Feeling

I completed my MBA in Spain last year and have been on the job hunt ever since. It's been way too long, and I'm feeling a bit desperate for some guidance. I'm open to a variety of positions, from junior to managerial roles, and I bring over 5 years of experience to the table. Here's a quick overview of my background: I've worked in both the USA and Mexico, and I earned my Bachelor's degree in the USA. My most recent position was at PepsiCo, and my career has primarily focused on communication and marketing. I'm specifically targeting job opportunities in Barcelona, mainly within international corporations, which is why my resume is in English to align with the job postings. I’m starting to wonder if there’s something fundamentally wrong with my resume. I would really appreciate any feedback, even if it’s tough love, as I’m eager to secure a job soon!

I'm currently working as a Kitchen Attendant at a local community kitchen in my rural hometown, where I started last week. At 19 and a college student, I took this job for $18 an hour, thinking it would be a good summer opportunity. However, after just a week, I'm seriously considering quitting. The first four days were dedicated to training, and I was already feeling exhausted. This week, I learned that we will be serving every kitchen in the area, which the HR lady seemed to think was a positive thing, but it just adds to my stress. The hours are from 7 AM to 3 PM, five days a week, but my commute requires me to wake up at 5:30 every morning. I spend an hour getting ready and commuting, which leaves me drained before I even start my shift. Being the youngest in a kitchen full of older workers means I'm often given the hardest tasks, like lifting heavy items, which adds to my fatigue. The work itself is repetitive, and I stand for most of the 8-hour shift with only a 30-minute break. By the end of the day, I'm completely wiped out and often pass out as soon as I get home, which leaves me sleep-deprived during the week. I feel like I'm missing out on summer because I can't enjoy my afternoons due to exhaustion. I'm worried that if I quit now, I might not find another job this summer. I'd love to return to an old community arts center where I worked in high school, but I'm concerned they won't take me back. That job would be a better fit, with more flexible hours and less intensive labor, even though it pays $15 an hour instead of $18. I just don't think the pay is worth the toll this job is taking on me. I want to enjoy my summer and not feel like I'm constantly battling exhaustion. If I decide to quit, I plan to do so this Friday, as I'm also working as a delivery driver for shipments a few days a week and want to avoid leaving them short-staffed.

I just found out that my plant in the US is closing on the 26th, and I was shocked to learn about it from a customer instead of management. Headquarters in France didn't even plan to inform us directly. To keep operations running until the closure, they offered severance and retention packages. What surprised me even more was discovering that I qualify as part of a protected class because I'm over 40. This means I have 45 days to sign the agreement, while younger employees only have 7 days. Initially, I thought this was a great advantage, but now that I'm job hunting, I can't help but wonder if my age is affecting my job applications. Although age discrimination is illegal, I feel like my resume might reveal my age, which could be a factor in my search. The urgency of being unemployed adds a lot of stress, especially compared to searching for a job while still employed.

I've been job hunting for the past few months and wanted to share my experience and seek advice. I have about 3 years of full-stack development experience, specifically with the MERN stack. During this time, I've gone through several interviews and have consistently made it to the second or third rounds. I feel confident in my technical skills, as I can usually answer around 90% of the questions in those rounds. However, despite my efforts, I've faced repeated rejections in the final stages, often receiving generic feedback or no feedback at all. I'm curious about the hiring process from the perspective of recruiters and hiring managers. Is it common for companies to continue interviewing candidates even when they have a preferred candidate in mind? Do teams typically complete scheduled interviews for comparison or as a backup option? For those involved in hiring, what are some common reasons a candidate who performs well throughout the interview process might still be rejected at the end? I'd really appreciate any honest insights or similar experiences from recruiters, hiring managers, and fellow developers.

