Feeling

I've been on the job hunt for a few months now, and it's really taking a toll on me. I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a tech startup, and ever since, I've been sending out applications left and right. The rejection emails keep piling up, and it's hard not to feel discouraged. I've tried networking and reaching out to contacts, but the competition is fierce. I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever find a new role that fits my skills and experience. It's exhausting, and I'm just hoping for a breakthrough soon.

I applied for a job a few weeks ago and have been checking the application status on Workday, but it hasn't updated at all. I'm starting to feel confused and anxious about whether my application was even received. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this issue and what it might mean for my application.

I'm currently feeling like I'm being "quiet fired" at my job. I've noticed that my responsibilities have been gradually reduced, and I no longer receive feedback or support from my manager. It's a frustrating situation, and I'm unsure about how to approach the next steps. Should I confront my manager about this, or start looking for new opportunities? Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I recently went through the second round of interviews for a position in Maryland, and I felt really positive about how it went. The interviewers seemed engaged and interested in my background, and I thought I made a strong connection with them. However, it's been a couple of weeks now, and I haven't heard anything back. I reached out to follow up, but I've been completely ghosted. It's frustrating to put in so much effort and not receive any feedback, especially when I felt the interviews went well.

I've been working at my current job for about three years now, and it feels like I might be experiencing a quiet firing. My role is somewhat like project management, and I usually enjoy it. I earn a six-figure salary and have received two excellent performance reviews, and I was even being groomed for more responsibilities. However, things took a turn when my boss, who had been with the company for over 30 years, retired a few months ago. I was initially told I would be moving to a different team, which sounded exciting, but just two weeks before my boss left, I learned that I would actually be placed under a new team with people who have no prior connections or commonalities with my work. Now, I'm reporting to someone much younger with far less experience, and it’s been frustrating. Since the transition, I've noticed that my new boss has been incredibly unresponsive. I’ve been trying to schedule one-on-ones, but they keep getting canceled or rescheduled. I’m currently working on a large project that’s nearing completion, but I’ve found myself only doing about 30 minutes of actual work a day. The rest of the time, I’m just waiting around, trying to reach out to colleagues, but they’re all too busy to connect. The only other woman on my team has expressed similar concerns about the lack of direction and support. We’re both feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. In the past week alone, I’ve applied to over 100 jobs, but I've only managed to secure one HR screening call. It’s been a tough experience, and I feel really down about it, almost like I’m back in middle school feeling left out. I’m committed to continuing my job search, but I’m wondering if there are any additional steps I should take. Should I reach out to HR or other departments for help? I’m feeling quite sad and embarrassed about my situation, and I just want to find a way forward.

I'm currently a general manager in the hospitality and food & beverage industry, where I've spent the last 10 years. For the past 6 years, I've been managing people, which I really enjoy. However, I'm feeling stuck in my current role due to a lack of growth opportunities, and I want to transition to a more traditional Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm schedule. I'm interested in moving into HR, as I love working with teams and helping employees develop. I've been applying for entry-level HR positions like HR Assistant and HR Coordinator, but I haven't received any callbacks yet. I'm not sure if it's due to the job market or my limited professional HR experience, but I'm starting to feel discouraged. I'm currently taking community college classes to earn my associate's degree in Business Administration, but balancing that with my full-time job at 28 years old feels like it will take a while. I'm also considering getting certificates in HR, but I'm uncertain how they compare to a degree. Any advice from those in the HR field would be greatly appreciated!

I recently went through a challenging experience at my job where I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). After careful consideration and advice from friends in HR, I decided to pursue the PIP instead of taking a severance package. Unfortunately, despite meeting the metrics outlined in the plan, I was ultimately let go. During the PIP process, I felt a significant shift in my relationship with my manager. Before the PIP, we had a friendly rapport, and I genuinely believed that this was an opportunity for growth. The company continued to invest in my development, sending me on business trips and including me in team offsites, which made me think there was a real chance for improvement. However, I started to feel socially excluded, especially during an offsite where I noticed I was often left out of team activities. For example, I only found out about lunch plans after asking a coworker, and the next day, the team went to lunch without me entirely. Despite these moments, I actively participated in all scheduled activities and tried to engage with my colleagues, hoping to strengthen our relationships. However, on the last day of the trip, my manager and some teammates left dinner early without saying goodbye, which felt particularly isolating given our remote work arrangement. Looking back, I realized that the feedback I received during the PIP often felt subjective. My strategic recommendations were sometimes perceived as uncertainty, which was frustrating since I had clear plans and rationale behind my ideas. I even shared my concerns with HR to document my experience, knowing that PIPs can often lead to termination. It’s been hard to process the whole situation, especially since I thought my relationship with my manager was positive before this. I'm curious if anyone else has faced similar dynamics after being placed on a PIP.

