby's where I decided to disclose to my managers that I’m autistic. This was after a lot of internal struggle, but I felt it was important for them to understand my challenges at work. I’ve been working there for several months, and I pride myself on being friendly, punctual, and hardworking. However, I often find myself overwhelmed during rush hours, which can lead to mistakes. My shift manager, who is also a friend, has been supportive and has advocated for me to keep my hours despite the challenges I face. Unfortunately, my hours have been drastically reduced recently, which I was told was largely due to a labor shortage rather than my performance. I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach my General Manager about getting my hours back. I had a conversation with her where I explained my struggles, and she was understanding. I even shared some old school records with her that indicated I had an autism diagnosis back in 2005, which was a revelation for me since I had always been told otherwise. Now, I feel like I need to approach her again to discuss my hours. I want to express that my reduced hours seem unrelated to my abilities and see if there’s a way to increase them back to where they were. For the past two weeks, I’ve only had one or two short shifts a week, which is tough financially. I also have an OnlyFans account that has been helping me stay afloat during this time, but I really want to get my hours back at Arby's. I’m hopeful that by being open about my situation, I can find a way to improve my work schedule.

I'm currently working from home as an HR Assistant, earning around $50K annually, and I've been in this role for almost two years. Recently, I've taken on more responsibilities and asked for a raise, but I haven't heard back yet. I enjoy the flexibility of my current job, which allows me to travel and saves me commuting costs, but I do pay about $300 a month for health insurance and feel like I'm handling most of the workload. I received an offer for a Talent Acquisition position that pays $65K, which is $32 an hour, and includes free health insurance. The catch is that the first four months are fully in-person, and then it transitions to a hybrid model with two days of working from home. My concern is the travel involved between clinics in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens for interviews, especially regarding parking and commuting during the winter months. They do cover tolls for trips to the Bronx, which is a plus. The team seems really nice, and the opportunity looks promising, but I'm torn between the flexibility of my current role and the better pay, benefits, and potential for career growth with the new position. I'm seeking advice on what to do next.

I'm currently applying for jobs and I'm worried that my lack of references might be holding me back. I have about 8 years of experience in blue-collar work, specifically with a CDL, public works maintenance, waste removal, and heavy equipment operations. Right now, I'm employed by my town in public works maintenance, but I'm looking to relocate to a city and find jobs that match my skills, particularly in city and municipality roles. I've applied to several positions, some of which I feel I'm overqualified for, yet I haven't received any callbacks or interview requests. A few of the job postings have already closed, while others are open until filled. I suspect that my lack of references is the main issue. I only have one reference, a coworker from the waste management industry, but he wasn't in a management position. My previous job ended on bad terms after a disagreement with a manager, which means I don't have any references from that experience. Currently, I don't feel comfortable asking my manager for a reference at my current job. I think he might not provide a positive response since I've expressed my intention to leave, which upset him, especially since it's during our busiest season. Additionally, we've had some heated discussions about our differing political views, which has made things even more complicated. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation. What steps can I take to improve my chances in the hiring process despite my lack of references?

I’ve been working at a tech company for over four years in a junior engineering role, and recently, I got injured, which has led to the need for multiple surgeries. My doctor has advised me to take a short-term medical leave of about 6-7 months for recovery. Thankfully, my company is providing me with 26 weeks of partial salary, and after that, I’ll be covered by Employment Insurance, so I have some financial security during this time. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be off work for the next seven months, and I’m feeling a mix of emotions about my situation. I’m not sure if I should consider myself lucky or unlucky. I want to make the most of this time and think about how I can pivot to a better career opportunity. I’m still technically employed, so I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to start looking for a new job while I recover. I’m curious about what steps I should take to prepare for a potential job switch. Should I focus on developing new skills, perhaps in areas like AI or forward-deployed engineering? I want to avoid just lying around during my recovery and instead use this time to set myself up for a better future. If you were in my shoes, where would you begin?

