Got a Job

I recently started my first job as a waitress at a local pub, and I've been there for just two weeks. Initially, I was excited and my first few shifts went fairly well. I started to gain confidence in taking orders and serving customers, and I even received some tips and positive interactions with customers. However, I've been struggling with a lot of anxiety related to the job. Before my shifts, I often feel physically ill with knots in my stomach and loss of appetite, which makes it hard to look forward to going in. I've made several mistakes like forgetting orders and struggling with the card machine, and I feel like my colleagues have not been very supportive. One of the bar staff has been particularly rude to me, and my boss has criticized me in front of others, which really affects my self-esteem. Yesterday was especially tough; I made multiple mistakes and felt completely overwhelmed without any support from my team. Now, I'm scheduled to work alone tomorrow for the closing shift, and I don't feel prepared for it at all. My parents have noticed how stressed I am and are encouraging me to quit, but I'm torn because I actually enjoy parts of waitressing. I have a few days off after tomorrow, and I'm debating whether to push through the shift and then decide, or to quit tonight. I don't financially need this job right now, and I'm worried about regretting either decision. Should I stick it out a bit longer or call it quits?

I was laid off in January 2023 from my senior marketing VP role after over a decade in the industry, right when I turned 55. It took me a staggering 42 months to secure a stable new position, and I wanted to share my journey in hopes it might help others facing a lengthy job search. In 2023, I started off with a positive outlook since I had severance and bonuses that kept me financially stable until June. I had been saving diligently and had some consulting leads, plus a consistent freelance client that brought in $20-40K annually. By the end of 2023, I had two monthly retainer clients and a couple of project-based gigs, but I made about 30% less than the previous year. I applied to 29 jobs, went through 11 interviews, but unfortunately, no offers came my way. Many of the interviews were through referrals, but I knew they weren't the right fit. In 2024, I lost my retainer clients but managed to get work from my old employer. After my unemployment ended in March, a recruiter reached out from a small Midwestern company, and I landed a new job in July, which came with a 25% pay increase. My income for the year was similar to 2023, but I applied to 48 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer after making it to the final rounds twice. Then in January 2025, I faced another layoff. The new company was disorganized, and the president who hired me had left. I received a small severance and had to restart unemployment. Consulting work became challenging as many companies started relying on AI. Thankfully, I found a maternity leave cover position with a former manager, although it paid significantly less and lacked benefits. My income dropped by 10% compared to 2024, and I applied to 21 jobs, got 9 interviews, but only made it to the final rounds three times. By 2026, my consulting gig ended in January, and I was living off unemployment and savings while in final rounds for two roles that ultimately fell through. In April, I was called back for another consulting role, which recently converted to a W-2 position. While it pays 50% less than my last job, I'm grateful to have it. My income now is less than half of what I earned in 2022. I applied to 34 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer. The job market was tough, especially with the impact of the Iran war affecting many sectors. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to have had savings, supportive family, and no major health issues. My emergency fund took a hit, but I haven't touched my retirement savings. The adaptability and resilience required in this new job landscape are overwhelming, especially with AI disrupting my field. I hope to maintain my current position until retirement and wish everyone the best in their own journeys.

I just accepted a job offer at a large manufacturing company in the Midwest, and I couldn't be more excited! I received the offer on July 1st, the same day I resigned from my previous job due to harassment from my boss, which was seriously affecting my mental health. Thankfully, my wife supported my decision to quit and encouraged me to find something better. The new job comes with a $12 an hour raise, it's a union position, and they don't drug test for marijuana, which is a big deal for me since I live in a legal state. I can actually see myself retiring from this company. After accepting the offer, I went in for a physical and drug test, which went smoothly. However, the waiting for the background check was nerve-wracking. I've had jobs that required background checks before, but this one took longer than expected. I was DoorDashing full-time while waiting, which added to my anxiety about whether the offer would still be valid. My car has been through a lot during this time, with two flat tires and a broken door handle! Finally, I received my start date last week, and I’m relieved to know that I’ll be starting in just one week. It’s been a long journey, but I’m ready to leave DoorDash behind and start this new chapter in my career.

Almost a year ago, I experienced my first layoff due to "restructuring." I was working in a junior role at a company where I had been for just 8 months. The environment felt tense, especially with a new head coming into the department and senior members seemingly being favored over me. I was laid off while others, who were younger and had more tenure, stayed on. I received severance, was eligible for unemployment, and even got a year-end bonus, but it was disappointing to see it was half of what I had received at my previous job and came with a rating of "needs improvement," which was a first for me. I can't help but wonder if that rating was a tactic to justify my lower bonus after my layoff. The experience was tough, especially since I had left a job that wanted to keep me. Thankfully, I quickly found a new position, although it pays less, the work environment is much more flexible and pleasant. Recently, I received a notification on LinkedIn that my old role, which was supposedly eliminated, has been reposted with the same salary I was making. This has left me questioning whether my position was genuinely cut for cost-saving reasons or if it was a move to protect the management's interests during the transition. It's puzzling to think that my role was deemed unnecessary only to be filled again months later, especially after the senior manager who hired me also left the company. Did management misjudge the necessity of my position?

