Got a Job

I recently got hired at a new retail store after trying to leave my current job for a while. I've completed the pre-boarding process and even spoke to the manager, who mentioned I can come in to do my I-9 after finishing the pre-boarding. Now, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure about when to resign from my current job, where I've been for 1.5 years. I have my resignation letter ready, giving two weeks' notice, but I'm debating whether I should quit tomorrow. It feels surreal to be leaving, and I'm looking for advice on the best timing for my resignation.

I'm starting a new full-time call center job at a large company that I got through a staffing agency. The pay is $18 an hour, but I'm feeling pretty anxious about it. As someone who is low energy and introverted, I'm worried that I might end up hating this job. However, I really need to stick it out for the next few months to pay for school and loans, and to improve my credit score. I'm looking for some encouragement and tips from others who have had to push through a job they didn't enjoy. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

I just signed a contract after a grueling year of job hunting, and I want to share my journey. I’m an ex-military professional with a technical trade background, having built a career in telecoms, utilities, and project work. My path hasn’t been linear, and while I have many transferable skills, they don’t always fit neatly on a CV. I have an analytical mind; I don’t just complete tasks, I analyze them for inefficiencies and improve them. This has been a strength in my roles, but it also made me challenging to manage at times. In March of last year, I faced a significant setback when I lost my job due to redundancy just two months in. I was genuinely invested in my work, and losing it stripped away my sense of purpose. I think many people underestimate how much of our identity is tied to our jobs, especially coming from a structured environment like the military. The weeks following my job loss felt hollow, and I struggled with the question of whether my skills had any value outside of my previous context. I applied for every job I could find, including roles I was overqualified for and some I was underqualified for. I prepared extensively for each application, crafting competency frameworks, STAR stories, and presentations, often late into the night. I reached final stages in several interviews, receiving strong signals that ultimately didn’t lead to offers. The financial pressure was real, and I often found myself calculating my budget in the supermarket. During this time, I made a bold decision to enroll in a data engineering, AI, and ML bootcamp. It felt either like a smart move or a reckless one, depending on the day. This experience not only taught me new skills but also reframed my understanding of my previous work. I began to see my diverse experiences as valuable and started building automation tools to solve workflow problems I identified. This period reignited my sense of purpose—not through a job offer, but through creating functional tools that made a difference. I dove deeper into AI, learning how language models operate and how to engineer prompts effectively. I found myself thinking in terms of systems and processes, much like I did in the military, but now applied to intelligent systems. This intersection of technical depth and creative problem-solving became addictive. To maintain some income, I took a temporary contract role. Even in this position, I couldn’t help but build automation tools and improve processes in my spare time. This reinforced my realization that I thrive in environments where I can solve meaningful problems, not just where my skills are utilized. Eventually, a role came up that felt like a perfect fit. My background in technical operations, planning, and data aligned seamlessly with the job description. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel like I was trying to prove my adaptability; I felt like I was exactly what they needed. I prepared thoroughly for the interview, mapping my experiences to the company’s strategic context, and I left feeling I had performed my best. I received the offer this week, and I signed it. The package includes a good salary, a company car, a solid pension, and decent leave. I’m set to start next month. Looking back, I’d tell my past self that the redundancy wasn’t the worst thing that happened to me; it was the loss of purpose that hurt the most. What truly helped me was finding ways to keep building, no matter what that looked like. My analytical nature is a skill, not a flaw, and I need to find environments that recognize that. I encourage anyone in a similar position to pursue learning opportunities, even if they seem out of reach. It’s not just about landing a job; it’s about reminding yourself of your capabilities. Take those bridge roles if necessary; pride can be costly. And remember, rejections often have more to do with timing than your worth.

I started a new job as an admin assistant last Monday, but just one day into it, I received a written offer for a project manager position at my internship, which I had been waiting on. The pay is similar, but the project manager role aligns much better with my career goals and offers more opportunities. I feel really bad about the timing, but I know I need to take this chance. I'm looking for advice on how to resign professionally after such a short time. I plan to be honest about my situation, but I’m anxious about how it will be received.

