Miscellaneous

I got laid off 20 months ago and have been struggling to find a new job ever since. I've had quite a few interviews, some of which went through multiple rounds, but unfortunately, none have led to job offers. This experience has really taken a toll on my confidence, especially since I never had trouble finding work before. I feel lost and have been following all the job search advice I can find, but it sometimes feels like it's a personal issue. I'm reaching out to see what kept others going during their long job searches, especially when facing rejection after rejection. What helped you stay motivated? How did you cope on the tough days? I really need to hear from people who understand what I'm going through.

I recently tried working with an employment agency, hoping they could help me find a job. Unfortunately, my experience has been quite frustrating. I learned that the maximum coverage they provide is only $5,000, which I wasn't informed about beforehand. I had assumed that since I was looking at Maryland's ETPL approved list, the agency could cover any approved training or services. However, I found out that not only does the list need to be approved by the state, but it also has to be approved by the agency itself. To make matters worse, it seems they lack industry partners to help their clients find employment, meaning I still have to navigate the job search process on my own. My case worker didn't seem to fully understand my resume either; she mistook my soft skills for actual work experience, which is clearly marked. As a result, she got approval for skills I don't even have licenses for. In the end, the agency dropped me as a client, leaving me to search for job listings on my own. It's been a real letdown.

Today, I'm reflecting on my journey in the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) field, and I can't help but feel a sense of sadness. I initially entered this career path with a passion for technology, wanting to understand how computers work, the intricacies of programming languages, and the mechanics of databases. However, I've come to realize that pursuing a career in this field might not be the best decision. I've noticed a growing trend of disrespect towards software engineers, especially with the rise of AI technologies. It feels like the moment AI became prominent, executives started targeting software engineers for layoffs. This wave of layoffs began even before AI took off, around mid-2022, coinciding with the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes that caused stock prices to drop. It seems that software engineers were the first casualties in this shifting landscape. I now believe that while it’s great to have a curiosity about technology, treating it as a side interest rather than a career might be the wiser choice.

Today, I resigned from my position, and it was one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had. I've genuinely loved working here, but the toxic environment created by upper management made it impossible for me to stay. My role had shifted dramatically, and I found myself handling tasks outside of my job description, which led to a lack of progression in my career. The team had been cut down from 10 employees to just 5, which added to the stress. When I handed in my resignation, my manager, who is the sweetest person, broke down in tears. Seeing her so upset made me tear up as well. She expressed how much she would miss me and said I was the best employee she had. It was incredibly bittersweet. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I left her office, knowing that the stress I had been carrying was finally gone. I truly wish her and the team the best.

I have been working in the oil and gas industry for about 3.5 years, and recently I approached my manager about the possibility of being laid off. However, after our conversation, he didn't provide any updates or mention discussing it with HR. Tomorrow, I plan to speak with HR directly about this. I'm curious if anyone else has asked to be laid off, even though there haven't been any layoffs since March. In a recent department meeting, it was mentioned that employees could reach out to either their manager or HR representatives regarding this matter. I'm looking for insights or experiences from others who have gone through a similar situation.

I was recently terminated from a startup just one month after I joined. It's been really tough, and I'm feeling pretty down about it. I thought I had found a great opportunity, but it seems like the instability of startups is more common than I realized. I've seen comments from others who have had similar experiences, which makes me feel a bit better knowing I'm not alone in this. Still, it's disheartening to be back on the job market so soon.

I graduated with my master's in psychology two years ago, and I've been struggling to find my first job since then. It feels like everywhere I apply, they require either connections or extensive experience that a fresh graduate simply doesn't have. I'm not even in the US, so even entry-level positions like those at McDonald's are out of reach for me. In my frustration, I've been considering embellishing my resume to increase my chances of landing a job at private schools, which I think are less critical environments. I'm contemplating stretching the duration of my internship at a government-run hospital from six months to a full year and exaggerating the responsibilities I had there. The reality is, I mostly shadowed the psychologist and assisted with minor tasks. I'm also thinking about adding some unverifiable experiences, like freelance work or tutoring, but I'm hesitant about how far I should go. I want to avoid telling any big lies that could come back to haunt me later. All I really want is a chance to enter the job market, but the pressure to present myself as more experienced is overwhelming.

I just learned that ServiceNow has cut hundreds of jobs again, and it feels surreal. I was part of the layoffs back in June, and I can't believe they are doing this so soon after. I spoke with a manager who survived this round, and the morale among the remaining employees is incredibly low. Everyone seems to be walking around in disbelief, wondering how this could happen again. It’s disheartening to think that the company, once considered 'the best place to work,' has changed so drastically. I’m actually relieved to be out of it now, but I know many are joining the unemployment line, and the job market feels tougher than ever.