Today, I had a significant conversation with my boss regarding changes in my work expectations and compensation. I am currently a consultant subcontracted to a client through my consulting company. My initial contract outlined that I would be working 25% travel with hours from 9 to 5. However, the client recently requested that I work full-time in person, and my company agreed to have me go in two times a week, while also changing my hours to 8 to 5. This was quite a surprise to me, as I was not consulted before these changes were made. I had a chat with my boss last Friday where I learned about these adjustments. I felt unprepared to advocate for myself at that moment, but now I realize that this is a significant shift from what I originally agreed upon. The new in-office requirement could mean I’m traveling closer to 40-50% of the time, which is a far cry from the 25% in my contract. Additionally, the change in hours impacts my work-life balance. Currently, I am being compensated at $45/hour, while the client is billed $181.57/hour for my services. Given the increase in my travel and hours, I believe it is reasonable to discuss a potential adjustment in my compensation or a formal amendment to my contract. I want to approach this conversation delicately, as I don’t want to jeopardize my relationship with my boss or the opportunity for a longer-term contract extension. However, I also don’t want to set a precedent where my work conditions can be altered without my input. I’m looking for advice on how to effectively bring this up with my boss.

I recently found myself in a surprising situation at work. I've been in my industry for about three years and have been quite content in my current role, feeling that my compensation was fair for my experience level. However, a couple of weeks ago, I received a job posting on LinkedIn that caught my attention. It was for a role in the same industry, fully remote, but the salary range was significantly higher than what I currently make. As a recently divorced single mom with my kids most of the time, I figured it wouldn't hurt to apply, even though I wasn't actively looking for a new job. I submitted my application, not really expecting much since the position seemed competitive and I only have three years of experience without a college degree. To my surprise, a week and a half later, I received an offer letter with a ~55% salary increase! I was in shock, especially when I started receiving emails from higher-ups at the new company expressing how impressed they were with my application. I accepted the offer, feeling both excited and nervous about this new chapter. I believe strongly in salary transparency, as it helps people understand if they are being compensated fairly. Unfortunately, my current company discourages employees from sharing salary information. I decided to tell my teammates about the offer and the pay difference, hoping my departure might encourage leadership to raise salaries to be more competitive. I have a feeling that if they don’t, several of my colleagues might start looking for new opportunities as well. Sometimes, it takes a personal experience to realize how underpaid you are or to see what’s possible.

I recently received a text message about a work-from-home opportunity, and I'm feeling uncertain about its legitimacy. I'm 16 years old and have been actively applying for jobs on platforms like Indeed and directly on company websites. This message came about 30 minutes ago, and while I've primarily focused on in-person jobs, I suspect my resume might be visible to other employers on Indeed. The message addressed me by my full name and included the sender's name and company, which makes me question whether it's a scam or not. I've never encountered a message like this before, so I'm unsure how to proceed. I’ve seen comments suggesting it’s likely a scam, which adds to my concerns.

I was recently laid off and found myself with two job offers, which has turned into a tough decision for me. One offer is for a higher-paying role in a different city, about 1.5 hours away from my family. It's a job I’m familiar with, but it would mean relocating fully and only seeing my family on weekends, which feels daunting. I've just started the job and am currently commuting while I figure out my long-term plans. The second offer pays about $10K less, but it still comes with decent bonuses. This job would allow me to move in with my parents temporarily while I sort out housing. It’s much closer to my support system, has a shorter commute, and would give me the chance to learn new skills in a different environment. Both positions have their pros and cons, with one leaning towards immediate financial stability and the other offering flexibility and growth opportunities. What’s really weighing on me is the realization that, in my 30s, I didn’t expect to be considering roommates or relying on family for housing. It feels like living alone is almost impossible without a dual income these days, and that’s hard to come to terms with. I feel stuck between choosing financial stability and the comfort of my support system. I’m worried that I might regret whichever choice I make. Has anyone else faced a similar crossroads after a layoff or in their 30s? How did you navigate your decision?

I've been actively applying for jobs and I'm unsure about my approach. I'm a minor and I've applied to three different positions at the same company, but I'm worried that I might come off as annoying to them. Should I only apply for one position and discuss my flexibility during the interview, or is it acceptable to apply for multiple roles? I'm concerned that my multiple applications could lead to rejections. Any advice on how to navigate this would be appreciated!

I recently applied for a work-from-home Customer Service position and was surprised to find out that the first step in their hiring process is a 55-minute assessment. I haven't even had an interview yet, and I can't help but feel that this is an excessive amount of time to invest in a job application, especially since there's no guarantee I'll get the position. It feels a bit overwhelming and makes me question whether it's worth the effort.

I'm currently unemployed and looking for opportunities to contribute to a startup. With 15 years of experience in data and analytics, I'm well-versed in a couple of programming languages and eager to learn whatever else I might need. I'm reaching out because I need something to occupy my time and give me a sense of purpose. I have my own idea for an online business that I'm trying to get off the ground, but I believe gaining more experience by helping others could be beneficial for me. If you have a legitimate startup and could use some assistance, please feel free to message me. I'm here to learn and lend a hand!

