Feeling

I reached a point in my job search where I feel so desperate that I'm actually considering paying for a job placement service. I know it's not a common route and I've seen advice against it, but the stress of being unemployed is weighing heavily on me. I just want to find a position where I can contribute my skills and experience. I posted about this in a job-related community, and the overwhelming response was to steer clear of paying for a job. I appreciate the concern, but I'm really struggling to see other options right now.

Today, I had an interview for a casual front desk position at a retirement home, which is just a 10-minute commute from my place. As a recent graduate with a BASc in Psychology and a diploma in General Arts & Science, I'm eager to find a full-time role that aligns with my career goals. Currently, I'm juggling two jobs: a part-time retail position that I've been in for 10 months and a casual front desk job that I've held for 1.5 years, but the latter doesn't provide enough hours. During the interview, the interviewer asked me what I would do if my part-time retail job offered me a full-time position. I explained that I haven't pursued full-time roles yet because most available positions are for managerial or senior levels, which I don’t feel qualified for. I want to ensure that I find a company that matches my values and where I can contribute positively. I also mentioned that I'm looking to leave my retail job for something more suitable. I felt a bit thrown off by the question and was trying to be transparent, but I wonder if I answered it correctly. How would you have approached this question?

I’ve been feeling super burnt out and overworked in my role as a brand manager at an agency for about a year now. Since I’m the only one left in my department after everyone else was let go, I’ve inherited a lot of their clients, which has significantly increased my workload. We’ve lost many clients, and those that remain are struggling. It’s not due to our work quality; it’s just that the Amazon space is incredibly tough for small businesses to navigate without strictly adhering to Amazon's rules. I find myself taking on responsibilities that clients should handle themselves, like analyzing their profitability, and when I have to break the bad news, it often feels like it reflects poorly on us. It’s frustrating because many brands are hesitant to make necessary changes or raise their prices, which leads to a sense of selling snake oil, even though we’re just pointing out real issues. Management hasn’t been supportive either. While I receive feedback, I wasn’t trained for this specific role, and after a year on Amazon, I can confidently say it's the most challenging platform I’ve worked with. The lack of flexibility and endless fees make it feel like we’re battling the platform rather than assisting our clients. Today, my boss had a mentoring session with me about my client communication, suggesting I should ask more questions and build better relationships. While I appreciate the feedback, it felt misplaced given my current workload and the fact that I’ve been trying to keep everything afloat after the layoffs. That hour-long conversation took time away from my already overwhelming tasks, leaving me questioning my performance instead of focusing on my work. I know I should be grateful for my job, especially with decent pay and benefits, but the workload is unsustainable, and I’m genuinely unhappy. I’ve been searching for other jobs, but the options in my city are limited, mostly in sales or customer service. I’ve applied anyway, but it feels like marketing roles are dwindling due to AI and industry-wide layoffs. Seeing so many people unemployed adds to my discouragement, making me feel trapped in this situation. I’m not sure what my next steps should be, but I wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else has felt similarly or found a way through it.

I've been working at a startup for about 10 months now, and while it wasn't my dream job, the pay was decent and they allowed me to continue my undergraduate studies. I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain experience while supporting my family. However, I've encountered some significant issues that have me questioning whether I'm expecting too much from this job. From the start, the payment structure was a bit unusual. Instead of a fixed monthly salary, my pay is based on the number of hours I work, which is challenging since I'm still in college. I accepted this because my other job offer paid less and required me to stop studying. The biggest challenge has been working with one of the company's owners, who is incredibly difficult to deal with. He often disappears for weeks at a time, leaving me without guidance or feedback. This has led to numerous canceled meetings where I've waited for hours only to find out he won't show up. Since I rely on public transportation, it's hard to join calls from various locations, and I've missed opportunities to share my work during these times. What's worse is that he frequently asks me to redo work that was already completed correctly, just because it doesn't align with his personal style. This has not only been frustrating but has also impacted my income since my pay depends on the hours I can bill. With him being unavailable, my income has taken a hit, and this month, I'm facing a zero income. One incident that really frustrated me was when I requested to work remotely for three weeks due to a family issue. I assured him I would be fully available, but he went silent on me. He delayed our meeting for five days, only for it to last five minutes and could have easily been an email. Now I'm left wondering if I'm expecting too much from a job where they seem to disregard my time and needs. I'm seriously considering quitting and looking for another position, as this situation is taking a toll on my finances and overall well-being.

