Got a Job

I recently signed a conditional offer with a local utilities board last Monday, and I've been going through the pre-employment process. On Wednesday, I had my physical exam, which I passed except for a color blindness test. They asked me to get a note from my eye doctor confirming I can perform my job safely, which I took care of right away. I also underwent a urine test that day. Now, it’s Saturday, and I’m feeling anxious because the background check started, and they contacted my current employer despite my request not to. While I’m leaving my current job, it still feels like a cliffhanger. The background check came back clean except for a minor issue regarding a three-month gap at an older job, which I explained was due to doing 1099 work for that same company earlier that year. I wasn't sure if they would pull 1099 dates or full-time dates, so I reached out to clarify. Additionally, I received a 613a notice regarding a speeding ticket from two years ago. It was a minor infraction—no reckless driving and zero points on my license. I also have a minor accident from three years ago that only reported property damage, and again, no points on my license. I was expecting a call yesterday to finalize everything and set a start date, but I didn’t hear anything, and now I’m in panic mode. I did email my recruiter about the background check report, which also had a caution regarding my technical school because they don’t verify those schools. I sent my certification along with the email, and she replied with a simple "thanks, Kevin!" I’m left to assume that if there was a problem, she would have informed me. However, the uncertainty is stressing me out, especially since my current job knows I’m transitioning. I feel like the speeding ticket and the no-fault accident shouldn’t prevent me from getting this job, but the color blindness test has made me realize how particular they are. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I recently got promoted at my job in a large insurance company where I work in pricing for home insurance. I started my graduate role in 2024 and transitioned into pricing in May 2025. I applied for this promotion mainly to gain interview experience, never expecting to actually get it, especially since I was up against more experienced colleagues, including my best friend. To my surprise, I was offered the role, but now I’m feeling overwhelmed and doubting my capabilities. It's been a month since I took on this new position, and the pressure has been intense with tight deadlines and a lot of responsibility. My manager has reduced hours, which adds to the stress because I feel like he doesn't fully understand my skill set. I constantly worry that I’m not good enough and that I might get fired for not meeting the high expectations. I remember struggling with imposter syndrome throughout my academic journey due to a late ADHD diagnosis and poor GCSEs. Although I’ve had good reviews in my previous roles, the short time I’ve spent in this company makes me feel like I still have so much to learn. I’m terrified of being found out and regret taking this role, thinking I might have taken an opportunity away from my friend. I’m reaching out for advice, but I know deep down that this feeling of inadequacy is something I need to work through myself.

I just started my first job at a liquor store, and honestly, I'm feeling pretty miserable. I'm 19, almost 20, and after finishing a three-day unpaid training, I'm about to dive into my first 9-hour shift tomorrow, followed by two more 8-hour shifts. The schedule is packed with 5-6 hour shifts for the rest of the week, and I only have Friday off. I got this job through a family friend, and I was initially grateful, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed and depressed. Before this, I had a few short gigs in fast food and retail, but nothing lasted long. Now, I feel suffocated by the responsibilities that come with this job. I used to live a carefree life, but now I’m struggling with anxiety and unhappiness. I have hobbies I love, and the thought of not having time for them is really dragging me down. I can't ask for shorter hours since I haven't even started yet, and I fear that if I do, I might lose the job. My parents are supportive and optimistic that I'll feel better soon, but it feels like an eternity to me. I have one co-worker who's nice, but I don't know if we’ll become friends. The pressure to not disappoint my parents and the family friend who helped me get this job is weighing heavily on me. I'm considering asking my employer for part-time hours once I start school in winter, but I plan to wait a couple of months before bringing that up. I really want to gain experience, but I can't shake off this feeling of depression. I've talked to friends who work hard, and while I want to contribute too, I just feel stuck. Any advice on how to cope with this would be greatly appreciated.

I recently interviewed for a remote position with Senture and went through several steps, including a phone interview, filling out a questionnaire, and completing fingerprinting. I also received the necessary equipment for the job. They mentioned I should expect an email within two days with my login information for the eApp from either Okta or NBIS, but I haven't received that yet. Instead, I've gotten a few emails from different people, which has left me confused about whether I've officially been hired. Training is set to start this coming Monday, and I'm currently employed, so I'm trying to juggle both schedules without any clear confirmation of my new role. I've reached out to the contacts I've received emails from, but so far, no one has responded.

I recently graduated with a BTech in AI and Data Science and received an offer from TCS. However, the joining process is taking longer than expected, and I anticipate it could take another 2-3 months or more before I get my joining letter. In the meantime, I've been considering taking a temporary position at Sutherland as a tech customer support representative to gain some experience. I'm unsure if this is the right move. Should I accept the role at Sutherland while waiting for TCS?

