Got a Job

I started a new job three weeks ago, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed with anxiety about it. Before this, I worked at a company where the environment turned toxic, and although my manager and I didn’t get along well, I had a great bond with my colleagues. Leaving them was tough, and I realized I stayed longer than I should have because of those friendships. Eventually, we all agreed it was time to move on, but I was worried about finding a job that suited me since I didn’t have much experience. I accepted a position that seemed good for my CV, even though I wasn’t sure it was the right fit. After signing the contract, I started feeling anxious and panicked about my decision. I thought things might improve once I started, but now, three weeks in, I still don’t feel like I fit in with my new colleagues. They are nice, but I miss the connection I had with my old coworkers. I know building relationships takes time, but I feel really isolated. The job itself is challenging, and I often feel like I’m expected to know things I’ve forgotten. At my previous job, I was confident and understood everything, but now I feel lost and that heightens my anxiety. I keep questioning my abilities and whether I made the wrong choice. Almost every day, I dread going back to work, but I don’t have other job options right now, which makes me feel trapped. I keep comparing this new role to my old one, and while I know no job is perfect, this one just feels off. I’m overwhelmed and could really use some advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Should I give it more time or start looking for something else, even without another job lined up? How do I know if I’m just adjusting or if this job truly isn’t right for me?

I recently landed a job that I feel completely unqualified for, and I could really use some advice. A few months back, I was unexpectedly laid off, which was a tough blow especially since I had just moved and bought a car for my previous role. My savings weren't in great shape, so I had to act fast to get back into the job market. I ended up using some questionable tactics to make my resume stand out. I tweaked my employment history and used some clever language to get past AI screening. I even changed my Associates degree to a Bachelors, thinking my 12 years of experience wouldn’t be enough for the AI to consider. After sending out countless applications, I faced a lot of silence—49 out of 50 applications went unanswered. Eventually, I got an interview for an engineering position at a financial institution. It was a three-part interview process, and I prepared extensively, even though I was nervous about my actual skills. Surprisingly, the interviews turned out to be more conversational than I expected, and I managed to answer some technical questions that aligned with my prepared notes. To my shock, I received a job offer that same day with a pay scale higher than anything I've seen before, and it's fully remote! However, it's a contract-to-hire position for three months, which makes me anxious about being found out. I've completed my first week, and it’s becoming clear why they chose me; the project I'm working on is related to a past role, but I definitely exaggerated my involvement in that project. Right now, I feel like my confidence is only at 30%. I'm worried that my lack of actual experience will catch up with me, especially since I’m surrounded by very smart colleagues. Should I keep relying on my ability to improvise and study hard, or should I continue applying for other jobs? I genuinely believe this could be a dream job, but the stress of keeping up is overwhelming.

I started a new job as a legal assistant at a law firm on September 8th, but I've been hit with a financial crisis. I accepted the role in August, but right after, my SUV, which I relied on for rideshare driving, broke down. I had to spend my second rent payment on repairs, leaving me unable to earn money through Lyft/Uber during the crucial transition period. I managed to pay off my past due rent balance to the FLEX rent app, but I received a rejection email because I missed the September 15th payment deadline, which means I can no longer use their service. To make matters worse, I received a 60-day eviction notice and applied for rental assistance for September. My landlord has allowed me to pay October's rent late due to my new job, but I'm also two months behind on my car payments due to ongoing car issues. My new job pays $50K, which is promising, but my first paycheck will only cover the first five days of work. I can't drive for rideshare during the week because I need to get enough sleep to perform well at my new job. I can only drive on weekends, but I'm struggling to catch up on my finances for August and September. I'm feeling overwhelmed and need advice on how to manage my mental health while dealing with this financial crisis. I can't afford to lose my new job.

