Feeling

I recently had a frustrating experience as a bather at Petsmart. I started about three to four months ago, looking for part-time work while searching for a more suitable job. Initially, things went well, but then the atmosphere changed drastically. Suddenly, I felt like I was under constant scrutiny and criticism from the other groomers. I made mistakes, like missing spots when drying dogs or accidentally cutting a dog's quick during nail clippings, but I thought that was part of the learning process. Instead, I was met with harsh criticism. For instance, one day, a groomer yelled at me for an accidental bump while I was checking out a dog at the computer. It felt like I was being blamed for things that were out of my control. There were also confusing policies that were never communicated to me. I was scolded for trimming a dog's paws too neatly, which I thought was part of my job. I often dealt with large, difficult dogs, and one time, a pit bull knocked me over, injuring my head. Instead of helping, the saloon lead just stood there and criticized me. The work environment was toxic, with rampant gossip and a lack of empathy among staff. It seemed like anyone outside the 'clique' faced hostility. I witnessed a talented groomer who was once optimistic get bullied into quitting after management's pressure. On top of that, I was the only one who bothered to keep the workspace clean, while others left it in a disgusting state. I found expired first aid supplies and moldy hair in the kennels. It was frustrating to see such a lack of care for both the animals and the workplace. Overall, the experience has been disheartening, and I'm seriously considering my options moving forward.

I have a second interview tomorrow for a manager role in food distribution with a large company, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I've known for six months that my current company is closing, and my last day is at the end of October. I've been actively applying for new positions and have had a few in-person interviews, but many have ended in disappointment or ghosting. This new opportunity is fully remote with some local travel and offers double my current salary, which is incredibly appealing. Although my background is primarily in Sales/Marketing Coordination within the food manufacturing sector, I believe I have relevant experience that can translate well into this new role. One of my challenges in interviews is that I tend to ramble, so I've been practicing to keep my answers concise and focused. I want to make sure I convey my energetic side without losing the interviewers' attention. I'm trying to manage my expectations, but I can't help but feel hopeful about this chance. Any last-minute advice would be greatly appreciated!

I started my new job about six weeks ago and today I was awarded Employee of the Month! 🥳 This is a huge milestone for me, especially since I've never received such an accolade before. The entire company votes on the recipient, and I was genuinely surprised to see the positive feedback from my colleagues. My journey to this point has been challenging. I left my career job in April 2025 after having a baby and struggled with postpartum depression, which made it tough to return to work. I took a three-month maternity leave and went back to a bar I used to work at, but I found it increasingly difficult to juggle my responsibilities there. I applied for various positions, went through a rough patch with my mental health, and even took a break from job searching for a while. After regaining my strength, I began applying again, and to my surprise, I landed an interview for a job I didn't think I would hear back from. After a second interview, I was offered the position! Initially, I thought there might not have been much competition, but I later learned that the hiring process was quite rigorous, which boosted my confidence and helped me overcome my imposter syndrome. I've been working hard, taking on more responsibilities, and managing multiple schedules. On top of that, I've lost 45 pounds naturally over the last 1.5 years, and I'm feeling better mentally than ever. It took a lot of personal growth and therapy to get here, but I finally feel like I'm thriving. This experience has taught me the importance of persistence and hard work. I had moments of doubt, believing I would never find a job I truly valued, but I kept pushing forward. So, to anyone out there struggling, don't give up! Your efforts will pay off!

Today, I learned that Netflix has laid off about 1,000 employees, which is roughly 6% of their workforce. This is the largest round of layoffs they've ever done. As someone who has been following the company's trajectory, I can't say I'm surprised by this news. It seems like the streaming industry is facing some tough challenges, and unfortunately, this means job losses for many. I'm feeling a mix of concern for my colleagues in the industry and frustration over how companies are handling these situations.

I’m currently at a crossroads in my career and trying to figure out my next steps. I have both a bachelor's and a master's degree in History, and I initially aimed to work as an Archivist or Museum Historian. However, I've realized that my passion for museums has faded, and I no longer want to pursue that path. Since July, I've been searching for a job as an Administrative Coordinator or Office Assistant, but I haven't had much luck. I've had a few interviews, but I feel like my background—a history enthusiast who enjoys organizing things and has experience working part-time at a library—doesn't quite resonate with employers. Currently, I work as a gallery assistant, but my hours are extremely limited, often less than 10 hours a week. The company seems to prioritize hiring new staff over giving existing employees more hours, which is frustrating. I'm considering becoming a substitute teacher as a way to explore that field, but I'm also contemplating whether I should get my teaching certification first. Additionally, I found a part-time receptionist position at a tattoo shop that only requires availability from Friday to Sunday. The role involves scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and handling social media, which could help me gauge my interest in both teaching and administrative work. I’m torn about whether to pursue substitute teaching or keep applying for other office jobs. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated!

