Feeling

I'm currently feeling overwhelmed and burned out in my role as the sole HR person and executive assistant at a small school district with around 100 employees. When I accepted this position, I expected more support from the superintendent and a pre-existing structure in the HR department. However, I've discovered that I am essentially building the HR function from scratch while also managing the day-to-day responsibilities. Every day feels monotonous, reminiscent of that SpongeBob episode where Squidward's life becomes repetitive. I find myself creating tracking systems and workflows, and frequently checking in with principals and directors to address issues with our collective bargaining agreement. My boss has a policy that requires all employees to respond to emails within 24 hours, which sounds fair until you're inundated with over 50 emails daily. Many of these emails require extensive research and communication, consuming a significant portion of my time. Additionally, being significantly younger than my colleagues adds another layer of difficulty, as I sometimes feel dismissed or questioned due to my age. I've been applying to jobs in the private sector, tech, and biotech industries for the past couple of months without much success. I'm at a crossroads, wondering if I should continue pursuing a different work environment or if this is just a challenging phase in my career.

I've been working as a receptionist for a few months now, and honestly, I'm really unhappy in this role. I miss my previous work in the animal shelter field, which I found much more fulfilling. Recently, I got an interview for a position that aligns with my certifications and pays $28 an hour. However, the catch is that it's a two-hour commute into the city. I'm feeling really stressed about the long commute, but I can't help but think that the work itself would be worth it. I'm torn about whether to pursue this opportunity or look for something closer to home.

I have a meeting today with the CEO of a startup robotics company, which my dad set up after sending them my resume. It feels a bit confusing because they didn’t specify it as a formal interview; they just want to meet to see what I can bring to the table for a potential intern position. I’m going in without much information about what they’re looking for or what the role entails, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. I’ve just graduated with my bachelor’s degree and have never been in a situation like this before. I’m not even sure what questions to ask or how to present myself effectively. I’m hoping to get some advice on how to navigate this lunch meeting and make a good impression.

I'm currently in a bit of a dilemma as I'm interviewing for two jobs and both seem promising. I have about a year of experience in data center work and around four months in project management. The first opportunity is as a Technical Project Manager for a large company with around 1,000 employees. The pay range is quite attractive at $130,000 to $160,000, and it's fully remote, which is a huge plus for me. However, the expectations are high, and there's a significant chance of failure since my potential boss is new to the role and is looking for someone who can hit the ground running. This situation feels familiar to me from my last job, and while I believe I can handle it, I'm nervous about not meeting their expectations and possibly being let go. The second opportunity is as an Assistant Project Manager in a small realty construction company with only 10 employees. The pay is lower at $100,000, and it's a hybrid role requiring two days in the office with a one-hour commute. There’s no 401k match, but the work environment seems much less stressful, with lower expectations and more room for learning and making mistakes. I really like the company culture here. I'm torn between the high stakes of job one and the safer, more manageable option of job two. I know I shouldn't count my chickens before they hatch, but I’m eager to see where these interviews lead.

I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow for a state position, and I’m feeling really nervous about it. I received the job specifications from the HR manager last Thursday, and she encouraged me to take my time with my answers and show my familiarity with the role. I’ve been preparing by reviewing potential interview questions, but I can’t shake the fear of messing it up. This position offers $10,000 more per year than what I currently make, along with additional benefits, which is a huge incentive for me. My current job has been incredibly challenging. The workload is overwhelming because my manager has been delegating all her responsibilities to me, essentially making me do the work of two paralegals while I’m compensated like an administrative assistant. This situation has taken a toll on my mental health, and I dread going to work every day. I really want to move on from this position and find something that respects my contributions and provides a healthier work environment. I’m reaching out for any tips or encouragement as I prepare for this interview. I feel quite alone in this process, and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently had to resign from my role as a Concrete Batch Plant Operator due to a severe allergic reaction to the cheap cement my company started using. After moving to central NC about a year ago, I joined a company that manufactures large cast parts for state projects. Initially, I was able to improve their concrete quality significantly, but then management decided to cut costs by using lower quality materials. Unfortunately, the new bulk cement contains hexavalent chromium, which I'm highly allergic to. My skin started reacting badly, leading to painful welts and infections. Despite seeking medical help and being prescribed prednisone, the allergy persisted. I reported the issue to my employer, but they seemed indifferent and only offered to cover my medical costs if I didn’t file an official report. After another flare-up, my doctor advised against further medication due to potential long-term health risks. I felt trapped between my health and my job, which I loved, especially working with my assistant whom I’ve mentored. While I’m grateful that my wife’s job provides us some financial stability, I still feel a sense of failure for having to leave. I know I have the skills to find another job, but I’m really struggling with the emotional toll of this situation.