I recently received a 12-month NICU residency offer from St. David’s (HCA), which is my dream job, but I'm feeling hesitant about accepting it. I’ve heard mixed reviews about HCA's new grad nurse residency programs and I'm looking for insights from others who have gone through it. Specifically, I want to know about the orientation process, how the classes were structured, and what the precepted shifts were like. Did you feel adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities on your own after the orientation? Also, I’ve heard that some people have had to quit their positions—how did that experience go for you? I know they’ve changed the contract terms, so I’m curious about how that might affect my decision.

I recently received a job offer for a tutoring position at a tutoring center about a week ago. The email was very welcoming, detailing the subjects I would be teaching and stating that I would receive my employment contract shortly. I promptly updated my availability, and they confirmed it, reiterating their welcome to the team. However, as of August 22, I still haven't received the contract. To complicate matters, I received an automated rejection email at a different email address I used for another application, while the offer was sent to my university email. I'm uncertain if this means my offer is still valid or if it has been rescinded due to the other application. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? Should I reach out to them directly for clarification?

I was laid off in June 2026 from a networking/cloud security company where I had been working since November 2025. After the shock of losing my job, I quickly pivoted to job hunting, utilizing LinkedIn Premium and reaching out for referrals. By August, I secured a position at a well-known networking company in Bangalore with a decent compensation of around 26 LPA. However, now that I’ve started, I’m having doubts. My experience has primarily been at L5/L6 and L7 levels, but my new role focuses on core L2/L3 packet forwarding, which involves low-level networking concepts and maintaining a legacy codebase. The tools and workflows feel outdated, and I’m realizing that I don’t enjoy the networking domain as much as I thought. I entered this field without a clear direction, and now I’m drawn to working with AWS, Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, and modern backend/distributed systems. I also want to move back to Hyderabad, but I'm concerned about the limited networking opportunities there and the potential for lower compensation outside of FAANG companies. I have several questions: 1. How realistic is it to switch domains with around 3 years of experience? 2. What’s the best way to transition back to Hyderabad without losing career momentum or pay? 3. How can I best pivot towards modern cloud technologies? 4. Am I overreacting by considering a switch so soon, or is it reasonable to look for a path that aligns with my interests? I want to avoid spending years in a role that doesn’t excite me, and I’d appreciate any advice from those who have successfully transitioned domains after a few years in the industry.

I was laid off in June 2026 from a networking/cloud security company where I had been working for about 7 months. It was a shock to me, especially since I had around 3 years of experience in the networking domain, primarily using C/C++. After taking a day to process the layoff, I dove into job hunting, leveraging LinkedIn Premium and reaching out for referrals. Thankfully, I landed a new role this month at a well-known networking company in Bangalore, with a decent compensation of around 26 LPA. However, I'm having second thoughts about this new position. In my previous roles, I was involved at L5/L6 levels, but my current team focuses on core L2/L3 packet forwarding, which involves low-level networking concepts, debugging, and maintaining a legacy codebase. They still use outdated tools like Review Board instead of more modern workflows, and I find myself feeling disconnected from the work. I've realized that I might not enjoy the networking domain as much as I thought. I entered this field without a clear career direction, and now I feel stuck. I'm more interested in technologies like AWS, Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, and modern backend/distributed systems. Additionally, I want to eventually move back to Hyderabad, but I'm concerned about the limited networking opportunities there and the potential for lower compensation outside of FAANG companies. I'm seeking advice on a few things: 1. How realistic is it to switch domains with about 3 years of experience? 2. What strategies can I use to transition back to Hyderabad without sacrificing my career or salary? 3. What steps should I take to move towards AWS, Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, and modern cloud technologies? 4. Am I overreacting by considering a switch so soon after starting this new job, or is it reasonable to think about my long-term career satisfaction? I don't want to be stuck in Bangalore forever or specialize in something I don't enjoy. Any insights from those who have successfully switched domains would be greatly appreciated. I also plan to share my experience of being laid off twice in one year in a separate post.

