Got a Job

I'm feeling really lost in my career right now. I've been working in food service since 2019, and I'm completely burnt out. I just started a new job at a restaurant, but I had to leave early today because I was overwhelmed and started tearing up. It made me realize that my gut is telling me this isn't the right path for me anymore. I don't want to dread going to work every day. I have a BFA in illustration, but that hasn't helped me find a fulfilling job. I currently work part-time at an art museum, which I love, but it doesn't pay enough, so I took the restaurant job. However, I can't handle the high-pressure, fast-paced environment anymore, especially since I'm autistic and dealing with social exhaustion and sensory overload. I'm really interested in transitioning to a desk job or remote work, but I don't know where to start. I love working with animals, but I couldn't find a position at my local humane society because they couldn't accommodate my schedule with the museum. I really don't want to quit my museum job, but I need a more stable income and something that won't drain my mental health. I'm just feeling directionless and really want to find a job that I can enjoy.

I just received my offer letter for a new job, and I wanted to share my experience navigating the job market in this post-AI landscape. Over the past few months, I applied to over 200 jobs without any success, receiving zero callbacks or interviews. It was frustrating, and I realized that my approach needed a major overhaul. After reevaluating my strategy, I implemented a new method that drastically improved my results. In just three weeks, I applied to 28 jobs and received three informal callbacks, three formal interviews, and ultimately one job offer. Here’s what I changed: 1. I focused on applying only to jobs posted within the last few days, understanding that being an early applicant can significantly increase my chances of getting noticed. 2. I stopped sending out generic applications. Instead, I tailored my resume for each position, ensuring that I was a strong match for the job description. 3. I switched to a two-page resume to include more relevant information and keywords that would help me get past AI filters. 4. I added a summary section at the top of my resume to highlight key skills and buzzwords that matched the job description. 5. I leveraged AI to streamline my application process. I trained an AI agent on my work history and used it to generate tailored resumes and summaries for each application. This saved me time and helped ensure that my applications were relevant. 6. I updated my LinkedIn skills based on suggestions from my AI agent, which led to an increase in direct solicitations from recruiters. I plan to open source my AI application project soon to help others in their job search. Even if you’re not using AI, it’s crucial to read and internalize job descriptions to tailor your resume effectively. Good luck to everyone in their job search!

I just received my first job offer after graduating, and the job search has been tough since May. I finally got my EAD card for my initial OPT, and the position is remote. They offered me a salary of $70,000 with no bonuses, which is at the lower end of the posted range of $70,000 to $90,000. I was expecting to be on the lower side since it's an entry-level role, but I did mention to the director of finance that I ideally wanted $80,000, with some flexibility around $75,000 to $80,000. Now, I'm wondering if it's worth trying to negotiate the salary given the current job market and my recent grad status. I have two co-op experiences, but I don't have extensive professional experience, which makes me hesitant. My gut tells me there's no harm in asking for more, but I also know that negotiating can be tricky, especially as a recent grad.

I recently went through a challenging eight days of job searching after being laid off from my role in finance. I was really worried about how I was going to secure my next paycheck. Fortunately, I applied for a position out of curiosity and was pleasantly surprised to receive an offer just a week later after two interviews, including one with the CEO. It felt like minimal effort compared to what I had anticipated, especially given the intense atmosphere in the job market right now. I often see discussions about how difficult it can be for mid-level professionals, especially if they lack certain skills or are looking for specific conditions like remote work. However, my experience has shown me that if you have decent soft skills and are open to opportunities, it might not be as hard as it seems. I’m relieved to have found a new role, but I know that many others are still struggling, and I empathize with them.

Today marks a significant milestone for me as I started my new job after being unemployed for almost exactly a month. I was laid off from my previous company on July 20th, and it was a challenging time for me. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support during my job search journey. I created a Sankey chart to visualize my job search stats, which I hope might be helpful for others in a similar situation. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a new position so quickly, and I recognize that my hard work played a role, but luck was also on my side when a company decided to take an interest in me. For those of you who are still job hunting, I understand how scary and difficult it can be, especially when the timeline for finding a new role is uncertain. Please keep pushing through and submitting those applications, even when it feels discouraging. I'm here to help if anyone has questions or needs advice. We’re all in this together.

I started a new job just three days ago after a nine-month job search. The company reached out to me and hired me quickly, which made me a bit suspicious given my past layoffs. The pay is decent and the company is small, but the disorganization is driving me up the wall. While the team is competent, their knowledge seems to be stuck in their heads. We share a single drive account that is a mess, making it incredibly difficult for me to find the data I need for my research. I've spent 45 minutes just searching for basic information, and the lack of onboarding has left me feeling overwhelmed. I was given assignments without any guidance, and every time I ask for help, it feels like I uncover even more things I don't understand. I have insurance and support from my husband, but I'm really questioning if it's worth staying in a job that's this chaotic. I've always thrived in structured environments, and this experience is unlike anything I've faced before.

