Got a Job

Today was a whirlwind of emotions as I got hired and fired within the span of an hour. After seven months of struggling with seasonal gigs and part-time jobs, I finally landed a position in my field that offered decent pay. I went through three rounds of interviews and was thrilled when I received the job offer. I was in the process of finalizing my schedule when I received an email from the hiring manager saying they had decided to go in a different direction and wouldn't be needing me after all. Honestly, I’m not even mad anymore; I’m just utterly exhausted and defeated. I’ve been juggling three minimum wage jobs just to scrape by and pay my rent. It feels like I'm putting in so much effort for so little reward. This job market is incredibly frustrating, and I hate how tough things are right now.

I’ve officially been on the job hunt for 7 months, and today was my breaking point. After applying to what feels like hundreds of jobs, rewriting my résumé, practicing interviews, and staying positive, I thought I finally caught a break. A few days ago, I interviewed for a scheduling coordinator position at a mental health company and received an offer. I was thrilled because the schedule fit my life perfectly, and I even turned down another job offer because I felt secure in this new role. Today was supposed to be my first day of training, but instead of being welcomed, I was thrown into creating a schedule from scratch with virtually no training. I struggled to meet expectations, and after my second attempt, I was told they would review my work to decide if I was a good fit. I thought I was already hired, but it turned out my employment was still contingent on this evaluation. A few hours later, I received a call saying they weren’t moving forward with me. They didn’t even provide a reason, leaving me feeling completely blindsided. I’m 30 years old with a son, and the only reason I’m not homeless is that my parents are letting us stay with them while I search for work. I’m pursuing my master’s degree to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, trying to build a stable future for my family. This experience has taken a toll on my mental health. I’m becoming depressed and losing confidence in myself. I keep questioning what I’m doing wrong and what employers want from candidates. I don’t want sympathy; I genuinely want advice because I feel lost. Has anyone else gone through something similar? Does it get better? Today has really broken me, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m losing hope.

I recently applied for a position at a DSHS office and received a call last Friday confirming that I got the job! However, they mentioned that I need to wait for a background check to be completed before I can start. I've never had any issues with background checks in the past, so I'm feeling pretty confident about it. I'm just curious about how long these checks typically take, as I want to plan when to give my two weeks' notice at my current job. I really dislike my current position, but I don't want to leave them in a bind since I'm one of three managers running the entire operation. Any insights on the usual time frame for background checks in government roles would be appreciated!

I was laid off in September 2025 from a part-time IT Support role that was severely underpaid and offered no benefits, just a month after I graduated college. Instead of aggressively applying for jobs, I decided to wait for recruiters to reach out to me, and surprisingly, this strategy paid off. I almost landed my dream job managing IT projects in a hybrid environment, but unfortunately, they chose another candidate. In the end, I received two offers: one for $55k at a charter school and another for $60k at a large public university nearby. I opted for the $60k position since it paid more and was non-exempt, meaning I would be capped at 40 hours a week. While I feel overqualified for this role, the state benefits and job stability are comforting after my previous experience. It's been four years in IT support, and even with my BS in computer information systems, I worry about my career progression. I know a coworker with over 10 advanced certifications who is struggling to find a new job, which adds to my anxiety. A few years ago, I could have found a job in just a few weeks, but now it took me six months, and I have a lot of therapy ahead to process the stress from this experience. On the bright side, I now have excellent dental and medical insurance, and I've tripled my salary while doing the same job.

I recently landed a one-hour interview with the hiring manager at Leidos for the position of Junior Geographic Information Systems Analyst. I'm feeling quite unconfident about this opportunity, as I have experience with government interviews but not with defense or corporate settings like this one. I'm reaching out for any advice or tips that could help me prepare. To give you a better idea of my work, I've also shared my portfolio.

I recently got a temporary job that I absolutely love, but I'm facing a tough situation. I started this job over the summer and have been really enjoying it, but it’s set to end next month when I head off to university. I had hoped to speak with my area manager about the possibility of keeping the position when I return from school. However, I've run into a conflict. I've been scheduled for three short shifts during a week when I planned to travel to Cardiff with my boyfriend to meet his extended family and visit my mom and little brothers, whom I haven't seen in five years due to my parents' divorce. I only found out about this trip yesterday, so I haven't booked anything yet, but it's really important to me. Unfortunately, my employer won’t allow me to take those shifts off, and I’m torn because I value my family time much more than this temporary job that I won’t have for long. I also have another casual job as a bartender that I plan to keep while I’m at university, but I really love this temp job. I'm seriously considering whether I should just quit and prioritize my family over a job that won’t last much longer.

