Got a Job

I recently received a job offer for a position I've been really excited about. This is the first time I've been asked to provide three professional references after receiving the offer, which caught me off guard since I've always been asked for references prior to receiving an offer. I reached out to three former supervisors and coworkers and provided their contact information to HR yesterday afternoon. Now, I'm curious about how long it typically takes for this reference check to clear. Should I expect to hear back soon, or is it common for this process to take a while? Any insights would be appreciated!

I started a new role in the pharmaceutical/clinical trials industry about two months ago, and I'm really struggling. The team is quite small, and unfortunately, it's a toxic environment. I don't have much experience, which makes it even harder to navigate the challenges I'm facing. On top of that, I have some mental health issues that I manage with medication, but this job is exacerbating my depression and anxiety. I'm hesitant to quit without another job lined up, but I fear it might take a long time to find something new. I'm feeling quite lost and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation.

I was laid off about two years into my first job at a government-regulated private company that had a reputation for stability, having not had layoffs in the past 20 years. The news hit us like a ton of bricks; we were all caught off guard when we received the call and lost access to our accounts just 30 minutes later. It was a shocking experience that really shook my confidence. Fortunately, I managed to secure a high-paying contract just two months after the layoff, and after six months, I was converted to a full-time position. My manager and coworkers have been supportive, consistently giving me positive feedback, but I can't shake the feeling of unease. I constantly worry about budget cuts and what management might be thinking about my performance. Being in a male-dominated field adds to my anxiety. I've often found myself as the only woman in meetings filled with 15 or more men. While everyone has been kind, I feel the pressure to prove my worth and make myself indispensable, which has made me more competitive and overwhelmed than necessary. I never felt this sense of impending doom at my first job, and I wonder if these feelings will ever go away. How can I regain a sense of security in my job?

I was laid off on July 16th from my role as a Project Manager at a pharmaceutical company where I had been working as a contractor. I had known since April that my contract wouldn't be renewed, so I took the initiative to update my resume and began applying for internal positions, but unfortunately, that didn't lead anywhere. By mid-June, I shifted my focus to external opportunities in biotech, medical devices, and other pharma companies. My job search strategy involved tailoring my master resume for specific roles and organizing them into separate folders for easy access. I aimed to apply for 3 to 4 jobs daily, focusing on senior program manager, associate director, and project manager positions. In mid-July, I applied for a senior program manager role in supplier quality and went through multiple interview rounds: first with HR, then with the hiring manager, followed by a colleague, and finally with the procurement director. I felt confident in my performance during each interview and made sure to send thank you letters afterward. A week later, I followed up and was thrilled to receive an offer that exceeded my expectations. From this experience, I learned the importance of tailoring resumes for each application, applying directly on company websites, and leveraging LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. I also reached out to my network to let them know I was looking for a job. For interview preparation, I practiced mock interviews to refine my responses. It's a challenging job market, but persistence, networking, and a bit of luck can lead to success. I encourage everyone to support each other during this time—whether it's being a reference or sharing job leads. Every little gesture counts, and it builds a community of support. Wishing everyone the best in their job search!

I’m feeling really guilty about putting in my two weeks at my current job. I recently accepted a new position that pays over a thousand dollars more a month, is just a block away from my apartment, and offers opportunities for advancement. It’s a full-time role, which is a huge step up from my current situation as a grocery store manager. Here, I’m barely making a dollar over minimum wage, have no benefits, and they rely on me to pick up everyone else’s slack without any chance for promotion. Plus, my commute is quite long. Despite knowing that this change is for the better, I’m feeling awful about leaving. I plan to submit my resignation tomorrow, and I’m really nervous about it. I start training for the new job in two and a half weeks, and while I’m excited about the opportunity, I also feel scared about the unknown. When I quit my first job, I broke down crying on the phone with my boss, and I’m worried I might have a similar reaction this time. I woke up today with a sick feeling in my stomach about it. I know I need to move on, but I can’t shake off this guilt. Why do I feel this way?