I recently went through a frustrating experience while interviewing for a senior marketing role. After six weeks of interviews, including three rounds and a final one with the VP, I received a verbal offer last Tuesday. The recruiter confirmed the salary we had discussed and mentioned that the written offer would arrive within a few days. Feeling optimistic, I told my manager the next morning about my plans to leave, although I hadn't formally given notice yet since I was waiting for the contract. However, just five days later, I received an email from the recruiter stating that the position was being put on hold due to internal restructuring. I was left in the dark for two days after that, so I decided to check LinkedIn. To my shock, I saw that someone who was in my final interview—a junior analyst who barely spoke—had updated her title to the exact position I was offered, just three days after my offer was rescinded. Now, I'm feeling lost. I don't have anything in writing, and while my manager knows I was planning to leave, I'm unsure if a verbal offer holds any legal weight. It feels like I was used in the hiring process to justify promoting someone internally. I'm not even sure what I'm looking for in terms of advice; I just needed to vent and share this experience.

I recently experienced a termination after just one month in an entry-level role at a company that I initially thought I would thrive in. From the start, I sensed the environment was toxic. They asked me to begin work earlier than we had agreed upon multiple times, which would have conflicted with my previous job. During the interview, I even noticed some awkward tension between the married interviewers. Once I started, I found myself doing tasks that weren't part of my job description, and I only received two weeks of onboarding. For the last two weeks of my time there, I was essentially on my own as everyone else was on holiday. The workload was overwhelming, and I tried my best to keep up, often rushing back from breaks just to stay on top of things. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new job and I'm unsure how to address this brief stint in interviews. Some advice I've received suggests leaving it off my resume entirely, while others recommend being honest but keeping it simple. I think I’ll focus on the fact that the role wasn't the right fit and that I learned a lot from the experience, but I’m still figuring out how to present it without raising too many questions.

I recently experienced a layoff from my first software engineering position at a startup. I joined the company with high hopes, excited to contribute to a product that was still in development. Unfortunately, just a few weeks before we were set to launch, the company faced financial difficulties and had to make the tough decision to let go of several employees, including me. It was disheartening to see all the hard work and dedication go to waste, especially since I was eager to see the product succeed. Now, I'm focusing on my job search and hoping to find a new opportunity where I can make a meaningful impact.

Today, I experienced my first layoff after 35 years in the engineering field, specifically in hardware and firmware. It feels surreal to be unemployed at 58, especially since I've navigated my career without facing this situation before. While I have had a fulfilling career, the thought of entering the job market now is daunting, particularly with the challenges that come with age. I have 12 weeks of severance, and I plan to take some time to recover and reset before I start job hunting. I've seen many posts from others in similar situations and feel a sense of solidarity with them.

I joined Microsoft about a year ago, and today I had a conversation with my manager that left me feeling uneasy. They mentioned that they had to really advocate for me to avoid being placed in LITE, which I understand is a designation for employees who may be at risk of being laid off. This has got me thinking about my job security here. I'm reaching out to see if anyone who has worked at Microsoft can share their experiences. Should I take this as a warning sign and start looking for other opportunities?

After 25 years in the tech industry, working for companies like Apple and NCR, I found myself laid off in a mass reduction. As I hit my 40s, I started feeling the sting of ageism, with my experience suddenly being deemed 'too expensive' by corporate spreadsheets. It was a tough realization that my years of hard work were reduced to a line item in a budget. In a moment of panic, I invested $9,000 into an executive transition program, hoping to get the support I needed. While the community aspect was great, the advice on branding and LinkedIn left much to be desired. I found myself trying to downplay my extensive history to fit into a corporate mold, hoping a recruiter would notice me. That was my wake-up call. I decided to completely revamp my online presence, showcasing my decades of experience as a problem-solver rather than just another employee seeking a job. This shift in perspective transformed my approach; what corporations saw as a liability became an asset that private clients began to pay for directly. While I don't think everyone should jump into entrepreneurship, I do believe it's crucial to build your own brand alongside your job search. If you've recently been laid off, don't waste your energy seeking validation from a flawed corporate system. Instead, take control of your online presence, embrace your seniority, and ensure your public profile reflects the respect you've earned over the years.

