Feeling

I'm a 29-year-old man who has been living off SSDI for the past three years while trying to navigate my mental health challenges and the job market. I've been unemployed for a while, and my mother is pushing me to find a job, which adds pressure to my already difficult situation. I have about two years of a computer science degree from a decade ago, but I had to drop out multiple times due to my bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Recently, I decided to return to college online to finish my degree, but my previous experience with a for-profit university left me with significant debt and skepticism about the value of my degree. After some advice from a friend in the tech industry, I dropped out again and focused on getting my student loans discharged due to my disability, which was approved last November. Now, I can't take out federal loans for a couple of years, so I found a non-profit online university, Western Governors University, which offers a more flexible, competency-based approach. I received maximum Pell Grants but still need about $600 per term to cover costs. My mother isn't able to help financially, which is frustrating since she previously encouraged my education. I have limited programming knowledge, mainly in Python and Bash, and I've been trying to self-study more to improve my skills. I have aspirations to develop an indie game based on some board game ideas I've had, but I feel stuck due to financial constraints and the challenging job market. I recently learned about running small AI models and have been experimenting with that, but I still want to deepen my understanding of programming. I also have a partner who supports me, but my financial situation is straining our relationship since I can't contribute or move in with them. I feel overwhelmed by the job market, especially with so many applicants for each position and the expectation of years of experience. I'm seeking advice on whether it's worth pursuing my degree and how to navigate this tough situation.

I’m currently facing a frustrating challenge in my job search as a Tunisian. I’ve noticed that many AI training platforms aren’t available in my location, which limits my access to valuable resources. When I apply for jobs, I often feel discouraged because I know that just mentioning "Tunisia" in my applications might lead to immediate rejection. Despite having worked hard, achieving excellent scores, and building a strong portfolio, I feel like my location is a significant barrier. I’m curious to hear thoughts from others who might have faced similar issues.

I recently graduated on May 4th with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and I'm trying to pivot from my 10 years in dental operations to roles in finance, operations, business analysis, or procurement. I've sent out over 300 applications since graduating, but the response has been disheartening—mostly rejections or no replies at all. I've had two interviews: one ended with me declining an offer because it didn't fit my goals, and the other reached a fifth interview where the interviewer didn't show up. To improve my chances, I've rewritten my resume to highlight my dental experience in more business-oriented terms and tailored it for each application using an ATS-friendly format. I've also been utilizing AI tools to help with wording and to identify transferable skills, but I'm concerned about making my applications sound too generic. I've been applying across a variety of sectors like finance, defense, and healthcare operations, and I've connected with recruiters on LinkedIn, though that hasn't yielded much success. I'm open to relocating and have a deadline to move by October, which adds pressure to my job search. I'm seeking advice on what types of roles I should target with my background, how to better position my experience to avoid being seen as just a dental worker, and whether my broad application strategy might be hindering my chances. I’d also like to know how others are effectively using AI in their job search without losing their personal touch. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I recently had an interview for a job that I was really excited about, but I feel like I completely undervalued myself during the salary negotiation. I asked them to match my current pay at $22/hr, which includes health benefits, dental, vision, and 401k. However, I later realized that the job listing had a low-end salary of $51k a year, which is significantly higher than what I proposed. The owner mentioned they would be sending me an offer by Friday, and I can't shake the feeling that I messed up. I was so stunned during the interview because they seemed to really like me, even skipping a second interview and having the owner meet me personally. Now I'm in a dilemma. I want to work for this company, but I know I should have asked for more. I’m considering mentioning that if they could offer me at least the starting salary of $51k, it would really help me with my schooling and relocating to their area. But I'm worried about souring the relationship before I even get the offer. Should I wait for the offer to come in and then negotiate, or should I bring this up before they send it? I’m feeling pretty anxious about this whole situation.

I'm currently looking for a weekend job and I'm unsure about whether to include my full-time position on my resume. I work as an engineer, but I'm applying for a part-time role as a sales associate at a clothing store. My concern is that listing my engineering job might make me seem overqualified, or that employers might think I don't really need the job since engineers typically earn good salaries. It's been 15 years since I worked in retail, so I'm worried about how to present my experience. I would appreciate any advice on how to approach this situation.

After four long months of job searching, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve landed a new marketing job! As a mid-20s Gen Z, the journey was challenging and filled with ups and downs. I submitted over 200 applications and went through more than 20 interviews and recruiter calls, facing countless rejection emails and ghosting along the way. Throughout this process, I learned a few valuable lessons. First, I found that using LinkedIn's Easy Apply feature didn’t yield much success for me. Most of my positive responses came from applications where I took the time to tailor my resume to closely match the job description. In this competitive market, companies are looking for candidates who meet almost all their requirements, and even missing one or two skills can hinder progress in the interview process. Location also played a significant role in my job search. I noticed that states like Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, and Georgia had many more opportunities for younger professionals compared to places like California, NYC, and Chicago, where competition is fierce, often with applicants boasting 10+ years of experience. I also realized that breaking into 'dream companies' or well-known brands is particularly tough for Gen Z applicants right now. While it’s not impossible, the market is challenging, and many of these companies prefer candidates with extensive experience. Another surprising takeaway was that the prestige of my college mattered less than I had been led to believe. While internships and campus involvement are beneficial, actual work experience is what companies prioritize nowadays. Even just a year of real-world experience can outweigh a lot of extracurricular activities. My biggest piece of advice for anyone in a similar situation is to apply strategically rather than emotionally. Avoid applying to jobs where you barely meet the qualifications, especially if there are already hundreds of applicants. Whenever possible, apply early and focus on roles posted within the last 72 hours. And remember to tailor your resume for each position. Most importantly, don’t lose hope. This job market is tough, but it only takes one offer to turn everything around. If anyone has questions or needs tailored advice, feel free to reach out!

