Got a Job

I recently interviewed for a staff UX design position at a well-funded startup on the East Coast, where my former coworker would be my hiring manager. They offered me a salary of $230k base plus some equity, which could amount to around $130k over four years if the company goes public. However, they don't provide a 401k match. I asked for a base salary increase to $240k, as my would-be manager mentioned that was the cap for the salary band. Unfortunately, they said they couldn't increase the salary but could offer a slight increase in equity. To be honest, I'm not very excited about the company itself, but I do feel comfortable with the job and appreciate the chill startup environment. Plus, working with my old coworker is a big plus. I was laid off recently and am about to go on maternity leave, so I would start the new role in early February. Fortunately, I have enough severance to last a year, and I've had recruiters reach out, but I've told them I'm on leave and would prefer to start interviewing once I'm back. Given that the product doesn't excite me much, I'm wondering if I should just accept the offer for the sake of having a job after having a baby, or if I should hold out for something better. Am I being unreasonable in my thinking?

I recently went through a strange experience while job hunting. Last week, I applied for a position and was contacted by a recruitment agency. I successfully passed their interview and even had a meeting with the employer, where I was selected for the role. I was initially set to start on Monday, but then I received a message on Friday evening that my start date was pushed back by a day. Just yesterday, I was informed that the position had been eliminated altogether. This morning, while searching for new opportunities, I noticed that a different hiring agency has the same job listed again. I decided to apply, but now I'm feeling anxious about whether this will reflect poorly on me. I mean, I was chosen for the job, but the hiring situation changed abruptly. I'm left wondering if I could have been the reason for the change or if it was more about issues between the employer and the original recruitment agency. I really hope that applying again won’t come off as unprofessional.

I started my job at McDonald's just two days ago and I'm already considering quitting. During the interview, they skipped the actual interview part and jumped straight into onboarding, which should have been a red flag. My first day was mostly okay while I was training at window 2, but things took a turn when I moved to window 1 for the last six hours of my shift. I felt completely overwhelmed with the evening rush and had no idea what I was doing. My trainer expected me to handle it alone, but I was struggling to keep up and customers were getting frustrated with me. I couldn't hear anything over the headset, and I wasn't taught how to navigate the order screen before being thrown into the deep end. Now, my trainer wants me to work the rush hour alone again tonight, and I just don't feel ready for that at all. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but this job is causing me so much stress that I couldn't sleep last night and woke up with a headache. Given that I've just come out of a tough situation at home, I really can't handle this pressure. I know first days can be rough, but this feels unbearable. Should I tough it out for a few more shifts or is it okay to quit now?

I had two job interviews last week with a company, starting with a phone screening with HR and then an in-person interview with the training lead. On Monday morning, I received a voicemail from HR stating they had a formal job offer for me. I quickly called back within an hour and left a voicemail, but I was so anxious that I called again later that day, convinced I hadn’t left the message properly. Unfortunately, they didn’t return my call on Monday afternoon or the next day, which has left me feeling stressed. I’m eager to finalize this offer so I can start looking for an apartment and get out of hotels. I’m wondering how long I should wait before reaching out again. I’ve received some advice to call the main line and check if I have the right contact number, or to send a gentle reminder email by Friday morning if I don’t hear back. I’m considering calling multiple times a day to ensure I connect with someone.

I just received an offer after being laid off at the end of February! I spent ten years at my previous company, earning three promotions, and the layoff really caught me off guard. The past five months have been incredibly challenging, filled with rejection, countless interviews, and jobs that were either canceled or given to internal candidates. Today, however, I got the news that I have an offer, and I can hardly believe it! Not only is it a new role, but it also comes with a salary increase and benefits that start on day one. The team seems fantastic, which is a huge relief. To give you some context, my background is primarily in client services at agencies, but I was applying for project manager, engagement, and account roles that weren't sales-focused. I found this new opportunity on LinkedIn, and the company is outside of the agency world, offering a hybrid and flexible work environment. If you're in a similar situation, I want to encourage you to keep pushing through! It can feel overwhelming, but it does get better. Stay strong!