I recently received an offer for a hybrid engineering position that requires me to be in the office three days a week. The job is located about five hours away from where I ultimately want to settle down, which is closer to my family. Currently, I work on-site in an engineering role about four hours from my desired city. The offer does include some relocation assistance, which is great, but I’m considering negotiating for a different arrangement. My plan is to propose that for the first year, I relocate to the job's city and work on-site as required. After that first year, I would like to transition to a schedule where I only need to be in the office two days a week. This would allow me to move closer to my family while still fulfilling my job requirements. The reason for this request is quite personal; my parents are aging and facing some medical issues, so being nearer to them is important to me. I believe that a two-day-per-week arrangement is feasible since I interviewed with another company during my job search that offered a similar schedule. I’m reaching out for advice from anyone who has experience negotiating hybrid work arrangements after receiving an offer. What concerns should I be aware of? Should I negotiate the two-day schedule after the first year or ask for the entire arrangement upfront? Is there anything I could offer to make my proposal more appealing? I’m also worried about the risk of jeopardizing the offer by making this request. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I graduated from college in 2016 and spent nearly 10 months searching for my first job, going through countless interviews and facing numerous rejections before finally landing a position at Walmart. I worked there for a year while continuing to look for a role in my field. After a year, I secured an entry-level position related to my studies. I was able to move up in that role, but unfortunately lost it in 2020 due to the pandemic. It took me a whole year to find another job during that tough time. Fast forward to 2026, I’ve gained more experience and was able to find a new remote position after about 5 months of job searching. Reflecting on my journey, I feel like the job market was more competitive back when I first graduated compared to today. I understand that the job market is complex and competitive now, but I wonder if others have experienced something similar. I’ve heard that it can be easier to find 'a' job now, but the quality of those jobs may have declined. I’m curious about how others perceive the changes in the job market over the years.

I recently accepted my first full-time job as a Telecommunications Engineer with a consulting company in Germany, set to start next month. My contract is full-time and unlimited, but there’s a 6-month probation period. I’ve been considered for two customer projects: one is ongoing and the other is on hold. If I opt for the ongoing project, I still need to interview with the client first. The company informed me that as a consultant, my work is heavily project-dependent, meaning if I’m not assigned to a project, there might not be much for me to do. My salary will be paid regardless, but I’m worried about what happens if I don’t get assigned to a project during my probation. Could that lead to me being let go? After 14 months of job searching, I’m anxious about returning to that situation. I accepted this role because I liked the company and the position, but now I’m second-guessing the project-based nature of consulting. I’m looking for insights from others in consulting in Germany: Is this typical? Should I be worried, or am I just overthinking it?

I took a remote marketing job with a real estate company during COVID, despite the low pay of USD 1,000 a month. I was in a tough spot and needed any income. The owner, a German man, operated several real estate listing sites in different countries. Shortly after starting, a colleague discovered that our boss had a criminal background involving racketeering and fraud in the US. He had reinvented himself overseas, which I regrettably didn’t research before accepting the job. In my first month, I received about USD 900 instead of the agreed amount because he claimed I hadn’t invoiced him on time, even though I had. By the second month, I received nothing at all. I followed up repeatedly, but he always claimed the money was transferred, which it never was. Eventually, I gave up and documented everything about the company and the owner, submitting my findings to company-review sites. Despite my efforts, he continues to operate in Hong Kong and Thailand under different business ventures. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: when you're desperate for work, it's easy to skip due diligence, but that's often when you need it the most. Sometimes, the real danger lies in seemingly legitimate companies run by individuals with questionable backgrounds.

I just received my offer letter for a Trainee Software Engineer role, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. As a fresher graduating in 2026, this is my first real opportunity after facing numerous rejections. However, the offer comes with a 24-month service commitment, which has me worried. The letter states that if I leave before the two years are up, I would have to pay back my gross salary for the unfulfilled period. This could be a significant amount, and I'm unsure about the implications if I break this bond. The salary offered is 3.25, and I can't shake the feeling that it's lowballing me, especially if I were to receive a better offer from another company down the line. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I negotiate the terms, or is it a lost cause with this company? I'm eager to start my career in software, but I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently faced a frustrating situation with a company where I had just started working. I was hired and signed a contract, but after only a week of being punctual and putting in effort, I was let go. The reason given was that my Spanish proficiency didn't meet their standards, which I felt was unfair. I was promised payment for my work, but when I reached out to the owner to inquire about my pay, I was met with criticism and told I wouldn't receive anything. I'm now seeking advice on how to proceed, as I believe it's illegal to not be compensated for work performed. I'm considering contacting my local department of labor and possibly an employment attorney for help.

