Feeling

I recently left my job after three years, where I felt really valued and had a great manager. The main reason for my departure was the low pay, which didn't reflect my contributions. I started a new position in the same field, hoping for better compensation. However, just a week in, I'm already feeling regret. The workload is intense, with expectations to work extra hours to meet tight deadlines, and I'm being asked to prepare presentations without any proper training. I found out that the previous two people in this role left due to stress, and my new manager has a reputation for being toxic, having received warnings due to high turnover rates. The environment is also quite isolating; I used to thrive in an open office with colleagues around for support, but now I'm stuck in a closed space alone, which feels really lonely. I'm constantly thinking about work, even during weekends, and the anxiety is overwhelming. I'm questioning whether I made a mistake by leaving my previous job. I'm torn between giving this new role more time to see if it improves or starting to look for other opportunities. I really need advice on how to disconnect from work when it feels like it's consuming my thoughts.

I'm currently managing an office, and I'm in a tough spot. I've come down with a bad fever and lost my voice completely. My role involves answering phones, training employees, and ensuring everything runs smoothly, but I'm the only person who can handle these tasks right now. My boss is rarely around, and there's no one to cover for me if I call in sick. If I don't show up, the office might not be able to function properly. To make matters worse, a coworker came in sick recently, and now I've caught whatever she had. I'm frustrated because I was feeling fine before this. I only have four unpaid days off available, which I had planned to use for ski trips this winter. I really don't want to waste one of those days on being sick, especially since I can't afford to lose any more income right now. I've been working extra hours, skipping breaks, and eating lunch at my desk just to save up a little more money. Now, I'm stuck in a situation where I'm genuinely sick, barely able to speak, and I feel like I can't call out because there's no one else who can do my job. It's frustrating because I'm just an employee, not the owner, and it seems like there should be a backup plan for when I'm unavailable. I'm worried that if I push myself to go in, I'll only make my condition worse. My job requires me to interact with customers, and right now, I can't even answer the phones. Has anyone else been in a situation where you felt you couldn't take a sick day because your workplace lacked coverage? Would you call out and let your boss figure it out, or would you try to push through it despite the risks?

I finally landed a job after being unemployed for nearly a year, and I owe a big part of it to a friend's support. Despite holding a master’s degree and having 15 years of experience in my field, I struggled to find a position. It was frustrating to go through numerous applications and interviews without success. I used to feel uncomfortable asking friends for help during my job search, thinking it undermined my efforts. But after a year of searching, I was willing to do whatever it took. My friend's husband submitted my resume directly to the hiring manager and gave a strong recommendation about my work ethic, which made all the difference. This experience taught me the importance of reaching out to friends, not just those in my industry. I had been stubbornly relying on traditional job searching methods, but sometimes you need to broaden your approach. I wish everyone luck in their job search; it’s a tough market out there!

I've been working various dead-end jobs for most of my life, and I've never felt confident in my business skills or discussing numbers. Recently, I completed phlebotomy school and earned my NHA certification, and I'm eager to find a job in this new field. However, I've been struggling to secure a position despite my efforts. I've polished my resume with professional help and tried my best in interviews, but I keep getting turned down. I received a job offer that requires me to relocate, which I'm open to since I have some savings for the move. However, the pay they offered doesn't align with the cost of living in that area, and they don't provide relocation assistance. While I could technically make it work, I'd be living paycheck to paycheck and would be one unexpected expense away from serious financial trouble. As someone new to this industry, I'm unsure about how to navigate this situation. Is it reasonable to ask for a higher wage, or should I just accept the offer and hope for the best? I'm looking for any advice on how to approach this, as I'm still trying to figure out my limits and what I can reasonably expect as a beginner.

I received an email offer for a position at a clinic and accepted it, but now I'm stuck in this frustrating waiting game. They mentioned training on September 23rd, but I haven't heard back since I accepted the offer. I don't want to bother the hiring manager who interviewed me, but I'm feeling anxious about the whole situation. Earlier this week, a former coworker reached out about an open position at her clinic on September 14th, and I quickly sent in my resume. I got an auto-reply because the hiring manager is on maternity leave, but she responded on Tuesday to schedule a phone interview for Thursday morning. I felt good about the interview, and she said she'd let me know by the end of the day. Later that evening, I received the offer and accepted it the next morning. Today, Saturday (September 19th), I emailed again to confirm everything is finalized before I put in my two weeks' notice at my current job, which I need to do by September 20th at the latest. I expressed my eagerness to start on October 4th and mentioned my availability for the training sessions. However, I got the same auto-reply again. I really want this opportunity, but I'm worried about resigning from my current job without a solid confirmation. The clinic is trying to fill the position quickly, and I don't want to miss out, but I also don't want to jump the gun. I just wish I could get a quick confirmation by Sunday so I can move forward.

