Feeling

I just had my annual performance review at my company where I've been working as a data analyst for the past three years. I received an "exceeds expectations" rating across the board, and my manager praised my work ethic and dedication for a solid ten minutes. However, when we got to the compensation discussion, I was hit with the news that there would be a 0% raise due to what they called "budget constraints" and "macroeconomic challenges." Despite taking on two major cross-departmental projects after a senior colleague left and putting in extra hours, including weekends, my efforts went unrecognized in terms of financial compensation. I tried to express my concerns about how my workload has doubled and the impact of inflation on my buying power, but my manager just gave me the classic line about valuing my contributions while saying their hands were tied. To top it off, I saw leadership posting pictures from a lavish executive retreat on LinkedIn last week, which made it feel even more unfair. It’s clear there’s money for perks at the top but none for the team that keeps things running. I’m feeling really frustrated and plan to polish my resume tonight and start looking for new opportunities.

I recently returned from basic training, which I didn't complete for various reasons, and it took me until the end of August to find a new job. I know that isn't a long time compared to others, but it felt lengthy since I had bills to pay. I saw that the job I had before leaving for training was open again, and I had always received positive feedback from my manager. I reached out to my manager via text expressing my interest in returning, and the next day I received an offer letter. However, I can't shake the feeling of guilt about how easily I got this opportunity while others might have been competing for it, potentially facing months or even years of job searching. I understand the struggle, having been laid off in 2025 and taking about five months to find a new position. Is it strange that I feel bad about taking this chance from someone else?

I recently received a job offer from a regional bank and I'm currently going through their background check process, which has me feeling a bit anxious. I completed the required 7 years of work history and residences, and I have my fingerprinting scheduled for later this week. My work history is somewhat complicated; over the past decade, I've moved five times, experienced two company-wide layoffs, and held several seasonal jobs through temp agencies. While I curated my resume for the positions I applied for, I worry that my history might raise some red flags. I submitted all the W2s, tax forms, and pay stubs I could find, but the bank also requested direct contacts from HR for each of my past jobs, including names and phone numbers. Unfortunately, I don’t have that information for most of my previous employers, and many of them direct verification requests to The Work Number instead of providing direct contacts. I've never had any legal issues, and I previously worked for USPS without any problems, so I hope this background check goes smoothly. However, I did have a past experience where a background screening company couldn't verify my high school graduation, which led me to call my old high school to obtain my diploma and transcripts from 2008. That was a bit of a hassle and has left me on edge about this current process.

I just found out about a laid-off weekday hiking group in the Bay Area, California, and I'm really excited to join them this Monday, October 5th, at 11 am. We're meeting at the Green Gulch trail near Muir Beach for a 4.4-mile loop with a 902 ft gain. It's a great opportunity to clear my head and connect with others who are also navigating job transitions. The group usually splits into smaller ones based on pace, which is nice because it keeps things manageable on the trail. I love that they chose Monday for the hike since trail traffic is low, making it easier for a larger group to enjoy the outdoors together. While the focus is on hiking, this community, (un)PTO, does a lot more, like co-working sessions and coffee hangs, which I think will be helpful for my job search. I’ve been meaning to get involved in something like this since my schedule opened up, and I hope to meet some new people who understand what I’m going through. I’ve heard that around 50-60 people usually show up, which is more than I expected for a weekday morning hike. I’m looking forward to it!

I recently discovered that I've been miscalculating my unemployment weekly claims for the past six months. I work a part-time job in Oregon, and my hours fluctuate quite a bit, which has made it challenging to keep track of my earnings. Unfortunately, I was submitting my net earnings instead of gross earnings when filing my claims, and I didn't realize this mistake until now. I'm really worried about how to fix this situation and want to resolve it as soon as possible. Thankfully, since I only worked one day every other week, my overall hours are low, but I'm still unsure about the next steps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently applied for a position at a company where I have some professional connections through my current job. I know a few team members and have had positive interactions with them, but I don't have a personal relationship with the manager. After submitting my application, I reached out to the manager to express my interest and see if she would be willing to discuss the role further. She responded positively, providing her phone number and encouraging me to call her. I called a few days later, left a voicemail, and followed up with a message on LinkedIn, but didn't receive any response. Today, I called again and left another voicemail. To add to my uncertainty, I noticed that the job posting has now expired. I'm feeling a bit lost about the situation. I understand that she could simply be busy, but I can’t help but wonder if they’ve already filled the position and decided not to respond. I was also hoping to connect with her for potential future opportunities, so this isn't solely about this specific job. At this point, I'm contemplating whether to send one last message or just let it go. I’d appreciate any advice on how to proceed.

