Feeling

I recently received a job offer from a government agency, which is exciting, but I'm facing a challenge with employment verification from my previous employer. I worked at my last company for 1.5 years before moving on, and during my time there, I had a difficult relationship with the office manager, who was known for her pettiness. Many colleagues left due to her behavior, and I made it clear in my exit interview that I was leaving because of her. Now, my potential employer has been trying to verify my past employment, but they've informed me that my former employer is not responding to their calls or emails. Given that it was a small company with only five employees, I suspect that the office manager has instructed the HR team not to respond to any inquiries about me. I'm concerned that this could jeopardize my job offer, and I'm looking for advice on what I can provide to my potential employer as proof of my previous employment. I know that for government roles, they might be strict about verification, but I'm hoping to find alternative documentation that could help, such as pay stubs or my W-2. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently graduated with my master's degree in public health during a challenging job market. After working various side jobs, I've finally landed two interviews related to my field. One is a Zoom interview, and the other is an in-person interview where I need to deliver a PowerPoint presentation to a panel. I'm particularly anxious about the presentation, even though I know I can present well; it's just the nerves of being in front of others that get to me. Additionally, this in-person interview will include an analytical exercise that I have to complete on-site using a laptop. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, and I'm eager to hear any tips or advice to help me prepare and perform well in these interviews.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation after being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my current job as an ERP QA Engineer. With over 7 years of experience in ERP and HRMS Testing, including 5 years in Functional Testing and 2 years focused on SAP ERP workflows and test automation, I was taken aback by the circumstances leading to this decision. The PIP was triggered by a late-night call I missed while having dinner with my family, which my manager cited as a sign of poor contribution and lack of ownership. However, he also acknowledged my punctuality and consistent presence in the office. To complicate matters, many of my responsibilities have been reassigned to a new hire, which has left me feeling sidelined. I see this as a sign to explore new opportunities, but I'm anxious about finding a new role quickly due to financial obligations. I'm reaching out for advice from QA Leads, SDETs, ERP Testers, SAP Testers, and Hiring Managers on the best path forward. Should I continue focusing on ERP/HRMS Testing, or should I pivot more towards Automation? What skills should I prioritize to enhance my marketability in the next 30-60 days? Are companies currently hiring for ERP QA or SAP QA roles? Any insights, referrals, or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

As a fresh graduate, I'm currently navigating the challenging transition from college to the job market. I've recently completed my degree and am dedicating my free time to becoming more employable. Right now, I'm enrolled in a web development course and working on small projects to enhance my skills. However, I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to apply for jobs even though I don't feel fully prepared yet. On one hand, I hear that building skills takes time, but on the other hand, there's a constant push from peers suggesting I should start job hunting immediately. This conflicting advice has left me feeling anxious. Reading posts online has only added to my stress. I see many experienced individuals struggling to find jobs, which makes me question my own prospects. Although I have some internship experience in the power platform domain, I still feel like my skills aren't quite up to par. I find myself torn between various paths—should I continue with web development, learn SQL, explore QA, or pivot to Business Analysis? Every time I settle on a direction, I worry that I might be making the wrong choice. This indecision has led me to spend more time contemplating my employability rather than actually building my skills. I'm really curious about how others have managed this stage in their careers and whether they faced similar dilemmas.

I am currently applying for an internal entry-level service desk position at my company, where I've been employed for two years and received a promotion last year. I've been pursuing my education in the IT field, which has motivated me to seek this new role. However, I'm facing some concerns regarding my resume. I've been advised to only include the last five years of employment, which means I would need to list a previous job where I was terminated after three years. When I applied for my current position, I included that job without issue, and it didn't hinder my hiring or promotion. Still, I'm anxious that the recruiter might contact my former employer and find out about my termination, which could jeopardize my chances for this internal role. I'm unsure if my current employer will conduct background checks for past employment when considering internal candidates. Despite my worries, I have consistently received positive performance reviews in my current role as a dispatcher, which I believe has relevant similarities to the service desk position. However, I lack the higher-level certifications that many IT candidates possess and couldn't secure an internship while in school, making me doubt my competitiveness for this role.

I wanted to share my experiences with interviews, particularly how I perform differently in online versus face-to-face settings. Since 2016, I've noticed that I consistently receive job offers when I interview online, but I struggle significantly with in-person interviews. During online interviews, I feel more at ease, possibly because I'm in a familiar environment. However, in face-to-face interviews, I often start strong but then become overwhelmed with anxiety, leading to stuttering and forgetting my points. It's frustrating because I know I'm capable of presenting well; I've even spoken in front of large audiences before without issue. But when it comes to interviews with just a few people, I freeze up. I wonder if it's the pressure of direct eye contact or the feeling of being scrutinized that triggers my nerves. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced this and if there are any strategies to overcome this anxiety. I don't use AI tools for my interviews; I rely on storytelling, which I excel at. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently let go from my position as a Data Analyst at a private healthcare company in the UK that handles referrals from the NHS. My termination came after I raised concerns about our data submission process. I noticed that my manager was submitting data without reviewing it, which led to the NHS being double charged for our services due to duplicate referrals. I felt it was important to address this issue, as it involved public funds and integrity in our reporting. However, my manager dismissed my concerns, stating that the NHS had never raised issues about it and that they typically issue credit notes instead of full refunds. Today, I was called in and informed that my probation period was being extended due to what they termed a 'cultural disconnect.' This was a tough blow, and now I find myself officially unemployed. I'm feeling lost and disheartened, especially with the current job market. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and what steps I should take next.