I was laid off just two weeks after welcoming my baby into the world, and the timing felt incredibly inhuman. My baby was born in early July, and by the third week of the month, I found myself without a job. The official reason was the usual corporate jargon: business restructuring, reduced workload, and financial conditions. I get that companies have to make tough decisions, but what really stings is how it all unfolded. For six months leading up to the layoff, I had regular discussions with my manager about the low workload. Every couple of weeks, I was reassured that everything was fine and that there was nothing to worry about. Just three weeks before I was let go, I received the same comforting words. Then, out of nowhere, I was laid off. I wish they had been honest with me about the possibility of restructuring. If I had known, I could have prepared myself and my family or looked for opportunities elsewhere. Instead, I felt completely blindsided and denied the chance to take any proactive steps. To make matters worse, after the layoff, there was a complete silence from my colleagues. I worked closely with these people, yet only one friend reached out to me. I understand that businesses are not families, but I still believe that layoffs can be managed with a bit of humanity. I'm not angry about the business decision itself; I'm just disappointed in how it was handled, especially considering the timing with my new baby. Maybe the lesson here is to not confuse your loyalty to a company with their loyalty to you. I'm sharing this to vent and hopefully find some relief.

I recently relocated from Utah to Salem, Oregon, and I'm on the hunt for a new job or career path. My background includes five years at a dental laboratory in Utah, where I specialized as a waxer and ceramist. Over the course of seven years in this field, I've worked on a variety of projects, from single-unit crowns to full mouth restorations, always focusing on quality and attention to detail. In addition to my dental lab experience, I have over seven years in a clay ceramics studio, where I produced small-batch, slip-cast ceramics. I was involved in every aspect of the process, from making molds to glazing, and even served as the production manager. Prior to that, I worked in a skate and snowboard shop, where I managed web sales and warehouse duties, including transitioning our garment printing to an in-house operation by building a dark room and printing original designs on t-shirts. Now that I've moved, I'm exploring job opportunities in dental labs nearby, but I'm also open to other industries. I know there are options out there that I haven't considered yet, and while I'm excited about the possibilities, it can also feel overwhelming. Thankfully, my spouse's income allows me some time to explore my options. I'm 40 years old with a high school diploma and no college degree, so any job suggestions or industry insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently faced a challenge while applying for jobs, as I found myself in a situation where I lacked the necessary experience for the roles I was interested in. I received feedback on my CV indicating that I wasn't being shortlisted because I didn't meet the required years of experience or specific skills. This has left me wondering how I can improve my chances of getting noticed by employers. It's frustrating because it feels like a catch-22; I can't gain experience without first landing a job, but I can't secure a job without experience. I've been applying for various positions, but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the competition, especially since many applicants have the experience I'm missing. I'm considering whether further education or certifications might help my case, but I'm unsure of the best path forward.

I was laid off for the second time about 1.7 years ago. My first job lasted just 10 months and my second one only 6 months, both companies went through multiple rounds of layoffs. Since losing my job, I've had around 7 to 10 interviews, but I've faced rejections that I suspect might be due to discrimination as I'm part of a minority group. I've revised my CV countless times and I have more experience now than before, yet the short duration of my last two roles seems to be a red flag for employers. In the past, I used to get interviews almost weekly, but now I'm struggling to even get past the HR screening stage. I've even applied for more junior positions without success. It's disheartening to see others landing jobs quickly while I feel stuck in this cycle. I’ve tried to pivot my career towards content marketing, but I find myself competing against candidates with more relevant titles and experience. I’m reaching a point where I feel like I have very few options left and I really need some guidance.

I recently started my first job as a waitress at a local pub, and I've been there for just two weeks. Initially, I was excited and my first few shifts went fairly well. I started to gain confidence in taking orders and serving customers, and I even received some tips and positive interactions with customers. However, I've been struggling with a lot of anxiety related to the job. Before my shifts, I often feel physically ill with knots in my stomach and loss of appetite, which makes it hard to look forward to going in. I've made several mistakes like forgetting orders and struggling with the card machine, and I feel like my colleagues have not been very supportive. One of the bar staff has been particularly rude to me, and my boss has criticized me in front of others, which really affects my self-esteem. Yesterday was especially tough; I made multiple mistakes and felt completely overwhelmed without any support from my team. Now, I'm scheduled to work alone tomorrow for the closing shift, and I don't feel prepared for it at all. My parents have noticed how stressed I am and are encouraging me to quit, but I'm torn because I actually enjoy parts of waitressing. I have a few days off after tomorrow, and I'm debating whether to push through the shift and then decide, or to quit tonight. I don't financially need this job right now, and I'm worried about regretting either decision. Should I stick it out a bit longer or call it quits?

