Feeling

I just received a call from a supposed recruiter at a company called Hire Talent. I live in Los Angeles, California, and the call came from a number that appeared to be from New York. The caller had a thick Indian accent, which made it hard to understand him. He claimed to have found my profile on Indeed and was offering me a job in a warehouse. I immediately suspected it was a scam, so I decided to play along. When he asked for my email, I gave him my burner email that I rarely use. He sent me his information and instructed me to reply with "I CONFIRM." However, I noticed that while his email claimed he was located in New York, his LinkedIn profile indicated he was actually in India. This isn't the first time I've received such calls; I've had multiple offers from different people with Indian accents. It’s becoming quite annoying. I’m also curious about how he managed to mask his number to make it appear as if it were from New York; I guess they use some kind of program for that. Regardless, I'm still jobless and struggling to find work here in LA. The job market is tough, and it feels like no one is hiring right now.

I recently found myself wondering about the recent layoffs at Centene, particularly in California. I've been following the news and discussions online, but it seems like most of the information is coming from outside the state. I'm curious if anyone else in California has heard anything specific regarding the layoffs or if there are any updates on the situation. It feels a bit uncertain, and I'm eager to connect with others who might have insights.

I’m currently at my company where I sense that layoffs are imminent within the next 30-90 days. Leadership has been giving me signals that I might be on the chopping block, like not being reassigned to new projects while my peers are. Honestly, I’m not too upset about it because I’m feeling really burned out and in need of a change. I've been averaging 50-hour work weeks, and it's taking a toll on me. Fortunately, I’ve been fast-tracked for a new role at a different company thanks to a connection from a former job, and I have an offer on the table. However, I’m torn because the new position comes with a 23% pay cut and significantly worse health insurance. I’d also be moving from a leadership role to an individual contributor position, which has its pros and cons. One downside is that the new company barely mentioned AI during the interview, whereas I’m currently learning about it at my job. On the upside, the new role is fully remote and likely only requires 35-40 hours a week, which would give me more headspace to pursue interests outside of work. I’m grappling with whether to take this job that I wouldn’t normally consider unless I was desperate, or to hold out for a layoff and potential severance. I know that leaving on my own terms might sour my relationship with current leadership, while being laid off could keep things amicable. I’ve heard mixed advice from others: some suggest taking the new role as a bridge job while continuing to look for better opportunities, while others warn against making a hasty decision out of fear of unemployment. I’m trying to weigh my options carefully, considering both the financial implications and my overall well-being.

I used to work in supply chain for a local hospital, and I was really proud of my reputation there as a top performer. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of leaving for what I thought would be a better opportunity, but it turned out to be a regretful decision. Before I left, my manager assured me that I could return anytime, and I even received a call from the Recruiting Director expressing their desire to have me back if I was ever interested. Now, I am eager to return to that role, but I've been facing challenges. I've applied for the same position multiple times, but it seems like my applications are getting filtered out by an AI system. I understand that the company often hires internally, which adds to the competition. I reached out to my former manager, who I still keep in touch with, but he mentioned that the hiring process is managed by the recruiting department and he can't intervene. I also tried contacting the Recruiting Director, the same person who reached out to me when I left, but I haven't heard back. I'm feeling quite desperate to get back into that role, as it was one of the best jobs I've ever had. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this frustrating recruiting process and hopefully secure an interview. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently experienced a layoff from my role at a tech company where I was a project manager. I always believed that being well-liked and a high performer would protect me from layoffs, but I learned the hard way that this is not true. I worked tirelessly, often going above and beyond to support my team and cover for colleagues on leave. I was the go-to person, always willing to step up, whether it was joining late-night calls or helping with office tasks. Despite my efforts, I was laid off just before a planned medical leave, leaving me in shock. My manager, who often claimed to advocate for our team, completely cut off communication after the layoff. The timing was particularly cruel, coming right after a lavish company retreat where I felt appreciated. Now, I'm in a tough spot, navigating job applications and networking while grappling with the emotional toll of this experience. I realize that no one is truly safe in this environment, and the uncertainty is disheartening. I wanted to share my story to highlight the harsh reality of job security and the impact it has on our sense of self-worth. I hope that one day we can openly discuss these challenges without fear.