I recently accepted a new job offer, which is $18K less than my current salary. I’ve been searching for a job since I passed a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) a few months ago. Back in April, I was hired into a tech-support role for a medical software company after being laid off for almost six months due to an acquisition and restructuring. I started with three other new hires, but by June, three of us, including myself, were placed on PIPs during our onboarding. The onboarding process was inadequate, and while I could see why the others were struggling, I was performing well. The public feedback system was harsh; every mistake was highlighted in a public channel, which created a lot of anxiety for me. The feedback was often unreasonable and delivered in a rude manner. I found myself having panic attacks due to the stress of being publicly criticized. After passing an informal review, I was suddenly criticized for taking too long to respond to a ticket, despite being told to slow down previously. My supervisor supported my manager's decision to place me on a PIP after I returned from a vacation, which was a huge blow. I managed to pass the PIP with flying colors after three weeks, but the environment remained toxic. Two of my colleagues were fired shortly after I returned from vacation, and I suspect my manager has a personal issue with me. I’ve learned to stay under the radar since then. Although I’m diagnosed with ADHD and possibly autistic, I feel like my manager grouped me with the others unfairly. Taking a pay cut is tough, but the job market is challenging right now. I’m moving to a smaller company that seems to have a better culture and is independently financed, especially since my current company announced another acquisition. During my interviews, they expressed that they think their clients will love me, and I might even have to travel for onboarding, which wasn’t in the job description. I believe I’m making the right choice, but I could use some reassurance. I’ve read that passing a PIP is a significant achievement, yet I still worry about job security given the recent acquisition.

I was hired 3 months ago as a digital forensics examiner, focusing on mobile device extractions like phones and tablets. This role was meant for internal candidates only and followed civil service rules. Before this, I was a tenured crime scene investigator, where I ranked #1. The new unit I joined is smaller, with only 10 people compared to my previous unit's 24. Initially, I was given a training plan that seemed promising, and I communicated my eagerness to learn quickly. The training was expected to take around 6 months, but I was ahead of schedule by the second month and requested to accelerate my training to help with the overwhelming case load. They agreed, but then my trainer got tied up with a major case, leaving me to self-study for about a month. At the end of this self-study period, I received a performance review that was shocking. Every category that had previously been rated as Satisfactory was now marked as Needs Improvement. They claimed I was often "off topic" and cited my reading of tech-related news as a negative. They also mentioned that I appeared unenthusiastic and unfriendly, even accusing me of throwing a phone at a detective, which they later retracted to just being too quick in setting it down. I expressed my frustration about being unable to prove my commitment without actual work to do, and they suggested I could use the time to show my desire to be there, despite the lack of tasks. To counter this, I've started keeping a log of all the small tasks I do, like assisting detectives and maintaining equipment, but I feel like I'm being set up to fail. It’s disheartening because all I want is to contribute and work effectively.

I recently finished a year in graduate school focused on English and education, but I had to leave due to reduced funding and student loans. Now, at 30, I'm back living with my parents in a very rural town with limited job options. After over six weeks of searching, I've accepted a part-time job at McDonald's, which is frustrating given my $60,000+ student loan debt and my background in education. I've never worked remotely before, and in my hometown, people say remote work isn't real. However, remote work seems like a solution to my problems, especially with winter approaching and high gas prices. I'm unsure where to start looking for legitimate remote jobs, how to ensure they're safe, and whether my noisy home environment would even allow me to work effectively. I'm feeling lost and desperate for guidance on how to navigate this situation.

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 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 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 recently received a job offer that initially seemed fantastic and filled me with excitement. However, as I dug deeper into the details, I discovered that the benefits package was quite lacking. They only offered to cover 50% of a bronze health plan, which would end up costing me around $2,500 a month for coverage that isn’t even that great. This has thrown me into a state of anxiety because I absolutely despise my current job and am desperate to leave, but the numbers just don’t add up. I'm not very good with change or dealing with the unknown, so this decision is weighing heavily on me.