I was laid off on June 12 and went through a tough time, feeling lost and panicking as I applied for jobs for a week straight. After that initial chaos, I took a step back to focus on self-care for about a week. Once I regained my composure, I refined my résumé and started applying more strategically. I sent out around 100 applications and went through 20 interviews, including several rounds. Today, I received a written offer that is 10% less than my previous salary but comes with better benefits. Earlier this week, I got a verbal offer for 5% more, though the benefits aren't as good. I also just finished a promising fifth round interview for a position that offers 12% more with amazing benefits, and I'm still in the running for another job that would pay 15% more with decent benefits. I'm planning to accept the written offer since the start date is in the middle of next month, which gives me time to see how the other opportunities unfold. I'm really hoping to land the position with the incredible benefits, but I guess we'll see how it goes. Wishing everyone the best in their job searches—don't lose hope!

I recently started a new job as a [specific role] at [current company] just 7 days ago. I took this position after interviewing with multiple companies and receiving an offer on the spot since I wasn't employed at the time. However, I just got a call back from another company I interviewed with, and they've offered me a position with over $50k more per year, along with a company gas card and additional benefits that my current job lacks. I really like my new boss and the team, but the pay difference is significant, and the new role comes with higher responsibilities that I believe I can handle. I’m feeling conflicted about how to approach my current employer since I've only been here for a week. I know I need to take the new job for my financial well-being, but I feel bad about leaving so soon, especially since I have a good rapport with my boss. I’m considering how to communicate my decision. Some advice I’ve received suggests being honest about the unexpected offer and thanking my boss for the opportunity, but I’m unsure if I should offer a two-week notice or just leave immediately. I feel guilty about the situation, but I know I need to do what’s best for my career.

I received a job offer that is double my current salary, which is incredibly exciting! However, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about making the switch. The new role is in a different industry than what I'm used to, and I'm concerned about how well I will adapt to the new environment and responsibilities. I want to ensure that this opportunity aligns with my long-term career goals, but the financial incentive is hard to ignore. I'm currently weighing the pros and cons and considering reaching out to some contacts in the new industry for advice. Has anyone else faced a similar decision?

I recently started a new job as a software engineer just over a month ago, but I'm already contemplating looking for other opportunities due to the poor work-life balance. My team is distributed globally, and my manager is 15 hours ahead of me, which has led to some awkward scheduling. I have a daily meeting at 8:30 AM my time, and he often wants to sync up again around 5:30 PM, which cuts into my evening. Today, I was pulled into an urgent meeting from 10:00 to 11:00 PM my time, which really pushed my limits. I understand the need for flexibility during critical issues, but this constant juggling is starting to feel overwhelming, especially since my wife and I are also preparing to move to a new apartment. I'm worried about burnout and how to explain my reasons for leaving if I start interviewing elsewhere. I want to be honest without sounding negative, but I’m unsure how to frame my situation.

I recently accepted a job offer from a tool company for $70,000, which is a significant jump from my current salary of $53,000 in my hybrid role. I've been at my current job for a year after graduating, and while I enjoy the hybrid setup, I find the work itself quite boring. I live in Massachusetts, and the new job is only a 20-minute commute from my house, compared to my current 45-minute drive to the office once a week. However, after accepting the offer, I started to feel anxious about whether I should have negotiated for a higher salary, maybe around $80,000. My mother thinks I rushed into this decision and that the pay increase isn't substantial enough to justify the daily commute and potential burnout from the increased workload. Now I'm overwhelmed and conflicted about whether I should rescind the offer or keep looking for other opportunities. My start date is at the end of September, and I really need some advice on how to proceed.