I recently landed a busser job at a restaurant after a series of interviews that were quite challenging. The first interview was straightforward, but the second one had the interviewer arriving 20 minutes late. For the final interview, I made sure to show up 10 minutes early, despite walking almost a mile in heels under the Texas sun, only to wait for 2 hours before I could finally speak with the interviewer. Thankfully, I got the job and was told to come in for training the next day at 10 AM. However, I woke up feeling extremely drained and possibly suffering from heat exhaustion. When I tried to bike to the restaurant, I felt unwell and had to call them to say I couldn't make it, which was about 16 minutes after the scheduled training time. I couldn't find any management contact information, just the restaurant's general number. After getting home, I emailed the contact address I found online, asking to reschedule and even offered to come in early to make up for the missed training. It's been a while, and I haven't received any response yet. I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should reach out again or if they will consider my situation given the circumstances of the interviews. My mom thinks they might still give me a chance, but I'm worried they might choose someone else instead. Should I try to find a manager's number and call again?

I’ve been reflecting on my career journey, which has been quite turbulent since I graduated with my business degree ten years ago. Here’s a quick overview of my timeline: - I started out as a bookkeeper at a business management and accounting firm for three years before moving on to a new opportunity. - Then, I spent three years as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) in the SaaS industry, again leaving for what I thought would be a better fit. - After that, I worked for nine months as an Account Executive (AE) in SaaS but was laid off, leading to a nine-month period of unemployment. - I then took a sales rep position at an accounting advisory firm, but was laid off again after nine months, which resulted in another nine months of job searching. - Most recently, I was an SDR at a recruiting firm, but once more faced a layoff. - Currently, I am a sales rep in the print, packaging, and labels sector, where I’ve been for just over a year. The last three layoffs have really taken a toll on my confidence. I know logically that layoffs often stem from factors beyond an individual’s control, like company performance or budget cuts, but it's hard not to take it personally after experiencing it repeatedly. In my current role, I feel like I’m set up to struggle. The company is large, and most of the high-potential accounts are managed by long-tenured reps. With virtually no inbound leads, my success hinges on outbound prospecting, but I’m left with accounts that feel like scraps. Every morning, I wake up feeling anxious and depressed, almost expecting to be laid off again. It feels like I’m in a constant battle to prove my worth while my colleagues, who are all much older, maintain their existing customers rather than seek new business. I’m at a crossroads, unsure whether to keep pushing in my current role, seek another position, consider leaving sales altogether, or find a company where the territory and lead distribution are more equitable. I’m exhausted from feeling like my career is on shaky ground, with another setback lurking around the corner. With three kids and a mortgage, I’m living paycheck to paycheck, and they have no idea how much I struggle inside, feeling like a failure. Has anyone else been through multiple layoffs or found themselves in a series of ill-fitting sales roles? How did you rebuild your confidence and determine your next steps?

I applied for a position again and received a message about an interview for a different shift, but it was sent just 7 minutes after the scheduled start time. This experience has solidified my decision that I never want to work there. I have extensive experience in this field, so it's frustrating to see them not acknowledge that. It feels like they're being dishonest about their reasons for not moving forward with my application. I’ve already been told ‘no’ twice, and it seems like they’re not able to recognize my qualifications. It's disheartening to think that despite meeting all the requirements, I’m still being overlooked. Maybe I just didn’t fit their company culture, but it’s disappointing that they won’t be straightforward about it.

I had my first interview with a small company for an Account Manager role on July 21st. The interview with the Account Director went really well, and I was excited to move on to the next stage with the two co-founders. That second interview took place on July 28th, and afterwards, I received positive feedback about my salary expectations and was told to expect further communication once the Director returned from vacation. However, on August 4th, I got an email from one of the co-founders informing me of a family death, which understandably delayed things. I sent my condolences and waited, but by the following Friday, I still hadn't heard back. On August 9th, I decided to follow up again, expressing my condolences and reiterating my enthusiasm for the role and the team. Now, I'm unsure about when to follow up again, considering the company is small and likely has a lot to catch up on. I'm used to the timelines of larger companies, so I’m looking for advice on how to adjust my expectations and when it might be appropriate to reach out again.