I'm currently navigating a tough situation regarding my spouse's job at CITI. His team is facing a significant transition as their technology is being replaced, and they're merging with another team. This has led to some challenges in communication and collaboration. Recently, his manager informally suggested that he should start looking for jobs outside the company to avoid potential layoff shocks. We're based in the Greater Toronto Area, and he's received a contract offer from a company in Montreal for a year, with a pay rate equivalent to what he's currently earning as a full-time employee. However, this presents a dilemma for us because I work in GTA, meaning he would have to relocate for a contract position. We're weighing the pros and cons of accepting the new job versus waiting for a possible layoff, which might make him eligible for Employment Insurance (EI). But there's a real fear that if we decline this opportunity, he might struggle to find another job after a layoff. With a significant mortgage to consider, the stakes feel incredibly high. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated as we try to make the best decision for our family.

I have an interview tomorrow with an Oil and Gas company for a contract-to-hire position. I've been feeling really miserable at my current full-time job, where I've been for just 4 months. My manager is making my work life unbearable, and it even led to my first panic attack last Sunday. I reached out to my old employer to see if they would hire me back, but I doubt that will happen. The contract role pays $45-$50 an hour, but it comes with no benefits and no guarantee of full-time employment after the 6-month period. Right now, I make $80,000 a year with benefits, but I'm really questioning if it's worth staying in such a toxic environment. I would be doing similar work in a different industry, but I'm scared of making a move and ending up with an even worse situation. I'm wondering if I should accept the offer if it comes through, despite the risks. What would you do in my situation?

I was laid off from my job in Colorado just one month before my due date, and I’m feeling incredibly stressed about the situation. With the impending birth of my child, I have a lot of questions regarding what steps I should take next, especially concerning medical bills and insurance coverage. I’ve heard that COBRA might be an option, but I know it can be quite expensive. I’m also considering applying for state-paid medical insurance, as I’ve been told that it might allow me to keep my current doctor without needing to switch. If anyone has been through a similar experience or has advice on how to navigate this challenging time, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you in advance!

Today, I experienced a shocking moment as part of the Endava's 2025 Launchpad batch. We started our journey together in August 2025, around 77 of us joined as Associate Developers through campus hiring from various parts of India. Over the past year, we transitioned into Software Developers, bonding through training, teamwork, and shared experiences. However, on September 30, 2026, I learned that 26 of my batchmates were laid off via midnight emails, part of a larger reduction affecting about 170 employees in India. The company is facing tough times, aiming to cut down bench percentage and improve utilization, especially after the CFO was placed on administrative leave due to an investigation into accounting issues. While I understand the corporate reasons behind these layoffs, what truly hits hard is the personal impact. These are friends I laughed with, shared meals with, and supported during our training. Seeing them lose their jobs so abruptly is a harsh reminder of the unpredictability of our careers. I'm left wondering how this will affect my own perspective on job security and friendships in the workplace. For anyone who has been through similar experiences, how did you cope with the loss of close colleagues? Did it change your outlook on your job?

I received an email today from a company called Crossing Hurdles, and I’m trying to figure out if it’s legitimate or a scam. They mentioned they were contracted by another company, Terac, to find people for a survey. I’ve seen some comments suggesting that Crossing Hurdles is a third-party staffing company and that this might not actually lead to a real job opportunity. Some people mentioned that the language in their application process, like using the word 'kindly', is often a red flag for scams or ghost jobs. I’m feeling uncertain about whether to pursue this or not.

I have been working in my field for 9 years and recently took a job at a company where I lasted only 3 months before being laid off. Now, months later, they're threatening to enforce a noncompete agreement against me. This situation is quite perplexing because management was supportive of my plans to start my own business when I left. I don't have any proprietary information from them, and my current work is based on skills I've had long before joining that company. I also never received a fully signed copy of any noncompete agreement. I reached out to the company for my employment records and any agreement they claim I'm violating, but HR denied my request, stating that their legal counsel is reviewing it. This makes me question why they wouldn’t just provide the documentation if they have a solid case. I'm not looking for legal advice, but I'm curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation. Did your former employer follow through with threats? Did you ever receive the agreement? Did it escalate to a lawsuit or just remain as threats? I would appreciate hearing others' experiences.

Today, I was let go from my position as a Salesforce Consultant. I made some mistakes, and now I'm feeling lost and overwhelmed. I have three young kids and a supportive fiancé, but the weight of this situation is really getting to me. I do have some financial security as I will receive my last paycheck until October 15, but I’m still feeling quite depressed about the whole thing. In the past five years, I've progressed from a junior Salesforce Developer to a mid-level and then a senior role in government, before moving to a startup as a consultant. Now, I'm setting a goal to apply to 10 jobs a day to get back on my feet. I know I need to stay focused and not let this setback define me. I’ve also been advised to look into unemployment insurance and workforce development resources, which I plan to do. I’m open to exploring roles outside my current career path if it means getting reemployed sooner. Just trying to keep my head up and push through.

