Feeling

I am currently working as a contractor and am contemplating a significant career shift. I'm considering leaving my higher-paying contract role to accept a full-time position that would come with a pay cut of around $40,000. This figure doesn't even account for the benefits that a full-time role typically includes. While the new salary would still cover my expenses, it would definitely tighten my budget considerably. I've seen others face similar decisions and would love to hear any insights or experiences from those who have made a similar choice. Did you find the benefits of a full-time position outweighed the pay cut?

I'm feeling really overwhelmed with my job hunt and decided to share my experience in hopes of getting some advice. I've been searching for a job for about four years since graduating with a BA in psychology, but I've had no luck at all. I haven't received any phone calls, interviews, or even rejection emails. I've applied for jobs both in and out of my field, but nothing seems to work out. I suspect that my struggles might be related to being autistic and having ADHD, which I'm currently trying to get diagnosed. This has made it tough for me to navigate online job applications and interviews. My college experience was also challenging due to these issues, and my GPA reflects that. I'm hesitant to pursue a Master's program until I can get the right medication to help me focus. Recently, I've had to move in with family to an area that has very few job opportunities. The local job market is dire, and many people are commuting long distances just to find work. Financially, I'm in a tough spot. While I live with family, I can't rely on them for all my expenses. I've also been dealing with health problems this year that require ongoing treatment, and I want to ensure my elderly dog is comfortable in her final years. I know the job market is challenging for everyone, but I'm reaching out for any advice on how to improve my chances of finding a job. My resume isn't great due to a history of short-term jobs that conflicted with my college schedule, and I'm aware that my mental health issues might mean I should look for remote work or positions that keep me in front of a computer. If anyone has suggestions on job boards beyond Indeed, tips for improving my resume, or insights on job hunting with ADHD, I would really appreciate it. I'm open to any advice and would love to have a conversation about this.

I was offered what felt like my dream job about a month ago. The hiring manager mentioned he was just waiting for final approval, which he said would be completed within a week. However, three weeks have passed since that conversation, and today the recruiter informed me that he hasn't heard anything in over two weeks. He expressed concern about the lack of communication, which has left me feeling quite demoralized. I'm starting to wonder if this offer is dead. Given the current job market, which seems even worse than a couple of months ago, I'm beginning to apply for other positions, but I'm not finding much that excites me. I'm feeling uncertain and anxious about my next steps.

I recently faced a tough situation after leaving a secure position at a large corporation to join an AI startup. I dedicated over a year to this role, working weekends and long hours, believing that the chaos was just part of the startup experience. Unfortunately, I was laid off due to budget constraints. This news hit me harder than I expected, and I've been feeling a mix of embarrassment and despair about the current job market. It's only been four days since I lost my job, and I've kept it to myself except for my husband. I started applying for new positions on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on roles I felt qualified for and trying to submit my applications during peak hours. However, the rejection emails have already started coming in, and each notification makes my heart sink a little more. I know I need to stay positive and keep pushing forward, but I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, wondering how long this process will take. I barely see any open positions that match my skills, and I'm reaching out to others who have been through similar layoffs for advice on handling the mental toll during these first few weeks. How long did it take you to find your next job?

I haven't been scheduled for work in three weeks, and I'm starting to feel really anxious about it. I work at Lifetime in the Café, where I started in May as a seasonal employee. They asked who wanted to stay on, and I did, but since I requested a weekend off for a funeral two weeks ago, I haven't seen my name on the schedule at all, not even for next week. I'm only 16 and still in high school, so my availability is pretty limited to Fridays and Saturdays, but I know others with similar schedules are still getting hours. I used to have a consistent 5-7 hour shift every Saturday morning, which I was happy with, but the last couple of weeks I was scheduled for closing shifts, and now I'm worried that I must have done something wrong. My mom suggested I reach out to the hiring manager, which I plan to do, but I'm really anxious about the possibility of being let go. It feels like I'm in a tough spot, and I'm not sure what to expect.