I recently had a conversation with my brother, who just completed his BSc in Games Programming. Unfortunately, he has faced numerous job rejections after applying to many positions. It seems like he is being filtered out by AI systems or possibly due to initial questions regarding his location or salary expectations. This situation has really taken a toll on his mood, and I feel helpless watching him struggle with disappointment. I can't help but wonder if the current AI boom is affecting entry-level job opportunities in the gaming industry. It seems that more people can now program without needing a formal degree, which might make competition tougher. Additionally, since he is based in Europe, I suspect that companies might be leaning towards candidates from countries where they can pay lower wages. I would love to hear any thoughts or advice on this issue, as it breaks my heart to see him so down. Thank you for listening to my concerns!

I had a virtual job interview scheduled for this morning at 10:20 AM. I logged on and waited for 40 minutes without any sign of the interviewer. After that, I called the company to check in, and they informed me that the manager was busy but could interview me now. I got back on, only to find that the manager was conducting another interview. They told me to return at 11:20 AM, which means I’ll be waiting for another hour. I'm starting to feel like this is a waste of my time because the whole situation seems quite unprofessional.

Today was a tough day. I was working at a company in Florida when I was called into the conference room and let go after just 1.5 hours on the job. Now, I'm trying to navigate the unemployment benefits process, but I'm stuck on the portal's 'Request Benefit Payment' section. It's asking for the number of hours I worked, but it doesn't allow for decimal entries. I’m worried about how to report my hours accurately because if I enter 1.5, it could lead to discrepancies in my pay, and I definitely don't want to end up in any legal trouble. I’ve seen some suggestions online about rounding up to 2 hours, which seems like the most sensible option to avoid complications. Just hoping to get this sorted out soon.

I've been working in a training capacity at my company, which is currently consolidating IT functions across the US. Each region previously had its own CIO, but now there's going to be just one CIO overseeing all regions. This change is part of a plan to reduce the workforce by 15%, and so far, they've already cut 6% this year. With around 7,000 employees, things have really slowed down as we await further announcements, which won't come until January 2027. I'm contemplating whether to ride it out for the severance package or start looking for other opportunities. I'm open to any advice on how to navigate this situation.

Today, I received an email from Centene about their Voluntary Separation Program (VSP). It seems like a lot of my colleagues, possibly around 95%, got the same notification. The email stated that I am "eligible" to apply for the program, which essentially means I can choose to be laid off—if I approve it. However, just because I'm eligible doesn't guarantee that my application will be accepted, which adds a layer of uncertainty. Everyone around me is feeling pretty distraught about this news, and it's hard to gauge the overall impact on our team and the company. I’m curious if the severance offers are consistent across the board. My package includes the standard 12 weeks of severance plus an additional 4 weeks, totaling 16 weeks, along with 4 months of COBRA coverage and 3 months of outplacement assistance. While I recognize that some companies offer nothing at all, this package feels pretty underwhelming given the seven years I've invested in my career here. I’ve seen comments from others who are also unsure about whether to take the offer or not. Some are worried about the direction the company is heading and how many people will actually be laid off. It's a tough situation, and I’m still weighing my options.

I lost my job last September due to an ownership change, and since then, I've been actively applying for positions through Indeed and LinkedIn. In the past, I never had issues landing interviews quickly, but now I'm approaching 10 months without a single interview request. The only responses I receive are rejections like 'the job has been filled' or 'we have decided to move forward without filling the position.' I've heard that companies might be using AI to screen applicants, and I'm wondering if there's something new I should be doing to improve my chances. I'm starting to feel discouraged and would appreciate any advice or insights from others who might be in a similar situation.

I've been on the job hunt for a part-time position in retail or food, and I'm currently 17 years old. I've had a few interviews, and while the interviewers seemed pleased with my responses, I never received a call back. I can't help but think my appearance is a factor. During my first interview, the guy actually laughed at me, and in the second one, the manager called over a coworker to gawk at me because they couldn't believe I was really 17. I'm quite short and skinny, with a baby face that makes me look much younger than I am—like a typical 13-year-old. This has been a source of frustration for me, especially since I have some prior work experience and feel confident in my interview skills. I'm reaching out for advice on how to present myself better in interviews and get employers to see past my youthful appearance. I want them to know that even though I might look young, I'm dedicated and capable of doing the job well. Any tips on how to dress or carry myself would be greatly appreciated!