I came across a troubling article discussing the prevalence of fake job postings in the job market. According to a survey conducted by Resume Builder in 2024, which included responses from 641 hiring managers, 40% of companies admitted to posting fake job listings. This means that 3 out of 10 job postings could be misleading. It's disheartening to see that 7 in 10 hiring managers believe this practice is morally acceptable, often justifying it as a way to alleviate employee workload concerns and boost morale. The intent behind these fake postings seems to be to create a false sense of hope among overworked employees, making them feel that management is responsive to their needs. However, this tactic undermines the trust and security that employees should feel in their roles. It's alarming to learn that many candidates who apply for these positions are often interviewed, only to be left with dashed hopes and no real opportunity. The survey revealed that 39% of companies always contact candidates who apply for these fake jobs, while 45% do so sometimes, and 85% of those who contact candidates actually conduct interviews. This practice wastes time and resources and plays with the emotions of job seekers who are already facing a challenging market. On a positive note, there seems to be some movement towards addressing this issue, with lawmakers in various states considering bans on fake job listings. For anyone out there receiving rejection letters or feeling ghosted, it's essential to remember that this broken hiring process isn't a reflection of your abilities.

I'm currently weighing a tough decision between my job as a Manager at a large national corporation, where I make about $100k a year (not counting bonuses, which have been nonexistent for the last two years), and a new offer I received from another similar-sized company for an Associate position at $130k plus a bonus. The bonus typically hovers around 15%, but this year it was only 8% due to economic conditions. Both positions offer comparable work-from-home days and benefits, and the offices are in the same area, which is convenient. The catch is that my current role is on track for a potential promotion to Director, which could bump my salary to between $185k and $200k within the next year. This promotion is somewhat expected since one of the directors is retiring soon, but it's not guaranteed that I would be the one to fill that position. I'm torn because while the immediate salary increase with the new offer is attractive, the future promotion could be even more lucrative. Friends and family are split on what I should do. My parents brought up a valid concern about moving from a Manager to an Associate role, suggesting it might hinder my chances of jumping to a Director position later on, as it may not look good on my resume. I understand their point, but I also believe that skills are transferable, much like riding a bike. I'm reaching out for any insights or advice from those who might have faced a similar situation. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

I recently applied for a position at a company and went through a phone interview. They initially wanted to hire me for September, but I had to decline due to a scheduling conflict. Once my schedule was set, I reached out to see if the position was still available, and they confirmed it was. I suggested a day and time for an interview, but after that, I didn't hear back. I followed up to check if the position had been filled, and they informed me that it had. A month later, I noticed a new job posting for the same role at the same location, so I applied again and let them know. We had an in-person interview, and they expressed interest in having me meet the team lead the following day. However, the night before that meeting, I received an email saying they needed to cancel and would get back to me. I appreciated the update, but now I'm left wondering if I should reach out today to express my continued interest or just wait for them to contact me. I feel like if they truly weren't interested, they wouldn't have suggested a meeting with the team lead, right?

I am feeling really lost and unhappy in my current job, and I want to leave as soon as possible. I have a bachelor's degree, but I feel like I need to start fresh in a new career. My goal is to find a new job within the next month or two, ideally one that offers work-from-home opportunities and pays around $55k a year. I'm looking for a position that not only provides a decent salary but also has room for advancement and growth, such as promotions and learning new skills. I'm feeling quite sad about my situation and would appreciate any advice or leads. I'm open to discussing specifics in private messages.

I recently applied for a job that I thought would be a great fit for me as a new graduate. After a few weeks of waiting, I received a rejection email that was just a couple of sentences long, stating they would not be moving forward with my application but would keep my resume on file for future opportunities. It really stung, and I can't help but feel frustrated. I worked hard for my college degree, and yet it seems like it's not helping me land even entry-level positions. Right now, I'm stuck in retail, and it feels like there's no way out. I'm feeling pretty hopeless about my job search and the state of the job market for graduates like me.

I’ve been feeling really frustrated with my job situation lately. I keep hopping from one job to another, and I can't help but feel like it’s my fault. I start a new position, realize it’s not what I expected, and then I quit, thinking I can find something better. But every job has its own set of problems, and I’ve learned that the hard way. Right now, all I want is to find some stability and stick with a job for a while.

Reflecting on my first job hunt, I remember it vividly. Nine years ago, while I was still in school, a friend of mine landed a job at a government organization in Canada and mentioned they were looking for more civil engineers. I quickly sent him my resume, and he passed it along. To my surprise, I received a call for an interview, got hired, and stayed with the company until about two months ago when I decided it was time for a change. This was my first real job search experience. Over the course of a month, I sent out 10 applications. Looking back, I realize my interview skills weren’t the best, which likely contributed to some rejections during the pre-screening process. I'm curious to hear how other civil engineers navigated their job searches. Did you face similar challenges?