I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Film and Media, and I've been focused on video editing and post-production. I've always wanted to work in sports media, especially since I've loved football since I was young. In January 2025, I landed a junior role at talkSPORT, one of the biggest sports radio stations in the UK, where I edited content for their social media. Unfortunately, I was laid off in May 2025 due to company-wide cuts, after only 5 months in that position. Before talkSPORT, I worked for a year at an agency as a Junior Data Analyst, where I helped improve an AI system that identified product placement opportunities in TV shows and movies. My work experience also includes two years in retail and a stint as a sports reporter for my school newspaper. While at talkSPORT, I volunteered for a football campaign, did some freelance editing, and maintained my own editing socials and website, where my football edits gained some traction. Currently, I’m working part-time in retail to make ends meet and doing post-production for a friend's weekly football podcast for free. I've been actively applying for jobs, but there seems to be a shortage of junior video editor positions. I'm open to any legitimate opportunities, whether in sports or not, and I've also been applying for Social Media and Content Creator roles, leveraging my experience at talkSPORT and with my own accounts. However, many of these roles require 3 years of specific experience, which I don't have. I applied for a Communications role at a nearby university, but the interview took an awkward turn when they asked me about marketing tasks that weren't in the job description, leaving me feeling embarrassed. Recently, I applied for a Junior Video Editor position and made it to the third stage, but after submitting my presentation and following up, I haven't heard back in over a month. I'm looking for suggestions on other niches or roles where my skills could be applicable, as I'm eager to branch out and find a new opportunity.

I recently went through a frustrating experience as a barista where I was trained for 41.5 hours without pay. During the interview, I was promised a full-time position, but when the schedule came out, I was only assigned 12 hours, and one of those days I had requested off. After I reached out to my boss to express my concern about needing more hours and asked about being compensated for the training, I was removed from the staff group chat and have not heard back since. It feels like I was used for free labor, especially since I only made $1 in cash during that time. I spoke with some coworkers who mentioned that unpaid training is not uncommon there, but I believe this is illegal. I don’t have formal proof except for some notes I took on my phone and potentially video surveillance from the restaurant. I'm considering filing a wage complaint with my state's labor department to address this situation.

I recently started a job as a maintenance man at an office complex, which pays $26 an hour and comes with benefits, 401k, and PTO. However, life has thrown some challenges my way. I just went through a divorce and moved to a piece of land I bought, where I'm converting a shed into a tiny home. Unfortunately, I got into an accident where a truck forced me off the road, totaling my car. My credit isn't great, which complicates things further. I'm planning to get a beater car this weekend after payday, but it's a 39-mile commute each way. Right now, I'm stuck in the office, hiding in an empty suite because I can't afford the $40 Uber each way. I'm really torn about whether to stick it out for this job or look for something closer. I'm 55 years old and lying on the floor here, contemplating my next move. Payday is just three days away.

I recently went through a frustrating experience while applying for a role at a major employer in Maryland. After being laid off from my federal job over a year ago, I applied for a position I was highly qualified for, but I didn't expect to hear back. To my surprise, I received a call in May inviting me for a preliminary interview, which I passed. The hiring manager and I had a great conversation, and she even complimented my resume, expressing excitement about moving me forward in the process. She asked me to come in for a panel interview with executive leadership the following week or the week after, and I eagerly agreed. After the interview, I sent a thank you email to both the hiring manager and the HR screener, reiterating my enthusiasm for the position. However, I didn’t receive any response, which was disappointing but not entirely unexpected given my past experiences. A week later, I followed up again, mentioning that I was in the second round of interviews for another position, which I wasn’t particularly interested in but felt compelled to pursue. Still, there was no acknowledgment from them. Now, it’s been 10 days since my second interview, and despite reaching out again to express my continued interest and my need to schedule my summer plans, I’ve heard nothing back. I’m feeling frustrated and confused about the lack of communication, especially from a large institution that employs thousands. I really wish the HR team could at least provide some feedback or acknowledgment of my application status. I’m left wondering if I should just move on or hold out hope for a response. Is this just how job searching goes, or am I somehow cursed in this process?

I recently had a really disappointing job interview at The Ice Bath Club for a marketing position. The whole experience was unprofessional and left me feeling frustrated. The interviewer seemed disinterested and didn't provide much information about the role or the company culture. I had high hopes going into it, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. I left the interview feeling like I wasted my time. I'm not sure if I even want to pursue this opportunity further after that experience.

I graduated from a prestigious British university with a master's in an urban planning-adjacent field in August 2025, and since then, I've been on a relentless job hunt in the U.S. I've applied to over 250 positions and have had more than 40 informational interviews, but the results have been disheartening. Most employers ghost me, and I've faced a series of rejections, including one for an internship that aligned perfectly with my interests and thesis. I even received a verbal job offer from an informational interview, but it was rescinded when I mentioned the financial sustainability of my master's program in the UK, which apparently made some colleagues uncomfortable. Despite my mentor's reassurance that I'm a strong candidate with a solid resume and cover letter, I feel completely drained and lost in this job search. I've expanded my search beyond planning and policy roles, yet I see my peers securing jobs while I'm still at home, relying on my parents for support. I'm missing out on social interactions and the independence that comes with earning my own money. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Any advice on breaking through this barrier would be greatly appreciated.