I'm currently in my senior year of university, working towards my bachelor's degree after completing my associate degree. I never imagined that I would struggle so much just to get an interview for a job. My journey has been anything but straightforward. Originally, I had a clear plan: after high school, I worked in retail and then as a pharmacy technician while studying laboratory science. I intended to become a laboratory assistant while finishing my degree. However, everything changed when my family moved to another country due to cultural expectations. I couldn't stay behind to continue my studies, and the language barrier made it impossible for me to pursue my original major. In a rush, I transferred to an online business program, which was a far cry from my passion for healthcare. I worked as an English teacher to gain some experience, hoping it would help me in my job search. Since the beginning of 2024, I've applied to hundreds of jobs on platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake—everything from in-person to remote positions, entry-level roles, and even jobs that don't require a degree. Yet, I've received no interview invitations. It's disheartening because I feel like I've done everything right. I've worked hard, gained professional and volunteer experience, and completed online certifications. But despite my efforts, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and question the point of finishing my degree. Seeing my peers land their dream jobs and move forward in life makes it even harder. I feel a mix of happiness for them and jealousy for myself, which I know is an ugly emotion. I just want to stay positive, but it’s tough when I feel like I've lost my path. I'm struggling not only with my job search but also with my motivation to finish my bachelor's degree.

I have an MBA and management experience from an HBCU, along with a BA. I've worked on government and corporate contracts, but currently, I'm stuck in retail. I've been applying to jobs everywhere and networking extensively, but it feels like all my efforts have been in vain. I've reached out to both of my HBCUs for support, but their responses have been very generic and unhelpful. I've also contacted various networks, career development organizations, and staffing agencies, trying to get back on track. To make matters worse, I'm currently living in an Airbnb after being laid off for reasons that seemed unjustified. I'm feeling frustrated and questioning whether my education and resources were worth it. I'm looking for advice on what steps I should take next.

I received a verbal job offer for a position and was told that an official offer letter would be sent within a week. After waiting patiently for the following week to pass, I followed up on the Monday of the third week. They assured me that the offer letter would be sent that week. However, Friday came and went with no email in my inbox or junk folder. Now, I'm contemplating whether it's appropriate to follow up a second time regarding the offer letter. I want to express my continued interest in the opportunity, but I'm also aware that I need to keep my options open if things aren't moving forward.

I've been working full-time evenings for over a year now, and I've been trying to find a part-time morning job to supplement my income. Unfortunately, I haven't even managed to land an interview yet. The closest I've gotten is a few phone calls where they mention needing me past 2:30 PM, which is when I start my evening job. It's been incredibly frustrating; I've never had this much trouble finding a job before. I really need a second job to afford an apartment, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by the whole situation. I'm starting to feel like I'm running out of options.