I recently received a job offer from a local hospital, and they are using Hire Right to conduct my background verification. I worked as a nanny from 2020 to 2023, but it was under the table, so I only have Cash App transactions as proof of payment. I'm unsure whether to include this job in my employment history or leave it out. Hire Right states that I need to explain any gaps in employment over 6 months within the last 5 years, which adds to my confusion. I'm seeking advice on how to handle this situation.

I've experienced several layoffs throughout my career, and I thought it might be helpful to share my journey: 1. My first job was at a fast food restaurant during high school, where I worked my way up to manager over 9 years. I dedicated myself to the job, often putting in 60 hours a week. Eventually, the franchise owners sold the store back to the company, and I was laid off. They paid me until the end of the week and kept my insurance until the end of the month. While I was a bit disappointed with the lack of recognition for my hard work, I was also relieved to have some time off. 2. After that, I decided to pursue a career in IT. I landed an entry-level position at a large retailer, but it was a cheap company. After 4 years, they were acquired, and on the day of the layoffs, we were all taken to a hotel and informed we were let go. I received a week’s pay for every year I worked there, which was a small consolation. 3. I didn’t apply for unemployment and instead started hunting for jobs, but only found temporary work. I worked for a company for six weeks, but once the regular employees returned from vacation, I was let go. I went on another interview for a position that had no advancement opportunities, and I was relieved when I didn’t get that job. 4. Eventually, a temp agency sent me to interview with an oil company. I was thrilled when I got the job, which was the best I had at that point. However, after almost 7 years, they decided to change their accounting software and laid off many employees, including me. I was surprised when I received the call from the director's office. I had thought I was safe, but the company ended up getting bought out twice afterward. 5. After meeting someone in a different state, I moved and found a new job after a couple of months. It wasn’t the highest-paying job, but I worked three 12-hour shifts, giving me plenty of time off. When my manager discovered I was looking for other jobs, I received a 21% raise. Unfortunately, after almost 7 years, the company merged, and my position was eliminated. I stayed until the end to receive a retention bonus and got 1.5 weeks of pay for every year I worked. 6. It took a couple of months to find my next job, but it turned out to be the right fit. I was still receiving severance when I started, and I ended up working there for 22 years before retiring two years ago. I survived a major layoff in 2008 but managed to advance afterward. I had great managers and felt my work was valued. The last decade of my career really set me up for retirement. Looking back, I realize that even though layoffs can be tough, I was fortunate to have some savings to help me through the rough patches.

I'm currently navigating a chaotic job situation after owning my own business in Central Florida for 13 years. My operation was thriving until late 2024-2025 when I got shorted $400k by two contractors—one went bankrupt and the other essentially robbed me. This led to a drastic downsizing from 25 employees to just myself and one other person, and I'm now facing foreclosure on my home. The last 18 months have been incredibly tough, and I've exhausted all my savings and retirement funds trying to recover. I'll be turning 41 soon, which adds to the stress. I started applying for jobs about six weeks ago and quickly realized how dire the job market has become. Although I've received offers, the wages are shockingly low. However, I finally got an acceptable offer for a project management position at $120k with a schedule of 26 weeks on and 26 weeks off, starting on October 5th. In the meantime, a contractor I used to work with reached out and offered me a project that also starts on October 5th, which will pay around $40k for a two-week turnaround. Another contractor accepted my bid for a project worth $211k, estimated to take about 90 days. Both contractors are reliable payers, which is crucial in this industry. Additionally, I’m waiting to hear back from an engineering/design firm about a full remote position that pays $140k. I really want this job as it would allow me to finish my degree and gain valuable experience, but I don’t have it yet. On top of all this, there’s a possibility of receiving a settlement from the contractor that wronged me, which could be around $180k. My financial situation is precarious—my power was almost shut off last month—but both contractors are willing to front materials and expenses for the projects if I can sign contracts. I'm feeling overwhelmed with all these opportunities happening at once and need to make decisions quickly, as everyone wants answers by Monday. If anyone has advice or suggestions, I'm all ears!

I recently completed my job search journey in Canada, which was quite challenging due to my lack of local experience. Initially, I was hesitant about taking contract roles because many people in my network advised against them, citing instability and lack of benefits. However, I decided to give it a shot, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. The job market for permanent positions at major banks was incredibly competitive, and I found myself getting nowhere without any Canadian experience on my resume. Contract roles offered a much lower barrier to entry, and the hiring process was significantly quicker. Once I secured my first contract role at a big bank, everything changed. I was no longer just someone with international experience; I had relevant local experience that made me a more attractive candidate for subsequent applications. Through this contract, I gained valuable insights into the tools and processes used by Canadian banks, which enhanced my resume further. Although my first contract didn't pay well, it opened the door to a much better second contract role, which came with a significant pay increase. Ultimately, after gaining this experience, I was able to land my first permanent position just a few months ago. I learned that for those stuck in a similar situation, taking a contract role can be a strategic move to break into the job market.

