Feeling

I recently got laid off from my position, but I still have to work for another month at the company. It's been really uncomfortable since I'm the only one in this situation, and my coworkers are acting awkwardly around me. I feel like I'm in a humiliation ritual for the next five weeks. While I'm personally handling it well and staying optimistic about finding a new job, I can't help but feel a sense of shame. I'm looking for advice on how to cope with this awkwardness and the feelings of shame that come with being the only one laid off.

I recently joined an audit firm in Dubai as an intern about 8 months ago, and I’m feeling quite frustrated with my experience so far. Initially, I was excited to learn and grow, but I’ve felt that my efforts and progress have gone largely unrecognized. During my first couple of months, I was mostly sitting idle due to the off-season, and I didn't receive any formal training, which left me feeling lost. After a month and a half, I finally got assigned to work with a senior, but I struggled due to the lack of guidance. I raised my concerns with my manager, expressing my need for more support without criticizing my senior. However, it seems that my feedback has been held against me, and I still feel judged for it. In the last few months, I’ve made an effort to learn and take on responsibilities beyond what’s typical for an intern. But recently, I received an official warning from my manager primarily about my attendance and breaks, which I acknowledge I need to improve. I’ve been arriving late and taking longer breaks than allowed, but I followed the lead of my colleagues who seemed to do the same. The warning escalated beyond attendance issues, with my manager questioning my output and capabilities. I felt dismissed when I tried to explain my situation, and it hurt to hear that my progress was being minimized, especially considering that I was not given much work or training for a significant part of my internship. To make matters worse, I learned that my friend’s manager labeled me as a “bad influence” because of my habits, which felt incredibly unfair. I’m earning 3,000 AED per month and balancing work with ACCA exams and personal challenges. Now, I’m at a crossroads. I know I need to improve my punctuality and adherence to company rules, but I also feel that the environment hasn’t been conducive to my growth. I’m contemplating whether to stay until I finish my ACCA exams in December 2026 or start looking for other opportunities, knowing that resigning would come with a hefty training cost and a lengthy notice period. Additionally, there’s a potential promotion in November that could lead to a slight pay increase. I’m trying to assess if I’m avoiding accountability or if this is an unhealthy work environment. Any advice would be appreciated.

I just got laid off from my job in the IT department at a company I thought was a dream opportunity. I had left a stable full-time position that paid well but had terrible management, hoping to find something better. I found a fully remote role that was aligned with my skills and offered a salary increase of over $20k. It felt like a great move at the time. However, about a year later, the company decided to outsource our entire IT department to a managed service provider in India, which means I, along with many others, are now getting laid off. I'm incredibly frustrated and angry. People left secure jobs to come here, and now we're being discarded just to save money. This situation feels like a betrayal, especially considering how difficult the job market is right now. It’s disheartening to see companies prioritize profit over their employees' livelihoods. I’m left wondering why we are expected to show loyalty to companies that don’t reciprocate. Now, I have to navigate a challenging job market after making what I thought was a positive career move.

I've been struggling with chronic underemployment for quite some time now, hopping from one job to another without finding a stable position that truly fits my skills and aspirations. I often feel stuck in a cycle of low-paying, part-time jobs that don't utilize my full potential. I'm looking for advice on how to break free from this pattern and find a more fulfilling and stable career path. Any tips on job searching strategies, networking, or skills development would be greatly appreciated.

I just found out that my close friend, who had been with her company for a decade, got fired yesterday. It’s been a tough year for both of us; I was unexpectedly laid off earlier this year, which really threw me for a loop, but I recently started a new job that feels like a great fit. However, hearing about her situation is really weighing on me. At 63, she was hoping to stay at her job until she could qualify for social security at 65. The stress of her role was intense, and I know that from my own experience there before I left. Now, she’s in a tough spot, and I’m worried about her financial stability. She doesn’t have much saved for retirement, and the job market is brutal, especially for someone her age. I want to help her navigate this difficult time. I’m considering scanning job boards and sending her links to relevant positions, but I’m also thinking about helping her update her resume and LinkedIn profile to make sure she stands out in today’s job market. Additionally, I’ve heard that applying for unemployment benefits could provide her with some financial relief while she looks for a new job. I really hope I can support her through this. It’s heartbreaking to see someone so capable and intelligent facing such a challenging situation.

I recently found out that I may be ineligible for unemployment benefits after being laid off from my job at a nonprofit organization. I worked out of an office in Illinois, but the nonprofit's headquarters are in Colorado. Despite being a full-time employee and paying regular Illinois taxes, it seems that my employer did not report my wages to the state of Illinois. This has left me confused and frustrated, as I had no idea that this was even a possibility. I’m now trying to figure out if there’s any way I can qualify for unemployment benefits. Is it possible for me to seek unemployment in Colorado, even though I don’t live there? Or are remote employees in similar situations just out of luck when it comes to unemployment? I’ve heard from others that since the organization has more than four employees, they should have been reporting my wages to Illinois. If they reported to Colorado instead, it seems they may have made a mistake. I’m considering filing for unemployment in Colorado, but I’m not sure if that will work since I didn’t actually work there. I’m also looking into my paystubs to see where the state taxes were reported. This whole situation is really stressful, and I just want to know my options.