After over 10 years at my company, I've made the decision to accept a new job and will be leaving later this month. While I know it's the right choice for my career and personal growth, I'm feeling a surprising amount of guilt about it. This company has been a significant part of my life; I started my career here, built strong friendships, faced challenges, and celebrated many successes. Walking away feels strange and emotional. I haven't been made to feel guilty by anyone, and in fact, most of my colleagues have been supportive. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that I'm letting people down or abandoning a place that invested so much in me. I'm curious if anyone else has gone through a similar experience after leaving a long-term job. How did you cope with the emotions, guilt, and uncertainty of making such a big change? Did those feelings fade over time, or was there something specific that helped you move on? I would really appreciate hearing how others navigated this transition.

I had a really positive interview with a company and was thrilled when they offered me the job, which I accepted right away. However, it’s been three weeks since then and I haven’t heard anything from HR. I’ve tried calling my HR rep multiple times, left messages, and even sent emails, but no one is responding. I even reached out to her boss and left a message, but still nothing. I called the front desk of the company and they sent emails to HR on my behalf, but I’m still in the dark. This situation is incredibly frustrating, and while I just wanted to vent about it, I’m also concerned about how to address this if I ever start working there.

I recently accepted a job offer after a challenging experience with my background check. A couple of years ago, I made a poor decision that led to a misdemeanor theft charge. I took full responsibility, completed all court requirements, and the case was ultimately dismissed. However, during the 12-month stipulated period, I faced the disappointment of having two job offers rescinded due to the background check results. Now that the case is dismissed, I was hopeful that my background check for this new job would go smoothly. Unfortunately, it flagged the county criminal section as "needs review," even though the disposition clearly states dismissed/non-conviction. It's been a few business days since the report was completed, and I haven't heard anything from the employer yet. I'm feeling anxious because of my previous experiences, and I’m concerned that this could still jeopardize my current offer. I’m reaching out to see if anyone with HR experience can provide insight into how concerning a dismissed misdemeanor theft charge is in a background check. Is the "needs review" flag a standard procedure for HR to examine the details, or does it often lead to rescinded offers? I’m prepared to discuss it if necessary, but I’d rather not bring it up unless the employer has concerns.

I recently received a job offer for a position that I'm really excited about, but I'm feeling a bit uneasy about the salary. The offer came in this week, and although I've been told that the salary is fixed with no range provided, I believe it's lower than what I should be making given my experience and the cost of living in my area. I'm considering negotiating for a higher salary, so I drafted an email template to initiate that conversation. In the email, I expressed my gratitude for the offer and mentioned my relevant experience and education, proposing a salary that is 10% higher than what was originally offered. I'm hoping to get some feedback on this email before I send it out. I've also been thinking about the potential risks involved in asking for more money, especially since they might pull the offer if they feel it's too much. Some advice I received suggested that I might be better off discussing this over the phone instead of via email, as it could lead to a more productive conversation. I'm weighing my options and considering whether to negotiate or accept the offer as is while continuing my job search.

I was laid off recently and it has been a challenging journey finding a new role. I submitted a total of 256 applications over the course of about 2 months before finally receiving my first job offer. It's been a long process, but I learned a lot along the way. I found that the number of applications varies greatly from person to person; for instance, one person mentioned they only applied to about 10 jobs and received an offer after just 4 weeks, while another only needed to apply to 1 job to get hired within days. It's interesting to see the different experiences people have had in their job searches.

I recently handed in my two weeks' notice after nearly five years at my job as an entry-level clerical worker. Initially, my boss respected my role, but over time, I found myself taking on a lot more responsibilities, including tasks typically handled by HR generalists, all while still being paid like an entry-level employee. When I approached my boss about a promotion or raise to reflect my increased workload, he dismissed my request with a dirty look and claimed it was out of his control, despite being the head of HR. He suggested I reach out to higher-ups, but it was clear he wouldn't support me. I already have a new job lined up, so I decided it was time to leave. After submitting my notice, my boss sent out an email about training sessions, excluding me from the list of attendees. While I understand the need for training, I feel strongly that I shouldn't have to train my replacements, especially given how my contributions have been undervalued. I'm grappling with whether I should just stick to my decision and not train anyone, or if I should swallow my pride and help out. It feels wrong to train others when my salary hasn't reflected the work I've done. I know I deserve better, and it’s time to move on.