I was laid off after nearly 9 years at my first job, where I had grown from an entry-level position to an SDE 4 role, significantly increasing my compensation along the way. The layoff hit me hard, especially since I had invested so much of my identity into that company. I received a generous severance and had a month to transition, but that didn’t lessen the shock and devastation I felt. After the layoff in June, I treated my job search like a full-time job. I applied to numerous positions, prepared extensively, and went through a rollercoaster of interviews—some I failed, others I passed, and I faced rejections from companies I was eager to join. However, I also received unexpected offers, and after three months of intense searching, I ended up with six strong offers to choose from. The decision was tough as I had to consider various factors beyond just salary, especially with my wife and I expecting our first child in October. Ultimately, I accepted a VP Engineering role at a new company with a compensation package about 2.5 times what I was making before. This experience taught me that a layoff doesn’t define my worth or the value I created over the years. It’s crucial to stay positive, keep learning, and continue applying, even when the results aren’t immediate. I hope my journey inspires others facing similar challenges to keep pushing forward. You only need one company to say yes, and that yes can change everything.

I just received a job offer! After weeks of searching and applying, I finally landed a position that I'm really excited about. The role is in marketing at a tech startup, and I can't wait to start this new chapter in my career. I appreciate all the support and advice from everyone during my job search!

About 255 days ago, I shared my thoughts on the job market and how I found it easier to start a business than to find a job. Since then, I've made significant progress. I successfully built a small consultation firm and currently have three clients, with more on the way. My services range from design and copywriting to website updates and even interior design for one of my clients. I also managed to find a part-time job as a waitress, which helped financially while I was establishing my business. However, I recently lost that job due to the restaurant's new owner deciding I wasn't a good fit. It's frustrating, especially since the staff is divided on the decision, and it seems the owner has a personal issue with me. Despite this setback, I'm choosing to focus on the positives. Losing my job has given me more time to grow my client base, which is invaluable as I prepare for nursing school. I've realized that time is my most precious asset, and I don't want to waste it on jobs that undervalue my skills. It's been 19 months since I lost my last job in my field, and despite my extensive experience, I've faced a lot of rejection. This has led me to a crossroads: either fully invest in my business or continue searching for a job that may not come. I've learned a lot through this process, including that sometimes there isn't a perfect plan, and it's okay to admit when I don't know something. I've also learned to recognize the importance of setting boundaries with clients and to have fun with my work. Stress can hinder my ability to think clearly, so I've focused on staying calm even in tough situations. Ultimately, I'm excited about the future and the potential of my business. The job market may be challenging, but I've discovered that autonomy is what matters most to me. I want to create something meaningful rather than selling my time for little in return.

I just landed a new job at a tech company starting this Wednesday, but I’m in a bit of a dilemma. I’ve been job hunting for a while and finally received multiple offers after working as the sole marketing person at a small restaurant group for the past two years. The tech job has good pay and gets me into the industry, but it requires a long commute and I’m not entirely comfortable with the office vibe. The twist is that my dream job at a local media company has been progressing through their interview process. I completed a take-home assignment and had an onsite interview last week, which went surprisingly well. The hiring manager even kept me an extra 30 minutes and introduced me to the team, so I felt hopeful. However, instead of a final decision, I received an email saying the CEO wants to conduct one more interview. This is supposed to be the final round, and the hiring manager offered to help me prep, which feels promising. The catch is that I’m traveling until Monday night, and I’ll be starting my new job on Wednesday. I’m worried about sneaking out of my new job during the first week for an interview, especially since it takes me an hour to get back to the media company's location. I have a few questions for anyone who’s been in a similar situation: - Is the CEO interview usually a formality, or is it a genuine assessment? - How bad is it to interview or even resign during the first week of a new job? - Should I inform the dream company about my new job start date to create urgency, or would that reflect poorly on me? - Am I crazy for not being satisfied with the job I just accepted? My mind is racing with all these thoughts. I went from having no offers to juggling multiple opportunities, and I’m just trying to figure out the best way to navigate this.

I recently started my first job at a small catering company owned by an army vet, and I’m feeling really anxious about my performance. I’m only 17, and I’ve been there for about a month. My boss is often around, and while he and my manager seem chill, I can’t shake the feeling that they might not like me. Tonight was particularly tough; my boss had to explain basic tasks to me multiple times, which made me feel overwhelmed and like I was frustrating him. I was supposed to leave at 8 PM, but I ended up closing up and didn’t leave until 10:30 PM. I can’t help but feel like I should be better at this by now, especially since I’m working four days a week and have more hours than my coworkers. I know I’m not the best at physical tasks, especially when it comes to cooking, but I really want to improve. I’ve received some compliments on my closing, but the constant need for guidance makes me worry that I’m just a burden. I genuinely enjoy this job and want to succeed, but I’m scared that my slow learning and mistakes will lead to getting fired. I don’t want my boss or manager to see me as someone who’s always asking questions or messing up. I’m trying to figure out how to deal with this situation and hope to gain their trust and approval.

