Feeling

I have 4 years of experience as a frontend developer at a small company with around 80 employees. Lately, I've been feeling really anxious about potential layoffs, especially since I'm about to become the sole earner in my household with no savings to fall back on. On paper, my job seems secure, and the compensation is decent for my level, but the constant news about layoffs has kept me up at night. The situation is particularly stressful because my dad is retiring next year, which means I’ll be the only one bringing in income. My family is middle-class, and we don’t have much of a financial cushion. I also lack an emergency fund, and if I were to lose my job, I honestly don't know how I would manage. I’ve realized that I struggle with data structures and algorithms (DSA) as well as system design. I’ve landed jobs mainly due to a decent GPA and a bit of luck, rather than strong problem-solving skills. I can grasp theoretical concepts when I study, but I freeze during live problem-solving scenarios. At work, I mostly handle tickets without much ownership or understanding of the product, which makes me feel replaceable. Even though my salary is good for my experience, it adds to my anxiety because I feel like I'm being paid well for doing average work, and I worry that others would agree if they looked closely. To top it off, I’m feeling burnt out; I chose computer science mainly for job security and family pressure, not out of passion, and I still don’t feel drawn to the work after a few years. I’m not looking for the usual advice to just grind DSA for a few months, since I’ve tried that and it hasn’t worked for me. What I really want to know is: with my background in computer science and 4 years in frontend development, what are some realistic career options if I decide this path isn’t for me? Are there roles within tech that don’t involve typical development work, or even options outside of tech altogether? Has anyone else felt this way and managed to make a change? I’m genuinely open to any perspectives or advice on how to move forward.

Last week, I was let go from my role at a tech company after just over 2 years. Fortunately, I received a severance package that I consider quite generous. I will remain on payroll with access to my work email and Slack until October, which is 60 days after my notice. If I don’t find a new position within the company during this time, I will receive a one-time payment equivalent to 4.5 months of salary, along with six months of fully paid COBRA health insurance. Additionally, I’ll be eligible for unemployment benefits. While I’m still processing the shock of being laid off, I feel relieved about the severance, as it gives me roughly nine months of financial support to figure out my next steps. My partner has a stable, high-paying job that covers our housing expenses, which adds some flexibility to my situation. I’m grappling with the decision of whether to start job hunting immediately or take a few months to really consider what I want to do next. I’m hesitant to jump into the job market right away because I’m unsure about the company culture after my departure. I’m 33, and while my instinct is to start applying for jobs now, I wonder if it might be wiser to take a few months to decompress and explore my options. I’ve heard mixed advice from others — some suggest taking a week to destress and then start applying, while others recommend taking a couple of months off before diving back in. Given the current job market, I know it can take a long time to find a new position, so I’m trying to balance my desire for a break with the reality of job searching. Overall, I’m still weighing my options and would appreciate any thoughts on whether it’s reasonable to take a few months to figure things out before applying.

I'm feeling really overwhelmed after four months of job searching without success. I've been actively looking for work for nearly five months now, and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health. I've had several interviews where companies seemed interested, but then they either ghosted me or chose to go in another direction. Just in the past month, I've gone through five drug tests and background checks, only to end up with no job offers. I’ve reviewed my own background and driving record since I’m applying for positions mainly in the driving and warehouse sectors, but I can't pinpoint why I'm not getting hired. Some employers have even told me I'm overqualified, which feels frustrating because I thought that would be an advantage. I'm currently doing Uber to make ends meet, but it's barely covering my food and expenses. I've even applied to places like McDonald's, but nothing has panned out. I know the job market in Florida is tough right now, and I've seen others experiencing similar challenges, but I'm genuinely at a loss. I'm applying consistently and willing to work, yet I can't seem to catch a break. If anyone has gone through something similar or has advice on what I might be doing wrong, I would really appreciate it. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's becoming increasingly difficult.

