Got a Job

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job situation lately. Currently, I'm working a job that I got hired for almost immediately, which honestly reflects how desperate the place is for employees. I'm stuck working 10 to 13 hour days, five days a week, and I'm only making under $18 an hour. It's exhausting and unfulfilling. I've been searching for a new job for the past few months, but I haven't had much luck. I had an interview today, and I don't think it went well at all. The whole experience felt incredibly awkward; I felt like an alien trying to fit in and failing miserably. I know I can do the job, but I just can't seem to convince anyone of that. I've read some advice about practicing for interviews, and I think I need to start doing that. I also wonder if there are companies out there that focus more on skills rather than just trying to gauge if I'll fit in socially. It seems like a lot of interviews are more about personality and whether they think they can get along with you rather than your actual skills. It's disheartening, especially since I have autism, which makes the social aspects of interviews even more challenging for me. I just want to find a decent job where I can feel valued and not have to struggle so much just to be seen as capable.

I recently interviewed with three different companies across various industries as I work to get back on my feet. I was excited to receive and sign job offers from all three last Friday. However, it's now Wednesday, and I haven't heard anything from any of them. I'm starting to wonder if I've been ghosted after accepting the offers. I'm feeling frustrated because it seems misleading to receive a job offer and then not get any follow-up communication. I'm unsure how to proceed in this situation.

I was laid off in June, and after a long job search, I finally accepted a new offer last week. Unfortunately, that offer was rescinded just days later due to unexpected funding issues for my role. This has been the toughest job market I've faced in over two decades in the tech industry. It feels like a cruel joke, especially after all the effort I put into my job search. I appreciate the support from everyone during this challenging time.

I recently accepted a two-month contract with a small company for an entry-level role. As part of the background check process, the company requested my W2s to confirm my previous employment, which I provided without hesitation, even though I thought it was a bit excessive for such a short contract. They initially said that was sufficient, but then an HR representative they contacted mistakenly indicated that I had worked there longer than I actually did. This was just because my name was still in their system from a previous stint. Now, the background check company is asking for my IRS transcripts and paystubs to prove my employment duration. This has been frustrating because they have assured me multiple times that everything should be fine, yet I've had over six start dates canceled. I'm starting to feel uneasy about providing more personal information, especially since I've already proven everything I claimed. Is this level of scrutiny normal for a short contract, or am I justified in feeling overwhelmed by their demands?

I recently got laid off from my position in Finance and Operations at a small business that was acquired by a large multinational company. I had been with the company for nearly two decades, working my way up from a jack-of-all-trades role. When the acquisition happened, I was assured by my CEO that my job was safe, but just over a year later, I found myself in a routine Teams meeting where I was informed of my layoff. It was a shock, and I spent the next few days consulting with lawyers about my severance, which I ultimately deemed fair. After the initial shock wore off, I realized I had the opportunity to find a job that I was truly passionate about. However, the reality of my situation hit hard—I had bills to pay and a family to support. I decided to stay in the business world and aimed to get a top-tier certification to enhance my job prospects. I studied hard and obtained the certification, believing it would help me secure a better-paying remote job. I launched into a job search, applying to hundreds of positions with custom resumes, but faced a lot of ghosting and rejection. I started applying for in-person jobs, fearing I might have to take a pay cut. Despite my efforts, including networking and refining my interview skills, I struggled to land a position. I reached out to connections for leads, but often felt let down by those who offered empty promises. In the midst of my job search, I decided to start my own business, hoping to create opportunities for myself. I developed a pitch and reached out to my network, which led to securing two clients. After six weeks, I was making more money than I had in my previous job, and it felt like a small victory amidst the chaos of job hunting.