I recently left the military after eight years of service, which I started at 18. It was a respected career and I often received praise for my commitment. Now, I'm back in school, taking online classes and preparing to start clinicals soon. Although I don’t need a job right now, I decided to apply for a part-time position at a coffee shop to combat the loneliness I've been feeling. I got hired as a barista, but I've started to notice a shift in how people perceive me. At 26, I feel judged for taking this job; friends and family seem to look down on it, almost pitying me. My parents have asked if I’m struggling financially because I’m working as a barista, and I can sense their disappointment. It’s strange because when I was unemployed, I didn’t receive any negative comments, but now that I have a job that some consider 'low,' it feels like I’m being viewed as someone who hasn’t succeeded since leaving the military. I know I left the military for my mental health, as it was draining my spirit, but now I feel like I’m proving the naysayers right by taking this job. I genuinely enjoy being a barista, but I find it embarrassing to share this with others because of the pity I sense from them. I’m struggling with how to overcome this feeling of embarrassment and the need to prove to others that I’m in a good place.

I was laid off about a month ago from my job where I was earning $96k annually. Now, I'm trying to figure out what a realistic pay cut would be if I were to accept a new position. I understand that I likely won't find something at my previous salary, but I want to avoid being lowballed. I've seen various opinions from others who have taken pay cuts ranging from 20% to 30%, and while it’s disheartening, many emphasize that having a steady income is crucial, especially in this tough job market. Some suggest that if offers are around $70k to $75k, that might be the new normal. I'm weighing my options carefully, as I want to ensure that whatever job I take allows me to continue my search without overwhelming stress or long hours.

Today, I learned that a buddy of mine was laid off from his position as a department supervisor in the receiving department at Home Depot Canada. He had been with the company for over 5 years, and they informed him that they were diminishing his position and had no alternative roles available for him. It seems strange to me that they would eliminate a role so crucial to the store's operations, especially since receiving is essential for keeping the store running smoothly. He did receive severance pay and his time shares are coming soon, which is a small comfort, but it still feels unfair to be let go after so many years of service.

I've been out of work for 3 years now after completing a Master's degree in engineering that I absolutely hated. I spent 5 years on this degree, including a year in industry, and while I graduated with a 2:1, the experience was far from enjoyable. I faced two mental breakdowns during this time, one during my internship and another shortly after, which really took a toll on my motivation. After finishing university, I was on strong antidepressants and struggled to find the drive to look for a job, despite having the skills for software development. I thought I could take a year to work on personal projects, but the rise of AI and widespread layoffs crushed my hopes of finding a stable career. Now, I'm three years unemployed. I did manage to earn some money through freelance work, around £2000 for a single project, but it wasn't stable. Employers seemed uninterested in my personal projects, and I realize now that I should have been applying for any job available, regardless of the skill level. Anxiety and depression have made job searching a daunting task for me, and I often find myself overwhelmed and distracted. I've worked minimum wage jobs before, like as a pot wash and cleaner, but those experiences were traumatic and left me feeling hopeless. I know I have skills to offer, but the two-year gap on my CV has led to me being ghosted by employers. I thought about volunteering to fill my CV, but I spent that time on projects I believed would be beneficial. Now I'm in a tough spot. I need a job by Christmas, and while I’ve applied to apprenticeships, I keep getting ignored. I’m considering taking any job available, but I'm worried about my mental health and lack of joy in life. I haven't traveled or seen friends in years, and I feel like I'm running out of time to turn things around. I also tried to start a business based on some personal projects, but it became overwhelming and financially burdensome. I’m still in debt from university and struggling to get by. I just need an opportunity to prove what I can do.

I was terminated from my job in South Carolina on September 1 and was approved for unemployment benefits starting September 13, receiving $350 per week. After my termination, my former employer paid me $1,800 for unused PTO, which I reported while certifying for the week of September 20–26. However, I received $0 for that week, and it wasn't until the following week that I got the $350 payment. I reached out to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) and they confirmed that the PTO payout was the reason for my lack of payment that week. I'm trying to understand if it's normal for unused PTO accrued before termination to count as earnings for the week it was paid, even though I was no longer employed. Has anyone else faced this issue or successfully challenged it in South Carolina?

