Feeling

I am currently trying to transition from a traditional K-12 teaching role to a corporate position, which feels like a big shift for me. I have six years of teaching experience, but I lack any formal experience in educational roles like instructional design outside of a school environment. I'm debating whether it's appropriate for me to apply to job postings labeled as 'early career.' I've been struggling to get responses to my applications, and I wonder if my lack of diverse experience is the reason. I am tailoring my resume to align with the language used in the job postings, but I'm still not seeing results. I've received advice that applying to early career roles is a good idea, as this typically means entry-level positions in that specific field rather than a complete lack of professional experience. My teaching background has equipped me with valuable skills like planning, communication, and managing a classroom, but I'm concerned that it doesn't translate well on paper for corporate roles.

I recently started a trainee position at a multinational company in a field where I have significant expertise, but it's been a waking nightmare. My background is in construction management, and I've developed a strong skill set in this other area over the years, which I can't disclose due to the small nature of the field and the risk of my coworkers identifying me. After being unemployed like many others, I thought this role would be a stepping stone to utilize my knowledge, but instead, I'm stuck doing warehouse work that feels beneath my capabilities. The practices here are questionable at best, and they blatantly disregard employment laws. To make matters worse, my experience is treated with skepticism, and I often find myself being mocked for it. Despite breaking company production records on my third day, my achievements go unnoticed. The management seems oblivious to the economic factors impacting our work, and when I try to warn my boss about potential issues, my advice is ignored until it's too late. I feel trapped; if I didn't need this job to pay my bills, I would have left after the first week. Instead, I'm left watching this company waste potential while I struggle with anxiety every week. It's incredibly frustrating, but I know I need to keep applying for other jobs and find a way to leverage this experience on my resume.

I recently accepted a job offer for what I consider my dream position after leaving a toxic work environment. I'm currently waiting for the background check to be completed. However, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. When I applied for the job months ago, my resume was accurate, but after submitting it, I took on a short-term role for about 2.5 months, which I resigned from just yesterday. During the interview process, I relied on my original resume and didn't mention this short-term job. When asked about my last job, I explained why I left and mentioned taking a break to find the right fit. In my final interview, I was specifically asked when I left my last company, and I stated I left in 2025, omitting the short-term role entirely since I was concerned it might negatively impact my chances of getting the job. Now, I'm worried about the background check. I checked my TWN report, and the short-term job is listed there. My main questions are: should I disclose this 2.5-month position if the background check asks for my employment history, even though it wasn't on my resume? Also, will the employer see everything I provide in the background check form, or just the final outcome? I know I could have approached this differently, but I'm trying to do the right thing moving forward. I really need this job and would appreciate any guidance.

I recently accepted a job as an Administrative Assistant after being out of work since May 2025. The pay is quite disappointing, dropping from my previous salary of $73k plus bonuses to just $34k. My husband was also laid off in March, which adds to the stress. Although our cost of living is low, I can't help but feel sad about the pay cut after submitting over 300 applications and going through 50 interviews. I'm trying to stay positive, hoping that this position at a small college will allow me to finish my master's degree and that it will be easier to find a better job in a year. I'm also considering doing part-time virtual assistant work on the side while managing this new job.

I had a scheduled phone interview with State Farm that left me feeling really confused and frustrated. I waited around for two hours past the interview time, hoping to receive a call, but nothing came through—no call, no text, and no email. I even sent a courtesy email to check if the time was inconvenient for them, but I still haven't heard back. They had my correct phone number since it was included in the reminder email, which makes it even more puzzling. The last text I received from them was just after midnight, notifying me that I missed the interview, which feels really unprofessional considering I never got a call or voicemail. Now, I'm unsure whether I should cancel the other interview I scheduled after this one, as I don't want to jeopardize that opportunity.

I recently applied for a position at a doughnut shop called Rodeo Doughnuts, which is trying to introduce coffee to their menu. I've gone through two interviews and they want me to come in for a trial shift. However, I'm feeling a bit hesitant about it because the company had a troubled past; they had to rebrand after controversy over taking ideas from a Black-owned business and treating their staff poorly. The new reviews are mixed—some say it's improved, but there are still many old negative ones from when they were known as Doughnut Time. On the plus side, the job offers 50% off doughnuts, one free coffee during shifts, decent pay, and the possibility of using my phone, although I'm not sure how strict they are about that. The downsides include working alone, uncertainty about toilet breaks, no designated lunch breaks (I’d have to eat while working), and closing at 1 AM. I'm particularly concerned about the management's attitude; I've heard they might not allow me to take breaks or use my phone while working alone, which could be really stressful. I'm torn about whether to go to the trial shift and accept the job if offered. I’d love to hear thoughts on whether I should take the plunge or hold off.

I applied for unemployment in Massachusetts on May 14, 2026, but I'm facing a frustrating situation. I've been checking in weekly, and all my past weeks are still pending. I've escalated my case over five times, but it hasn't been assigned to a judicial review yet. I'm unsure about what the next step in the escalation process should be. This situation is compounded by health insurance issues; my employer had been deducting payments for my health insurance bi-weekly, but I discovered in March-April that I actually didn't have coverage. My employer promised to resolve it by mid-May, but with no resolution and the stress of being the only employee, I felt forced to resign after nearly a decade when I raised concerns about the health insurance situation.