I received a meeting invite from my manager for a 'Quick Sync-up' tomorrow morning, and I noticed that his manager and an HR representative are optional attendees. Honestly, I'm feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Work has been overwhelming for the past few months, and after only getting a 2% raise during the annual review, I've been pretty unhappy. I'm hoping that if this meeting is about layoffs, the severance package is decent and includes a few months of paid insurance since my wife and kids are on my plan. I’ve seen some advice from others about being polite and asking for what I want during the meeting, so I’ll try to keep that in mind. I just want to be prepared for whatever happens.

I recently got fired from my job at a tech startup where I had been working for just three months. The whole situation stemmed from some unfounded rumors and a particularly tough day emotionally. It's been a rough experience, and I'm looking for some hope and inspiration from others who might have gone through something similar. I want to hear your stories about getting rehired after being let go. I understand the skepticism around wanting to return to a place where I was let go, but I genuinely believe that sometimes circumstances can change. If anyone has a redemption story or advice on how to navigate this, I'd really appreciate it!

I’m currently in the process of looking for a low-stress job as I recover from an accident at work where I hit my head. I’ve spent a couple of months healing, and now I feel it’s time to get back into the workforce, but my anxiety is really high. My background is quite diverse; I’ve worked in healthcare, fast food, customer service, and recruiting. However, the thought of job searching is overwhelming. I know I can’t stay out of work forever, but I’m not sure where to start. I plan on going back to school eventually, but for now, I need something manageable. Disability isn’t an option for me, so I’m hoping to find a role that won’t exacerbate my anxiety.

I've been on the job hunt for a minimum wage position as a college student, and it's been incredibly frustrating. Over the past month, I've had 10 interviews, but not a single offer. I've tried calling various places to ask if they're hiring, only to be told to check their websites. When I do apply online, the AI chatbot moves me forward and schedules an interview, but when I show up, the manager isn't even there or they tell me they're not hiring after all. One restaurant said they were hiring, but during my interview, they informed me that they were actually not hiring and that I would only hear back if someone didn't show up for their shift. I called a week later, and they said they were hiring again and told me to apply online. I've gone through multiple interviews at other places where the manager either wasn't available or showed up late. One restaurant had me come in for a second interview, but the manager wasn't scheduled until later that day. Another place ghosted me after two interviews, only to later announce they were holding more hiring events. This is the first time I've encountered minimum wage jobs requiring multiple interviews, and it's disheartening when they promise to get back to me but then disappear. I've also applied to retail jobs, but I get auto-rejected after a lengthy online questionnaire without any notification. I had one fast food interview that seemed to go well, but I was ghosted afterward. The interviewer even complimented me, saying I had a good heart, yet I still didn't hear back. It's frustrating when people suggest I apply to locations closer to me, especially when those places have ghosted me in the past. One job even called me saying they accidentally pressed the offer button, but when I missed the call and tried to follow up, they told me to come in for an interview instead. They promised I'd hear back within 24 hours, but once again, I was ghosted. I'm left wondering what employers are really looking for.

I was laid off in January 2023 from my senior marketing VP role after over a decade in the industry, right when I turned 55. It took me a staggering 42 months to secure a stable new position, and I wanted to share my journey in hopes it might help others facing a lengthy job search. In 2023, I started off with a positive outlook since I had severance and bonuses that kept me financially stable until June. I had been saving diligently and had some consulting leads, plus a consistent freelance client that brought in $20-40K annually. By the end of 2023, I had two monthly retainer clients and a couple of project-based gigs, but I made about 30% less than the previous year. I applied to 29 jobs, went through 11 interviews, but unfortunately, no offers came my way. Many of the interviews were through referrals, but I knew they weren't the right fit. In 2024, I lost my retainer clients but managed to get work from my old employer. After my unemployment ended in March, a recruiter reached out from a small Midwestern company, and I landed a new job in July, which came with a 25% pay increase. My income for the year was similar to 2023, but I applied to 48 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer after making it to the final rounds twice. Then in January 2025, I faced another layoff. The new company was disorganized, and the president who hired me had left. I received a small severance and had to restart unemployment. Consulting work became challenging as many companies started relying on AI. Thankfully, I found a maternity leave cover position with a former manager, although it paid significantly less and lacked benefits. My income dropped by 10% compared to 2024, and I applied to 21 jobs, got 9 interviews, but only made it to the final rounds three times. By 2026, my consulting gig ended in January, and I was living off unemployment and savings while in final rounds for two roles that ultimately fell through. In April, I was called back for another consulting role, which recently converted to a W-2 position. While it pays 50% less than my last job, I'm grateful to have it. My income now is less than half of what I earned in 2022. I applied to 34 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer. The job market was tough, especially with the impact of the Iran war affecting many sectors. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to have had savings, supportive family, and no major health issues. My emergency fund took a hit, but I haven't touched my retirement savings. The adaptability and resilience required in this new job landscape are overwhelming, especially with AI disrupting my field. I hope to maintain my current position until retirement and wish everyone the best in their own journeys.