I was hired for a position at a well-known company in the UK just three weeks ago, at the end of August 2026. Unfortunately, I received the news in mid-September that I was being made redundant due to the closure of the store I was working at. I inquired about the possibility of transferring to another role within the company or if they had considered other positions at the location, but the responses were vague and unhelpful. They advised us not to discuss the situation among ourselves and to wait for the managers and supervisors to return from their holidays before seeking any clarification. As I navigate this unexpected redundancy, I'm looking for guidance. I’m reading through the company's website for advice on redundancy, but I can't find anything specific regarding protections for employees with less than a month of employment. The redundancy period they’ve offered me to work is actually longer than my employment duration, which is quite frustrating. I left my previous job for this opportunity, and now that position has been filled, leaving me feeling trapped. I have several questions on my mind: Is there any law that protects me in this situation? What laws protect the company? Could this redundancy be considered unfair, or even an ethics violation? I’m also curious if anyone else has faced a similar experience. This situation has left me feeling hopeless, especially since it took me six months to find this job. I was only working one day a week at my last job due to reduced hours, which prompted my move. I’m struggling with negative thoughts and am just trying to hold onto the hope that something will come up during my redundancy period. I’m also taking care of my mental health by seeing my GP.

I recently got hired at a small metal fabrication and CNC machining company through a temp agency. I'm 24 and have skills in welding, forklift operation, assembly, and testing, so I felt confident going into the interview. They advertised the position at $20 per hour, and during the interview, I mentioned that I expected at least $21 per hour. To my surprise, they quickly agreed to that rate. However, after doing some research, I found out that the starting pay for this position is actually $24 per hour. I feel like I might have lowballed myself during the negotiation, especially since I got nervous and didn't ask about their starting rates while touring the facility. Now, I’m set to start in just two days, and I’m unsure how to approach this situation. Should I bring it up with them after I start, or is there a better way to handle it? I really want to make sure I'm being compensated fairly.

I recently started a part-time retail job three weeks ago while still working my full-time 9-5 job during the week. I took this retail position to boost my savings, but I'm realizing that working seven days a week is taking a toll on my mental health and my relationships. I've been sick twice in this short time, and it's clear that this schedule isn't sustainable for me. Although I like the job and the people I work with, I feel overwhelmed and anxious about the idea of quitting. One of my old coworkers, who is now my manager, went out of his way to help me get this position, and I feel guilty about potentially wasting his time. I know I don’t need this second job financially since I can manage on my current salary while still saving a bit each month. My anxiety disorder is making the thought of having this conversation with my manager even more daunting. Logically, I know quitting a part-time job isn’t a huge deal, but my anxiety amplifies the situation, making it feel like a major offense. I’m torn between wanting to keep this job out of loyalty and recognizing that my well-being is more important. I’m reaching out for advice on how to approach this conversation without spiraling into anxiety.

Three months ago, I found myself in a tough spot after being laid off from my first job post-grad, where I had worked for 10 months. The suddenness of it all left me confused, sad, and angry. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me. For two months, I prayed for new opportunities while endlessly scrolling through job boards. I reached out to every contact I had, trying to leverage my network, but nothing seemed to work. The financial stress was overwhelming, and I was on the verge of giving up. Then, everything changed when I finally received a job offer after three long months of searching. I was ecstatic but also fearful that it might slip away. This new position not only came with an 18% pay increase but was also 90% remote and in the media field, allowing me to utilize my degree that cost me $60,000. I just completed my first week at this new job, and I can confidently say that the team, the culture, and my bosses are a significant improvement compared to my previous job. My mental health is also much better now. If you're feeling hopeless, I want to share my story as a sign that things can and do get better.

I recently started a new job at a grocery store, and I can't express how much happier I am now. My previous job had really taken a toll on my mental health; I felt lost, unmotivated, and even gained a lot of weight. For a while, I lost touch with my usual charisma and social skills. But after just two months in this new role, I feel like I've turned a corner. Working alongside my peers, who are all around my age, has been refreshing. My manager is laid back, and even on the most mundane days, something funny happens that brightens the atmosphere. While I still feel some dread about going to work after school, it’s a completely different experience now. Instead of facing a stressful environment, I’m met with a supportive and enjoyable one. I’m even starting to lose weight and rediscover the joy in simple things. This job is exactly what I needed.