I recently faced a challenging situation while job searching. Currently, I'm homeless and lack regular access to a phone or the internet, but I've been actively applying for jobs. I was thrilled to be shortlisted for a position and completed the necessary security clearance and other steps. However, since I don't have a working phone, I provided my best friend's number as an alternate contact. Today, the company called him, and he suggested they reach out via email instead. I'm left wondering if this could jeopardize my application or if it's just a request for me to initiate contact through email.

I recently had my unemployment claim denied in New Jersey, and I'm feeling frustrated and confused about the whole situation. The denial stated that I voluntarily left my job, which simply isn't true. The claim was denied because it was assumed that my job search indicated I was leaving my company. Here's what happened: back in March, three people quit at my workplace, and one of them warned me that my employer might be considering firing me. This prompted me to start looking for new job opportunities during my personal time. Since I work in a hybrid setup, I occasionally looked for jobs on my personal computer while at home. Unfortunately, during a work call in April, my boss saw my LinkedIn open and an email about job applications on my screen. I was officially fired on June 18th, and my boss cited my job search as a reason for my termination. I filed my unemployment claim on June 27th, but the claim date was listed as June 14th, which I found odd since I didn't file until later due to issues with the ID verification process. When I received the denial letter, it claimed that I had voluntarily left my job on June 14th because I was looking for employment. This is incredibly frustrating because I was never informed by my employer about any concerns regarding my LinkedIn activity until the day I was let go. We never discussed my performance, and I had no write-ups or signed policies against job searching. My performance had always been satisfactory, and I never interviewed during work hours. Now, I'm wondering if I have a solid case for an appeal. Is it my responsibility to provide proof that I didn't voluntarily leave, or does my employer need to prove that I did? Also, did the unemployment office even contact him about this, or was the decision made solely based on my admission of job searching? Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I recently applied for a job that I felt I was highly qualified for. After submitting my application, I received an email expressing interest in my resume and asking if I was still interested in the position. I confirmed my interest, but then they sent me a follow-up message that raised some serious red flags. The language used, particularly the word "kindly," felt off to me. Additionally, they addressed me as "Candidate" instead of using my name, which seemed impersonal and suspicious. I also noticed that they sent me two random files instead of directing me to a webpage for the questionnaire. After reading the comments from others who experienced similar situations, I decided to trust my instincts and ignore this opportunity. It just seemed too good to be true and skipped over the usual interview process, which is always a warning sign.

I recently resigned from my position at a mid-sized tech company and am currently serving my notice period. The standard advice I’ve received emphasizes professionalism, proper handovers, and maintaining relationships, but my situation is quite different. There’s no one competent to hand over my responsibilities to, as my colleagues are not in a position to take on my work. Additionally, my boss has a habit of redirecting client inquiries to me, as he struggles to answer them himself, and he has thrown me under the bus in front of clients on multiple occasions. Given these dynamics, I find it hard to see any value in preserving these relationships. I’m grappling with whether I should still document everything thoroughly, even though there’s no one capable to receive the information. Should I continue to shield my boss from client questions, or should I let the consequences fall where they may? I’m curious if anyone else has coasted during their notice period and if it impacted them later on, whether through references or reputation. I’ve seen mixed advice in the comments, from ghosting the job entirely to documenting everything meticulously for future reference. It’s a tough call, and I’m weighing my options carefully.

I was recently let go from my job and am currently collecting unemployment benefits while I go through the appeal process. I have a question regarding the back pay I may receive if I win my appeal. Specifically, if I do receive that back pay, will I need to repay the unemployment benefits I've been receiving? I assume I would have to, but I couldn't find any information on the unemployment website about this or the process for repayment. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

I was contacted by a recruiter about a customer solutions position at Master-Carr, which offers a salary of $103,000. I haven't had a chance to meet the recruiter yet, but I'm really considering this opportunity since I currently earn $62,000 and I'm just one car emergency away from financial trouble. The higher salary would definitely help me with my student loans. Additionally, my current commute is an hour each way, while this new job is only 25 minutes away. I'm also feeling quite unchallenged in my current role, so a busier job would be a welcome change. I'm looking for any insights or experiences others might have with Master-Carr or this position.

I’m currently working as a cashier at a grocery store, and to be honest, I’ve been wanting to quit since I started. The management has been incredibly greedy and disrespectful towards employees, and I’ve been given way more hours than I ever asked for. Plus, half the store is basically broken. I’ve been trying to transfer to a new store that’s set to open soon, but HR has been unresponsive, and I recently heard from a coworker that they’re no longer transferring anyone from our store. So, I’ve started applying elsewhere and got an offer as a cashier/barista at a new cafe opening soon. The pay is a couple of dollars less, but the hours and commute are much better, and honestly, my current job has made me so miserable that I’m eager to leave. I’m wondering if taking this new job is a good idea. My plan is to gain food service experience and eventually find a nice, locally owned cafe when I move out of state. I’ve only been at my current job for 6 months; will it look bad if I hop around jobs this early? I’m also in college and trying to find a car, and my current job’s hours have made it really difficult to manage school.