After graduating with a degree in a STEM field, I faced significant challenges in finding a job. Despite having a strong GPA, I struggled to secure even an entry-level position. I attended numerous career fairs and put myself out there, but nothing seemed to work out, which led me to enroll in grad school to enhance my skills and qualifications. It took me five years post-graduation to finally land a job, which paid decently, but I had to take on side jobs to make ends meet. Unfortunately, after four years in that role, I was told by management that I would not be promoted, while my peers moved up the ladder. This was a tough and disheartening experience for me. Everything changed when I met someone special who encouraged me to keep applying for new opportunities. Following her advice, I began applying more actively and was surprised to receive interview invitations from multiple agencies. To my astonishment, I ended up with four well-paying job offers! It was overwhelming to have so many options after such a difficult start. Ultimately, I chose the position that felt right for me and turned down three other offers. Reflecting on my journey, I feel grateful for the support I received and the opportunities that have come my way. It's a stark contrast to my earlier struggles, and while it’s exciting, it can also be a bit overwhelming to have recruiters reaching out with job offers. I wanted to share my experience to connect with others who may have faced similar challenges in their careers.

I'm currently feeling frustrated in my role as a production engineer at a plant, making about $56k. I've started applying for new jobs because I'm eager for a change. Today, I received an interview invitation for a lab technician position at another company, which I suspect pays less—around $50k. I'm concerned about potentially losing my engineer title, but I'm drawn to the idea of trying something different. I see all jobs as temporary since I plan to go to grad school eventually, but I don't want that to show in my job search. I'm curious about what others would do in my situation.

I recently reflected on my friend's layoff experience this spring, which really opened my eyes to the importance of understanding financial timelines after losing a job. He was in a tough spot, juggling a mortgage and a child, and spent the first week doing mental math about how long his savings would last. It was a vague and anxiety-inducing exercise that left him feeling sick. What he didn’t realize was how much severance, unemployment benefits, and changes in health insurance would impact his situation. For instance, he was initially worried about the full cost of COBRA, but once he explored marketplace options, he found a plan that was significantly cheaper based on his new income. This shift alone made a big difference in his calculations. We ended up creating a detailed prompt to help him get a clearer picture of his finances. It included everything from his income and fixed expenses to irregular spending. By plugging in his numbers, he could see exactly when his cash would run out under different scenarios—living as he currently does, cutting back moderately, and only covering fixed costs. This clarity allowed him to plan instead of panic. I also emphasized the importance of filing for unemployment benefits right away and checking health insurance options before making any decisions about COBRA. He had 60 days to elect it, which took some pressure off. Overall, having a concrete timeline helped him feel more in control and less fearful about the future.

I was laid off from my job in Tennessee on June 30, which was completely out of my control. I filed for unemployment the very next day, and after a couple of weeks, my application was approved. Now, 12 weeks later, I've been actively job hunting and have gone through multiple interviews, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck landing a new position. I've just exhausted the 12 weeks of unemployment benefits that Tennessee provides. I'm unsure whether I should continue certifying my unemployment status each week since my benefits are gone. My account is prompting me to certify, but it feels pointless at this stage.

I recently found myself applying for lower-stress positions due to the current job market conditions. It's been really challenging out there, and I feel like I'm not alone in this struggle. I've seen countless others in similar situations, and it seems like this trend has been going on for a few years now. It's disheartening, but I'm trying to stay hopeful and find something that fits my needs.

I recently got laid off and found a great way to connect with others in similar situations. I'm joining a weekday hiking group this Tuesday, October 13th, at Tilden Regional Park in Orinda, California. It's a 4.4-mile loop with a 554 ft elevation gain, which should be a nice way to clear my head and meet new people. The group is open to anyone navigating a layoff or between jobs, so it feels welcoming. They usually split into smaller groups based on pace, which helps make the hike more enjoyable. I appreciate that they also organize other activities like co-working and coffee hangs, fostering a supportive community for those in career transition. I hope to see others there who are looking for a little camaraderie during this challenging time!