I applied for a position at a hotel a few days ago and received an email instructing me to call the department Director. When I called, she mentioned she was busy and would return my call in 30 minutes, but I never heard back. After waiting for four hours, I tried calling again, but there was no answer, so I left a voicemail. Feeling a bit discouraged since this is the first response I've had in two months, I'm considering going to the hotel tomorrow to drop off my resume and speak with someone in HR or management if I don't hear back today. However, I've seen mixed advice about whether this is a good idea. Some say it could be frowned upon, while others suggest it's a proactive approach. I'm really eager to get my foot in the door and explore any opportunity.

I recently started a part-time job as a graphic designer, which aligns perfectly with my major. I've been enjoying my time there, and I feel appreciated by the company, especially since they recently highlighted me in a blog post. However, I often find myself with not much to do, and while I like my team and the job itself, I'm considering an interview for a full-time position that pays between $40,000 and $50,000. This new job is closer to my home, but it also pays $17 an hour, which isn't enough to cover my adult bills in Florida. I'm currently juggling multiple jobs, including tutoring and teaching art, which I love but can be inconsistent due to school closures. I applied for the new position on a whim because it seemed interesting and relevant to my skills. Now, I'm feeling anxious about the possibility of changing jobs so soon after starting this one. I truly enjoy my current role and the people I work with, but the lack of benefits and the need for a steady income are weighing on my mind. I'm torn between staying where I am and pursuing this new opportunity. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if it's okay to want a new job so soon and how to handle this anxiety about potential change.

I graduated with my ELA credential in December and was fortunate enough to land a teaching position at an alternative school in February. My current job is relatively low stress, offers a good salary, and provides year-round employment with generous PTO, including a two-week summer break and winter break. However, I don’t see this role as my long-term career path. I’ve always dreamed of being a traditional classroom teacher, focusing on direct instruction. Recently, I received an offer for an English teacher position at a school district I’ve always admired. Although it comes with a pay cut and will likely be more stressful, it aligns with my career aspirations and offers a 10-month work schedule. They even offered a signing bonus that would match my current salary, but I would take a pay cut next year. I’m feeling torn between these two opportunities and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this decision.

I received a rejection letter last month after applying for a position at a company I was really excited about. The last line of the letter mentioned that they would be in touch if any new roles appeared at their other locations. It got me wondering how often this actually happens and why they mentioned other locations instead of the one I applied to. I’ve heard from others that it can happen, especially in niche industries where there are fewer candidates. One person shared how they had a similar experience about a decade ago; they made it to the final round but lost out to another candidate. A few months later, they were contacted for another similar role. I’m trying to stay optimistic but I know I shouldn’t rely on this happening. I’m continuing to apply elsewhere in the meantime.

I've been actively applying for jobs for about a month now, and I've noticed a significant decline in communication from companies. A year ago, while frustrating, I at least received some updates on my applications. Recently, however, I've had a few interviews where the companies just went silent, even after promising to inform me by a specific date. For example, I interviewed at a sports shop on a Thursday and was told I would hear back by Saturday. Instead, it took them two weeks to reach out, which felt incredibly unprofessional, especially for a well-known chain store. It's disheartening to see such a lack of common decency in the hiring process. Jobs aren't just names on a schedule; they're vital for people who need to support themselves. This level of communication—or lack thereof—feels humiliating. I can only imagine how poor the communication must be once they actually hire someone.

I recently discovered that my old position as a mid-level manager at my previous company has been reposted at half of my former salary. I wasn't surprised by this turn of events; I had a feeling it would happen eventually, and honestly, it took longer than I expected. It's been just under two months since my role was eliminated along with several others in a similar capacity. Seeing my LinkedIn flooded with former colleagues sharing the job listing was tough. I felt a wave of frustration and ended up disconnecting from many of them, even those I considered friends. I guess this is the new normal now.

I just learned that LinkedIn is shutting down its R&D operations in Israel and laying off nearly all employees. This decision seems to stem from a business perspective rather than any political motivations. It's interesting timing, especially with their new Chief Product Officer, Anthony Chavez, stepping in. I wonder how much influence the former CPO, Tomer Cohen, had on establishing the R&D site since he has ties to the region. This news has sparked a lot of mixed reactions online, with some people supporting the layoffs while others are questioning the need for an R&D site in Israel in the first place. It's definitely a significant shift for the company.