I recently started my search for a new executive or VP role and came across several job postings on LinkedIn that listed "Integral Creative Solutions" as the search firm. They describe themselves as a retained executive search and staffing firm, but the listings are all marked as "confidential." The application process directs you to a site called sourcehire.app, where they ask for a CV, cover letter, and details about my skills and preferences. I noticed a live ATS ranking bar that indicated I ranked above 34% of applicants, but they also offered a way to pay $15 to prioritize my application. I didn't enter any payment information, but I'm feeling uneasy about the whole situation. I couldn't find any information about Integral Creative Solutions online, and they have around 100 executive-level jobs posted across various platforms. Now I'm questioning whether this is a predatory hiring process. Should I remove my information from the site and move on? It feels risky to have my materials out there, especially since everything in my CV and cover letter is already public on LinkedIn.

I’ve been in a bit of a dilemma lately about whether to stay in my current job or pursue a new opportunity. Earlier this year, I was pushing for a raise that ultimately got declined, which prompted me to start looking for new positions. I went through the interview process for a role that seemed perfect for me, but just as I reached the final stages, I was informed that the position was on hold due to the company being acquired by a larger entity. Fast forward three months, and I received an email from them saying they were hiring for the same role again. I was hesitant but agreed to discuss it further. They offered me a temporary contract with the possibility of transitioning to full-time, but I expressed my concerns since I’m currently in a stable, permanent position. Coincidentally, that same week, I received a raise at my current job—still below market value, but a solid 10%. Then, the new company came back with an offer for a permanent role at a higher salary. However, I’m realizing that this new role would involve a lot of stress, similar to the most challenging aspects of my current job, plus a longer commute. The pay increase is tempting, but I don’t think it justifies the potential stress and disruption, especially after my recent experiences. I’m feeling burnt out at my current job but also comfortable. I’ve worked hard this year to let go of some stress, especially after the raise situation, and I want to focus on my mental health and overall well-being. If I take this new job, I’d be starting it while also trying to leave a toxic living situation, which adds to my hesitation. My gut is telling me to decline the offer, but I’m struggling with the decision given the current job market. I could use some reassurance to help me navigate this.

I’m about to sign my severance package this week after being laid off from my role at a Fortune 500 company. Honestly, I’m feeling a mix of emotions—embarrassed, mad, and stressed. It feels like I got gut punched for no good reason, especially with how greedy the investors and board members have been. My work requires a detailed resume and a portfolio, which I haven’t even updated yet. I’ve been focused on my personal health and family, so the timing of this layoff is just unfortunate. I know it’s a tough job market right now, but I’m trying to pull myself together and get back on track. I’m looking to connect with others who might have tips or recommendations. If anyone wants to chat, feel free to DM me. I’ve been in the industry for 8 years, so I have a decent network and would be happy to help others as well.

I recently had what I believe was the best interview of my career for a role at a prestigious institution. I felt incredibly prepared, established a great rapport with the interview team, and was completely confident that I would be a perfect fit for the position. After about two weeks, I received a call from their recruitment office informing me that I was in the finalist pool and they needed references. I had already arranged strong references ahead of time, so I reached out to them to submit their letters, which I confirmed were received through an email notification. However, it has now been three weeks since my references submitted their letters, and I haven't heard anything since. I'm starting to wonder if this long silence means they have chosen someone else. Is it typical to wait this long for an update, or should I reach out to inquire about the status of my application?