I just accepted a new in-person office job that starts on Monday at 8 AM, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about the lack of reporting details. I completed the offer letter and the I-9 form, and I received a general email from HR today about getting my badge and finishing the I-9, but that process starts at 9 AM. There's also an onboarding meeting scheduled online at 10 AM. The email mentioned contacting the person who interviewed me for reporting details, but I reached out and haven't heard back since it's after hours on Friday. The only information I have about my start time is what was mentioned during the interview, which is 8 AM, but no specific confirmation was given in any of the emails. My plan is to arrive at the office around 7:40-7:45 AM, let the front desk know who I am, and ask for guidance on where to report for my first day. This is my first job, and I can't shake the feeling of being a kid waiting for my mom to finish shopping. I'm just hoping everything goes smoothly.

I just signed a contract today for a data analyst role after four months of searching. I had to step down from a lead position to a senior role and take a pay cut, but I'm grateful to have found something. During my job search, I learned a few key strategies that I think could help others. First, I focused on sending selective resumes rather than applying to every job I found. I tailored my applications to align with the roles I was interested in, sending about 10 resumes a week. I also had to get used to rejection; it was tough at first, especially when I received no responses or rejections without interviews. I revamped my LinkedIn profile, which I believe was crucial. I learned that networking is important, and having a strong profile helped attract headhunters. My headline now includes keywords like 'Advanced Analytics Lead' and 'Power BI & SQL Specialist' to catch the right eyes. Additionally, I made sure my CV was not generic. Many companies use ATS systems to filter resumes, so I tailored mine to pass those checks. I even used an AI tool to evaluate my resume against job descriptions. Understanding the job market in my area was also essential. As an expat, I had to consider my options carefully, especially since moving back to the US is not an option for my wife. I researched what roles were available and whether they matched my skills. Lastly, I kept myself busy during the search. I maintained my hobbies, kept up with relationships, and took time to relax without feeling guilty. I want to thank everyone for their posts; they've been a source of comfort knowing I'm not alone in this journey. Good luck to everyone still searching!

I was laid off recently and started an open unemployment claim. I've been diligently completing my three required work search activities each week. However, I've now secured a temporary seasonal job in Vermont. I'm unsure if I still need to continue my work search activities while I'm working at this seasonal position. I've looked through the Vermont Labor website, but I can't find clear information on this. I'm hoping to get some guidance on whether I need to keep searching for jobs while I'm employed temporarily.

I recently signed a contract with a mid-size logistics firm and put in my two weeks' notice at my previous job. I was all set to start on Monday at 9 AM, but just 48 hours before my start date, I received a call from their head of HR. She informed me that due to "unforeseen Q3 restructuring and executive realignment," the position had been eliminated and my offer was rescinded. I feel physically sick right now. I had already trained my replacement and said my goodbyes at my old job, which I had been at for four years. Now, I have no income, rent due next week, and I'm lost on what to do next. I asked about severance or compensation for leaving my previous role, but was told there was nothing since I hadn't started yet. I'm devastated and anxious about how to move forward.

I got laid off after just 4 months at a startup focused on AI for the hospitality sector. I had previously been let go from an S&P 500 company after they canned the project I was hired for, which was a tough blow. After months of searching, I was thrilled to land this new role as a software engineer, and I even passed my probation period with a 'meets expectations' rating. Just last week, I had a 1:1 with my manager discussing a small bonus for my work. But then, in a shocking turn of events, my next 1:1 was rescheduled multiple times, and when I finally joined the call this morning, HR was there to inform me that I was being let go. They claimed it wasn't my performance but rather a business decision. They offered to write me a reference letter, but that doesn't help with my financial situation. I'm feeling bewildered and heartbroken. I sensed something was off when they moved the monthly company meeting to Fridays, but I didn't expect this. Now I'm just waiting for the severance email, which hasn't come yet. This whole experience has been incredibly frustrating and disheartening.