I started my first real job as a roughneck five years ago after getting hired at a job fair in Odessa when I was 22. Now at 27, I live about 40 miles north of Houston, TX, and I'm looking to transition out of the oilfield. While the oilfield has been financially rewarding, with an average salary of $100-$120k a year, the long stretches away from home (2-6 weeks at a time) have taken a toll on my family life and my health. I've worked as a floorhand, motorman, and derrickhand, but my resume only includes my high school diploma and my experience in the oilfield. I've been struggling to find jobs nearby that pay decently, as most I've encountered are entry-level positions offering $40k-$50k a year. I'm open to taking a pay cut, but I hope to stay above $70k, ideally around $80k, and I’m willing to consider any industry, job title, or work schedule as long as I can be home every night. I'm seeking advice on job search tools beyond LinkedIn and Indeed, and I’m curious about specific companies or industries that might be a good fit for my skills. Additionally, I’d like to know if there are certifications I should pursue to increase my marketability. I’m also wondering if my expectations are unrealistic or if I really need to choose between staying in my current role or accepting a significant pay cut. Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I recently had my unemployment claim denied, which has left me feeling frustrated and confused. I was working part-time as a delivery driver, but due to my disability, I can only handle part-time work. Unfortunately, my delivery job was eliminated, and I was faced with a tough decision: either take a position as a cook, which pays significantly less and offers no tips, or quit entirely. Given my situation as a felon, finding new work isn't easy, so I opted to stay and work as a cook. I filed for partial unemployment since I'm still employed, but I clearly stated in every form that I can only work part-time due to my disability. Despite this, my claim was denied on the grounds that I am unable to work. I'm currently still working as a cook, but the financial strain is tough. Now I'm wondering if I can appeal this decision and if I am eligible for partial unemployment while working part-time and looking for additional part-time opportunities. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I got laid off three weeks ago, and I'm still struggling with the aftermath. Initially, I was in shock, but now it's a mix of sadness and anger. I wake up some mornings and can't shake off the thoughts of what happened. Normally, I’m good at moving on, but this time feels different. I joined my previous company in December 2025 and reported directly to my manager. We had monthly one-on-ones where he consistently praised my work and never mentioned any performance issues. In fact, I received a 'Meets Expectations' rating in my mid-year review. I often took on tasks that others avoided, and while we weren't close friends, we had a decent rapport, often chatting casually since we shared a community background. On the day I was laid off, I received a sudden meeting invite with our VP. When I asked my manager about it, he responded with, 'I don’t know, you need to join it.' That response felt off to me. I joined the meeting and was laid off. Later that evening, he reached out on WhatsApp, apologizing for not being able to respond earlier. I asked him to keep me in mind for any future opportunities, but then I heard nothing for three weeks. Out of the blue, he called me asking how I was doing and if I needed help. He mentioned feeling bad for not reaching out sooner and offered to refer me for other positions. He even had the nerve to say it was a business decision and that he didn’t want to discuss what happened. I couldn't believe it—three weeks of silence, and now he wants to check in? I’m honestly considering deleting his number. It might sound childish, but I really don’t want to see him again. I just needed to vent about this whole situation.

It’s been almost a year since my husband was laid off during the government shutdown, and he still hasn’t found a job. He’s applied to around 720 positions, averaging 15 to 20 applications a week. Out of those, he’s had about 120 initial interviews and 90 final-round interviews, but he’s faced 74 official rejections and has been ghosted by many others. In desperation, he even tried applying to places like Walmart and Target, but he was rejected there too. He’s a technician with 20 years of experience and a college degree, so this situation feels particularly disheartening. We live in California near the SF Bay Area, where the job market is incredibly competitive, but this level of difficulty seems extreme. I’m starting to wonder if others are experiencing similar struggles in this job market. It’s hard to watch him feel hopeless, and I’m just looking for any insight or shared experiences from others who might be in the same boat.

I’ve been working at a large arcade since March, but recently I suffered a concussion that has left me struggling with persistent migraines. After a month away from work, I returned for my first shift yesterday, but just two hours in, I felt overwhelmed with symptoms like dizziness and blurry vision. It was a tough realization, but I don’t think I can continue in this role. I have another shift coming up, and I’m really anxious about going in. I’m unsure how to approach leaving my job. Normally, I would give a two-week notice, but I honestly don’t think I can fulfill my scheduled shifts. I’m feeling really stressed about the situation, and it’s not helping my migraines at all. I’ve considered looking into whether my condition could be covered under FMLA or if there are options for a lateral transfer within the company, but I’m not sure how to start that conversation with my employer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been working in my current role in purchasing for a few years now, and while I was promised training in various areas like logistics, I've mostly been stuck doing the same tasks due to staffing shortages and management issues. Despite getting great performance reviews, my desire to learn and grow has been overlooked. After nearly three years of waiting for opportunities that never materialized, I've decided to start looking for new jobs. I currently have a few interviews lined up, but just when I thought I was ready to leave, my manager informed me that I would finally start training in other departments soon. Now I'm torn about whether to accept a new job offer if it comes in the next month or to stay and gain that experience before leaving. I'm determined to move on, but I’m not sure what the best timing is.