I’m currently feeling mentally exhausted after several interviews for operations, coordinator, and administrative assistant positions. Despite having good conversations that felt comfortable and engaging, I keep hearing that someone with more experience got the job. I don’t have formal years of experience on paper, just tasks I’ve taken on in various roles, so I’m not entirely surprised by the outcomes. At 30 years old, I hold a Bachelor of Science in conservation biology but have decided not to pursue that path. I’ve always been good at statistics and calculus, which led me to think I could find a fulfilling career in operations or logistics—fields that I’m genuinely interested in. I’ve consistently improved workflow and efficiency in my past jobs, even when those tasks weren’t part of my formal duties. However, I’m beginning to think that the vague job titles and luck of the draw aren’t working in my favor. I’ve also had past experiences where I thought I landed a dream job—like working with dogs—but those turned out poorly due to bad management and low pay. Now, I’m considering a shift towards a career that has clearer hiring criteria, even if it’s not my ideal job. Every day without a solid income is becoming increasingly painful. I live with a parent, so I’m not in a dire situation, but I feel embarrassed when people ask what I do. I currently pet sit sporadically and volunteer, which I love, but I need a more stable income. My ideal career would ideally pay close to six figures, but I’d be content with around $70k after taxes. I’m looking for roles that offer hybrid or remote work options and are accessible in various locations, as I may move in the future. I’m open to pursuing 1-2 years of schooling if it leads to a more guaranteed job opportunity. I’d prefer a role that doesn’t involve being on my feet all day or dealing with customers, as I’ve found those positions lead to burnout for me. My resume includes experience in retail, pharmacy, data entry, and AI evaluation. I’m feeling a bit lost and would appreciate any advice from anyone in the accounting or operations fields about whether my goals are realistic and what steps I should take next.

I've been reflecting on the struggles of unemployment lately, especially seeing friends and acquaintances who have been without jobs for extended periods. It's hard to comprehend how some people manage to keep their lives relatively normal despite being unemployed. I know a few who casually mention their situation without any apparent concern, which leaves me feeling both confused and hopeless. For instance, I learned that many young adults, about one in three between 18-34, still live with their parents, which explains how they avoid homelessness. Others rely on unemployment benefits, family support, or savings to get by, but I can't help but feel that if I were in their shoes, I'd be in a panic. I remember when I was unemployed for seven months last year; I had to tighten my budget drastically and even racked up credit card debt just to cover essentials. Thankfully, I managed to pay it off eventually. I also know someone who was laid off during COVID and hasn't sought work since, living off her husband's salary. They seem to manage okay, going on vacations and dining out, which I find baffling. If I were her partner, I think I'd be frustrated and would want her to contribute financially. Overall, the situation feels dire for many, and I can't shake the feeling that the American Dream is slipping away for a lot of us.

I recently lost my part-time job because my employer said I "wasn't a good fit" with the team. It’s been tough to process everything. I genuinely tried to be kind and respectful to my coworkers, but I often felt like an outsider. Some of them seemed cold or rude for no reason, which made the work environment really uncomfortable. I was constantly worried about being judged or excluded, and that pressure affected my performance and confidence. When I was let go, it felt like my manager sided with my coworkers without giving me a fair chance to explain my side. I left feeling rejected despite my efforts to be friendly. It's a strange mix of relief and hurt—relieved to be out of a toxic environment, but still hurt by the rejection. Has anyone else gone through something similar? How did you rebuild your confidence after such an experience?

I’m currently planning to resign from my job as a part-time employee while I’m in college. My class schedule has turned out to be more demanding than I expected, and I’ve realized that I can only manage to work about 4 hours a week, which isn’t feasible for me. I’m drafting an email to inform my manager about my decision to leave, but I’m uncertain about how it would be received if I only give one week’s notice instead of the standard two weeks. I have a particularly undesirable shift coming up in a week, and I really don’t want to work that early morning shift since I usually work closing hours. I’m considering writing a resignation letter with a one-week notice, but I’m worried it might come off as unprofessional. I do like my coworkers and want to maintain a good relationship since I’ll likely need to return to the store for groceries in the future, given that it’s the only one in my area. I don’t want to burn any bridges by leaving abruptly.

I had an interview this morning for a role in Department B, which is similar to my current position in Department A. I've been in my current job for 3.5 years, helping scientists navigate the regulatory landscape for clinical trials, and I recently returned from maternity leave. My department relies heavily on federal funding, and there's been some uncertainty about its stability. My department head, M, encouraged me to apply for this new position, which opened up as the new fiscal year started in July. During the interview, the hiring manager recognized me as M's referral, and we spent a good 15 minutes discussing our shared passion for the research in Department B. The conversation felt very friendly and natural, and I felt a good connection. I did mention my concerns about funding stability in my current role, explaining that I wanted to focus on excelling in a position that would be secure for the long term. She acknowledged my honesty and shared that she understood my concerns, even mentioning projects in another department that faced funding cuts. However, I left the interview feeling a bit uneasy because she didn't ask me many questions at all. It felt more like a conversation than a formal interview. I'm now worried that this might be a bad sign and that I might have been too honest about my reasons for wanting to move. I haven't interviewed in over three years, and I'm ruminating over whether I should have approached my answer differently. If I don't get this job, I want to be better prepared for the next opportunity.