I accepted a verbal job offer for a position after completing an onsite interview and passing a series of tests. This was about 15 days ago. On the same day, I submitted my drug test and background check. A week later, HR contacted me to let me know I needed to fill out some additional documents, which I promptly sent back. They assured me everything was good and that I would hear from them soon. However, it has now been 8 days since I last reached out for an update, and I haven't received any response. I'm starting to wonder if I'm overreacting or if I've been ghosted. I just want to know what's going on.

I recently accepted a new job offer as a branch manager at a staffing company, which comes with a salary increase of over $20,000 a year. I've been with my current company for six years, and honestly, it's been a frustrating experience. The company culture is toxic, and I've had my fill of the manipulative behavior from my boss. I don't want to disclose where I'm going because of various concerns, and I'm seriously considering not giving a two-week notice. I reached out to the former CFO for a reference, and he encouraged me to leave whenever I find a better opportunity. I'm torn about whether I should just send a simple termination email or if I should give some notice. Has anyone else faced this dilemma? Did you regret not giving a two-week notice?

I recently started working at an independent pharmacy as a marketing assistant, making $19/hr. Initially, I was excited about the role because my boss hired me for a marketing project, leveraging my background in computer engineering. However, things have taken a turn. My boss keeps changing my responsibilities, which is becoming frustrating. At first, I thought I would be focusing on marketing strategies, emails, and calls. Instead, he started asking me to learn the pharmacy operations and answer phones. Once I got comfortable with that, he shifted gears again and wanted me to focus solely on marketing. Now, he expects me to drive around to clinics, hand out flyers, and network in person, which I never agreed to do. I've expressed my concerns multiple times, stating that I prefer working behind a computer and don't feel comfortable with in-person marketing. Despite this, he keeps assigning me tasks that go against my preferences. Just today, as my shift ended, he piled on additional tasks that required me to work past my scheduled time. I even had to fabricate a doctor's appointment just to leave. While he seems like a nice guy and genuinely believes in my potential, I feel like he doesn't respect my boundaries. I've heard from other employees that they have quit because of similar issues, which makes me question the work environment. With college starting in less than a month and no other job lined up, I'm at a crossroads. I plan to tell him that I'm willing to continue with the tasks I originally agreed to but won't do the in-person marketing. I wonder if I'm being unreasonable or if this is a clear sign that he doesn't respect my boundaries.

I recently received a job offer, which is exciting, but I'm facing a challenge with the references required. The employer needs references for the past three years, and I was NEET (not in education, employment, or training) for the last year. They specifically don't accept character or personal references, which makes it tricky since I don't have a professional referee from that time. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation or has any advice on how to handle this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I recently received a job offer after searching for a new position for the past couple of years. I currently work at a large company that has been going through multiple layoffs and has been cutting back on merit increases and promotions, which has made many of us consider leaving. The new offer seemed promising at first, but after reviewing the benefits, I'm starting to have doubts. The recruiter rushed our initial call, so I didn't get a chance to ask about important details like the 401k plan and equity options. Once I received the offer, I noticed there was no 401k match, no equity, and very limited PTO. Additionally, sick days can't be used for the first six months, and I'm already taking a pay cut to accept this position. The recruiter has been excessively persistent, checking in every hour to urge me to sign the offer, which has made me uneasy. Now, I'm questioning whether these feelings are just cold feet or if there are legitimate red flags with this offer. I’ve received advice from others suggesting I trust my instincts and reconsider accepting the offer, especially given the poor benefits and the rushed nature of the process. I'm feeling torn between wanting to leave my current job and the potential pitfalls of this new opportunity.