It's been a week since my manager informed me that I'm getting laid off, with the cuts scheduled for early July. Despite having this advance warning, I find myself feeling numb and sad, which is surprising to me. I know I should be updating my resume and starting my job search, but I just can't seem to get motivated. I'm reaching out to see how long it took others to start looking for new opportunities after receiving similar news and if they experienced the same feelings. I'm not typically the type to sit around and feel sorry for myself, so I'm hoping to find some strategies to kick myself into motion.

After 18 months of searching for a job and submitting 1670 resumes, I finally landed a position! Today was my first day at the new job, and when I got home, my teenager surprised me with a cake to celebrate this milestone. It was such a thoughtful gesture and made the day even more special. I'm feeling grateful and excited for this new chapter in my career.

I recently started my job search and quickly realized that networking is far more effective than just sending out resumes. It's been a tough transition, especially since I didn't choose to leave my last role at a tech company. I had to mentally prepare for the uncertainty and emotional churn that comes with this kind of change. I took some time to reassess what I really want in my next position before diving into job applications. I've noticed that applying blindly to jobs is a losing game right now. The number of applications per job opening has skyrocketed, and many postings are ghost jobs that were never going to be filled. Instead of just grinding away at applications, I've decided to focus on my network. Referrals account for about a third of actual hires, so I'm spending more time reaching out to former colleagues and mentors. I also started using AI tools not to send out mass applications, but to research companies that are growing and see if I have any connections there. I’ve been writing genuine LinkedIn recommendations for people I haven’t spoken to in a while, which has helped me reconnect with my network without any immediate ask. Additionally, I’m building a support circle with others who are going through similar challenges. It’s been great to share insights and strategies. Overall, I feel more focused and hopeful about my job search now.

I received a message from Indeed about a job I applied for about two months ago. The message stated that my profile had been shortlisted and that I needed to secure an interview slot quickly, as they were filling up fast. It included a link to a site where I was supposed to book the interview. However, when I tried to access it on my PC, it said I needed a touchscreen and provided a QR code instead. Scanning the QR code led me to a site called hrcore.org, which prompted me to download an APK file labeled "indeed interview." I found this very suspicious and decided not to install it. I'm concerned this might be a scam, and I'm curious if anyone else has encountered a similar situation.

I am currently feeling desperate in my job search. I've been using the same resume for a while now, but it just doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere. Despite having certifications and a college degree, I feel like I'm stuck. I've even started to think about lying on my resume, which feels terrible, but my situation is getting critical. I have a child to support, and my husband is growing increasingly frustrated with my unemployment. I'm considering making some drastic changes to my resume, like trimming it down and focusing on the most relevant experiences, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. I really need to turn things around quickly.

I'm excited to start a new job on Monday! I'll be traveling to another state to pick up my equipment and get my badge. However, I'm in a tight spot financially with only $3 in my bank account right now. I haven't filed for unemployment in the past two weeks, but I took care of that today and should hopefully receive my final payment by Thursday. Despite the challenges, I'm feeling optimistic about this new opportunity!

I'm currently on my second day at L0v1sā, and I'm already overwhelmed and regretting my decision to accept this job. I was hired on the spot but didn't receive my schedule until the last minute. Despite informing them about an important event, they scheduled me for an 8-hour shift during that time. On my first day, I went through training, but it was chaotic. My coworkers openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the job and the company, and the supervisor is unresponsive and unhelpful. I've been working long hours—40 this week—without proper guidance. In fact, I've found myself teaching another new hire because the existing staff seems more interested in chatting than actually training us. Today, I was left to open the store by myself, but I was given the wrong key. I ended up opening late, which caused a lot of stress as customers were waiting. I almost had a panic attack trying to figure everything out with minimal instructions. My coworkers were annoyed with me for not having basic information, like pricing for piercings, which should have been provided. I made several mistakes because I was left to fend for myself, and now the team is stressed because we're behind schedule. There are so many red flags here—no manager or assistant manager, just a chaotic environment. I'm seriously considering sending in my two weeks' notice, but I'm unsure how to phrase it. Should I even bother with two weeks, or just walk away? This place feels like a disaster.