I recently realized that I missed filing my weekly unemployment claim for the week of August 15th. I thought I had completed it, but when I logged in today, I saw that it was marked as 'Not filed'. I’m really worried about potentially losing out on that money, even though I’ve been keeping up with all my job search activities. I do have the option to file for the week of August 22nd, but I’m not sure how to handle the missed week. I’ve heard that I might need to speak to an agent to see if I can reopen that week for me. I’m hoping that even if they say no, it won’t affect my overall benefits. I’m definitely going to set an alarm to remind myself to file on time in the future to avoid this stress again.

I am currently facing a tough decision between two job opportunities. The first option is a signed 6-month contract with a local government job in my city, which is only a 10-minute commute. However, it comes with no benefits and slightly lower pay. The schedule is three days on-site, but there’s a potential to convert to a full-time position once it opens up, which could lead to a long-term career there. The second option is a final round interview for a full-time role at a startup. This position offers better pay, a more prestigious title, and a flexible schedule with two days in the office (one-hour commute each way) and three days remote. I plan to inquire about the work/life balance during the interview to get a better understanding of the environment. I feel conflicted because I am married and we are planning to start a family soon, which makes this decision even more significant.

I am a 54-year-old developer with 28 years of professional experience, and I've been long-term unemployed since being laid off about a year ago after 18 years at a small MarTech SaaS company that was acquired and subsequently closed. My team was eliminated during this process. I briefly held a senior developer position for about 10 weeks through a referral before facing another layoff due to workforce reduction. Since exhausting my unemployment benefits in March, I've been relying on my retirement savings and support from my elderly parents. Throughout my career, I've always taken on challenging projects and went above and beyond. My work impacted tens of thousands of global users and generated millions in revenue, requiring high performance and security. After the acquisition, I stepped into the role of the departing founding CTO, resolving critical infrastructure issues and facilitating a successful enterprise platform migration. I have concrete metrics from production systems that validate my contributions. I’ve been applying for jobs on and off, but my family situation has complicated things. I have an autistic child, and my wife has remained out of the workforce to care for her. We all face challenges related to neurodivergence, including depression and anxiety, which have made the job search even more daunting. Additionally, we've dealt with various family crises, including injuries and deaths, which have added to our stress. Despite my extensive experience, I struggle with impostor syndrome. I don’t have a computer science degree and have never worked for a large company, which makes me feel underqualified compared to others in the field. My previous work environment was small, with only three developers for over a decade, and while we focused on fundamentals, I often felt limited by our tech stack and development practices. I’ve attempted to keep my skills sharp by working on solo projects, particularly in AI and software automation, but nothing has gained traction yet. Navigating my professional identity has been challenging. My responsibilities spanned various roles, including software engineering, DevSecOps, and project management, but I lack deep specialization in any one area, making it hard to position myself for new opportunities. I’ve dedicated months to sending tailored applications and preparing for interviews, often making it to the later rounds only to be ghosted. I’ve shifted my focus away from mid-sized companies, which tend to prefer specialized candidates, and am now targeting early-stage startups where my broad experience might be more valuable. I actively search on platforms like YC and Wellfound and network with startup founders and engineers, but I haven’t found the right match yet. I'm feeling frustrated and isolated, but giving up isn’t an option since I have a family to support. I believe there are companies out there that would be a good fit for my skills, but finding them feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’m trying to stay focused on improving our situation and hope something materializes soon before we face losing our home.

I’ve been working at a small company with about 10 employees for a year and a half now, but I’ve finally decided it’s time to move on. My boss has a habit of manipulating the team with flattery and an us-vs-them mentality, making it hard to voice concerns or even think about leaving. There’s no room for growth, no benefits, and I’ve been pressured to stay because there are so few fully trained employees. Recently, I had a great first impression during interviews for a new job that aligns much better with my interests and offers the chance for advancement. I’m feeling optimistic about it, and I know I need to act soon. I’ve been gathering advice on how to resign gracefully, especially since my boss tends to take it personally when someone leaves. I plan to wait until I have a formal job offer in hand before I put in my two weeks. I know I need to remind myself that this is a transactional relationship; I’m not part of their family, and I owe them no loyalty. I’m ready to move on, and I just need to keep reminding myself that if I were to leave, they would find a replacement in no time. I’m not as irreplaceable as my boss likes to think.