I’m feeling really overwhelmed right now. Many of my friends are struggling to find jobs, and despite their constant applications, they’re not getting any responses—not even the usual rejection emails. It’s disheartening to hear the media claim that unemployment isn’t a big issue anymore. Just last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the K-shaped economy is over, suggesting that lower-wage workers are finally catching up. But that doesn’t match what I see around me. I’ve been following the layoffs data, and it’s alarming. In 2023, there were over 265,660 layoffs, while this year, 2026, we’ve seen only 126,305 so far. Yet, I know more people who are unemployed now than before. I understand that this is anecdotal, but it’s hard to ignore. I still have a job, but I can’t shake off the anxiety about the future. My company has been treating us poorly, pushing to implement AI tools for monitoring our work. They want us to use these tools, but they’re so flawed that they often provide incorrect information, which just complicates my tasks. It’s frustrating, and I can’t help but wonder what’s really going on. It feels like I’m one of the few who sees this reality.

I feel like I'm being ghosted after my reference check for a position I've been pursuing for two months now. The process included a panel interview, a technical interview, and I submitted my references last week. All my references are from people I trust, and the HR liaison confirmed they received them last Thursday. Up until now, I've received positive feedback from the recruiter, and I thought I was nearing the end with just one more interview with the reporting manager and a final reference check with my current manager. However, since last Thursday, I haven't heard anything. I'm starting to feel frustrated and have even considered withdrawing my application to look for something else entirely. How long does it really take to review five reference questionnaires?

I recently accepted a job offer with a local organization that works with kids, and I was really excited about it because the pay and scheduling seemed perfect. However, I'm already feeling overwhelmed even before my start date. The owner, whom I’ll refer to as Jean, has been very unprofessional and disorganized in her communication, which has left me feeling confused and anxious. Jean only communicates through text, often late at night, which I find inappropriate. I haven’t seen her in person since my initial interview, and during that interview, she interrupted and made a comment that felt disrespectful. The biggest issue is that she is trying to schedule me for shifts without confirming my background check or even discussing my availability properly. I specifically mentioned that I cannot work on Sundays due to church commitments, and I was told that weekends are mandatory, which was never mentioned in the job ad or during the interviews. Now, I'm being asked to cover late shifts on Fridays and Saturdays to compensate for my unavailability on Sundays, which feels unreasonable. I’ve already filled out the necessary documentation and signed everything, but the constant back-and-forth about scheduling is making me reconsider if this job is the right fit for me. I have another interview lined up tomorrow, and while I want to give this job a fair chance, the lack of clear communication and the stress it's causing is making me question whether I should even start. I’m feeling torn about how to approach this situation, especially since I don’t want to quit before I even begin.

I recently took a break from my role as a software engineer at a fintech company due to severe stress and burnout. My GP advised me to step back for my mental health, so I traveled and reflected on my career. I realized that my true interests lie in business and analytics rather than software engineering. I have experience as a business analyst and junior project manager, which I enjoyed much more than my SWE role. My background includes a BSc in Business and IT, a postgraduate in Data Analytics, and CFA Level I. During my time as an SWE, I faced a lot of pressure from a difficult project manager, which contributed to my burnout. I had hoped to transition into a business-facing role after my graduate program, but internal promises were never fulfilled, and I felt stuck. Now, I'm looking to pivot back into a role that aligns with my interests, but I'm concerned about the 9-month gap on my CV and how to position my SWE experience for business-facing roles. I'm seeking advice from others who have made similar transitions. How did you frame your SWE experience? What roles should I consider, and how do I explain my career break without it being viewed negatively?