After spending 18 years in the tech industry, I recently experienced something I never thought I would: being ghosted late in the hiring process. I had gone through multiple interviews and was feeling optimistic about the opportunity, but then I just stopped hearing back from them. It's incredibly frustrating and disheartening. I'm now trying to figure out how to move on from this experience and not let it affect my job search. I appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation and keep my spirits up.

I've been working at my current job for 2 years, and I absolutely love it. However, the daily 1.5-hour commute (3 hours round-trip) has become increasingly challenging, especially with my commitments as a graduate student, which also requires a long commute on weekends. Recently, due to structural changes at work, I found myself considering a job closer to home. I interviewed for an internal role at a different location, and to my surprise, they offered me the position right away. The new commute would only be 30 minutes one way, and it would also bring me closer to my parents. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I'm feeling bittersweet about leaving a job I truly enjoy and the great relationships I've built with my coworkers. I worry about whether I'll fit in with the new team and if I'll excel in the new role. I know I can apply my existing skills, but change is always a bit daunting. I value work-life balance, and with my packed schedule, the long commute just isn't sustainable anymore. I'm curious if anyone else has made a similar move from a job they loved to one closer to home and how they felt about it afterward.

I was let go on my second day of training at a new restaurant where I had interviewed just a few days prior. The manager seemed disorganized during the interview, barely glanced at my resume, and mentioned they had already hired most of the staff but might reach out later if they needed more help. The next day, I received a text asking me to come in for training. When I arrived, everyone else was already in uniforms, and the owner was uncertain about my status, saying, 'We’ll see, I don’t know if you’re going to stay.' I understood that training was supposed to be paid, but there was no employment paperwork signed, and I was unclear about how my hours would be tracked. My first shift was mostly observational, as the restaurant hadn’t opened yet, but I was expected to start serving customers without proper training. I was told to bus and set tables without any guidance, and it felt like I was thrown into the deep end without any support. I started feeling light-headed due to the heat in the kitchen, and when I asked the manager if I could leave early, I was sent home and told to leave my uniform behind while they decided if they wanted to keep me. The whole experience felt chaotic, with inconsistent expectations and a lack of clear communication. I’m left wondering if this is typical for new restaurants or if I mishandled the situation.

I received an interview invite from a company back in May for a position I was really excited about. It was scheduled for Thursday, but as the day approached, they texted me to say they had to reschedule due to technical issues. I was understanding and rescheduled for the following Wednesday, hoping everything would be sorted out by then. However, today I got an email saying they needed to reschedule again, this time without providing a reason. The earliest they could offer me was next Wednesday again, but at a later time. I'm starting to feel like this company might not want me to work for them at all. If that's the case, I wish they would just be upfront about it so I wouldn't keep holding onto false hope. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Sorry for venting.

I'm 18 and heading into my senior year of high school, but I'm having a tough time finding a summer job. I live in a rural area with limited options, and I haven't gotten my driver's license yet, which makes it hard to travel far. I've asked around, but most places are either fully staffed or not hiring at all. I did get offered a lifeguard position, but I'm not a strong swimmer and only swim once a year, so that's not a great fit for me. The other job opportunities are over 25 minutes away, and I don't have anyone to drive me since both my parents are working. I really want to secure a summer job to enhance my college resume, and I'm feeling stressed about not having one. I'm looking for any tips or advice on how to navigate this situation, especially since there are mostly small businesses around and no major supermarkets or big stores nearby.

I interviewed for a position at a company 7 business days ago, speaking directly with the hiring manager. She indicated that the next step would involve an interview with her boss, but I haven't received any updates since then. Today, I noticed that the same job has been reposted under a different title, although the job duties remain unchanged. During my interview, the hiring manager specifically mentioned that the role was titled "HR Specialist" but they were looking for someone with a background in "Accounting," which aligns with my experience. The new job posting is titled "Accountant and HR Specialist," confirming it's for the same team. I'm curious about what this could mean for my application status. In the meantime, I've applied for the new role and informed HR about my application.

I’m currently navigating a frustrating situation with my unemployment claim in Pennsylvania. I've been on the phone with Unemployment for over a week trying to resolve an issue. I initially filed a claim because I anticipated getting a summer job, as my current employer's contract ends on June 30. Unfortunately, the part-time job I secured didn’t pan out; I only attended a two-hour orientation and never got paid for it. The job details I received were misleading compared to what was in my offer letter, which led me to quit. Now, my claim is stuck with an examiner, and I’ve been disqualified. I was informed that I need to earn around $1,700 to 'purge' or resolve this issue. I still have a few days left at my full-time job, working in a college kitchen, but it’s only sporadic work now that summer is here. I also do some daily labor jobs, but those are inconsistent and don’t pay well. Initially, I was told that I could combine my earnings from both jobs as long as my kitchen job is the last one I work, and I can prove it with my paystub. However, during my last call, the representative said I needed to make the $1,700 solely from my daily labor job, which didn’t make sense to me. I’m really confused and upset because I’m trying to pick up extra work to support myself until I find a full-time position. I just want clarity on what I can do to resolve this claim issue.