I recently found myself unemployed for three months after leaving my previous job as a marketing coordinator in late April due to a change in management. Unfortunately, I went through a severe depressive episode shortly after quitting, which made job searching quite challenging. Now that I'm ready to re-enter the workforce, I'm concerned about how to address this gap in interviews. I did some gig work with Doordash during that time just to make ends meet, but I'm hesitant to bring that up in interviews. I know I can't just say I was depressed, so I'm considering framing it as taking time to focus on finding the right opportunity. I've read that three months isn't a significant gap and that I shouldn't overthink it, but I still want to be prepared for any questions about my unemployment. I'm thinking of saying something like, "I took some time off to focus on finding the next opportunity that was right for me," which feels like a safe approach. I hope that will suffice and help me move forward in my job search.

I just received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) notification from my manager at Microsoft IDC. I feel it's completely unfair, as I was put on a lite cycle this time, which my manager claims triggered the PIP option. He insists that he tried to prevent this and that neither he nor the higher-ups were aware that being on lite would lead to a PIP under the new HR policy. He reassured me that this is just a formality and suggested that I should take the PIP option. I'm in a tough spot and looking for advice on whether to trust him or to opt for the GVSA (Voluntary Separation Agreement) instead. If I choose the GVSA, I want to know if I will receive four months of base pay or just my basic pay. The feedback from others is leaning towards taking the GVSA, as they believe that the company might be hoping I take the PIP just to get four months of work out of me before letting me go. They suggest that the GVSA would give me the financial cushion to look for a job where I'm valued. I’m really torn about this situation and would appreciate any guidance on the best course of action.

I'm currently working as a kitchen assistant at a large hospitality company that owns various establishments. While I appreciate the company, I'm feeling really burnt out with my current role. I hold a BA in Illustration and I'm about to graduate with an MA in Digital Design, but finding jobs related to my field has been incredibly disheartening. I've been considering approaching upper management to discuss the possibility of switching to an internal role, perhaps as a junior designer, digital marketer, or content creator. I plan to showcase some of my recent work, like rebranding concepts, menu designs, and social media content that I've created during my MA program. I’m curious if anyone has successfully made a similar move within their company or if I would be overstepping by asking. I don't want to embarrass myself, but I believe I could bring valuable ideas to the table. I've heard of others in my company being given new roles when circumstances changed, which gives me some hope. However, I'm also aware that if I express my desire to move on, the gossip around the office could spread quickly, making things uncomfortable.

Today marks the beginning of my new job, but I'm already facing a significant issue. The employer provided me with my tax documents, but when it came time to sign the I-9, they refused to accept my social security card and driver's license. As a U.S. citizen, this raises a major red flag for me, and I'm feeling hesitant about moving forward with this position. I've reached out for advice, and it seems like many agree that this is not standard practice. Some suggested that I ensure I'm being classified as a W-2 employee rather than an independent contractor, and others pointed out that the documents I provided should be valid. I'm really unsure about what to do next and whether I should report this situation or seek clarification from them.

I’m a 21-year-old male currently unemployed and actively job hunting. I've been applying for jobs daily, working on my portfolio, and trying to enhance my chances of getting hired. However, I often feel guilty when I do anything unrelated to job searching. I really want to start going to the gym to build muscle and improve my physique, but I struggle with the idea of spending 1-2 hours there instead of applying for jobs or learning new skills. Seeing my friends and peers move forward in their careers makes me feel behind, and I sometimes think I don't deserve to focus on hobbies or self-improvement until I land a job. I'm torn between two options: either to stop everything else and focus 100% on job hunting or to balance job searching with going to the gym, even if it means spending less time on applications. I’ve been seeking advice from those who have been in similar situations. I want to know if they focused exclusively on finding a job, if maintaining a gym routine helped their mental health and confidence, and whether they would recommend balancing both or putting fitness on hold until securing employment.

I'm currently a Principal Software Engineer in my 50s, and I'm facing a tough situation at my company, which seems to be slowly falling apart. As I prepare to look for new opportunities, I've been contemplating whether I can downgrade my position to something less demanding. I'm really tired of the responsibilities that come with being a Principal, like mentoring junior engineers and overseeing big-picture projects. I just want to focus on design and implementation without the added stress of leadership. I'm curious if anyone else has successfully made this kind of transition and how they approached potential employers. I know the job market for software engineering is tough right now, and I worry that my current title might hinder my chances of landing a more straightforward role. I've heard suggestions about adjusting my CV to reflect a Senior title instead of Principal, but I'm unsure if that's the right move. I just want to find a position where I can be a 'cog' in the machine without the extra responsibilities that come with higher titles. Has anyone navigated this kind of career shift?

I recently started feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of my job search. It's been a few weeks since I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a tech company, and the stress is really starting to build. The constant worry about whether I'll find a new role soon is weighing on me. I know I'm not alone in this, but it's tough to shake off the anxiety.