I recently accepted a position as an E-Commerce Manager at a small enterprise tech company, but it's turned into a challenging experience. Just three months in, I've found myself managing over 3,000 SKUs across multiple sales channels, dealing with a broken data infrastructure that I had to fix myself, and essentially functioning as the sole web developer for our storefront. I took a $10k pay cut for this role based on promises of unlimited PTO and a good work-life balance, but things have not gone as expected. When I raised concerns about my workload and the occasional weekend work needed for an ERP integration, my COO dismissed my questions about compensation, stating that salaried employees should be ready to make sacrifices. It feels like I'm being asked to lead without the support or recognition I need, especially when I compare my salary of $80k to the $120k+ salaries of the directors I work with. Moreover, the KPIs that were supposed to be established within my first 60 days never materialized, leaving my bonus in limbo. I’ve been delivering on my responsibilities every day, but the unrealistic expectations and lack of communication from my COO have made it hard to feel valued. I’m starting to wonder if I should be looking for a new opportunity where my skills and contributions are better recognized.

I recently got a job at a jewelry store, which is exciting, but I'm facing a dilemma regarding my Tourette's syndrome. During the interview, I had a good day and my tics didn't flare up, so I didn't disclose my condition. In the past, I've always mentioned my tics during interviews, explaining that they don't affect my work. Now, I'm unsure whether to inform my new employer on my first day or just let my tics happen naturally and address any questions if they arise. I'm particularly anxious because I was let go from a job seven years ago during my probationary period due to health issues, even though I had doctor's notes to justify my absences. The labor board told me that since it was a probationary period, they could terminate me for any reason. This experience has made me wary of facing judgment or being perceived as dishonest about my capabilities in a sales role. I’m in Canada, and I know there are protections in place, but I’m still concerned about how my new colleagues will react. I’ve read some advice suggesting that I should disclose my condition with a doctor's note as soon as possible to protect myself. Others have mentioned that it’s a personal choice and that I could mention it casually if it becomes noticeable. I'm just trying to figure out the best approach to take.

I had my final interview yesterday for a PRN social services role, and it went really well. At the end of the interview, the HR officer expressed that they would love to have me on the team. Later that day, the hiring manager even texted me to ask for my preferred start date and availability for training. I mentioned an end of June start date, and she seemed pleased with that, saying she would prepare a training schedule to send me at the beginning of next week. However, I'm feeling a bit anxious because I haven't received any formal offer letter, background check request, or onboarding paperwork yet. Is this a normal timeline? I’m wondering when I should start following up if I don’t hear back soon. On top of that, I currently work full-time and might need to transition to PRN if I accept this new role. Should I wait for the onboarding paperwork before discussing this change with my current employer, or does the communication I've received so far seem solid enough to start planning my next steps?

I recently received a job offer that I'm really excited about, but I'm facing a significant hurdle due to my bad credit score. The position is with a reputable company, and it feels like a great opportunity for my career. However, I'm concerned about how my credit history might affect my ability to relocate for the job. I've been trying to figure out ways to improve my situation or find assistance that could help me make the move. If anyone has advice or resources for dealing with this kind of situation, I would greatly appreciate it!

Three days ago, I applied for a cocktail waitress position at a local restaurant/lounge and had an interview the same day, which went well. The manager didn't explicitly say I got the job but asked me to come in for training today, Friday. However, I just received another interview offer from a different place that's closer to home and more convenient for me, which adds to my dilemma. One concern I have is that the first place requires me to pay around $180 upfront for a custom uniform, along with additional costs for a certificate and alcohol training, totaling about $600 if I get all five uniforms they suggest. While I understand the need for a custom uniform, I'm uncomfortable with such a high initial expense. I'm wondering if it would be appropriate to tell the manager during training tonight that I appreciate the opportunity but need a few days to consider my options due to other interviews. I want to ensure I make the right choice for my comfort and commitment. Alternatively, should I just attend the training without mentioning my other interviews and decide later? I haven't filled out any paperwork yet, and since I've never worked in nightlife before, I want to ensure I'm comfortable with my decision. I'm still planning to go to training tonight to see if I like the environment and if the pay seems reasonable.

