Got a Job

I started a new job as a Spark driver on Monday, but I'm already feeling miserable about it. After relocating across the country and spending two months searching for a job, I was excited to finally get an offer, but things have taken a turn for the worse. The company recruited me and pushed my start date back twice, which was frustrating. I only had one day of training, and I still haven't even been shown how to clock in and out. I'm seriously considering switching to Walmart Spark because I've heard the pay is decent in my area, and I'm willing to commit to working a full eight hours Monday through Friday. I’m just torn because I had such a tough time finding this job, but the unhappiness I'm experiencing is really affecting my mental health. Has anyone had success with Spark? Should I stick it out at my current job or make the leap?

I started a new job as a software engineer about two months ago, and I'm already feeling the pressure. My manager, who is 15 hours ahead of me, recently told me that my progress on a task is 'way too slow.' I’ve been working hard to understand a challenging codebase and have been using AI tools to assist me, but I feel like I'm not meeting expectations. My manager has scheduled daily meetings at 8:30 AM my time and sometimes checks in again at 5:30 PM. After a week of training that the company provided, I thought I was on the right track, but now I’m anxious about my performance. I've been hyper-focused on this task for a couple of weeks, and I thought I was making progress, but the lack of timely feedback from my manager and his recent comments have left me feeling stressed and unsure of my capabilities. I’m worried about the possibility of being let go, especially since the job market isn’t great right now. I’m trying to figure out if I’m a bad fit for this role or if the time zone difference is affecting my work. I’m considering adjusting my hours to better align with my manager’s schedule, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about my future here.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at work. Back in November, our senior operations manager unexpectedly resigned, and instead of hiring someone new, my director pulled me aside and encouraged me to step up. He said this was my chance to demonstrate leadership and operate at the senior level. I took on the challenge and worked tirelessly for the past eight months, often clocking in fifty-hour weeks. I managed all client logistics accounts, took over her direct reports, and handled our regional budget spreadsheets, all while maintaining my regular workload. I even helped boost our quarterly performance metrics by twelve percent. Yesterday, during my mid-year compensation review, my director handed me a promotion to Senior Operations Lead. I was excited until I noticed the compensation section was completely blank. When I inquired about a salary adjustment for taking on the additional responsibilities, he informed me that the budget for merit raises was frozen. He insisted that the title change was a significant career investment that would enhance my internal record. Reflecting on this, I realize I should have stopped doing the extra tasks once my contract hours ended in December. It’s disheartening that companies expect employees to pay their bills with fancy job titles rather than fair compensation.

I was made redundant in April and quickly found a job in May, but I absolutely hated it. I kept looking for better opportunities and attending interviews whenever I could. Today, I signed a contract for a brilliant new role that I’m really excited about! Throughout this process, my mental health has taken a hit, and I’m feeling scared about potentially failing in this new position. I could really use a boost of confidence right now. Wish me luck!

I recently received a job offer from a stone foundry where I would be making bricks. The pay structure is a bit unconventional, as it includes a base pay of $12 per hour along with commission based on the amount of stone I produce, which could range from $1.50 to $2.50 per cubic cm. While I currently work in a flea market warehouse earning $15 an hour for about 36 hours a week, I feel that a change is necessary for my career. The foundry claims that some employees with high production can earn up to $60,000 annually, but I know I shouldn't assume that level of income right away. On the plus side, the job offers good benefits, paid time off, and paid holidays. I'm curious if anyone else has experience with a similar pay structure and how it worked out for them.

I recently faced a tough situation at my job as a data analyst for an oil and gas company. I had been feeling overworked and underpaid, so I started applying for new positions to either secure a better job or use as leverage for salary negotiations. I made it through all the interview rounds at a new company that offered the same role but with much better pay. I had my final interview last Monday and was waiting to hear back from them this week. Then, out of nowhere, my current company laid off my entire team—14 out of 18 people were let go, with only the directors remaining. It was shocking and really devastating because I had put in a lot of hard work there. Thankfully, I do have severance, but it doesn’t ease the blow. Now I’m left wondering if I should inform the prospective company about my layoff before they get back to me. On one hand, I could mention that I’m available to start immediately and that I can provide strong references from the directors. On the other hand, I worry that it might undermine my previous claims of being overworked and make me seem desperate. Plus, what if they think I was applying because I knew the layoff was coming? I’m 26 years old with four years of experience in data analysis, skilled in Excel, Python, SQL, and Tableau, and I hold a BS in data science. I could really use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently landed a job interview with a company where the HR team has already indicated that I would be moving forward in the process. However, there's a bit of a complication: they believe I am still employed at my previous job. In reality, I left that position over two months ago. I'm curious about how far they might go in checking my employment status. Should I address this discrepancy proactively, or wait until it comes up in conversation? I've been thinking about how to explain my departure in a way that sounds convincing but doesn't raise any red flags. Any advice would be appreciated!