I recently went through a significant career shift after being laid off from my analytics role, where I had about 10 years of experience and was earning around ₹38 LPA. The first week post-layoff was tough; I was anxious and started applying for jobs everywhere. However, I quickly learned that many companies looking to hire at my salary level were seeking candidates with expertise in AI, GenAI, Python, and machine learning, in addition to analytics skills. I did get close to securing another position, even agreeing to a pay cut to ₹34-35 LPA, but the offer never materialized despite the extensive back-and-forth with the hiring team. Then, unexpectedly, my current employer reached out and offered me the chance to withdraw my resignation and keep my job. This meant I had to forgo a substantial severance package. After some reflection, I decided to accept their offer. This experience has really opened my eyes to the current job market and my own skill gaps. While I excel in SQL, analytics, and stakeholder management, I realized I need to bolster my AI and Python skills to remain competitive. Now, I'm contemplating whether I made the right choice by staying. I'm leaning towards using this opportunity to upskill in AI and eventually seek better-paying roles in the future. I'd love to hear thoughts from others in the data, analytics, or AI fields who have faced similar situations.

I recently started a new job with better pay than my previous position, but I'm really struggling with the work environment. My manager is quite mean and seems to bully me, which has made my experience unbearable. Just the other day, I asked for a day off, and he flatly refused, leaving me feeling so upset that I almost cried in the bathroom. I dread going to work every single day and have thought about quitting on the spot. The catch is, I don't have another job lined up, although I'm actively applying and interviewing. I also have a 15-day trip planned for October, which makes me wonder if I should just stick it out for now, take the paid leave, and continue my job search. However, I'm worried that if I land interviews, needing time off could become a problem. I'm really torn about whether to stay for the paycheck or prioritize my mental health and leave. I could use some straightforward advice because I'm really overthinking this situation.

I recently graduated high school and I'm almost 19, but I'm struggling to find a job in Louisville, Kentucky. Since the middle of my senior year, I've submitted over 125 job applications, but I've only landed three interviews. It’s been really discouraging. I did manage to get hired at one place, but they fired me right after hiring me, before I even had a chance to complete my training day. I'm available to work 5-6 days a week at any shift and any hours, yet I'm still unemployed. I'm feeling really lost and tempted to just give up, but I need the money. I'm open to any advice or tips on how to improve my job search.

I recently started a new job as a parts staff at a car dealership, but I'm already feeling overwhelmed and unhappy just three days in. I'm 28 years old, have a degree in IT, and my work experience has been a mix of different roles. My ultimate goal is to secure a position in a government office, but I've realized that getting in often requires connections, which I don't have. Currently, I'm living alone in a small apartment and my financial situation is tight, so I took this job out of desperation. The pay is only about $220 for 15 days of work, which is frustrating, especially since government jobs here in the Philippines pay around $120 more and offer two days off compared to the one day off I get here. I'm starting to question what I really want to do with my life. I’ve been thinking about starting a YouTube channel focused on gym, motorcycles, and gaming, as I believe there's a good audience for that content here. However, I’m not sure how to begin, especially since I don’t have a decent camera for vlogging, although I do have a mid-tier gaming PC to work with. I feel stuck in this cycle of just surviving rather than truly living. The loss of my mom last year has left me feeling lost and without direction. I just want to find happiness and a way to make money doing something I love, rather than being trapped in a job that makes me miserable.

Today, I made a significant decision regarding my career. After 1.5 years at my current job, which I initially thought was my dream role, I accepted an offer to return to my previous employer. I left my last position for this one, taking a substantial pay cut and sacrificing my work-life balance, but I believed it would be worth it. Over the past year and a half, I've grown tremendously, working closely with the C-suite and receiving consistent praise for my contributions. I genuinely love my colleagues and the work we do. However, the toll on my mental health has been severe. My work hours are long, often stretching into weekends, and I find myself missing precious time with my fiancé. The constant pressure to be available, even during my time off, has made it increasingly difficult to manage my personal life. With plans to start a family soon, the stress of my current role combined with rising living costs has led me to reconsider my situation. About two and a half months ago, my old employer reached out with an enticing offer to return, including a significant raise and a sign-on bonus. After thoughtful discussions, I decided to take the leap and will officially transition back in two months. This decision feels life-changing, but I’m grappling with guilt about leaving my current team during the busiest season. I worry about the impact on my colleagues and feel bad for leaving so soon after joining. As I approach the date to give my notice, I find myself overwhelmed with emotions, often crying at home about the decision. I know deep down that prioritizing my well-being and future family is essential, but the guilt is hard to shake off. I’m seeking advice on how to cope with these feelings and navigate this transition with grace.