I was recently let go from my position at a tech startup where I had worked for 1.5 years. Initially, I was excited about my role, which was not entry-level, and I had chosen this position over another offer due to its potential for growth. My responsibilities increased significantly over time; I was developing standard operating procedures, beta testing systems, and even flew to South America on short notice to train a new team. My department was small and we worked closely together, and I consistently received positive feedback during our one-on-ones, with my metrics aligning with my teammates. However, as my last month unfolded, I sensed something was off. I couldn't identify a specific issue, but the atmosphere changed, and I anticipated layoffs due to the company's financial situation. In a mandatory meeting, management announced widespread layoffs, stating it was cheaper to employ the teams we had trained abroad. Despite reassurances that our department would remain intact, I felt a growing unease. Just a few days later, I was called into a meeting with HR. I was informed I was being terminated for allegedly neglecting a task for three days, a policy I had not been trained on. When I questioned the validity of this decision, citing my positive performance reviews, I was met with silence. The decision was final, and I expressed my dissatisfaction with how unprofessional the situation was handled. I was told my personal belongings would be mailed back, but two months later, I still haven't received them. This experience was particularly difficult for me as I had never been let go from a job before. I felt blindsided and questioned my worth, especially since I had moved closer to the office. I suspected my termination was a cost-cutting measure to reduce severance pay, which added to my frustration. Despite the emotional turmoil, I dedicated myself to job searching and after two months of applications and interviews, I found a position that felt like a perfect fit. It’s a complete industry change, but I have relevant experience and passion for it. After an in-person interview, I was hired on the spot and have been loving my new role for over a month now. The stability is a relief, and I'm even earning more than I did at my previous job. This whole ordeal has taught me that sometimes things work out for the best, even if the journey is painful. I’ve reconnected with my therapist and have an appointment scheduled to discuss everything I’ve been through.

I recently went through a challenging period after losing my job just before Christmas. I wanted my wife to have a good holiday, so I kept it to myself initially. With ten years of experience in a niche field, I updated my resume, reactivated my job site accounts, and reached out to recruiters. I managed to land multiple interviews, but despite positive feedback, I faced a lot of ghosting and even had offer letters retracted at the last minute. At one point, I worked for three days at a company that couldn't afford me after I significantly lowered my salary expectations. After six months of unemployment, I found myself applying for jobs at places like Walmart, which was disheartening. I did some desperate things to keep food on the table for my disabled wife. Just when I was about to lose hope, I received a call for a new position. The pay wasn't great, and the job came with a lot of challenges, but they hired me after just one interview. I was in the middle of a trip out of state to help my mother-in-law, who was recovering from an accident, and I had to take bereavement leave shortly after starting. Despite the rocky start, my new employer has been supportive, and I'm determined to prove that they made the right choice in hiring me. This experience has been tough; I've watched my retirement savings dwindle and even considered extreme measures to ensure my wife had her medications. But I found a job that I needed, and I'm now focused on building a future where I won't have to struggle like that again. I've started a fund for a small rental property and even begun writing romance novels to create additional income. It's been a painful journey, but I'm here to say that if you're struggling, you're not alone. Hang in there; things can change unexpectedly, and you are worth rooting for.

I recently secured a part-time job, which, while not lucrative and offering limited hours, has lifted a significant burden off my shoulders. The fact that this position doesn’t have a predetermined end date provides me with a sense of stability that I desperately needed. However, I feel quite stuck both personally and professionally. My next objective is to either find a second job or seek a role with more hours. After years of inconsistent job searching, I’ve reached a point where I’m unsure about what I truly want to do career-wise. For now, I’ll focus on this job while I figure out my next steps.

I recently received a job offer from another company, which is a bit of a unique situation for me. I want to inform my recruiter about this development, as I believe it could influence my ongoing job search. I'm currently in discussions for a few other positions, and I want to be transparent about my situation. I hope this will help me gauge the timelines and offers from the roles I’m considering.

I was recently laid off from my full-time job in Massachusetts and started collecting unemployment benefits. After applying to several positions, I got called in for an interview and they offered me a part-time role. I'm trying to figure out how accepting this part-time position will affect my unemployment benefits. If I take the job, will I have to stop collecting unemployment? I've heard that I might be able to receive a reduced rate while I continue to look for full-time work, but I'm concerned because I think I might actually earn less working part-time than what I'm currently receiving from unemployment. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation!

I recently applied for a sales and marketing position with a base salary of $70k, despite having no prior work experience. After applying, I received multiple calls from the company over three days, which felt a bit overwhelming. I finally returned their call on Friday, and they invited me to a virtual interview on Monday. Following that, I had an in-person interview today, and to my surprise, I was offered the job right after the interview ended. I'm curious if this quick turnaround—two interviews and a job offer within just two days—is typical or if I should be wary of something.

I recently completed an internship at a tech company, and my manager mentioned that they want to offer me a full-time position once the final approval is secured. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as I wait for the official word. I’m trying to gauge how optimistic I should be about this opportunity. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What are the chances that the offer will come through?

It's been 7 weeks and 5 days since my employer announced the shutdown and impending layoffs. Each department had different end dates, and mine is set for September 29th. As soon as I heard the news, I jumped into job search mode and started applying to 4-5 jobs every day. Most of the positions I applied for were ones I felt qualified for, although a few were a bit of a stretch. Today, I received an offer letter! The new job comes with good benefits and matches my current salary, so I'm relieved there won't be any loss in pay. Plus, it offers better opportunities for growth and advancement. Overall, I'm feeling really happy about this new chapter!