I just received an amazing job offer that aligns perfectly with my career goals, including the compensation and role I've been seeking. The location and my future co-workers also seem great, which is a huge plus. However, I’m currently a contractor at a company that’s in the process of being acquired, and my contract is set to end at the end of the year. Many of my colleagues are opting to leave instead of transitioning to the acquiring company, which adds to the uncertainty. I have the chance to start my new role in just two weeks, which would allow me to be eligible for the end-of-year review and a merit increase next year. However, I only have a week to give notice, which is a departure from the standard practice I usually follow. If I take longer to notify my current employer, I risk missing out on a salary improvement next year. Given that I'm a contractor and most of my colleagues are leaving, I’m leaning towards taking the opportunity to leave sooner rather than later. My boss has already given me approval and was a reference for my new position, which makes me feel more secure in my decision. This is a situation I wouldn't typically consider, but it seems reasonable given the circumstances.

I was recently put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) after five years at my remote company, right after hitting my five-year anniversary. This situation has made me mentally check out of my current role, and I've started looking for new opportunities. Fortunately, I secured a new fully remote job that starts on October 8, and my background check has cleared, with onboarding already in progress. Now I'm at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to quietly quit and let them fire me, or to formally resign. I’m considering three options: 1. Keep doing the bare minimum and let them fire me if that’s where the PIP is headed. 2. Resign next week and give about one week of notice so I’m finished before starting the new job. 3. Provide the traditional two weeks' notice, even though that would overlap with my new job for several days. Part of me feels that since they put me on a PIP after five years, I shouldn't feel obligated to give two weeks' notice. However, I also don’t want to burn any bridges unnecessarily. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation and what their thoughts are on when to resign. Should I coast until they make the decision for me, or give notice once everything with the new job is completely locked in?

I recently graduated with my Master's degree and have been job hunting for the past three months without success. To make ends meet, I applied for a low-paying job at a company offering $20/hr, which requires rotating weekend nights and a less desirable schedule. I accepted their offer out of necessity, as my savings were dwindling fast. However, shortly after, I was contacted by the VA with a job offer for $75k, which is significantly better. I've gone through interviews and discussions about salary, and I feel confident about it, but I'm still in the onboarding phase and haven't received a formal offer yet. Now, I’m in a tough spot because the first job is requiring me to do a health screening in just a couple of hours, and I'm considering not going since I feel optimistic about the VA position. However, I’m also anxious about putting all my eggs in one basket without a written offer from the VA. I feel guilty about potentially backing out of the first job, especially since the director was very kind to me. I’m torn between going through with the health screening or just not showing up at all. I could really use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently started a part-time contract at what feels like my dream company. I was thrilled to get this opportunity, especially since I've been trying to leave my current job for about a year. Although they selected me for the part-time role due to my slightly lesser experience, there’s been talk about the possibility of this contract turning into a full-time position in the future. Just a few days ago, a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn about a full-time role at the same company. I let them know that I already have a contract there, but they still want to have a conversation with me. I'm torn about whether I should engage with the recruiter or not. It feels a bit strange to go through the hiring process for the contract role while also exploring a full-time opportunity through a recruiter. I’m leaning towards not talking to the recruiter because I don’t want to come off as pushy, especially since I’ve already communicated that my position is currently a contract. However, I can’t help but wonder if having that conversation could be beneficial in the long run. Should I just wait and see how things develop with my contract?

I recently received an offer to transition from a contract employee to a full-time salaried position at the company where I've been working for the past six months. While I'm grateful for the offer, the salary is a bit lower than I anticipated. Given my lengthy commute—about 40 miles one way, three times a week—I'm considering asking for an additional $3,000 to $4,000 to help offset the rising gas prices, especially since my car isn't fuel-efficient and requires premium gas. I have a good relationship with my boss, who is generally easygoing, but I still feel anxious about negotiating salary. I really dislike the process and worry about how it might affect our relationship. Ultimately, I'm willing to accept the offer as it stands, but I wanted to seek advice on whether it's reasonable to ask for a bit more given my circumstances.

I recently received a verbal offer for a junior associate position at a French patent attorney firm after working as a UKIPO Patent Examiner for 8 years. I've completed two interviews with partners who expressed interest in moving forward, including a trip to Paris to meet the head of patents. They mentioned they would provide a compensation package and details about the cost of living in Paris, which I need to evaluate the offer. However, I'm feeling anxious about a couple of issues. They requested a reference from the UKIPO, but due to civil service policy, they only provide a factual document confirming employment details. I submitted that, but I also offered a reference from a former colleague who runs a patent consultancy and knows my work well. Additionally, they asked for written samples of patents I've drafted, but I had to decline since they are still under the 18-month pre-publication period and haven't been published yet. They also inquired about my experience regarding the European Qualifying Exams, and I informed them that I can count my experience to qualify in 2 years instead of 3. I haven't heard back from them yet, and I'm worried that these sticking points might lead them to withdraw the offer.