It's been nearly five months since I was laid off from a job that I truly loved, where I had spent over a decade. As a mom to a young child, I've found the transition particularly tough. After my child was born, I lost a significant portion of my non-work social circle. Most of my friends either chose not to have kids or have older children, which makes it difficult for them to relate to my current life. I've tried to reach out, letting them know that I'm available and would love to connect, but it often feels like my efforts go unnoticed. My job was a huge part of my identity beyond just being a mom. It provided me with a sense of purpose, productivity, and daily challenges. I miss those small interactions I had with colleagues, even though I worked remotely for a long time and managed to create a supportive work community. Now, I'm not only feeling the pressure of job searching without success, but I'm also grappling with loneliness. My child is in school during the weekdays, which is great for them and gives me time to apply for jobs and network. However, it also leaves me alone with my thoughts, and the silence can be overwhelming. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else is experiencing similar feelings. What strategies have you found helpful in maintaining a positive outlook and tackling each day?

I recently accepted a full-time role after a successful interview, where I was clear about my need for flexible work arrangements due to my child's additional needs. The hiring manager assured me that I could have one work-from-home day a week, which was crucial for my family's schedule. However, as I approached my start date, I reached out to the team lead for logistical questions and discovered that new hires typically don't get work-from-home days until after an 8-week training period. This information was never disclosed during the interview process, and I feel misled. I would not have accepted the offer had I known this, as it doesn't align with my family's needs. Now, I'm anxious because my previous job has been filled, and I need clarity on whether they can accommodate my requirements before I start. I'm debating whether to push for a definitive answer via email this week or wait until our in-person discussion on Monday. I’ve already identified the specific dates I would need to work from home to meet both my training and family obligations.

I recently applied for several positions at Walgreens, hoping to find a new opportunity. Unfortunately, I received rejections for all my applications on the same day. It's frustrating because I've applied to other companies that at least acknowledge receipt of my resume and inform me that they are reviewing it. I wish Walgreens would provide some feedback or at least a confirmation that my applications were received.

Today, I accepted a part-time job offer, which feels like a step forward. However, I just received news from another potential employer about scheduling an interview. This position is listed as either full-time or part-time on Indeed, which adds to my uncertainty. A few years back, I did an unpaid working interview for this same company but didn’t get the job, so I'm hesitant about pursuing it again. I'm conflicted about whether I should still go for the interview, especially since I’m not sure how my availability will align now that I’ve accepted the other position. I would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I'm currently preparing for interviews for a part-time Consumer Loan Underwriter position. It's been over six years since my last interview, so I'm feeling a bit rusty. My previous experience includes working as a consumer loan underwriter for a little over a year, focusing on indirect loans with a third-party finance company. This new role involves both direct and indirect loans, and I was upfront about my limited experience with direct loans during my first interview. Despite that, I was invited to the next stage, which is encouraging but also nerve-wracking. I'm looking for general interview tips, particularly regarding underwriting questions I could ask. If anyone has insights on what hiring managers typically look for during interviews, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

I spent three years working remotely, and honestly, it wasn't a great fit for me. While many people dream of remote work, I found it isolating and struggled with the blurred lines between my work and home life. Sitting at my desk all day began to wear on me, and I felt disconnected from real human interactions, even though I was constantly online. Eventually, I decided to leave that job for lower-paying in-person work, and surprisingly, I found a lot of joy in my new role. However, I still have concerns about my financial future, especially with a baby on the way. Recently, I stumbled upon a potential remote opportunity through connections I made at my previous job. I applied, but I'm uncertain about the outcome. This time, I'm trying to think of ways to make remote work more enjoyable if I get the position. I'm curious to hear from others who work from home: what strategies or tips do you have to make the experience more enjoyable? Whether it’s small adjustments or larger lifestyle changes, I’d love to learn from your experiences.

I haven't worked in five years and I'm feeling really lost about how to get a job. The last time I was employed was a four-month stint five years ago, and since then, I've struggled to even get a call back from places like Walmart. I'm specifically looking for part-time retail positions but it seems like no one is interested in hiring me. I'm starting to wonder if going back to school is my only option. I've received some advice suggesting I try a temp agency to gain some work experience, but I know the job market is tough right now. A commenter even mentioned that it might be beneficial to have support from someone who specializes in helping people like me find work. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

I’ve been out of work for over a year due to burnout and facing numerous job rejections. Recently, I decided to try my luck with a temp agency and finally found a company interested in hiring me. However, they require references, which puts me in a tough spot. I didn’t leave my last job on good terms and haven’t kept in touch with many of my former coworkers. Using family or making up references isn’t an option either, as I learned that their system can detect if references come from the same IP address. I’m really unsure about how to proceed and would appreciate any advice from others who might have faced a similar situation.

I recently had a conversation with a Talent Acquisition representative from Southern California Edison (SCE) that left me questioning the company's approach to job qualifications. I've applied for more than a dozen roles there, meeting either the minimum qualifications or both the minimum and preferred qualifications. However, I suspect that SCE places more weight on preferred qualifications during the screening process than they let on. This conversation only reinforced my concerns. While I understand that meeting minimum qualifications doesn’t guarantee an interview or a job offer, it feels misleading if preferred qualifications are treated as requirements without clear communication. Applicants like me spend significant time tailoring resumes and applications based on the job descriptions provided, so if the expectations are different, it raises questions about transparency. I’m curious to hear from anyone who has experience with SCE’s hiring process. Have you been interviewed or offered a position by only meeting the minimum qualifications, or do you find that preferred qualifications are essentially mandatory? Your insights could really help others navigate this process.