After a challenging 9 months of job searching, I finally landed a new position as a Senior Data Analyst at a new company. I had previously worked as a Data Analyst for 5 years before being laid off, so this new role feels like a significant step up. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, especially since it's a senior position. My interview went well, and I felt confident answering all the questions, but I can't shake the anxiety about keeping up with the latest AI advancements and cloud technologies. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on the opportunity ahead.

I recently helped a friend navigate his job transition after he was laid off from our company, which has been going through annual restructuring for the past five years. This year, it was his turn to be let go. He managed to secure a consulting position at a large corporation, which I believe is a smart move for him to generate income and stay engaged while searching for a full-time role. However, he expressed concern about what our former employer might think if they found out about his new job. I encouraged him to not worry about their opinion, reminding him that they didn’t care about him when they decided to lay him off. He hadn’t considered that perspective before, and it seemed to help him feel a bit more liberated. It’s a tricky situation, but I think he should focus on his own path rather than the thoughts of those who let him go.

I was let go from my job on September 11th after just over a year of employment. I had recently returned from a two-month medical leave due to spinal surgery, and just three weeks later, my boss informed me that I would be out of a job after October 1st. The reason given was that two out of three doctors would be unavailable for at least three months, making my position unnecessary. I feel a sense of discrimination because my medical leave was unavoidable, and I had been actively working hard, screening 12 patients before lunch while my colleagues only screened 8. To make matters worse, we don’t even have an HR department to address these issues. I'm preparing for a meeting tomorrow, but I'm feeling uncertain about my options moving forward.

I was laid off nearly a year ago after working as a backend engineer for over 15 years. Recently, I received two job offers: one from a FAANG company for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) role and another for a Lead Engineer position at a non-FAANG company, which offers almost half the compensation. I'm leaning towards the FAANG offer due to the higher pay, but I'm concerned about whether taking the SDET role will hinder my chances of transitioning back to a Software Engineer (SWE) position in the future. It's a tough decision, as SDET isn't my preferred path.

I've been navigating a tough situation with my unemployment claim in Texas. It's been about 7 months since I became unemployed after quitting my role as a director of a preschool/childcare center, where I worked for 14 years. I left on February 9, 2026, due to a hostile work environment. There were two main issues: one employee was harassing me, and I reported this to the owner, but it seemed like the focus during my original hearing was on whether I could have resolved that situation. The second, more troubling issue was with the owner himself. I discovered he was watching inappropriate content at work, which made me very uncomfortable, especially in a preschool setting. I felt I couldn’t approach him about it since he was my direct boss. After my initial hearing, where the owner didn’t even show up, I was denied benefits based mainly on the employee situation. Now my case is stuck at the TWC Commissioners level, and I haven’t received any benefits yet. I’m really worried because I’ve exhausted my savings and I’m in a serious financial bind. I’m looking for advice on whether there’s a realistic chance the Commissioners might overturn the decision, considering the circumstances with my boss. Also, I'm curious if his conduct could reasonably justify my decision to quit, especially in a childcare environment. Any insights from those familiar with Texas unemployment law or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Today, I experienced a bit of a rollercoaster at work. I had recommended a friend for a position at my company, and my boss seemed enthusiastic about hiring him. My friend submitted his application, and I was feeling optimistic about it. However, I just learned that my boss ultimately decided to turn him down. Now, I'm feeling anxious about how this will reflect on me. I can't help but worry that my boss will think less of me for this recommendation. I feel like I've let him down, and I'm even hesitant to talk to my friend now, even though it was his dad who influenced the decision. I have to go into work later, and I'm dreading the conversation. I really want to figure out how to navigate this situation and restore my boss's trust in me.