I recently started working at Burlington in Indiana, with my onboarding on August 14. During the interview and onboarding, we discussed my availability and transportation, and everything seemed fine. I was hired for a back room position but was reassigned to the sales floor because the manager had concerns about new hires not returning after one shift. I agreed to this change with the understanding that I would have about two shifts a week. However, after my onboarding shift, I checked the scheduling app repeatedly and found that I was not scheduled for any shifts. On September 6, the manager called to inform me that all daytime sales floor positions were filled. She offered me three options: stay in my position with minimal shifts, change my availability to late-night hours which I can't do, or switch to a daytime cashier role. I chose the cashier position and communicated this decision to the manager on September 9 and again on September 14. Unfortunately, I still haven't been scheduled for any shifts in the last two weeks of September. The concern now is that Burlington has a policy of automatic termination after six weeks of no pay, which is coming up soon. I haven't been terminated for any reason; I've been available, but the manager simply hasn't scheduled me. I'm wondering about my chances of qualifying for unemployment benefits to help cover my bills while I continue to search for other jobs, as I've been applying elsewhere but haven't had any luck yet.

I was laid off nine months ago from a major global corporation right around the holidays, which felt especially harsh. It was a tough experience, but I managed to find a new job relatively quickly, and I was relieved to move on from the negative environment. However, I recently received a corporate AMEX card from my old company in the mail, and it triggered an intense wave of anger that I didn't expect. My heart raced, and I felt a surge of adrenaline as I realized that this company, which had laid me off along with hundreds of others, was still sending me materials as if nothing had happened. It made me question whether my reaction was unreasonable or if it was a normal response to a delayed emotional impact. I’m starting to think that this anger stems from feelings of rejection and abandonment, and it’s frustrating to feel this way about a company that I thought I had moved on from.

I recently reached out to the onboarding specialist for the position I accepted, as I hadn't received the background check form yet. I have my employee health appointment scheduled for Tuesday, so I was a bit concerned. The specialist mentioned they have some "due diligence" to complete before sending the form. I wasn't familiar with that term and it left me wondering what exactly it involves. The recruiter had previously told me the background check would cover criminal history and employment verification, which I have no issues with. I'm just trying to understand if they are simply entering my information into their system or if there's more to it that I wasn't informed about. It's a bit stressful since I'm in a tight spot with my job situation.

I just signed my official offer letter for a new job and I'm currently going through the onboarding process. However, I can't stand my current job anymore due to the toxic coworkers and leadership. It's been unbearable, and the thought of working there for two more weeks feels impossible. I want to give a one-week notice instead of the standard two weeks, as a compromise to tie up loose ends without burning bridges. I usually use a friend as a reference rather than a supervisor, so I'm not too concerned about that. Still, I'm worried about how my current employer will react. I have no documented write-ups or anything, but I know how toxic the environment is. I doubt I would want to return to this company, but I want to leave on decent terms if possible. I'm curious to hear others' opinions on this situation.

I just had my first interview in nearly five years, and I couldn't be more excited! As a mom to a four-year-old, I often find myself at Blick Art looking for supplies for my acrylic paintings, graphite sketches, and various other art projects. One day, while browsing, I noticed an elderly lady struggling to find what she needed. I approached her and offered my assistance, even though I wasn't an employee. We ended up chatting about her art, and I gave her some advice on paints and brushes. To my surprise, a manager saw me helping her and mentioned that they were hiring. I submitted my application and got called in for an interview. During the interview, I shared my retail experience from a small business where I handled cash registers, managed stock, and provided customer service. The manager seemed impressed with my background and noted that I wouldn't need to handle as much responsibility there since the managers take care of most of the financial tasks. When he asked why I wanted to work at Blick, I shared my passion for art, which I inherited from my grandfather. I love expressing myself through creativity and enjoy seeing others' artistic expressions as well. The interview felt great, and he even offered me a discount after noticing I was shopping before the interview. He mentioned he pushed for me to be interviewed because he saw me helping the lady, which made me feel even better about my chances. I truly hope I get this job! I wanted to share this experience because I don't have many friends to discuss it with, and I'm just so proud of myself for taking this step. Regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for the opportunity.