I recently accepted a part-time position in academia after being unemployed for four months, but it comes with a 50% pay cut, and I can't shake the feeling of shame about it. My journey began when I left a postdoc role in a reputable biotech lab in 2022, where I eventually advanced to principal scientist at a startup. I knew the company was financially unstable, but I thought I could ride it out for another year, especially if our clinical trial results were positive. Unfortunately, I was laid off in April due to the company running out of capital, and just like that, my position was gone. Initially, I was optimistic and reached out to my network, hoping to find new opportunities. I tailored my resume and applied to various positions, but I received no responses. This led to feelings of anger and self-doubt, making me question my qualifications and experience. After years of education and work, I felt like I was failing. Then, a colleague shared an open position in an academic lab, and I quickly sent in my resume. I was fortunate to get a prompt response and an interview, which went well. However, the lab is currently low on funding, so the position is part-time and pays significantly less than what I used to earn. The principal investigator is understanding and suggested I could take on adjunct teaching to supplement my income. While I know it's better to have something than nothing, I can't help but feel pathetic compared to my peers who are thriving in higher-paying roles. I feel like a failure for taking such a drastic pay cut, even though I remind myself that this opportunity allows me to keep applying for other jobs and avoid a gap in my resume. It's a tough situation, and I'm struggling to find pride in my current position.

I recently had a successful interview experience after taking a low dose THC gummy beforehand. I’m a regular user of edibles, and after feeling like I bombed a few interviews due to nerves and insecurities, I decided to try a 5mg gummy about 30 minutes before my interview. It really helped me feel at ease, and I connected well with the interview panel. I had a strong feeling that an offer was coming, and it did! I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting my new role next Monday with a highly rated company known for its great culture and opportunities for advancement. I was laid off about 3.5 months ago, and my severance has ended, so this new opportunity feels especially rewarding.

A few months ago, I was feeling really down about the job market and my mental health. I had been writing content about video games and making a decent income while living in an inexpensive Asian country, but then AI disrupted that work. To make matters worse, I went through a breakup and moved back to my home country, which left me feeling lost and anxious. However, with the support of friends and some encouraging words from others, I decided to pivot my approach. I promised myself I wouldn't let my pride stop me and that I would seek out remote work. I started by taking on a freelance gig writing blog posts for a cloud GPU services company, which I found through LinkedIn. The pay was low, but the experience was valuable, and I now write 20-30 blogs a month. Then, I landed another freelance role editing synopses for a major streaming platform. I can't share the name due to an NDA, but I'm enjoying the work, even if the pay isn't substantial. Additionally, I decided to leverage my master's degree in behavioral sciences. Instead of applying for traditional jobs in psychology, I began networking and offering coaching and counseling services. I built a website and now have at least two clients each week for online sessions. While these ventures aren't making me rich, they are fulfilling, and I've found joy in my work again. I'm taking this time to travel and connect with potential clients, and I've stopped applying for jobs altogether. I feel empowered and hopeful for the future, and I encourage others to keep their pride intact and stay optimistic.

As a new grad in Canada, I've been struggling to find a full-time job, which led me to take on two part-time positions while I continued my search. Thankfully, I recently secured a full-time role at a bank, but I'm currently going through the background check process due to the FINRA-related requirements for the position. The situation is tough because I'm feeling completely burned out from juggling both jobs and applying to countless positions. I had hoped to take some time off to recharge and visit family before starting my new job. I've already given my two weeks' notice at one of my part-time jobs, but I'm really unhappy at my second part-time job as a teller at another bank. I've only been there for a month, and I want to quit as soon as possible instead of waiting until my new role starts. My main concern is whether quitting this job while my background check is still in progress could negatively impact my new job offer. I'm not trying to hide my employment status; I would disclose it if necessary, but I'm worried that changing jobs during the screening process might raise a red flag. Has anyone else faced a similar situation, especially in the banking or finance sector? Should I go ahead and quit now, or should I wait until the background check is completed? I'm really looking for some advice or personal experiences to help me navigate this exhausting time.