I got laid off two months ago from my role as a Java developer, where I had two years of experience with Java, Spring, and Spring Boot. In these two months, I've only managed to secure three interview opportunities, with today being the third one. During the interview, I was asked about Vert.x, a framework I had never heard of until recently. I spent my limited time learning about it, but I still struggled with some advanced questions. What hurt the most wasn't the lack of knowledge but the realization that years of hard work could be dismissed in a matter of minutes due to a few unanswered questions. The offered package was lower than my previous one, and I felt like my experience wasn't valued. It seems like the interview process has changed; one wrong answer can overshadow everything I've accomplished. With more candidates and the influence of AI, my skills feel less relevant. I often question if I chose the right career path, especially when comparing myself to friends who found better-paying jobs. Being in this limbo of having exactly two years of experience makes me feel stuck. I even faced a demoralizing moment when someone questioned my English skills after my layoff, despite my background in a product-based company. I know I'll continue to learn new technologies, but it's exhausting to feel like I'm constantly proving my worth. I'm sharing this because I know many developers feel the same way, and it's tough to keep demonstrating that our skills still hold value.

Today, I learned about a really unfortunate way to handle layoffs at my family member's company. They had a company-wide call scheduled for 9 AM, and everyone was on edge because they knew something was up. The company has been struggling due to circumstances beyond their control, and during the call, they announced that they would be sending out emails at 9:45 to inform employees whether or not they were laid off. This meant that everyone had to sit there for 25 minutes, anxiously waiting to see if they would be the ones getting the ax. It felt incredibly cruel to put everyone through that. My family member ended up being laid off, which was heartbreaking. I can't help but wonder if this is a common way to handle mass layoffs, as I've never experienced anything like it myself.

I was laid off last month from a multinational company where I had built an 8-year career. This was my first job right out of college, and now in my early 30s, I find myself at a crossroads. My role was quite niche, and there aren't many openings in that area since those in similar positions are holding on tightly to their jobs. I'm considering a career pivot, but I know that if I switch to another function, even if it's adjacent, I might have to start from the bottom again. I have transferable skills, but I'm unsure how this change will impact my career trajectory. I usually think of my career as a stackable game, where each experience builds on the last. I'm worried that a course change might set me back compared to those who have a more linear path. Has anyone else experienced this? How did your transition go?

I'm currently struggling to find a job at 17 years old, and it's been quite frustrating. I'm in my senior year of high school and have been actively searching for employment since January. I know my age might be a factor, but I have a solid resume that includes work experience and a certification in business management that I earned while studying. It's disheartening to see my peers landing jobs while I keep getting turned away. I've applied to various positions, but I'm starting to wonder if my resume needs more attention or if I should be looking at smaller businesses instead of larger chains. Any advice on how to improve my chances would be greatly appreciated.

I recently went through what I thought was a third round interview for a position I was really excited about. Instead, it turned out to be a rejection meeting. The hiring manager told me that I was so professional in the second interview that she felt compelled to meet with me again. She expressed that she wanted to hire me but ultimately couldn't because I lacked the specific experience she was looking for. I was completely blindsided and felt like my hopes were crushed. It felt like being slapped in the face while being handed a participation trophy. Has anyone else experienced a rejection in such a direct manner?

I just learned that Mercer is planning to lay off 350 employees. This news has been quite shocking, as I work in a role that may be affected. I'm currently trying to gather more information about the timeline and the specific departments that will be impacted. It's a tough situation, and I'm starting to prepare my resume and reach out to my network for potential job opportunities.

I got laid off from my job in North Carolina last October and used the full 12 weeks of unemployment benefits. My husband was laid off in January, and I took a contract role in March that lasts for 6 months as a W-2 employee of the contract agency. I'm still on the lookout for a full-time position, but I'm nearing the end of my contract and might get extended for another month, though I'm not sure yet. I'm wondering if I would be eligible for unemployment again if I don't get extended or find a full-time job soon. From what I've read, it seems like I might be eligible, but I wanted to hear from others who might have had a similar experience.

I was recently laid off and I’m looking to connect with others in similar situations. I found a weekday hiking group that meets on Mondays, and this week we're heading to San Bruno Mountain State Park in Daly City, California. It's a great opportunity to clear my head and meet new people who are also navigating their job searches. The hike is a 3.7-mile loop with a 708 ft elevation gain, starting at 11 am on August 10. I'm excited to join and hope to see others there!

I just learned that Salesforce is cutting 59 jobs across their Seattle and Bellevue offices. This is actually the second layoff announcement from the company this week, which is quite concerning. It feels like the atmosphere here is getting tense, and I can't help but wonder how many more layoffs might be on the horizon. Some people in the comments are suggesting that they should just fire everyone, which seems extreme but reflects the frustration many are feeling right now. I'm hoping to stay informed and prepared as this situation develops.

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.