Today, I had my unemployment hearing regarding my layoff from my previous job in New York. The hearing was intense; my former employer challenged my claim and even accused me of misconduct for being late on my last day. The judge was quick and somewhat intimidating, but she was fair. She asked my former employer if I had received any warnings before the incident, and he claimed I had, while I asserted that I had not. The judge quickly pointed out that there was no policy supporting his claim of misconduct. She also noticed that he had omitted his own responses to my emails where he approved my sick days and lateness excuses, which was a relief. During my testimony, I mentioned a conversation I had with one of the company owners who terminated me, but I forgot to bring up that he offered to be a professional reference for me, which I have in an email. I felt that could have strengthened my case. The hearing was adjourned because there were missing documents from the Department of Labor regarding an overpayment issue, which I know is a system problem, but the judge didn’t allow me to elaborate on that. After the hearing, my former employer tried to ask about another form, mistakenly thinking I was applying for unemployment again, but it was actually about unpaid wages they owe me. The judge dismissed him and told him to contact the DOL. I was nervous and didn't speak up when I should have, missing a chance to further discredit him. It feels incredibly unfair that my employer can put me through this, and if I hadn’t defended myself, I could have faced a $6,400 fine and lost wages. I also noticed my former employer lied under oath about several details regarding policies and warnings, which I thought could be considered perjury. I’m left wondering what consequences he might face that I won’t see. As I prepare for the next hearing, I’m trying to figure out how to include the professional reference statement and email confirmation in my testimony. I thought I was prepared, but the judge's speed and directness caught me off guard.

I recently applied for unemployment after retiring from the military and I'm currently navigating the process. As a disabled veteran, I can still work as a civilian, but I've been having a tough time getting through to the EDD. I've spent hours on hold, and sometimes the automated system just hangs up on me. I'm currently filling out the work search record for my continued claim, specifically Section B, where I need to indicate if I've worked in the past two weeks. I've applied to five different jobs, but unfortunately, I've been informed that they are moving forward with other candidates. I'm stuck on what to put in the "Results: Please explain" section since I wasn't hired. I want to avoid using the term "declined" because I’m worried the EDD might interpret that as me turning down a job offer, which isn't the case. I’m looking for the right terminology to use here, and any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I’m at a significant crossroads in my career right now. I’m a 34-year-old female working as a front end manager at a grocery store, where I oversee all front end operations and manage a team of over 80 people. My store is quite busy, generating about $2 million in sales each week, but I’m feeling increasingly dissatisfied with my situation. Despite my responsibilities, I’m only making $20 an hour, which feels inadequate after 12 years with the company. The long hours are also wearing me down; I work six days a week and only get one day off, which is taking a toll on my well-being. The only real perk is my schedule, which is 7 AM to 3:30 PM, and I don’t have to pay for health benefits, which is rare these days. I’m scared to leave my job and regret my decision, but staying in a position that feels like it’s offering me the bare minimum isn’t a viable option either. I’ve been exploring other opportunities, particularly service advisor roles at car dealerships. I’m not looking to become wealthy; I just want to earn more than I currently do and have a more standard work-life balance with two days off a week. I’d appreciate any advice or insights on potential career paths that might suit my experience.

I just had a major surprise in my job search journey. After struggling with unemployment for 1.5 years, I finally landed a job in June, even though it was a low-level position that didn't match my master's degree background. I knew the recruiter, so I took the opportunity, despite the minimum pay and terrible hours. I've been putting in around 80 hours a week, hoping for a promotion that my employer hinted at, with promises of a more interesting role coming up in the fall. However, I've been left in the dark with only vague updates like 'we are working on it.' Out of nowhere, a client I started working with three weeks ago offered me a full-time position. This new job comes with full benefits, normal hours, and a 100% pay increase, which is negotiable! It's incredible how, after sending hundreds of applications and struggling to get interviews, my hard work has finally started to pay off. I guess being seen in action has made a difference. Now, I just need to navigate these negotiations carefully.

I've been out of work for two years after losing my job, and I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth looking for a new position anymore. With the recent news about job losses this month, the situation feels really bleak. I stopped applying a few months back because it was just too discouraging, and I've been focusing on hobbies to distract myself. I feel guilty for not having a job, but despite my efforts, I haven't been able to find anything, and even referrals haven't helped.