I recently received a job offer that raised some red flags for me. After applying to numerous IT and Software Development positions over the past two months while unemployed, I got an email from a recruiter at RJ Lee Group for a remote Frontend Developer role. I verified that the company was legitimate and sent my availability for a technical assessment, which I completed on Thursday evening. I didn’t hear anything over the weekend, but then I woke up to an employment offer on Monday morning. What made me suspicious was that I hadn’t spoken to anyone on the phone or had a virtual interview. The offer email requested my full name, address, and phone number, which felt odd since I hadn’t interacted with a real person yet. I’ve attached screenshots of our correspondence and the assessment, and I’m trying to figure out if I should pursue this job or brace myself for disappointment. I’ve heard that scams often involve requests for personal information and reimbursement checks, so I’m feeling uncertain about this offer.

Today I found out about the Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) at Centene where I've worked for over 15 years. I was a bit nervous but also excited as I awaited the approval of my application. Fortunately, my offer was generous, and I have a solid plan moving forward. I'm planning to take a couple of weeks off to recharge and spend some quality time with my wife on a much-deserved vacation. I sincerely hope that everyone else who applied for the VSP also gets approved and can find their footing in this transition. Good luck to all!

I recently interviewed for a position with the president and the director of operations at a company. On Friday, I received a call from the president offering me the job, welcoming me to the team, and informing me that my start date is in two weeks. The delay is due to the fact that both he and the director will be on vacation, and they want to be in-house when I start. While I’m excited about the offer, I have a few concerns. First, I worry that I might be forgotten by the time my start date arrives. Second, I noticed that the job posting is still live on Indeed, which makes me anxious that they might reconsider or look at other candidates. I also have no idea if they’ve contacted my previous employer yet, and I fear that could jeopardize my offer. I don’t believe a formal offer letter is coming; it seems I’ll just be signing documents on my first day in mid-August. I’m unsure if I should reach out to anyone with questions or to remind them that I’m still interested. I’m debating whether sending a casual email in a few days would be a good idea to check in and express my enthusiasm. Am I overthinking this? Should I go ahead and send that email?

I just started a new job after being laid off, and I'm really struggling with imposter syndrome. After ten years of stability, the layoff was a huge shock, and while I'm grateful to have found a new role in this tough job market, I'm terrified of failing despite my past successes. I don’t have a full degree, but I’ve always managed to secure great positions through hard work and a strong work ethic. Now, I find myself in a team where most of my colleagues are younger and have degrees, while I bring a wealth of hands-on experience. My manager hired me for my background and personality, but the team dynamic has triggered some serious self-doubt. Onboarding is done by just one person, who is fantastic, but since he’s close to management, I worry about looking foolish based on his feedback. It's also pretty lonely; with split departments and a hybrid schedule, I haven’t had much opportunity to build relationships with anyone my age. I really need advice on how to navigate this situation and quiet my inner critic, reminding myself that my experience still holds value.

I wanted to share a bit of hope amid all the job search challenges I've seen lately. After applying to around 600 jobs over the past three months, I finally landed a full remote position that pays $79,400 a year. It was definitely a numbers game; I made sure to apply to every remote IT job in the USA that offered over $25 an hour. During interviews, I treated every opportunity as a competition against candidates who might have more experience, and I focused on selling myself to the hiring managers. Persistence really paid off!

I recently started a one-year fixed-term role after wrapping up another fixed-term position. Honestly, I'm feeling mentally drained from this cycle. It seems like I'm just jumping from one temporary job to another. My experience has been frustrating, especially since I've never held a job for more than five years. A lot of that has to do with external factors and people getting in the way. My first job lasted four years until the HVAC issues at the restaurant led to its closure, which was a known problem with the building's owners. Now, I'm in a lower-paying role that feels disposable, and it's taking a toll on my motivation.

I applied for a position at my current company and went through the interview process a few weeks ago. On July 2nd, I was informed that I was the top candidate, and on July 6th, I received a call from the operations manager offering me the job. The following day, I reached out to confirm if I should expect a call from HR for a formal offer and was assured that I would. Now, it's been almost 20 days with no communication whatsoever. I've tried to follow up but have not received any responses. It's incredibly frustrating to be left in the dark after being told I was the preferred candidate. I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation and wondering if I should continue to wait or start looking for other opportunities.

I just had a really unusual job interview that lasted an hour and a half. The interviewer didn't even glance at my resume or ask about my experience, which felt strange. Instead, we spent about 30 minutes chatting about Tekken before finally discussing the role itself. Surprisingly, I got the job, but it felt more like a formality than a traditional interview process. I'm feeling a mix of confusion and relief—it's a weird situation, but I'm glad to be employed!