I just started a new job, and during lunch on my first day, I realized this position might not be the right fit for me. After being unemployed for three months, I'm grateful to have a job, but I'm struggling with several aspects of it. The transition from a fully remote role starting at 9 AM to this new job that requires me to be in the office by 8:30 AM and deal with an hour-long commute is tough, but I thought I could adapt. The pay is lower than what I was making before, but I figured I could find ways to make up for it elsewhere. However, the biggest issue for me is the work environment. My last job allowed me to work independently, often going an entire day without speaking, which suited my introverted nature perfectly. Now, I’m expected to engage in structured and monitored interactions with the public daily, and I’m really not sure I can handle that. I feel a bit foolish for complaining, especially given the current job market, but I worry my bosses will quickly realize I’m not a 'people person.' Should I bring this up with them? Or should I just hope that another opportunity arises for someone like me who prefers to work quietly on a computer all day? This is a government job, so I know the dynamics are different from the private sector.

I recently accepted a contract-to-hire position because I was in urgent need of a job and income. I started onboarding for this role, which pays $22/hr, and my first day is just two days away. However, I also received a call from another company where I had applied over a month ago, inviting me for a final interview with their Regional Director. They haven't disclosed the pay yet, but I mentioned I was looking for $31/hr, which falls within their range. The catch is that the contract-to-hire job is located 1.5 hours away, while the potential new job is slightly closer at 1.25 hours. I'm feeling quite conflicted about this situation. If I were to quit the contract job for the new opportunity, would I risk damaging my relationship with the staffing agency or the company I'm currently working for? I'm unsure of the best path forward and would appreciate any advice.

I recently started a new role as a Senior Analyst in the Health Informatics division of a large MedTech company, and I’ve been here for about 2 months. I really enjoy the work and the team, focusing on improving patient clinical outcomes and using our analytics suite for risk adjustment. However, just a few weeks in, senior leadership announced plans to separate our division, which could happen through a spinoff, merger, or acquisition within the next 12-15 months. This decision seems to stem from pressure from an investment group, despite our division being the most profitable part of the company. While there’s no hiring freeze and the company is currently profitable, I’m feeling uncertain about my future here since I’m so new, and the average tenure on my team is around 7-8 years. I have a manager from a previous job who has expressed interest in bringing me back, but the logistics of relocating are complicated due to my fiancé's job. I really don’t want to leave this position unless absolutely necessary, but I’m also aware that if layoffs occur, my short tenure might put me at risk. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and whether I should consider the backup job seriously or stay put for now.

I recently relocated to the Kansas City, MO area with my husband due to my father's health situation, as he is battling stage 4 cancer. While I was fortunate enough to secure a job quickly, my husband has been struggling to find employment. He has submitted hundreds of applications and has even started visiting businesses in person to introduce himself. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and has a solid work history with a major international retail brand in building, asset, and facilities management. Currently, he is open to taking any job, even a temporary one, but unfortunately, he hasn't received any responses from his applications. If anyone has any job leads or advice, it would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to reach out to me directly.

I am excited to share that I finally landed a job after an incredibly challenging journey! I was laid off on July 17 and had been actively searching for positions since November 2025. Over that time, I applied to more than 3,000 jobs, but only got shortlisted for two. One company ghosted me, and I didn’t make it past the interview with the other because they felt I wasn't the right fit. About a month ago, I received a call from a company that reached out to me directly. I was surprised because I didn’t even know they had an opening in my niche field. Somehow, I managed to navigate through their hiring process and got selected! It’s ironic that after all those applications, the opportunity came from a company that found me first. The job market has been brutal, and I can't believe how many positions seem to be fake or unfilled. This past year has drained me with constant rejections and the pressure of interviews. I start my new role at the end of September, and I’m relieved that my career break was shorter than I anticipated—just about six weeks. I went through six rounds of interviews, and even when I doubted my performance, I pushed through and succeeded. I’m not sure how this new job will change my life yet, but I’m grateful that things are finally looking up. To anyone still job hunting, I genuinely hope you find a role that suits you well. This market is tough, and I understand how exhausting it can be. Wishing everyone the best in their job search!

