Got a Job

I was a hardware engineer at Microsoft for 8 years when I got laid off in July, right after the long weekend. I received the news while I was on vacation, which was a shock. After my layoff, I interviewed with 15 companies and ended up with 5 offers, ultimately choosing one that pays me twice as much as I was making before. Throughout my time at Microsoft, I progressed from an entry-level engineer to a senior engineer, earning 4 promotions and receiving 'exceeds expectations' ratings for 6 consecutive years. However, everything changed when I became a mother. I went on maternity leave in January 2025, and when I returned in July, I found that my yearly performance rating had dropped to 'needs improvement'—a first for me. This rating came as a surprise, especially since my manager had nominated me for a recognition award just before my leave. During the rewards discussion, I was told I hadn’t provided enough documentation for my team before my leave, which felt like an unjust excuse for the low rating. Despite feeling targeted due to my new role as a mother, I chose to stay because I was comfortable in my team and needed flexibility. In hindsight, I’m grateful for the layoff; it pushed me to explore my worth in the job market and reaffirmed my confidence as an engineer. Thank you, Microsoft, for showing me that I deserve better. For anyone else facing layoffs, remember that everything happens for a reason, and something better is often waiting on the other side.

I'm currently off sick from my job at a retail company, and I've just received an offer for a new position. I'm unsure about what this means for my notice period. I was genuinely planning to see my GP before I got the new job offer, so I don't feel guilty about taking sick leave. I've heard that I can resign while on sick leave, but I'm not clear on how my notice period will work in this situation. I plan to speak with my GP and HR to clarify whether they might agree to shorten my 4-week notice period. I want to make sure I handle this properly.

I was laid off at the end of July due to not getting along with my new manager, which was a tough situation to navigate. After that, I jumped straight into the job market and was fortunate enough to land a new position with a £10k pay rise. This new role starts in two weeks, and I signed the contract just last week. I'll be reporting directly to the Finance Director, who has assured me that he will give me the autonomy I desire. However, during the waiting period for my job offer, I connected with another recruiter who presented me with my ideal job: a hybrid role in central London, with only one direct report and direct access to the CFO. This role is very appealing compared to my new job, which is a four-day hybrid position in north London, where I will be managing an outsourced finance team. Now that the CFO is back from paternity leave, my recruiter has asked if I want to proceed with the interview for this ideal position. I said yes, but I’m feeling a lot of guilt about it. What if I do well in the interview and decide to take that job instead? I would hate to let down my new employer, especially since I’ve already signed a contract. I’m really torn because I value having fewer layers in the organization for more control and decision-making ability, as well as a good relationship with my manager. I’m seeking advice on what to do in this situation.

I just started a new job at my fourth firm in private practice, but I received a response from a company I've been wanting to join for a long time for an in-house role. I'm excited about the opportunity, but I'm unsure about how to approach the situation since they will likely conduct a background check. Should I be upfront about recently wrapping up my last role and taking some time to consider my next move? I could explain that while I was contemplating a career break, I couldn't pass up the chance to apply for this in-house position. Or should I pretend I'm still employed at my previous company? I'm leaning towards honesty, as I’ve heard that lying could lead to complications later on, especially if they confirm my employment dates. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently found myself in a bit of a tricky situation regarding job interviews. About a month ago, I interviewed for a position but didn't hear back, so I assumed I was out of the running. Then, I discovered a job that seemed perfect for my background and would offer me a salary higher than I've ever earned. Just days after I applied for this ideal role, I received an offer from the job I thought had ghosted me. Although I wasn't particularly excited about that offer, I decided to move forward with it. Before starting my new role, I received an email from HR asking for a screening interview. I explained that I had just started a new job but was eager to talk, and they agreed to a call after my work hours. I ended up doing the screening call in my car, which was a bit unconventional since it was a video call, but it seemed to go well. They didn't seem to mind my setting, and they quickly offered me a second interview, really trying to sell me on the company, which wasn't necessary since I was already very interested. Now, I have a second interview scheduled this week during my lunch break, but I'm unsure if I should also do this one in my car. My commute is an hour, so going home isn't an option. I want to make a good impression, but I’m concerned about the environment. I thought about using filters to enhance my appearance on camera, but they all seem to cut off my hair, which isn't ideal. I’m weighing my options and considering whether I should find a quiet place to park or stick with my car for this next interview.