I recently came across a community focused on layoffs and job searching, and it inspired me to share my experience. After being laid off, I know how overwhelming it can be to re-enter a fast-paced job market, especially when your resume hasn't been updated in years. I've been a resume writer for three years and previously worked as a recruiter, so I understand the challenges from both perspectives. I want to help anyone who has recently faced a layoff by offering to review their resumes for free. I believe a strong resume can make a significant difference in the job application process. If you're in need of assistance, feel free to reach out to me. Just remember to redact any personal information before sending your resume.

I was laid off from my job in the healthcare sector last week, and it was my first experience with a layoff. I had only been with the company for a few months after leaving a position I held for seven years, so this was a complete shock to me. The severance package they offered was minimal, and despite my attempts to negotiate for better terms, they refused to budge. I consulted with an employment attorney who confirmed that everything seemed to be handled correctly, which was disappointing. What really infuriates me is their claim that two weeks of pay is "meaningful support for your transition." It feels absurd to say that with sincerity. As an hourly employee, I had little leverage, and since I live in a state that doesn’t require paid time off to be compensated, I feel even more vulnerable. Right now, my plan is to take some time to recover from the burnout I experienced in my previous job and reassess my next steps. I genuinely wish both companies the worst and hope their executives face some serious consequences.

Three months after being made redundant, I finally let go of the guilt associated with stepping away from my desk. When I lost my job, I dove headfirst into the job search, opening my laptop early each day to scour job boards and submit applications in a relentless cycle. However, it wasn't the job search itself that was the issue; it was the toll it was taking on my mental well-being. I found myself feeling unrecognizable, and my usual confidence had vanished. The turning point for me wasn't attending a CV workshop or receiving LinkedIn tips. It came when I started taking just twenty minutes each day to step outside, away from my desk and the constant barrage of my inbox. It might sound simple, but giving myself permission to take that break before diving into the job hunt made a world of difference. If you're feeling lost in your own job search, please reach out. I'm here to talk, no strings attached.

I finally received a job offer after four long years as a temporary employee. I'm excited but also a bit anxious about the next steps, particularly regarding salary negotiation. My previous program manager, who held the same role I'm stepping into, was making $77k this year before moving up to a manager position. Although she isn't my hiring manager, I believe her salary gives me a benchmark. I was informed that the company conducted a market analysis to determine the salary for this role, which is standard practice. Since this is my first significant job offer outside of retail, I'm unsure about what would be considered appropriate or reasonable for negotiating my salary. Any advice on how to approach this would be greatly appreciated!

I’m currently navigating a challenging situation at my first job in IT, where I’ve been working as a Technical Support employee for the past 8 months. When I joined, I was told I would need to complete a 3-month unpaid internship due to my lack of experience, which I accepted because I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. My manager, a family acquaintance, initially hired me, and I’m grateful for that chance, but my role has become increasingly confusing since I started. I was hired for Support, but soon after, a former employee returned and took over most client communications, leaving me with a smaller client that rarely had issues. I thought I would eventually transition to handling more client interactions, but instead, my responsibilities shifted to just assigning tasks, while he continued to manage the more active clients and developer coordination. To complicate matters, I was assigned to Team A officially, but I often worked with Team B, which my manager primarily oversees. The CTO would tell me to focus on Team B, while Team A's lead would direct me to prioritize Team A tasks. This back-and-forth left me feeling lost and without a clear role. Despite my efforts, my work in task assignment isn’t valued by senior management, and I’ve repeatedly heard that my role is “vague” or “undefined.” After six months, I was supposed to go through a review process, but that never happened. Recently, I expressed interest in moving into QA after a resignation, but I haven’t received any feedback from the CTO about that. What really pushed me to my breaking point was when I found out I was excluded from a new workplace policy announcement. My name was left off the list, and this isn’t the first time I’ve been forgotten. I reached out to HR and the CTO for clarification, but I haven’t heard back. I feel like I’m in a position where nobody knows where I belong, including my managers. During daily standups, I feel embarrassed when it’s my turn to update, as I have nothing meaningful to contribute. I’m currently job hunting, but it’s been tough, and I need to stay in this role to complete my semester requirements. This situation has drained my motivation and confidence, and it’s taking a toll on my mental health. I joined this company hoping to learn and grow, but instead, I’m left questioning my purpose here.