I recently landed a new role after several months of searching, and I wanted to share some insights that really helped me throughout the process. One key takeaway is the importance of networking effectively to secure interviews. I learned that while referrals can get you in the door, they don't guarantee a job; the interview performance and relevant experience often play a much larger role. I realized that having an edge in my applications was crucial. This could mean having direct experience in a similar industry or a job description that perfectly matched my skills. However, even the best match doesn't always lead to success, especially when internal candidates are involved. To enhance my chances, I made a list of companies where my previous experience as a business analyst in healthcare would be valuable. I focused on competitors and similar firms that would appreciate my insights. Then, I reached out to professionals in those roles, engaging with their posts and starting conversations, regardless of current job openings. This way, when positions did arise, I had established connections rather than cold messaging someone who had no idea who I was. I also noted that keeping the list of target companies manageable—around 15-20—was essential to avoid spreading myself too thin. It can be exhausting to maintain multiple conversations, but it's worth the effort to stay connected. I keep a note on my phone for companies I want to target, which has been incredibly helpful.

I recently took on an administrative assistant role at a tech company in Seattle, thinking it would be a good entry-level position to get my foot in the door. However, it's turned out to be quite different from what I expected. The job pays $25 an hour through an agency, but there’s no possibility for conversion, which adds to my frustration. Most of my time is spent on my feet, stocking fridges, pantries, and bathrooms across three floors, while also trying to manage administrative tasks. Just three weeks in, the office manager is going on vacation for two weeks and expects me to take over her responsibilities, despite my limited time in the role. I’m feeling really anxious about this. Today, she decided to come in late to see how I would handle things on my own. I dealt with a badge access issue for several employees and managed to resolve it, but when she arrived, she was furious that I hadn't notified her while she was out. She also expressed disappointment that I hadn’t filled the snacks on the main floor, despite my efforts to juggle multiple tasks. I discussed my concerns with my agency, and they suggested I propose hiring a dedicated facilities person to handle the stocking and cleaning, allowing me to focus more on administrative duties. When I brought this up to my manager, she laughed and said, "that's why I have you here." Additionally, I was told to clean up a spill myself instead of contacting the janitorial service. I feel like I'm doing mostly facilities work rather than actual administrative tasks, and my manager's lack of faith in my abilities is affecting my mental health. My agency plans to talk to the company about finding a role better suited to my skills, and they’re also looking for other placements for me. I’m torn about leaving, especially since my manager is going on vacation soon, but I’m struggling to cope with the stress and feeling like a servant. I'm waiting to hear back from my agency on Thursday, and in the meantime, I'm trying to keep my head down and work through it.

I recently started working at Discount Tire as a 17-year-old female, hoping to gain hands-on experience in mechanics since I'm passionate about cars. However, my experience has been frustrating and disheartening. I've been on the job for about a month, and I feel like I'm not getting the training I need. I'm the only girl in the shop, and my original manager was absent for two weeks when I started, which left me learning from various coworkers who each showed me different parts of the process without a consistent training approach. I often find that just as I'm about to perform a task, a coworker jumps in and takes over, which has severely impacted my confidence. For instance, today I was ready to jack up a car, but another employee took the jack from me and did it himself. I only managed to balance one tire all day, and after doing it correctly, instead of letting me practice more, my manager sent me to run dead tires instead. This pattern repeats itself, with me being assigned menial tasks while others get to do the more hands-on work. One coworker even suggested that if he were in charge, I would only be allowed to do air checks. Additionally, the manager's grandson, who is just another employee, has been condescending towards me, often speaking as if he has authority over my work. He has made snarky comments about my performance and has expressed irritation when I struggle with lifting heavy tires, despite my genuine efforts. My manager has also pulled me aside to say that I wasn't progressing quickly enough, citing complaints from others that I seemed uninterested, which couldn't be further from the truth. I care deeply about learning and improving, but I feel stuck in a cycle where I'm not allowed to practice enough to gain the skills I need. There have been uncomfortable moments as well, including a coworker in his 20s who asked me out despite my age and continued to engage with me in ways that felt invasive. I removed him from social media to avoid further discomfort. I understand my limitations, especially when it comes to lifting heavy tires, but I don’t see why that should prevent me from practicing essential skills like jacking cars up or balancing wheels. The heat in the shop is also a concern, as it gets extremely hot, and I've been feeling dizzy and overheated, which adds to my stress. Overall, I'm feeling very discouraged and unsure about my future in this role.