I'm currently navigating the tough job market and it's been quite a struggle. I want to share my experience with anyone else who's feeling the same way. It's easy to feel discouraged, but I'm trying to stay hopeful and keep pushing forward. My family has been incredibly supportive during this time, and to express my feelings, I even wrote a song about my journey. I hope it resonates with others who are also searching for work. If you're interested, you can check out the song I created here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ndm2qzgMP7f3fiYQWhVzpuLdvFQxitYp8&si=Pdt9j4hRleg9A6RM.

I recently decided to implement a two-interview maximum in my job search. I’m in desperate need of a job, but after my latest experience, I feel it’s necessary. I spent an entire month going through four interviews for a position that seemed promising, but the process was a logistical nightmare. The final interview was with an SVP who only asked me one question and seemed completely uninterested. It was frustrating, especially since the other interviews were recorded and analyzed by AI, which felt impersonal. To make matters worse, I was uncomfortable with the SVP’s appearance and demeanor during the interview. I didn’t receive an offer, but I had debriefs with the recruiter after each interview, and they only provided positive feedback. However, after the rejection, the recruiter suggested continuing conversations for future opportunities. I was taken aback and chose to block them instead. I’ve been on both sides of the hiring process, and it’s disheartening to see how unprofessional some recruiters can be. I’m open to panel interviews or practical assessments, but I refuse to waste my time with drawn-out processes that lack clarity. I’m determined to stick to my two-interview rule moving forward.

I am currently applying for a part-time position as a customer service associate at a thrift shop. The application requires me to provide three references who are not related to me, which is proving to be quite a challenge. I recently moved and don’t have any friends or neighbors to ask, and I lost contact with my previous employer. I feel stuck because I really want this job, but I don’t know who to list as references. I've even tried reaching out on forums for help, but my posts keep getting removed. I'm considering asking old teachers or family friends for help, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I've been receiving unemployment benefits since early April and recently landed a part-time contracting gig through a friend. The job requires about 10-15 hours of work per week, and I'm classified as a 1099 contractor rather than a W-2 employee. I'm aware that I need to report my income once the work is completed, not when I invoice or receive payment. However, I'm uncertain about how my contractor status might affect my benefits. I currently don't have any business expenses, but I've read that this could play a role in my situation.

I’ve been on the job hunt lately, and it feels like I'm searching for a unicorn. I'm currently on dialysis four days a week from about 2 PM to 5 or 6 PM, which limits my ability to work full-time. I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, which isn't exactly the most marketable degree, and my work experience is mostly in part-time food service and tutoring kids. I'm specifically looking for an entry-level, part-time job that requires minimal experience and offers training, ideally in a field that won't be automated or outsourced. However, from what I've seen, these types of positions are hard to come by. It seems like many employers want candidates who check every box, which makes it even more challenging for someone like me.

I'm currently facing a tough decision about whether to stay at my job or leave after returning from a three-month medical leave. I've been with my company, a Fortune 100 firm, for about two years now, and on paper, it seems like a great position: remote work, good pay, excellent benefits, and a sense of stability. However, I've been feeling guilty about wanting to leave, especially given how fortunate I am. My medical leave was largely due to the negative impact my job had on my mental health. The changes in management, lack of training and support, and a shift in the company culture have made it increasingly difficult for me. The environment feels like an 'old boys club,' and I don't see myself thriving there long-term. I've tried to make things work by applying for internal positions and discussing my desire to transfer teams, but nothing has panned out. Now, I'm in the final stages of interviews with a couple of external companies, and I'm being selective because I want to ensure my next role is a better fit. As I prepare to return from my leave, I'm torn between wanting to give my two weeks' notice right away and waiting until I have a signed offer. I feel guilty for even considering leaving such a stable job, but I know it hasn't been good for my well-being. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation: Did you resign immediately after returning from medical leave? Did you wait for an offer? Was it awkward knowing you were planning to leave? Did you struggle with feelings of being ungrateful for leaving a good job? Looking back, are you glad you made the leap?