I started a new job in May this year, and initially received positive feedback after my first month. However, after three months, I was informed that my probation period would be extended for two additional months due to concerns about my "culture fit," despite my technical competence. Just two weeks later, I was told that they would be letting me go after the extended period. Now, I have about 6-7 weeks left at the company, and I'm unsure how to approach my remaining time here. Should I maintain a professional demeanor and not burn any bridges, or should I just do the bare minimum since they’ve already decided to let me go? I'm also considering starting to apply for new jobs while still employed.

About a year ago, I faced some trouble at my previous job, which I thought was a minor issue, but it escalated to the point where my manager and HR got involved. It left me feeling disheartened, especially when they made it clear that my career aspirations were off the table. Frustrated, I started looking for new opportunities. After 6-9 months of applying to hundreds of jobs and going through numerous interviews, I finally accepted a role at a large tech company, attracted by the significant pay increase and the promise of more ownership in my work. I felt relieved and optimistic, believing it was a good move despite it not being my dream job. However, after just two months in the new position, I am regretting my decision. Each day has been filled with misery due to a lack of direction, projects that are falling apart, and a toxic environment where communication is almost nonexistent. I’ve tried to approach my boss about my concerns, but given my past experiences, I’m hesitant to be too open. I can sense that this is not a place where I will thrive. Recognizing that I need to make a change, I began job hunting again after just a week in this role. Over the past two months, I've had three interviews but no job offers yet. My niche role in the corporate training industry makes it challenging, and every rejection feels heavier than before. I’m anxious about the current job market and feel guilty for being unhappy in a position that many would consider a great opportunity. I just can’t see myself lasting here much longer.

I got laid off from my role in sales and talent acquisition in November 2025 due to company cost-cutting measures. After taking two months off to recover and disconnect, I jumped back into the job market. Initially, I followed the typical route—applying to jobs, tailoring my applications, and facing rejection after rejection. It was disheartening, especially since I have 15 years of experience in sales and talent acquisition, have worked remotely and internationally, and have a bilingual background, yet I couldn't even get a conversation started with potential employers. Realizing that my approach wasn't working, I decided to change my strategy. I began treating my job search like a sales process, focusing on research, referrals, and persistence. Here’s what I did: 1. I compiled a list of job boards and ATS sources to find relevant job postings consistently. 2. I checked this list daily for new opportunities. 3. I created a list of companies I admired and used AI to discover competitors I hadn't considered before. 4. I explored their career pages for roles that fit my profile and checked historical openings to gauge their hiring patterns. 5. I evaluated whether the roles were worth pursuing based on geography, compensation, and experience requirements. 6. I leveraged LinkedIn to see if anyone in my network worked at these companies. 7. If I found a connection, I reached out, even if I had only a loose acquaintance with them. 8. I initiated conversations based on shared experiences or interests before asking for a referral. 9. Once rapport was established, I inquired about their employee referral program, emphasizing the potential benefits for them. 10. I asked if they would be comfortable referring me, ensuring I framed it as a request based on my background rather than a demand. 11. If I lacked direct connections, I sought introductions through my wider network. 12. I also asked friends in sales for help in reaching out to potential contacts using their data enrichment tools. 13. I expanded my outreach methods beyond LinkedIn, utilizing email, phone, and even text to connect with multiple people at once. 14. For companies without referrals, I stepped out of my comfort zone by sending LinkedIn voice messages and quick personalized video introductions, which helped me stand out. This proactive and multifaceted approach led me to secure one full-time job and two fractional roles. It was a challenging journey, but adapting my strategy made all the difference.