I recently graduated with a degree in geology and just got an offer for an entry-level geologist position in Alaska. The pay is significantly higher than anything I could find in my hometown, which is exciting. The job involves a 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off schedule with 12-hour shifts. The company provides housing during my working weeks, but I’m faced with the dilemma of either flying home after each shift or finding an apartment and a car in Alaska. I'm really torn about this decision. On one hand, this job could be a fantastic opportunity to kickstart my career and gain invaluable experience. On the other hand, I’d be leaving behind everything I know for at least a year, and the costs of flying home or living in Alaska could eat into my paycheck, leaving me with little savings. I’m worried that if I wait for a better opportunity closer to home, I might miss out on this chance, which seems to be the only thing that has come my way so far. I’m seeking advice on whether I should take the plunge and go for it or hold out for something better.

I was laid off last week without any warning, and it's been a devastating experience. My world feels like it's collapsed, and I haven't been able to eat or sleep since then. I never thought this would happen to me, especially since I've always been proactive and one of the best performers at my job. I struggle with ADHD and chronic anxiety, which makes this situation even harder to cope with. I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep, and I'm overwhelmed with fear—fear of stepping outside, fear of facing people, and even fear of checking my phone for notifications. I come from a humble background, and everything I achieved, I built from the ground up. It's hard to accept that all of that was taken away with just one email. Now, I wake up, scroll through job openings, apply wherever I can, and cry. My parents are worried about me, and I can see their pain. I feel like I’m dealing with PTSD, and this layoff feels like the last straw. I don’t know how or when things will get better, or if they ever will. It feels like the end of the world. I was proud of the life I built, but now I wonder if I was ever meant to dream big or be happy. It feels like a cruel twist of fate, as if the universe is telling me I didn't deserve it.

I recently received a job offer and, after some consideration, I decided to renege on it within the first week. I’m feeling a bit conflicted about my decision and wanted to seek some advice regarding the implications of this move. I understand that it might not look great for the company, but I’ve heard mixed opinions about people who have done this in the past. Some say that many who renege go on to find success, while others warn about potential repercussions. I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has insights on how to navigate this.

I'm feeling completely overwhelmed right now. I graduated in 2024 and had a brief stint as a Community Manager in a blockchain project, where I earned about 8 lakh, but I lost everything in February 2024. After graduation, I interned in a Founder’s Office for two months, but an accident forced me to leave. Once I recovered, I worked as a Software Developer for around six months, but the company shut down due to government restrictions on online gaming. I returned home because of family issues and my father's health, but things have improved enough for me to join a new role as a Jr. Business Development Associate. Unfortunately, the company is struggling; salaries are delayed, and the founder is abusive towards employees. I'm feeling lost and anxious about my future. I have a B.Tech in IT, but I've lost most of my technical skills and need to start earning soon due to my family situation. I want to get back into tech or AI, but I'm unsure how to move forward. It feels like no matter how hard I try to do right by others, everything just keeps falling apart.

I’m 25 and have never had a job due to struggles with my mental health and other issues that prevented me from completing my education. For the past year since graduation, I’ve been searching for a job but have only managed to get three interviews. People around me suggest I lie on my resume about past experience, but I feel uncomfortable doing that. I have some volunteer experience and have managed online groups, but I’m unsure how to present this effectively without misrepresenting myself. This job search is taking a toll on me mentally, and I’m starting to feel hopeless. Should I consider lying about my experience, or is there a way to present my volunteer work as legitimate experience? I really want to be honest but also need to find a job.

I recently shared my thoughts on job interviews and applications, and I wanted to document some tips that have helped me enjoy the process. I know many people find it stressful, so I hope these insights can assist others. When it comes to applications, I make it a habit to reflect on my completed tasks at work about once a month. I create a detailed list of these accomplishments and polish them up for my CV. This practice helps me remember useful experiences that could make me stand out, even if they happened a while ago. Before applying for jobs, I gather about 4-5 postings that I feel I would be a great fit for. I then compare these postings side by side with my CV to ensure I've included all relevant experiences. I pay attention to the wording, as sometimes recruiters miss important qualifications due to phrasing differences. A tip from a friend that I found useful is to clarify citizenship on my CV if I have a surname that indicates a different background. This has reportedly increased her response rates, which is unfortunate but can be effective. For interviews, I always dress appropriately. I have two button-down shirts specifically for interviews, regardless of the company's culture. I also make sure to arrive early, especially for virtual interviews, to avoid any technical issues. I practice common interview questions like "tell me about yourself" and "what do you know about the company" to feel more prepared. If I get nervous, I wiggle my toes to help calm myself down without fidgeting visibly. I bring a couple of printed copies of my CV to the interview, which not only shows that I'm prepared but also helps if I blank out during the conversation. When researching the company, I dive deep into their values, history, and relevant metrics. This allows me to have informed discussions during the interview. Finally, I always make sure to ask questions at the end to show my interest in the role and the company culture. I hope these tips can help someone out there, especially during these challenging times in the job market!