After being unemployed for 9 months, I've come to realize my mistake of pursuing education without a clear career goal. I earned my Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance in 2021, and then went on to get a Master’s in Applied History, which I graduated with on May 8th. Unfortunately, I'm struggling to find jobs related to my degree. The only positions I see available are for museum directors, which I definitely don’t qualify for. With mounting rent, bills, and student debt, I feel like I'm at my breaking point. I was promised job opportunities upon graduation, but now I feel foolish for not choosing a career path first. My dad is trying to help financially, but with each passing day without an interview or job offer, my depression deepens. Is it really that pathetic for a 28-year-old with a Master’s degree to be endlessly scrolling through job listings on Indeed, searching for a basic full-time position? Has anyone else faced a similar situation? I’m feeling lost and unsure of where to go from here.

I'm in my mid-20s and have been struggling to find a job due to my disabilities, which include autism and several physical issues. I often get overstimulated, have difficulty with social interactions, and face challenges like fainting and heat intolerance, especially since I live in a hot climate. I've applied for SSI but have been denied multiple times, which adds to my frustration. It feels like most job opportunities are either too physically demanding or require too much social interaction. I'm currently feeling hopeless about my situation. I'm considering reaching out to a lawyer for my SSI case, but I'm unsure if that's a viable path given the recent changes in requirements. I'm looking for any suggestions on jobs that might be a good fit for someone with my challenges.

I recently accepted a job offer as a Marketing Specialist at a tech company after successfully negotiating an increase of over $8,000 from their initial offer. I was thrilled because this company is actually my top choice. However, I'm still waiting to hear back from another company where I interviewed and I believe there’s a good chance they might extend an offer as well. Now that I’ve accepted the first offer, I’m wondering about my options if the second company comes back with a significantly higher compensation. I’m torn because I genuinely prefer the company I accepted the offer from, but I also want to make the best decision for my career and finances. I have a few questions: Is it acceptable to reach out to the first company about the possibility of adjusting my compensation if I receive a better offer? Given that they already increased my offer, would it be seen as inappropriate to ask for more? And for those in recruiting or hiring positions, how would you feel if a candidate approached you with this situation before their start date? Should I just commit to my accepted offer unless the new one is substantially better? I haven’t started yet, and I’m not trying to play companies against each other, but I’d appreciate any insights from recruiters or anyone who has faced a similar dilemma.

I recently had to call out of work due to being really sick during my pregnancy. My husband, who has never called out before and is known for his strong work ethic, also called out to take care of me. His boss responded with, "Sorry to hear, hope everything’s okay, we’ll talk when you return." Now, my husband is worried that this might be a sign he’s going to be fired. He’s always been dedicated and picks up the slack for others, so it’s confusing for him. I’ve been reading comments from others who suggest that his boss is likely just expressing concern for our situation and that there’s no reason to worry about his job. They say phrases like that are often just a way to say they’ll discuss things when he’s back, not a sign of impending termination. It’s been a stressful time, but I’m trying to reassure him that everything will be okay.

A couple of weeks ago, I relocated to start a job at my dream company as a marketing coordinator. Initially, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to leverage my previous experience while gaining new skills. However, I've quickly uncovered several concerning red flags since starting. I learned that nearly half of the team had left just before I joined, which raised my suspicions. During the interview process, I was reassured that this role would serve as a solid stepping stone for internal promotions within a year. Yet, my supervisor later revealed that internal transfers are quite challenging, contradicting what I was told. To make matters worse, I found out that none of the departed employees transitioned into other roles within the company; they all left for jobs elsewhere. While shadowing a colleague, I was informed that several employees had resigned due to toxic management, and some were terminated under unclear circumstances. It seems that everyone currently employed there is actively job hunting, which aligns with the rumors I've been hearing about the difficulty of internal transfers. On top of all this, my move has been tough. I've been grappling with homesickness, anxiety, and a much worse commute than I anticipated. Fortunately, I have a safety net: my former manager has offered me the chance to return to my old job if I decide to move back home. I know many people suggest giving a new job and city more time before making a decision, but I’m questioning at what point multiple red flags warrant cutting my losses. Am I being too hasty, or does it make sense to leave before I invest more time, money, and energy into a situation that may not be right for me? I'm disappointed because I genuinely like my new neighborhood and finally being independent after living with my parents for several years, but I’m unsure if it’s worth all the stress.

I recently interviewed for a managerial position at DTICI in Bangalore. It's been over a week since my interview, and the HR told me I would receive feedback within a day if it was positive. I've followed up multiple times, but they keep saying they haven't received any feedback yet. I'm feeling anxious about the situation because I really want this role, and I'm not even sure if my application has been rejected or if there's just a delay. If anyone has experience with the hiring process there, I would really appreciate any insights.