I just received a rejection email from a job I applied to over a year ago, and I can't believe it. Last spring and summer, I applied to over 100 positions after recovering from a serious illness that forced me to drop out of college. It took me more than two months to land my current job at a grocery store. Out of all those applications, I never heard back from at least 70% of them. I faced around 30 rejections, went through 15 interviews, and only received 1 job offer. Now, after 14 months of silence, I get this email. The job market in the US is really frustrating right now.

I just landed a part-time job as a lead generator and brand ambassador for an HVAC company! I've been studying marketing and have some experience in event planning, so I was excited to get this opportunity after being out of work for almost a year. They hired me on the spot during the interview, which was a bit surprising. I wonder if that’s a red flag or if it just reflects their need for help. The company has between 50-200 employees, and the hiring manager mentioned potential marketing positions I could move into once I graduate. I filled out the necessary paperwork, received a shirt, and was shown the materials I’ll be using to generate leads at networking events. I see this as a great chance to showcase my skills and network, especially since I’m quite personable and good at communication. However, I can’t shake the feeling of uncertainty about how quickly I was hired. Did they genuinely like me, or are they just in need of anyone? Regardless, I need this job, so I’m committed to making it work. I’m curious about what signs I should look for in terms of company culture and growth opportunities.

I started a new job as a healthcare provider two weeks ago, but today I received a call from the director that completely shocked me. After just six shifts, I was informed that I was being let go due to a lack of progress. I was told that my performance was not meeting expectations, which was hard to believe since I had been seeing patients independently and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from them. During my training, I was initially told to just observe, but I quickly took on patient responsibilities and even saw more patients than my trainers, who seemed more focused on their phones than on their work. This situation raises a huge red flag for me, as it feels like there might have been some bias against me from my trainers. I’m still processing this and trying to understand what went wrong. It feels like I was set up to fail, and I’m considering my options moving forward, including filing for unemployment. If anyone has advice or questions, I’m open to discussing.

I recently got hired at TriMkt, thinking it was a decent entry-level opportunity to gain professional experience. The interviews with Cedric and other directors were positive, highlighting growth, leadership opportunities, and a strong team culture. I didn't do my homework before accepting the job, which I now regret. The reality of the position involved selling AT&T services inside Costco and BJ's, where I was expected to approach customers and convince them to sign up. The pay structure was heavily commission-based, with only a $500 weekly base that ended up being around $400 after taxes. The financial pressure to sell was intense, especially since we worked upwards of 60 hours a week, including weekends. Additionally, we had mandatory early-morning meetings that weren't compensated, along with team-building activities that took up more of our time. What was presented as professional development felt more like an expectation to give more time without pay. After just one day of orientation, where they repeated everything from the interviews, I decided to quit. I'm now on the hunt for a new job, ideally outside the restaurant industry, but I'm prepared to return if necessary.

I recently received a job offer in the IT industry for $50k, which will increase to $55k after 90 days. I was laid off in January and took the Sec+ certification to enhance my skills. Although this offer is better than what I've had before, it's still on the lower end for the industry. I come from a customer service background, so this entry-level position is a chance for me to learn and grow. However, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Since receiving this offer, I've been contacted by other companies for interviews, and they are offering significantly higher salaries—$65k and $70k. I'm feeling anxious about accepting the current job because if I get an offer from one of these other companies, I would have to quit shortly after starting, which feels really uncomfortable to me. I have a hard time with authority and dislike the idea of job-hopping, especially since I've struggled financially for most of my life. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I take the job I have now and continue interviewing, or is it better to wait and see if I get a higher offer? I appreciate any insights!