Today, I experienced a shocking downsizing at my company. Our team was reduced to a skeleton crew overnight without any warning or discussion. Three of our best teammates were suddenly reassigned to a different team, leaving us with just four members. Now, we’re relying on one backend developer to manage everything, and it feels like we’re barely holding it together. The management mentioned a budget issue, but they haven’t provided any explanation or guidance on what’s next for us. The uncertainty is draining, and it’s tough to stay motivated when I’m constantly worried about being the next one affected. I’m curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation and how they managed to cope mentally.

I recently completed a final interview for a role that I really want, and the wait is driving me crazy. I feel well-qualified, especially since I have a referral from my sister, though I'm not sure how much that helps. The process has been extensive: I had a recruiter screening, two take-home assessments, and an interview with the hiring manager. Most recently, I had a technical interview with the team manager, which I felt went really well. I had prepared answers for all their questions and even expressed my interest in the top pay they listed, while also being open to negotiation. They mentioned they had three more interviews to conduct the day after mine and promised to get back to me by early to mid-week. Since Monday morning, I've been refreshing my email non-stop, convinced that they might have already sent an offer to someone else and are just waiting for that person to accept before telling me no. This job feels like my white whale. I applied for a different position at this company a year and a half ago and was the second choice, but this new role aligns perfectly with my experience. I even took the initiative to complete a certification for the CRM they use after my first interview, which I was excited to mention in the second interview. I've wanted to work at this company for four years. The role is remote with unlimited PTO, which is a huge draw for me. Currently, I'm stuck in an office job in a blue-collar field that I find unbearable, especially with the uncomfortable work environment. I really need to get out of this situation, and I'm just losing my mind waiting for a response.

I received an email from my company on Monday announcing a "voluntary severance program" due to cost-cutting measures, despite the fact that we've seen growth for the last three quarters. It feels like since we went public this year, the focus has shifted entirely to appeasing shareholders. Over the past year, management has been integrating AI into our processes, claiming it was just to assist us. However, I recently discovered that we were actually training a new AI chatbot that is now deemed "highly capable" of handling most customer interactions. This revelation came after my manager inadvertently revealed more than she intended, and it was clear that our jobs were not as secure as they had led us to believe. Now, I have until the 20th to decide whether to take the severance package or wait it out, risking a layoff by the end of October if not enough people volunteer. The severance would be nearly double what I’d earn if I stayed, but I’m worried about my future. I won’t finish my bachelor’s degree until December, and my resume mainly consists of customer service roles with some team lead and logistics experience. The thought of being stuck in a call center, especially with the rapid advancement of AI, is daunting. I also don’t have a car since I’ve been working from home for the last three years, and my savings were depleted due to an emergency surgery earlier this month. The job market feels bleak, and I’m terrified of what comes next. This experience has taught me that employers can be misleading, and it’s essential to have a backup plan. I’m grateful for the advice from others to take the severance and focus on finishing my degree and job searching. I just hope I can find something before it’s too late.

I interviewed for a position at a new store opening soon, and I felt really positive about how it went. During the interview, they mentioned they would get back to me within 1-2 days and that they were expediting the hiring process. I had my interview on Monday, and now it's Wednesday. I'm wondering how long I should wait before following up to check on my application status.

I just received a job offer and I'm set to start next Monday. Currently, I'm working at a company where I've been for just a month, but I've decided to leave to take this new position. I plan to resign later today, effective immediately, since I'm an at-will employee. The new job is at my daughter's school district, which means I’ll have the same holidays as her, and the hours are much better for my schedule. The pay is the same, so that wasn't a deciding factor. This is my first time making such a quick transition, and I feel a bit uneasy about being unprofessional by not giving notice. I'm curious if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how they handled it.

I was hired about a month ago for a position at a small startup with just 10 employees. Recently, I noticed that the exact same job posting I applied for a couple of months ago was reposted on LinkedIn, but in a completely different location. This new location is some village in Africa, while I’m currently based in Western Europe. It left me feeling a bit anxious, wondering if they might be planning to replace me. I mean, why would they post the job again in a different location if everything was fine? I’m slightly freaking out about this situation and looking for any insights or advice from others who might have experienced something similar.