I received two job offers last Friday and had to make a tough decision. Job A was with a small management company offering a hybrid role at $50k with 2 weeks of PTO. Job B was with a small nonprofit, offering a hybrid role at $42k with only 1 week of PTO. I chose Job A because it seemed better on paper and I attempted to negotiate for more PTO since I have two trips planned next year. However, after the long weekend, they didn't respond to my negotiation request, leaving me in limbo. Meanwhile, I still have Job B as a backup, which I know can be flexible with my time off, even though the salary and PTO are not ideal, especially in the nonprofit sector. Additionally, there's a potential Job C that I interviewed for over a week ago. They mentioned needing to finish another round of interviews before making a decision, but now they want me to do a final interview with the chief of staff. This role could be part-time to full-time, pays similarly to Job B, and is fully remote, which I would love. I'm at a crossroads: should I wait for the interview with Job C on Friday, or should I secure Job B to avoid losing out on a guaranteed position? I'm not desperate for a job, as my job search has been going well, but I also don't want to turn my back on an offer that is already on the table.

I received a job offer on August 30th for a position at a chain retail store in the UK. The following day, I went in to have my passport scanned, and the interviewer mentioned that I should watch my email for the start paperwork. On September 4th, I reached out to her since I hadn't received anything yet. She responded that the recruiter was on holiday and assured me that she would send the rotas by the beginning of this week. Tomorrow is supposed to be my start date, but I still haven't received any paperwork or a shift schedule. I'm considering following up again, but I'm unsure about how and when to do that. I know this situation isn't a great sign for the company, but I'm in need of a job and want to keep this offer. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently left my first professional job and it wasn't the best situation with my boss, which led me to resign on short notice. Now, I've received an offer from a new company and signed the offer letter, but I'm a bit anxious about the reference check mentioned in the letter. I wasn't asked to provide any references, so I'm unsure if that means they'll just confirm my employment with my last company or if I need to provide my own references. I'm hesitant to use anyone from my previous job due to the circumstances of my departure, and I'm worried that not having references from my last role might raise a red flag. I've been upfront with the new company about why I left my previous job, but the uncertainty is still bothering me. Currently, I'm considering using my managers from my retail job during college and a former teacher as references, but I'm not sure if that will be enough or satisfactory for this new position.

I recently graduated in May and received a job offer with a salary of $35,000. The position is in my desired field and the location is where I want to move, which is exciting. However, I was hoping for relocation assistance since the city is quite expensive. I also have an interview for a local job that pays around $40,000, potentially $45,000 after government furloughs, but there's no guarantee I'll get that position. I'm torn between accepting the current offer, which is my only one so far, or waiting to see if I secure the other job that pays more. I'm looking for advice on whether to take the offer now or hold out for a potentially better opportunity.

I signed an unconditional contract for a new position on August 28th, with a confirmed start date of September 15th. However, I haven't heard anything from the company since signing. I'm feeling a bit nervous about the lack of communication. Should I be worried, or is it reasonable to wait until the end of this week before reaching out? I did see some advice suggesting that I could contact HR for details about my first day, which I might consider.