I recently received a job offer and I'm currently in the process of completing the background check. The form is asking if they can contact one of my previous employers and also inquiring about the reason for my departure. I was terminated from one of my roles, and I'm feeling anxious that disclosing this might lead to the revocation of my job offer. I'm considering saying that I was laid off instead and allowing them to contact my former employer. I'm really unsure about the best approach to take in this situation.

Today, I reached a breaking point at my current job as a customer service representative at a retail company. After my wonderful manager resigned due to personal reasons, things went downhill fast. For a few weeks, I was left to manage the office with a colleague who was later fired for their lack of effort. Finally, a new manager was hired, but they turned out to be a nightmare. They constantly change my work after I complete tasks, making it feel pointless. This situation has pushed me to start job hunting, and I’m excited to say I’ve accepted a new position that starts after my one-year mark. However, I’m stuck in a dilemma because of my relocation bonus contract; if I leave voluntarily before a year, I’ll have to pay it back. I didn’t submit a two-week notice because I feared it would trigger that repayment. To make matters worse, my new manager has issued a bizarre disciplinary action against me, giving me 30 days to correct it or face termination. I’ve been considering whether I should just let them fire me or leave without notice. Either way, I know I won’t be eligible for rehire, which is disheartening because I’ve consistently received praise for my performance and improved the location significantly. I’m torn between sticking it out for 30 days or taking the leap and leaving. I’m confident in my abilities and know I’ll find a new opportunity quickly, especially with the current job market. I just wish I could navigate this transition without the added stress of potential financial penalties.

I recently quit my job after being offered a new role as a civil servant at a local council, which I secured through a recruitment agency after being referred by the Job Centre. I went through the onboarding process and signed several documents, but never received an actual employment contract. Since then, my start date has been pushed back multiple times due to supposed IT issues. Now, the recruitment agency has gone completely silent, and I can't get any responses. I even reached out directly to the council, but all I get are automated replies saying they'll respond within 72 hours, which never happens. I've followed up numerous times with both the agency and the council, but I'm met with silence and no explanations. This situation has put me in a tough position since I left my previous job based on their assurances, and now I’m without steady income. To make matters worse, I need to move out of my sister's place by September. I'm feeling really lost and unsure of what to do next.

I got laid off after just one week in my new job as a Data Analyst at a big tech company, and I'm still in disbelief. Here's a rough timeline of my recruitment process: I applied for the role in mid-April, received an offer at the end of June, and started on July 20th. Just two days later, the entire team except for me was laid off, and by July 27th, I was let go too. I had to relocate to a new city for this position, and it’s incredibly frustrating to think that after going through two months and six interview rounds, they would do this to me so soon. I'm feeling really mad and sad about how they handle their hiring processes.

I started a new job two months ago, but I quickly realized it's not the right fit for me. This Friday, I have two interviews lined up, and I sent my resume with my previous job listed as my last position. I'm unsure about how to approach this in the interviews. Should I mention that I've been at my current job for just two months and that I'm looking for something more aligned with my expectations? I want to avoid coming off as negative, but I also want to be honest. If I decide to share this, how much detail should I go into? Any advice would be appreciated!

I entered the workforce in 2000 after completing my undergrad and post-grad degrees, right at the peak of the dot com bubble. Unfortunately, by the end of 2002, I found myself laid off from my first job after 2.5 years of working there. During my time at that company, there was constant intrigue, political games, and rolling layoffs every 6-9 months. Despite the company's financial success and being a leader in its industry, I never received a raise or bonus, and I even faced temporary pay cuts twice. We were forced to take vacation during mandatory shutdowns, which created a toxic environment. Eventually, I was laid off in the fourth round of cuts, but I did receive a 60-day notice and a severance package. This experience taught me that a company's success doesn’t necessarily align with the well-being of its employees. It left me feeling scarred and distrustful of corporate America. I attempted to return to academic research for 1.5 years, but when that didn't pan out, I reluctantly accepted a position in 2004 at another company. This second company had a fantastic culture, and I felt a sense of belonging. I even bought my first house there. However, the Great Recession in 2009 hit, and after my employer declared bankruptcy, I managed to secure a role at an early-stage startup just days before the shutdown. After 2 years there, I transitioned to a larger startup where I've now survived 8 rounds of layoffs over almost 16 years. While I appreciate my current company and coworkers, I remain aware that I could be let go at any time, which prevents me from feeling like an 'owner' despite my long tenure. I've learned the importance of saving and investing, and over the past 26 years, my household net worth has grown significantly. I now have a liquidity runway that allows me to feel less stressed about potential layoffs and even consider early retirement in the next 5 years if the market continues to rise. My advice? Be cautious, save, and invest wisely to avoid being at the mercy of corporate decisions.