Today, I had a second-round interview for a position I was really excited about. The interviewer offered me the job during the call, which felt like a huge win. However, a few hours later, I received a call from her saying that the owner of the company wanted to discuss salary expectations. She also mentioned that the owner had interviewed another candidate without her knowledge. Now, I'm in this confusing limbo where I was initially offered the job, but now I'm being told to wait and see if it goes to someone else. The interviewer apologized for the situation and expressed hope that I would still get the position, but I can't help but feel uncertain and a bit defeated. I’m a recent graduate, and my resume is straightforward and honest, so I don't think there should be any issues on that front. The interview felt great, and she seemed genuinely excited about bringing me on board. I just don’t know how to process this sudden shift. I was told to wait until the end of next week for an update, but it feels incredibly unfair to have been offered the role and then left hanging like this. Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I recently landed a part-time adjunct faculty position at a local community college, which I was excited about. During the interview, I learned that the role opened up due to an increase in student enrollment, leading to a need for more instructors for basic-level courses. They fast-tracked my application, and I was all set to start on August 24, the first day of class. However, just a few days before that, on August 21, I received some disappointing news. I was informed that due to low enrollment, they had to adjust the class schedules, and unfortunately, there were no sections available for me to teach. They mentioned that I would still be considered part of the adjunct faculty for future teaching opportunities, but I am left in a confusing situation. I feel stuck, as I have no classes to teach and no income coming in for the next 16 weeks. I've started applying to other universities and colleges, but I’m unsure what to do about my current situation. Is there any way I can claim anything from them since they hired me with the expectation of providing work? This whole experience feels incredibly unorthodox, and I’m not even sure what my employment status is at this point.

I recently started a new office job after months of applying and searching. I was excited to join the team, especially since I learned about openings due to promotions within the company. However, I've quickly realized that moving up might not be in the cards for me. During the interview process, I presented myself as outgoing and bubbly, which I can do well, but in reality, I'm not that way at all. Just two weeks in, my boss pulled me aside to check in because I seemed much quieter than during the interview. I've noticed that my quieter demeanor makes me stand out in a team that values bubbly personalities. There have been several opportunities for advancement, but I’ve been passed over because I don’t fit the outgoing mold they prefer. I work hard and come in early to focus on my tasks, especially when my workload is heavy, but the social aspect of the job is draining. I tried to engage more by joining lunch breaks with my coworkers, but the chaos of multiple conversations in a small space overwhelmed me. I have a people-facing role, and while I manage that, I find myself longing for quiet time to recharge. The company culture encourages team bonding through games and social gatherings, but I often feel that my workload is more important than taking breaks. Despite my efforts, I feel like no matter how hard I work, I just don’t fit into the team dynamic. It’s frustrating because I know I can contribute effectively, but the social expectations are exhausting.

I applied for a position in May and was thrilled to receive an offer in June, but it came with no start date. After that, I tried to follow up multiple times, but I was completely ghosted. Today, I finally got an update, but it was a rejection. I'm really frustrated with how these companies operate—it's unacceptable to leave candidates hanging for months only to deliver a rejection later. I'm feeling pretty disheartened by the whole experience.

I recently found a job after sending out around 25 applications. I was fortunate enough to land 3 interviews from those applications, which ultimately led to an offer. It really made me think about the importance of targeting specific roles and tailoring my resume instead of just focusing on the sheer number of applications. Quality over quantity definitely seemed to pay off in my job search.

I recently received a formal offer letter for a new job, set to start on August 31. The offer came through last Friday, but I requested a salary counter, which they provided only this Wednesday. I accepted the offer and completed a drug test this morning. However, I haven't given my current employer notice yet because I wanted to wait until I had the final offer in hand. Now, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I technically have just one week left at my current job, but I'm concerned about the drug test results. What if there’s an error and I need to retest, which could delay my start date? I really don’t want to risk going even a week without pay. I’m considering whether it’s acceptable to ask my new employer for a later start date or if I should just give my current job a one-week notice. I know that in my state, two weeks isn't required, but it’s generally preferred. I feel like my new employer should understand my situation since I just received the formal offer, but I also worry about how it might reflect on me if I don’t handle the notice properly. I want to leave on good terms, but I’m feeling a bit stuck.

I recently signed an offer for a new job after being at my previous company for 10 years. I was excited to make this change, but then I had to quit my job. Unfortunately, the offer was rescinded due to my driving record, which was a huge shock. I'm feeling really dejected and unsure of how to move forward. I'm looking for advice on how to rebound from this situation. I've heard that it's important to wait until all checks are completed before resigning, and I wish I had followed that advice. Some people have suggested that this could be a blessing in disguise, giving me a chance to aim for a higher-level position elsewhere. I'm hoping to find a way to turn this setback into an opportunity.