After applying to over 70 positions and interviewing with more than 25 companies, I finally received an offer! The job search has been a challenging journey, but I'm excited to see my efforts pay off. I learned a lot from each interview and refined my approach along the way. Looking forward to starting this new chapter!

I recently got hired for a construction job as a painter helper, and honestly, it all happened pretty quickly. After being out of work for a few months, I stumbled upon an online ad for the position. The company mainly works on large new construction projects in office buildings. My role involves running errands to the hardware store, moving equipment around the job site, and laying down floor coverings. After exchanging a few messages on Indeed, the owner sent me the address of a job site and told me to just show up at a certain time and find one of his painters to assist for the day. It felt a bit sketchy to me, but I really need the work right now. I’m curious if this is a common way to get hired in the construction industry.

I worked at a WITCH company for 11 years, always dreaming of landing a job at a FAANG company. After nine months of intense preparation, I finally secured a position at Microsoft. I was excited to work alongside brilliant minds, but things took a turn when I asked personal questions to two female colleagues. They felt uncomfortable and reported me to management, which led to an HR complaint. Just ten months into my dream job, I was fired for what they deemed inappropriate behavior. Now, I find myself back at a WITCH company, grappling with the pain of knowing I wasn't laid off; I was fired for my actions. Every day is a struggle as I replay the events in my mind, questioning my behavior and wondering how I ruined my career. I can't help but think about whether I'll ever have the chance to return to a FAANG company again. The weight of this experience haunts me, especially as I try to focus on being a good parent to my five-year-old. I feel lost and overwhelmed, and I just want to understand what went wrong and how to move forward.

I recently accepted a new job offer, but I'm feeling anxious about a mistake I made during the interview process. I currently work as support staff at a law firm, and I mistakenly described my position as a contract role when it is actually a permanent position with a probationary period. I didn't mention this on my resume, but I did indicate that my current job might end in September, which could have led to the confusion. I noticed the interviewers taking notes on my resume, and now I'm worried that this misunderstanding could create issues, especially since the new employer does government-contract work. I'm considering reaching out to them to clarify the situation, but I'm afraid they might rescind the job offer if I do. I haven't filled out any official forms yet, but I know they will need to verify my paralegal certification soon. I regret this mistake and the potential consequences it could have on my new job.

After a long 12 months of unemployment, I finally landed a job! I went from earning over $100k a year to just above minimum wage, which is quite the shift. It’s funny how life works sometimes, but honestly, I feel really fortunate and happy to have found something. It’s a relief to be back in the workforce, even if the pay isn’t what it used to be. I’m hoping this job will serve as a stepping stone to something better in the future.

I recently received a job offer for a position that I'm not particularly excited about. The role offers very few hours and the pay isn't great. They sent me an offer email stating that I have 7 days to respond, which I thought would give me enough time to continue interviewing for better opportunities. However, now the hiring manager has started texting me to check if I've seen the email. I'm feeling a bit stuck on how to respond. I want to keep my options open while being polite and professional. I'm considering saying something like, 'Thank you for the confirmation that I received the offer. I am excited about the opportunity, but I have some concerns regarding the hours and my salary expectations.' Any advice on how to handle this situation?

I just signed a contract with a temp agency for a new job in Oregon, which starts immediately. The pay is good, and I really need this work since I've been unemployed since January. However, my wife is pregnant and due in less than three months, and I'm feeling torn about how to handle this situation. I didn't mention anything about my wife's pregnancy during the interview because I read that it's usually best to keep that information private until hired. Now that I've signed the paperwork, I'm wondering if I should inform my agency recruiter right away or wait until I've proven myself at the job. I want to be there for my wife and support her when the baby arrives, but I'm also aware that as a temp worker, I might not qualify for FMLA or any parental leave. I'm concerned about how to communicate this without jeopardizing my new position. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation or from HR professionals on the best way to approach this.