I recently had a positive interview with a recruiter for a position I'm really excited about. During our conversation, he mentioned that he would be sharing his notes with the hiring manager and would let me know by Friday if I would be moving forward in the process. This has left me feeling a bit uncertain, as I've had experiences in the past where similar phrasing seemed to indicate that I wasn't progressing to the next stage. I'm wondering if this is a typical part of the process or if it signals that I might not be moving on. I appreciate any insights from those who have been in a similar situation!

I recently got laid off from my job and started applying for new positions here in California. While registering for unemployment through CalJobs, I received an email from a company called AB IMPORTS LLC. They offered a remote data entry job at $25 an hour. The email contained a basic interview form that I filled out. To my surprise, the next day, I received the same form from another person at the company asking me to fill it out again. Shortly after, I got a job offer in my inbox, complete with a W-2 and a direct deposit form. I haven't spoken with anyone on the phone, and the whole process felt rushed and impersonal. My gut is telling me this might be a scam, especially since the offer seems too good to be true. I wanted to get some advice before making any decisions, as I can't afford to miss out on a legitimate opportunity if it is real.

I've been on the job hunt for what feels like an eternity, and it's honestly exhausting. Applying for entry-level positions has turned into a frustrating process where companies expect you to jump through endless hoops. I know I'm qualified, yet I keep receiving rejection emails. It seems like AI is screening the applications, and I can't even make it past the first round. The requirement for video recordings of myself is just the cherry on top of this stressful cake. I've been applying for months now, even trying to secure seasonal retail positions, but I still haven't had any luck. It's baffling to me that I can't even land a temporary job!

I’m currently working as an in-home caregiver for a small company, and I've been with them for almost two years, earning $19/hr. Lately, I've been feeling frustrated with my job due to poor communication and management. I rarely interact with my bosses, and when my last client passed away, they just called to inform me and said they'd find me a new client without any support. I've only met two colleagues during training, and I haven't been in the office since orientation. Plus, I've had issues with mileage reimbursement, which is supposed to be .56 cents a mile, but I suspect it's been mismanaged. Recently, I received a job offer from another company where a friend works. They offered me $21/hr, with yearly raises and potential bonuses for certain shifts or gas reimbursement. It seems like they genuinely care about their employees, as my friend received flowers from them after losing a client. I signed the offer letter and submitted my two weeks' notice, but my current employer countered with $21.50/hr. Now, I'm torn about whether to stay or move to the new company. I need to decide today, and it’s complicated because my partner was laid off last week and has been struggling to find a new job for over a year. I’m leaning towards the new company, but I’m looking for some outside perspectives to help me make this decision.

I recently learned about a Voluntary Separation Plan (VSP) being offered at my privately-owned tech company, where I work as a software engineer. This announcement came right after a quarterly meeting where we celebrated our best quarter in over 25 years, along with plans to significantly increase headcount. The CEO's message about the VSP felt contradictory, especially since the company seems to be doing well financially. The terms of the VSP seem moderately generous, but management has the final say on who gets accepted, which raises some concerns. The reasoning provided was that the new organizational model might not suit everyone, but I can't help but feel there's more to it. With the company transitioning to a mandatory 2-days-a-week return-to-office policy, I sense this might be a way to encourage those who are unhappy with the change to leave without it being labeled a layoff. At this point, I'm not considering applying for the VSP since I don't want to start job hunting right now. However, I can't shake the feeling that this situation is quite strange and I'm curious about others' insights on it.

I’m currently dealing with a toxic situation at work that I never expected. I work for a company where I initially had a great relationship with my boss, who is about 30 years older than me. We both got along well at first, and I enjoyed going to work. However, things took a drastic turn when she started to blur professional boundaries. It began with jealousy whenever I laughed with colleagues, and she would try to insert herself into those interactions. Her behavior escalated to unwanted physical contact and intense eye contact that made me uncomfortable. The breaking point came after I casually mentioned having a boyfriend. From that moment, she seemed to launch a campaign against me, creating a cold atmosphere. When I confronted her about the tension, she manipulated the conversation to make it seem like I was imagining things. I tried to limit my interactions with her using the 'grey rock' method, but she responded with threats of firing me. Last Friday, things escalated significantly. She screamed at me in her office, humiliating me with comments about my personal life and even making inappropriate remarks about my body. I finally stood up for myself, which seemed to deflate her ego. Since then, she’s been trying to regain my favor, but I’m keeping my distance. I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to quit this job because her behavior is abusive and unhinged. I’m actively looking for new opportunities, but I’m struggling with how to navigate this toxic environment in the meantime. If anyone has experienced something similar, I’d love to hear your advice on how to survive until I can leave.