I recently signed an offer for a new job that marks my exit from a long career in education, which is incredibly exciting for me. However, I'm currently facing a frustrating delay with my drug test results. I submitted my urine sample at Quest Diagnostics ten days ago, and while I was informed that the results usually take 24-48 hours, I'm still waiting. First Advantage completed my background check within 72 hours, but they are now in a holding pattern waiting for the drug test results. I don't use any drugs at all, so I’m feeling anxious about the possibility of something going wrong, like an inconclusive result or a false positive, which I've heard can happen. I’m worried that a mistake on their part could jeopardize my new job opportunity. Has anyone else experienced a significant delay in drug test results that ended up being fine? How long did you have to wait before you received your results?

I recently started a new job in the UK and was really enjoying it, but I’m facing a tough situation. I’m 20 years old and currently in a 3-month probationary period. Unfortunately, during my third week, I had a severe seizure that resulted in a concussion, and I had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. This led to me missing a shift, and when I returned to work, I was still feeling unwell and ended up vomiting in the bathroom, which caused me to miss another shift. I tried to communicate with my employer about my situation, but I received no response, which made me anxious. Today, I had a back-to-work meeting where I learned that I’ve been written up for missing three shifts. The manager mentioned that there’s a possibility I may not be fit for the role due to my seizure. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and I’m terrified that I might get laid off. To make matters worse, I found out that we’re only allowed three sick days a year before they trigger an investigation, which adds to my anxiety. I’m really scared about what’s going to happen next and if I’ll be able to keep my job.

I recently received an offer from Vonage for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) position. To be honest, I had never heard of Vonage before this opportunity came up, but the role itself seems interesting to me. However, I'm feeling a bit uncertain about making the switch since the pay raise isn't significant compared to my current job. Additionally, I've been reading about the recent trends in layoffs across the market, and I've come across mixed reviews regarding work culture and growth opportunities at Vonage. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to accept the offer or hold out for something better.

I recently experienced a layoff from my IT position where I was earning $150,000. After months of searching for a new role that matched my skills and salary, I had to accept a full-time job at Target making just $17/hour. While I am technically employed now, the reality is that my financial situation has drastically changed. I see many others in similar situations—highly qualified professionals who have lost their jobs and are now working in retail, warehouses, or gig jobs just to make ends meet. It's frustrating because the labor statistics don't reflect the true impact of these layoffs. They only measure whether someone is employed, not whether that job can sustain a decent standard of living. I’ve exhausted my savings, drained my retirement accounts, and have had to rely on credit cards to cover basic necessities. It feels like I’m one missed paycheck or unexpected medical bill away from financial disaster. The narrative around unemployment doesn’t capture the downward mobility many of us are experiencing. We may still be classified as employed, but the middle class is quietly collapsing, and I fear this will be remembered as a crisis of economic security rather than just unemployment.

I started my job search about a month and a half ago and was thrilled when I finally got hired as a fast food worker at a local restaurant. However, things took a frustrating turn when the manager who hired me completely ghosted me. From the beginning, communication has been a nightmare. She didn't provide her contact information and only gave me a robotic number as part of the hiring process. I’ve been calling the restaurant's number to reach her, but it feels like I'm talking to a wall. On my first day, I waited for an hour, only to be told to come back another day. After that, I called again a week later, and she asked me to fill out my minor's working permit, which I did. I left messages for her to get back to me once it was approved, but no response. Now, I'm stuck in a loop of calling the restaurant, only to be connected to a bot asking for a remote access code. I’ve started applying to other jobs because I feel like I’m in limbo with this one. It’s frustrating to receive emails and physical mail about payment when I have no idea if I’m even going to work there. My friends initially encouraged me to stick with it since it was the only place that hired me, but now they’re telling me to move on. I’m really worried about the situation and just want some clarity.

I just completed my second week at my new job, and I couldn't be more thankful to have made it through the interview process. Reflecting on my experience, I realize now how crucial it is to plan a job change carefully. The time and emotional investment required are far greater than I initially anticipated. I started my job search around March or April 2026 and spent about four months interviewing for roughly 10 positions. Out of those, I received only two offers, which was surprising and disheartening. I expected to have more options, but instead, I found myself doubting my abilities as I faced rejection after rejection. The interview process was often exhausting, with four or five rounds being the norm. The initial interview was usually a brief chat, but the subsequent ones were much more intense and critical for my chances. I made it past those rounds three times, but only one of those led to an offer. In one instance, I was really interested in the role and had already completed multiple interviews and a technical assessment. However, after being asked to do a fifth interview that required a lengthy presentation, I decided to withdraw, feeling it wasn't the right fit for me. Overall, each interview process felt like a month-long commitment, and even if I got rejected after just a couple of interviews, it still took a significant amount of time. Now that I'm settled into my new role, I realize how draining the entire experience was and how it impacted my confidence. I went in expecting to have several offers, but by the end, I was questioning whether I was even suited for this line of work. I'm curious to hear from others in similar business professional roles about their experiences with job searches. How many of your interviews turned into offers?