I’m currently considering applying for a position in another department within my company, and I’m unsure whether I should inform my direct supervisor about my interview. I feel a bit conflicted about disclosing this information at this stage. Some colleagues suggested that it might be courteous to let my supervisor know, as the hiring manager from the other department will likely reach out to them for a reference. They mentioned that it’s better for my supervisor to hear it from me rather than from someone else, as it could help maintain a good relationship. I’m leaning towards being upfront about it, but I’m still weighing my options.

I recently interviewed for a position and followed up with an email after the Memorial Day weekend. I received a prompt response from the interviewer, who thanked me for my interest and mentioned they would keep me posted on the "next steps" as they continue their review process. The email felt quite neutral to me, which has left me wondering about my chances. I'm really interested in this role, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high. I'm curious if anyone else has been in a similar situation and what their experiences were like. Should I expect a rejection letter, or is there still a chance?

I have an interview coming up on Wednesday for a position I'm really excited about. It's a group interview with 4-5 other candidates, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. In the past, I've struggled to articulate my thoughts during interviews and often find myself saying 'um' way too many times. I know I can do the job well, but the interview process tends to trip me up. I'm reaching out for any tips or tricks that might help me prepare and present myself better during this group setting. A fellow candidate mentioned that responses don't need to be lengthy, just concise and relevant, which I found helpful. If anyone has additional advice, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I recently went through a frustrating job application process for a Senior Analyst position at a mid-sized fintech firm. Over the past three weeks, I felt like I was just a prop in their internal promotion theater. The initial recruiter screen went well; she told me I was the strongest candidate and that they needed someone to start immediately to address their troubled data pipeline. I was optimistic. Then came the technical round where I had to build a dashboard and explain my approach to three managers who seemed exhausted. I dedicated an entire Sunday to this project, and they praised my work, calling it insightful and exactly what they needed. After that, I had a final round interview with the VP, which felt more like an interrogation disguised as a casual chat. We discussed leadership and team scaling for an hour, and he even shook my hand over Zoom, expressing excitement about potentially working together. I was so hopeful that I even told my wife we should celebrate, thinking the offer was just a formality. However, things took a turn for the worse. I experienced two weeks of ghosting, despite following up twice. Finally, I received a generic rejection email from a no-reply address, stating they chose another candidate whose skills aligned more closely. I felt crushed, especially when I discovered that they filled the position with someone already working as a Junior Analyst at the company. It became clear they had no intention of hiring an external candidate; I was merely used to check a box for HR. I invested so much time and energy into this process, only to realize I was part of their internal promotion game. I hope their data pipeline remains broken.

I was recently faced with a troubling situation when my husband was terminated from his job while he was on FMLA leave. He had been working as a web developer for a company that was undergoing layoffs, and instead of officially laying him off, the HR department decided to terminate him over the Christmas holiday, trying to disguise it as a 'job abandonment.' They claimed he had quit, but we have all the emails proving otherwise. This decision seemed to stem from the CFO's misguided attempt to cut costs by manufacturing a termination rather than handling it transparently. Meanwhile, we learned that several other developers were laid off around the same time. The most frustrating part is that my husband was on FMLA leave to care for me during my cancer treatment and recovery, with approved leave extending through February 2026. Now, we're in a battle with Washington state unemployment to correct the classification of his separation, as the employer insists he quit. This experience has shown us just how ruthless some companies can be, willing to jeopardize the well-being of their employees even after years of service. And yes, we are considering legal action.