I recently applied for a new job at the university where I've been working for the past four months. I'm 24 years old and have four years of experience from working at my dad's company, but I moved far away for my master's degree. My parents told me I couldn't come back home, so now I'm stuck in a college town that I really dislike. I've applied to 246 jobs in these four months and finally landed this current position, but the pay is terrible—only $45k, and I learned that this job hasn't had a raise in 16 years. Feeling trapped, I came across a job posting that seemed perfect for me, offering $75k with a requirement for six years of experience but no specific education needed. I decided to apply, even though I felt guilty about it. My work experience includes admin roles, teaching, and tutoring, and I worry that I might come off as a fraud. Living paycheck to paycheck is tough, especially in a town where I have no friends or family. I often find myself going to the food bank because the cost of living is just too high—$6 for a gallon of milk and nearly $6 for gas. I miss my hometown, and it feels isolating being in a completely different state. I'm trying hard to make this work, but I can't help but feel like I'm slaving away at a job that doesn't pay the bills.

I was let go from a startup just 1.5 months after I joined. I really put in my all and was excited about the opportunity, but it seems like they prioritize 'culture fit' over skills and experience. After reading some comments, it sounds like this isn't uncommon in the startup world. I’ve learned my lesson and I don’t think I’ll be pursuing another startup role anytime soon. It feels frustrating to have invested so much effort only to be dismissed so quickly. I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this isn’t a reflection of my abilities.

I graduated in Summer 2024 with a bachelor's degree in political science, but I've struggled to find a job in my field for the past two years. Initially, I started in computer science, but I found my passion in technology policy and machine ethics, which combines my interests in politics, data governance, research, and policy development. This niche is becoming increasingly important as we navigate the implications of AI usage in society. I have aspirations for a master's or PhD, and even a law degree, but unfortunately, my ideal school rejected me. During my undergraduate studies, I engaged in various projects and conferences focused on critical AI-ML analysis and human-tech interactions. I presented at two conferences, although I missed one due to funding cuts at my university. I also took on multiple leadership roles, advocating for policy changes and networking with fellow students and organizations. My involvement included working with the faculty senate to lead data assessments on student engagement, which ultimately improved resources for professors. My resume is quite extensive, spanning two pages, with an additional page for references, which I know is unconventional. Currently, I am working small jobs unrelated to my career just to make ends meet. I understand the job market is tough, but I can't shake the feeling that I've made mistakes along the way. I've applied for several internships, but many are restricted to current students. To enhance my employability, I'm re-learning programming to showcase my technical skills, but I’m uncertain if that will be sufficient. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced similar challenges or has advice. I'm open to sharing my resume for feedback.

I'm currently working as a service technician for a copier company, where I've been for the past 7 months. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to go on any field calls by myself yet, which is quite frustrating. The company promised that I would be attending training classes in another state, but I've heard nothing about that lately. When I brought it up to my tech manager, he just brushed it off, saying I need to get approved, but he hasn't taken any action on that. Additionally, my manager's attitude and anger issues make the work environment uncomfortable for me. I often find myself feeling on edge when he's around, which is not how I want to feel at work. Most of my time is spent alone in the warehouse, and I’m starting to feel stagnant and bored. I used to be passionate about this job, but that enthusiasm has faded over the past few months. I've been contemplating a change for a while now, and I've even started applying for other positions. Just yesterday, I received an offer for a customer service representative role, which pays a bit less than my current salary. I'm worried about making the switch, though—what if I end up regretting it? I want to be more productive and feel fulfilled in my work, but I'm also scared that the new job won't be any better. I'm considering my options carefully, especially since I have benefits here. I could use some guidance on whether I should take the leap or stay put.