I’ve been reflecting on the challenges faced by individuals who have recently been laid off, especially with the rising number of layoffs in India. I’m considering developing a side project aimed at providing support to those in this situation. While there is a wealth of information available online about resumes, job applications, and interview preparation, I believe the real issue lies in the immediate aftermath of losing a job. Many people may feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what steps to take next while grappling with anxiety, financial stress, and a sudden lack of routine. I envision creating a structured plan that guides individuals through their first week after a layoff, detailing specific tasks for each day, such as checking their financial situation, organizing documents, updating their CV, identifying job targets, reaching out to their network, and applying for jobs. Additionally, I think incorporating emotional support, like daily check-ins and advice on managing isolation, could be beneficial. My goal is not to replace professional therapists or career coaches but to offer a supportive companion that helps people navigate this challenging period. I’m considering starting small, perhaps offering my services for free to a handful of individuals to gauge interest and usefulness before expanding further. I’m genuinely seeking feedback from those who have experienced layoffs or significant career transitions. What was the hardest part for you right after losing your job? Did you struggle more with knowing what to do or with taking action? Would a structured plan have been helpful? Would emotional support alongside career guidance have made a difference? I’m eager to hear your thoughts and whether you think a resource like this would be valuable.

I was laid off about a month ago and jumped into job hunting right away, applying to nearly every position within an hour's commute in my mid-sized city. Fortunately, I secured a full-time role pretty quickly, though it was contract-to-hire and didn't pay very well. Still, it was in my field of study, with a reputable company, and I thought I could manage the long commute. However, not long into this new job, I received a callback for a position I had interviewed for earlier. This new opportunity offers a much shorter commute, a significant pay increase of around $20k per year, and is permanent. It's also in a field I'm passionate about and comes with more responsibilities. It's with a non-profit organization, which raises some concerns about stability and advancement, but I got some reassurances from the department leader. After two days of careful consideration and discussions with family and friends who have experience in similar roles, I decided to accept the new offer. I’m waiting to officially resign until I pass the background check and receive a firm offer, which my future employer has agreed to. I feel guilty about leaving my current role so soon, especially since I like the team and find the work engaging. I worry that I might be burning bridges with this big company and that I won’t be in a position to ask for a promotion later on. However, I really feel like I couldn't let this new opportunity slip away. I hope I'm making the right choice.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at my job in a mega corporation within the building controls sector. I was on a temporary assignment to help another part of the company when I learned that I was being let go due to poor sales in my area. This news came during a Teams meeting with HR and my manager, who encouraged me to apply for a position in the department I was assisting. I did so, but since the transition, I haven't received any pay for a month. Initially, I wasn't too worried after missing the first paycheck, thinking delays happen. However, as the weeks went by and I continued to miss payments, I started to reach out to various HR contacts for help. The process for tracking hours changed from an online system to a simple Excel spreadsheet emailed to my new manager, which added to the confusion. I drive five hours each week to my job site, and while the company covers my hotel and meals, the whole situation has become stressful. My expenses are still being routed through my former manager, leading to late approvals and fees that I have to cover. I feel like I'm living off my savings with no clear resolution in sight, and it's causing me significant anxiety. I'm scheduled to work at another client site next week, but I'm seriously considering not going until this payment issue is resolved. I've been advised to contact the state department of labor and to be more assertive with HR, but it's disheartening that no one seems to take responsibility for fixing this mess. I’m at a crossroads, unsure if I should continue working under these circumstances.

I filed for unemployment on August 26, 2026, after my last day of work at my previous job on August 25, 2026. Recently, I received a wage questionnaire in the mail, and I'm unsure how to answer one of the questions. It asks if I have performed any services or received wages from my employer after August 25, 2026. I did not work after that date, but I didn't receive my final paycheck for the last week until September 2, 2026. The questionnaire doesn’t provide an option for indicating that I received a paycheck after my last day of work. I’m worried about answering incorrectly, as I don’t want to lie. I consulted AI for advice, and it suggested I check 'No', but I still feel conflicted about it.