I started a job in May 2026 at an industry company, but now, just two months in, I'm considering leaving for a public accounting firm. Back in October 2025, I received a job offer from an accounting firm for Fall 2026, but they postponed it to Fall 2027, which was too long for me to wait. So, I took the industry position instead. Now, I've got an interview lined up with the public firm, and if I get the job, it would be a significant step for my career and help me gain the experience needed to become a CPA. I feel guilty about leaving my current job so soon, especially since my boss is incredibly supportive and I've been able to help him a lot. I know I don’t owe anything to companies, but I still feel bad about the timing. I’m looking for any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently received a job offer that is significantly better than my current position. The new role offers only $5,000 more than my current salary, but it guarantees a 15% raise for the first three years, which means I would be making well over six figures after that time. Additionally, the benefits are much better, including a 10% match on the 401k and student loan repayment assistance, while my current employer offers no match and no support for student loans. When I shared the offer with my manager, he initially mentioned wanting to make a counter offer. However, he later questioned whether it was even worth it. I considered letting him make a counter offer just to see what I could negotiate, but ultimately decided against it. I felt that asking for a counter offer might just be a tactic to negotiate a higher salary at my new job. I want to leave my current job on good terms since I genuinely like my colleagues and the environment here. I do have a number in mind that I would accept, but it’s a 40% increase over my current salary, which I doubt they would match. I still haven't accepted the new offer yet, so part of me thinks about negotiating with my current employer, but it feels wrong to play with their time when they have treated me well. My primary motivation for leaving is simply to seek better benefits and higher pay.

I find myself at a crossroads between jobs, and I wanted to share my journey. I have a background in machine shop work, having attended both high school and trade school where I really developed a passion for what I do. My first job was in a small machine shop, which started off great. I learned a lot and moved up quickly, but over time, the environment soured. I was treated poorly, and I began to lose my enthusiasm for my work. Eventually, business declined, and I was laid off when my boss couldn't hand over the reins to anyone else. Three months ago, I began job searching and ended up at a company where many of my relatives and former classmates work. Initially, I hesitated to apply there because I wanted to forge my own path, but I took the leap and got hired. This job has been a breath of fresh air; I've reconnected with old friends and even picked up hobbies I had abandoned. Then, last week, I received a call from my former tech teacher about a teaching position in an adjacent program to machining. The job sounds incredible, and it's practically mine if I want it. I've made a pros and cons list, but I'm still torn. The teaching schedule would be more favorable, with hours from 7:45 to 2:45, Monday to Friday, and summers off. However, I'm hesitant to leave a job that has brought me so much joy.

I finally landed a job after a long and challenging search! For months, I faced countless rejections, primarily applying to positions in animal shelters and other related roles, as my resume is heavily focused on animal-related jobs. The process was incredibly frustrating and felt like torture at times. However, today I received an offer for a position in an after-school program where I'll be working with kids. It's not my dream job, but it's a paycheck, and I'm genuinely excited about it. I feel like a new person! On top of that, I'm about to start university again to study marine biology, and I hope to eventually transition into a role in that field. To anyone out there struggling with job applications, don't give up! I was tempted to throw in the towel many times, but I knew I couldn't afford to.