I was laid off from my fully remote job in June due to company restructuring after five years in the role. Recently, I received an offer for a new position, but it requires me to be in the office four days a week, which means a daily commute of 90 miles. The pay increase is minimal compared to my previous salary, and I've tried negotiating with HR and the hiring manager for better terms, but they are firm on the hybrid schedule and pay. I'm feeling conflicted about whether to accept this offer or hold out for a fully remote job that might come along. The job market is tough, and I’m worried I might be too picky. Should I take this job just to get back into the workforce or keep searching for something better?

I recently started a new job as a trainee, but after just two weeks, I've realized it's not the right fit for me. The work environment is extremely slow and I find myself mostly alone during my shifts, which isn't what I was looking for. Fortunately, I've already secured another position that offers similar hours and pay but in a much better atmosphere. I’m in a bit of a dilemma about how to resign. I won’t see my manager face-to-face for a few days since I'm still in training and can't work independently yet. I considered texting my manager to quit, but I'm unsure if that's appropriate. I feel uncomfortable making a phone call to discuss it, but I also don’t want to come off as unprofessional. I’ve read that it’s generally better to resign in a more formal manner, like through a phone call or email. I just want to handle this situation respectfully, but I also want to move on quickly since I have a better opportunity lined up.

I recently received a job offer for a position I’ve always wanted, and I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. The salary was in the range I expected, but I decided to negotiate it instead of accepting right away. I sent my counteroffer early this morning and now I’m worried because I haven’t heard back yet. It’s only been a day, but my mind is racing with thoughts that maybe he’s reconsidering my application or has moved on to another candidate. I’m wondering if I made a mistake by negotiating at all. I’m really hoping to get some advice on when it’s appropriate to follow up and whether negotiating was the right call. I know it’s normal to negotiate, but I can’t help but feel nervous about the whole situation.

I recently helped my girlfriend with her job search by automating her cold emailing process. Within just 20 days of implementing this strategy, she successfully landed a job! It was a great experience to see how effective a targeted approach can be when reaching out to potential employers.

I recently started a job as a Robot Operator at a vendor company, which I'll call 'Biscuit', servicing a major company in the MANGOS/FAANG industry, which I'll refer to as 'Cupcake'. I'm currently working part-time and earning $30/hr, but I feel like I'm underemployed considering I graduated with a degree in Information Technology just last December. While I'm grateful to have a job, I can't shake the feeling of being stuck. My role here is not aligned with my education, and I find it disheartening to be in the same position as coworkers who don't have degrees or are much younger than me. I get along well with everyone and appreciate the workplace culture, but I can't help but feel lost about my career direction. I've tailored my resume towards IT, but I worry that potential employers only see me as a machine operator, which is not what I worked hard for in college. I know I should be thankful for the opportunity, especially in 2026, but I feel like I'm not utilizing my skills and education to their fullest potential. I'm at a crossroads and unsure of what steps to take next.

Today, I officially accepted a new job and will be starting tomorrow. I currently work in the back of house (BOH) at a well-known wing restaurant franchise, but I’ve reached my breaking point with the job. When I first started, I enjoyed it, but over time, the issues piled up, especially with scheduling. There have been weeks where I was only scheduled for two shifts, and even then, I was sent home early without notice. On one occasion, I was left to work alone on the grill without proper training, which was incredibly stressful. The management has been inconsistent with scheduling changes, often leaving me to cover shifts without proper training or support. Just last week, we had a chaotic shift where management brought someone from the front of house (FOH) to help in the kitchen, despite them having no experience. It was a disaster, and I ended up getting yelled at for not being able to keep up with the orders. Today, I was supposed to attend a performance meeting, but I got a call from the new job I applied for, asking me to come in to fill out paperwork and start tomorrow. I decided to call out of my current job and go for the new opportunity instead. Now, I’m contemplating what to do about my current job. Part of me wants to just stop showing up, knowing I’d be fired for job abandonment. But I also think I should formally resign. I’m just so exhausted from the lack of communication and support at my current workplace. I really don’t want to go back there, and I’m excited about the new position.