I recently completed a "training shift" at a local bakery, but I'm feeling uncertain about the whole experience. The manager had a bit of an attitude when I mentioned I needed to wear a mask due to health reasons. She rolled her eyes and sarcastically said, "I can't tell you no," which didn't set a great tone for the day. Despite that, I managed to adapt quickly to the busy environment and felt like I was fitting into the workflow by the end of my three-hour shift, even though I had no prior experience in this type of role. After my shift, the person I was shadowing told me I could leave and that the manager would call me later. Now, I'm left wondering if I'll be offered the job. If I am, I'm not sure I should accept it. I have some health issues, particularly with my back, which was really hurting after standing for three hours straight. I learned that employees typically work 8 to 9 hours without sitting, and they only get a 30-minute break. I would likely need to request accommodations under the ADA to sit occasionally, but I worry that the manager's initial reaction to my mask request might indicate she wouldn't be supportive of my needs. I really need a job, and this is the first opportunity that has progressed beyond the application stage, but I'm conflicted. Should I pursue this further? Also, I’m curious if I should expect to be compensated for the three hours I worked, as the manager mentioned I would be paid for training but didn’t clarify if that was contingent on being hired. Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm currently in a tough spot at my job as a marketing coordinator at a small company. My team is really close-knit, and everyone is very transparent with each other, which makes it hard to keep things private. I recently applied for a job in a different city, about 2.5 hours away, and I thought I had everything planned out. I took a week off to align with the interview dates listed in the job description, thinking I would be free to interview. However, I didn't hear back until the day I returned to work, and it was an automated message asking me to book an interview with only one date available. This has put me in a bind because I can't take that day off without raising suspicions, especially since there are already too many people scheduled to be off that day. I feel really anxious about how to handle this. I don't want to lie to my team, but I've already had to come up with excuses in the past for my time off, and I don't want to do that again. Some people suggested just calling in sick, but I really want to avoid that route. I’m considering asking to reschedule the interview, but I need to act quickly to avoid putting pressure on myself when asking for another day off. It’s frustrating because I want to be honest, but I also need to protect my job security. I just wish there was a better way to navigate this situation.

I recently completed my final interview for a position I was really excited about after going through four prior interviews that felt great. An executive even expressed that he was rooting for me, which boosted my confidence. The final stage involved a presentation and a Q&A session. I felt the presentation went well, and I received compliments on the details of my deck. However, during the Q&A, I struggled significantly. My anxiety took over, and I blanked multiple times, which was really frustrating. I know that they had a hiring huddle on Friday, but I haven't heard back yet. Throughout the process, I had received feedback very quickly—often within 12 hours—so the silence is making me anxious. I'm worried that I might have blown my chances at receiving an offer because of how poorly I handled the Q&A. I'm trying to stay hopeful, but the waiting is tough.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and really need some advice. I'm a 21-year-old female teacher at a prestigious school, and I've been in this role for a year now. Unfortunately, my situation has become unbearable. My father is absent and narcissistic, which has left my academic life in disarray. I teach 2nd grade in English, even though I'm a foreigner, and I face constant racism despite looking similar to my students. This year, my position changed to a much more stressful one, and I'm being paid less than minimum wage. The workload is intense, and I find myself having anxiety attacks almost daily. I cry myself to sleep frequently, and the stress is affecting my physical and mental health. I've tried to talk to my family about quitting, but my mom keeps pushing back, saying I should stick it out. I love the kids, but the management is terrible, and many teachers are leaving. I honestly feel like I'm going to crumble under this pressure. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I look for another job at a different school? I feel like I need an exit plan, but I'm not sure how to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I’m currently on the hunt for a remote job and just needed to vent a bit about the process. I’m 30 years old and have spent the last four years working remotely, but unfortunately, I was severely underpaid. After leaving my last job, which required a return to the office, I moved two states away, making that option impossible for me. I transitioned from being a credit analyst to two administrative assistant roles, one of which I held for three years. I’ve been in my current administrative position for a year now, and I feel stuck in that role. I’m graduating with a degree in accounting in May, but I’m struggling to break free from the administrative assistant rut. My current job pays a decent salary of $63k, and while I’ve been getting some interviews, I’ve faced rejection from two out of the last three positions I applied for, where I was one of only a few candidates. The third role was for a credit analyst assistant, but I didn’t make it past the initial phone screening. I know I’m just one of many applicants, and I’m fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to take my time with the search. However, I genuinely feel better working from home. I love spending time with my pets, being in my own space, avoiding commutes, and skipping the small talk at the water cooler. I just wanted to share my frustrations and see if anyone else feels the same way. Why are companies so resistant to remote work when it’s clearly what so many people want?