I recently started a new job at a well-regarded company in Bangalore, a position I worked hard to secure. However, I’m finding it incredibly difficult to adjust, and it’s becoming overwhelming. Each morning, I wake up with a sense of dread that feels almost paralyzing. Just the thought of opening my laptop makes my heart sink, and I often find myself in tears before the workday even begins. This anxiety is constant, even on days I work from home; knowing I have to log in fills me with dread. The work environment is stressful and at times toxic, and while I see others managing the pressure, I feel completely consumed by it. My previous job, while challenging, didn’t have this level of toxicity, and I could handle the stress. This situation feels drastically different. Having moved far from home, I lack a solid support system here, which adds to my feelings of isolation. I often find myself counting down the days until my family can visit or I can return home. I’m already in therapy and seeking additional support, but it feels like this job is draining my energy and passion for work. Interestingly, once I start working, I sometimes enjoy the tasks, but the anticipation and pressure leading up to it are unbearable. I’ve reached a point where I’m considering quitting, despite concerns about how a six-month stint will look on my resume. I don’t have significant financial obligations that would keep me trapped in this situation, and I have family support to fall back on if needed. I’m left questioning whether this is burnout, anxiety, or just a sign that this job isn’t the right fit for me. Is it common to feel this level of dread before work? Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I recently went through the application process for a federal job with the FAA as a 2101 position. Here's a detailed timeline of my journey: - I applied on April 10th for the Direct Hire bid. - I was deemed eligible by April 13th, which was a quick turnaround. - I had my interview on June 9th, and I was quite nervous but prepared. - On July 7th, I received the Tentative Offer Letter (TOL), which was a huge relief. - The next day, on July 8th, I received and submitted the Employment of Disclosure Statement (EODS). - My EODS was approved on July 13th, and I received the Conditional Invitation Letter (CIL) the same day. - I completed my fingerprints on July 14th and took the drug test on July 16th. - I received an invite for the eApplication on August 21st and submitted the SF85P form that same day. - I received and signed the Final Offer Letter (FOL) on September 2nd. - Finally, my start date is set for October 18th. I'm grateful for everyone who has guided me through this process and helped me get my foot in the door. If anyone has questions about my background or the application process, feel free to ask!

I graduated in 2021 with a BA in Game Design and Development and Computer Science. I landed a job as a UX designer at TATA Consultancy Services and worked there for three years until I was laid off in December 2024. Since then, it's been a tough journey. My wife and I moved into her parents' house after I struggled to find work throughout 2025, and my unemployment benefits eventually ran out. At the end of 2025, I attended an AI summit where I met a startup founder who has been giving me some part-time work this year, which I'm grateful for, but it's only about 10 hours a week. I also did some AI training for a friend's startup, but they were acquired last month, and while our contracts transferred, there hasn't been any work since. I picked up a weekend job at an arcade in June 2025, but at just 12 hours a week at $16.50 an hour, it barely helps with expenses. Despite these challenges, my wife and I managed to save up and relocate to Dallas in hopes of starting fresh. I'm still juggling my contracts, but I'm also considering doordashing since I can't even land a retail job. I've applied to countless positions, probably thousands at this point, and the most I've gotten is one round of interviews with HR or recruiters that lead nowhere. I know I've had some luck compared to others who have faced complete radio silence, but the job market feels impossible. The requirements keep changing; when I graduated, jobs asked for 1-3 years of experience, and now that I have 3-5 years, most listings ask for 5+ years. I'm reaching out for any advice or suggestions. I want to do whatever it takes to keep our apartment. Also, if anyone has feedback on my portfolio, I'd appreciate it: https://wvars123.myporfolio.com.

I recently received a job offer from the owner of a new restaurant that is set to open next month. I've been searching for a serving position for quite some time, and it has been challenging to break into the industry without extensive experience. I found the job posting in a Facebook group and reached out to the owner, sharing my relevant work experience and contact information. After a brief phone interview, I was thrilled to receive the job offer. However, the restaurant won't open until October, and the owner mentioned he would contact me for in-person training before then. I shared the news with my mom, who advised me not to get too excited, suggesting that jobs requiring a waiting period often don't materialize. This made me a bit anxious, as I want to be hopeful but also realistic. I did my due diligence on the restaurant to ensure it’s a legitimate opportunity, but I’m still grappling with whether I should keep my expectations in check or if I can trust that the owner will follow through.

After a long and challenging journey of one year and one month, I finally landed a job! The process was filled with anxious days and moments of hopelessness, but I learned the importance of patience and perseverance. I want to encourage others who might be feeling stuck or uncertain; keep pushing through and don't give up. The right opportunity will come at the right time. Things can and will change!