I recently started my first full-time job as a health inspector in public health, just six weeks ago after completing my MPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health. Initially, I was excited about this opportunity, even though it wasn't my dream job. The pay was decent, and I thought it would be a good way to get my foot in the door. However, I've quickly found myself feeling miserable. From day one, I sensed something was off. After the onboarding process, I was left at my desk with little to no guidance or tasks. I tried to engage with my supervisor and colleagues, but it often felt like I was bothering them. There was no formal training structure, despite being promised support during the hiring process. Currently, my work mainly consists of shadowing others, which is dependent on their availability. On days when shadowing isn't possible, I find myself sitting alone, struggling to stay productive. This lack of structure has left me feeling underutilized and invisible. The workplace culture has also been challenging. The team has been together for years, and I often feel like an outsider. I don’t expect everyone to be my friend, but my attempts to ask questions or engage have often felt unwelcome. This is a stark contrast to my previous experiences in supportive environments where I felt valued and encouraged. There is one colleague who has been a great mentor and advocate for me, which I truly appreciate. However, this single positive relationship isn’t enough to counterbalance the overall negative atmosphere. As time goes on, I find myself dreading work more and more, which is affecting my mental health. I’ve started applying for other positions because I can’t ignore these feelings any longer. I keep wondering if this is a common experience for others in their first professional job. Did things improve over time, or should I trust my gut feeling?

I just got hired as a server at a local restaurant, but I'm feeling really uneasy about the whole situation. The owner told me right after the interview that I got the job, but her communication has been super vague and confusing. I've received texts from her that are hard to understand, and it's making me question if this is the right fit for me. I'm a senior in high school and I'm about to enter summer, and this position is full-time. However, I need to let her know that I have some days off coming up for graduation preparations, but I'm unsure how to bring that up. She mentioned that I'll be training on Sunday, but she said she'd let me know the time a few hours before — is that normal? I know it's common to feel nervous before starting a new job, but the unclear communication is definitely a red flag for me. I'm worried that I might be jumping into something that won't work out.

I was laid off last month from my job in North Carolina and received two weeks of severance pay. After waiting for two weeks for my unemployment adjudication, I found out that I wouldn't be eligible for unemployment payments during the weeks covered by my severance. This has been incredibly frustrating because my severance was quickly consumed by rent, bills, and transportation costs for job interviews. Additionally, I learned that I wouldn't receive any payment for my first week of eligibility, which feels unfair. The representative I spoke with compared it to a 'first week in the hole' when starting a new job. I’m starting a new position next week, but I’m worried about my finances as I have to use what little money I have left for rides to work. Overall, I've spent five weeks unemployed and will only receive payment for one of those weeks. I'm feeling really stressed about my situation and don't want to go into debt while trying to get back on my feet. Is there any chance I can appeal this decision?

I took a drug screen at LabCorp 13 days ago as part of the pre-employment process for my new role. My employer is still waiting for clearance from employee health, which is supposed to come through before I start next week. This week, I learned that they still haven't received the necessary clearance, and I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation. I know my prescriptions will show up in the results, and I understand that confirmation can take some time, but the lack of communication is concerning. I've reached out for an update but haven't received a response yet.

I’m thrilled to share that I just accepted a full-time position after being laid off in November 2025. I didn't start interviewing until January 2025, which felt like a long wait. The new role requires me to be in the office 4-5 days a week, but the pay is significantly better, and I couldn't be happier to have a job again. During my time off, I learned a lot about managing my health insurance. My COBRA plan was quite expensive, so I switched to a marketplace plan, which turned out to be a much better option for me as a single person without dependents. I found that even when I was doing all the right things like networking, applying for jobs, and improving my skills, it was tough to fill my days without feeling overwhelmed. I set a stopping point for my job search each day and made sure to do something I love, like baking. I also looked for free or affordable activities to stay engaged with my community. It was important to remind myself that this phase was temporary. To keep my spirits up and gain insights, I set up a weekly check-in with a senior member from my old team. We exchanged job leads—she would send me junior positions while I shared senior-level opportunities with her. I also found comfort in watching TV shows where characters faced layoffs but eventually came out stronger. It was encouraging to see that their struggles didn’t define their entire stories. Shows like Modern Family, New Girl, Girls, and Parks and Recreation were particularly relatable. Lastly, I want to emphasize that the job market is tough right now, but being laid off or facing rejection doesn’t reflect your skills or worth. Your education, experience, and certifications are yours to keep, no matter what.