I recently had a tough experience where I got fired on my second day at a commercial warehouse job for being "not a good fit." It was frustrating because I felt I did nothing wrong. However, I didn't let that setback discourage me. I had an interview for a position I've been eager to get into for a long time, and it went really well! The company is a local HVAC business run by some very nice, older owners. I’ve been in touch with them before through my union, but things didn’t work out at that time. This time, I was able to reconnect and went in for the interview. I shared that I have one month left in my HVAC school and talked about what I’ve learned so far. I was honest about my lack of experience, but I expressed my eagerness to learn and grow with them. They appreciated my local background, and we discovered that we live just 8 minutes apart! I mentioned that I finish school in October and asked if I could start the first Monday of that month, which they agreed to. I left the interview feeling hopeful and grateful for the opportunity. I’m really hoping to land this job and finally kickstart my career after that rough first experience.

I just started a new job at a small company two days ago, and I'm already feeling like I want to quit. I've noticed several red flags that have me concerned. For starters, my personal phone number and email have been shared with clients and other providers, which feels really unprofessional. Additionally, my job title has been downgraded from what was originally agreed upon in my contract, and there was a lack of transparency regarding work-from-home arrangements. I was initially told I could work from home two days a week, but it turns out that's only possible after passing probation. I accepted this position because it offered a significant pay increase and didn't require me to bill hours, but now I'm questioning whether I made the right choice. I think I rushed into this job out of desperation to leave my previous firm, and I'm starting to regret it. I'm contemplating leaving after such a short time, and I'm curious if anyone else has done the same. I feel confident that I could find another role fairly quickly due to my experience, but I'm also considering taking a couple of months off before jumping back into the job market.

I just received an offer for a new role that comes with a $25k salary increase, which is a huge deal for me at 25. However, instead of feeling excitement, I’m overwhelmed with guilt. I've been unhappy at my current job and have been actively searching for new opportunities, but the timing of this offer is stressful. They want me to start on September 14, which means I won't be able to give a full two-week notice. I’m worried about how my current team will react, especially since I manage some great people who I will miss deeply. Despite my frustrations with my current job, I find myself feeling bad about leaving them without proper notice, even though I know they haven’t treated me well either. It’s frustrating because I’ve been waiting for this moment for 11 months, dreaming of the day I could resign. I realize I need to prioritize my own career and well-being, but the thought of disappointing my team weighs heavily on me. I’m reaching out for advice on how to handle this situation. Should I just suck it up and give my one-week notice? I’m worried about how emotional I might get when I do it. Any thoughts?

I recently walked out on my job at a small hotel where I was working as a housekeeper. The environment was really toxic; the pay was low, and there were no tips. I felt like I was being micromanaged for everything, even down to the way the creamer pot was labeled. The staff and managers formed a tight-knit clique, which made it hard to fit in. I had just started school, and they even referred to my education as a distraction. Today, during my shift, I was told twice about my phone being out while I was working. A few days ago, I accidentally entered a guest's room while they were still inside, and I apologized immediately, but the guest escalated the situation, claiming I had entered the room three times. One of my coworkers confronted me, insisting I needed to admit to entering three times or else their friend, another housekeeper, would face a write-up. At that point, I had enough. I told them to pound sand and left. I feel so relieved now, especially since I recently secured a second job that I'm much happier with.

I recently received a job offer that I'm contemplating. The position would mean taking a pay cut, but it’s a permanent, full-time role with benefits, which is a significant change from my current job. Right now, I’m in a seasonal position that leaves me without work for about four months each year, and I don’t receive any benefits. Plus, there’s no potential for growth, and I find myself increasingly frustrated with the customer service aspect, especially dealing with tourists and their trivial complaints. The new job promises a consistent schedule, benefits, and a chance to work for one of the largest employers in the state, along with opportunities for advancement. Although the pay cut is concerning, I believe it could be a better long-term decision for my career. I feel like I know what I should do, but I’m seeking some outside perspectives on this. Any advice would be appreciated!