I've been deep in the job search lately, and honestly, it's been more draining than I anticipated. At first, I was excited—applying to multiple positions, revamping my resume, and prepping for interviews. I kept telling myself that something would eventually click. But then the rejections started rolling in, and eventually, they just stopped coming altogether. I found myself staring at my inbox, refreshing my email and LinkedIn, hoping for a response—any response. It felt like I was shouting into a void. That waiting period has been tougher than facing rejection itself. I often catch myself questioning my abilities and whether I'm doing something wrong. What keeps me going is remembering why I started this journey in the first place and making a conscious decision to not give up. If anyone else is navigating this tough phase, I wish you all the best. Let's keep pushing forward until we find the right opportunity.

It's been 4 months since I was laid off from my job of 15 years, and I'm really starting to feel the pressure. Just days before my layoff notice on March 17, I bought a brand new car that I had been budgeting for over 6 months. My first thought when I received the layoff notice was about the car I had just purchased. Thankfully, I have a generous severance package that will keep me afloat until Christmas, but job hunting has been tough. I've experienced a lot of ghosting and only a few interviews. Just recently, I had a huge disappointment: 15 minutes before an interview for an executive assistant position, the recruiter called to say there was a mix-up and that a job offer had already been sent out without anyone realizing there was still one interview left to conduct. They said they were impressed with my resume and encouraged me to apply for future positions. It feels like time is slipping away, and I can't seem to catch a break. I'm even prepared to take a 50% pay cut and had to use some of my 401k savings to pay off my car. It's a stressful situation, but I'm trying to stay hopeful.

I lost my job three months ago and have been actively searching for new opportunities ever since. Unfortunately, nothing suitable has come up, and I'm quickly running out of savings. My mortgage payment is $1,900 a month, and I haven't been able to pay it for the last two months. The bank has sent me a notice, and I only have about 45 days before foreclosure proceedings start. They won't agree to a modification because they say I don't qualify. I attempted to initiate a short sale with a realtor, but she informed me that it could take 60 to 90 days to close, and I simply don't have that kind of time. Losing my house is not an option for me. In a moment of desperation, I reached out to eazyhousesale and filled out their form. To my surprise, they sent me an offer the very next day. I ended up selling my house for cash, albeit slightly below market value, and the closing is set for just two weeks from now. The speed of this process feels suspicious, but I'm hoping it will help me avoid foreclosure. I'm feeling frustrated with the bank for not providing any assistance and hopeless about finding a job in time. I just want to keep my home and not lose everything.

I recently went through a layoff and wanted to share my experience regarding negotiating severance. I learned that it’s crucial to ask for more than what’s initially offered. When I received my severance package, I decided to negotiate. I figured that at that point, there was really nothing more they could do to me. The worst they could say was no, and I was pretty confident they wouldn’t retract the original offer. In my experience, they rarely do that because it opens them up to potential legal issues. I’ve successfully negotiated a better severance about half the time I’ve tried it in the past. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to ask for more. The worst outcome is just accepting the original offer.

I have been feeling really anxious about my job search due to my past reputation. I made some regrettable mistakes at a previous job that led to write-ups and ultimately my termination. I struggled with anger issues and had some serious temper tantrums that affected my relationships with colleagues. Although I am currently employed, I know I need to work on myself, but therapy isn't an option for me financially right now. I've been focusing on self-reflection and journaling to help me unlearn those bad behaviors and patterns. I realize I've hurt a lot of people, and some may never forgive me, which is something I struggle to forgive myself for as well. Recently, I received a call for an in-person interview at Costco, a place I've been trying to get into for over 10 years. I've had two previous interviews there but didn't get the jobs. This unexpected call has given me a glimmer of hope, and I see it as a chance for a fresh start. If it doesn't work out, at least I know I did my best.

I'm currently in the interview process for a position at Doxim. The role offers a base salary of $110k with an on-target earnings (OTE) of $250k, and it requires about 25% travel, although I can work remotely when I'm not traveling. I've been with my current company for 10 years and really love the culture and the no-travel aspect, so I'm feeling a bit skeptical about making a change. I'm curious if anyone has experience working at Doxim or knows someone who has.