I recently started job hunting after being out of the workforce for 20 years. I took time off to raise my children and focus on family responsibilities, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed about how to address this significant gap in my resume. I'm not sure how to present my skills and experiences in a way that potential employers will find valuable. I'm considering taking some online courses to refresh my skills and maybe even volunteering to gain some recent experience. Any advice on how to effectively explain this gap during interviews or on my resume would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off from my first job today due to a major restructuring initiative that affected nearly 800 employees. As a recent graduate, this was my first role after college, and I feel completely lost and scared right now. I just moved into my own apartment and recently got a dog, which adds to my worries about finances and the job market, which seems daunting. I'm reaching out for advice on how to cope with this situation and what my next steps should be. I’ve been advised to check my expenses and trim anything unnecessary, and to consider staying in my current area if it increases my chances of finding a new job. I’ve also been reminded that my dog is important for my mental health, so I should only consider rehoming if absolutely necessary.

I recently completed my Master's degree but have been struggling to find a job in my field. In the meantime, I'm looking for any entry-level position to stay afloat. My work history primarily consists of internships I did during college, and I've focused on my education since I was 18. I'm contemplating leaving my Master's off my resume because I fear it might deter employers who think I won't stay long in a lower-level job. However, I'm unsure how to represent the four years I spent earning my Bachelor's degree. I want to be honest but also need to make myself appealing to potential employers. I’ve heard suggestions to apply for unarmed security jobs and to include my Bachelor's degree while omitting the Master's. I'm hoping to hear from others who might have faced a similar situation.

I was recently wrongfully terminated from my position as a technology teacher at a private online school, and I'm feeling lost about my rights and next steps. Initially, I took on multiple roles, including technology support and instructional manager, with my supervisor's approval for high hours due to my workload. I even developed a web app to automate processes that saved the school money, but my supervisor claimed it as her own despite not contributing to it. Things took a turn when I began questioning some of the school's practices, including accreditation and the validity of the curriculum, which seemed to upset my supervisor. On July 18th, she abruptly changed her demeanor towards me, leading to a confrontation over a password issue that was ultimately a typo on her part. On July 20th, she terminated me via a Teams chat, claiming I was too expensive and withholding my pay for the month. After I stopped working, I noticed suspicious activity on my web application, including attempts to brute force access and a significant data deletion that I suspect was orchestrated by her. I’ve always been dedicated to my work and received positive feedback from faculty, students, and their families. Now, I’m in shock and unsure if I have any legal recourse. I feel underappreciated for my hard work, and I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation.

I've been feeling really insecure at my job lately and I'm in need of some advice. I've been working at a dental office as an administrative assistant for a year now. Initially, it was quite challenging to adapt since there was no proper training provided. The previous staff didn't stay long, and I suspect it was due to a mix of high turnover and not being the right fit. My boss claims it was due to a lack of working rights for the staff, but I have my doubts since many of the former employees had a strong dislike for my boss. Currently, business has slowed down, which is typical for this time of year in the dental industry, but during my time here, I was the go-to person. I implemented a review system that helped the practice gain over 300 reviews, making us rank #1 in our area. I also managed social media, the website, and handled equipment repairs. However, I started to feel burnt out due to the high patient demand and constant interruptions from my boss, who would pull me away from my tasks to cover for my co-workers. After returning from a short trip, I've noticed a significant shift in the workplace dynamic. My boss seems to have taken away many of my responsibilities, which I suspect is a reaction to my recent request for a raise, considering how much I contribute. Now, I'm hardly spoken to at work, and my boss primarily interacts with a co-worker who seems to mimic my actions but claims she wants to leave. I can't shake the feeling that I might be replaced by an AI receptionist, especially since my boss's significant other made a comment about it once. Whenever I come up with ideas that could benefit the business, they seem to take them and implement them without involving me, likely to avoid paying me for my contributions. Now, my role has diminished to just refreshing the appointment screen repeatedly. My boss has said they don't want me to leave, but I can't help feeling paranoid about being replaced and unwanted. I'm struggling to determine if this is imposter syndrome or just basic insecurity, but I feel completely useless and wonder if I'm being blocked from potential wage growth.

Today, I finally submitted my resignation after 6 months of feeling completely miserable in my role as a Sourcing Specialist. From the very first month, I knew this job wasn't right for me. My boss is condescending, and I feel like I'm not learning anything valuable. I’ve been underpaid and overqualified for this position, which has only added to my frustration. I had my resignation letter drafted by the third month, but today I mustered the courage to send it off, even though I don’t have another job lined up. I’ve worked in Sourcing for over 2 years and was hoping to transition into finance, but this experience has left me feeling confused and stressed about my career path. I know staying in a job that makes me feel suffocated isn’t worth it, so I’m ready to figure things out on my own.

I just experienced what feels like the worst layoff of my career. After being unemployed for 7 months, I finally thought I found the perfect opportunity with a new company that offered me RSUs and a grant. I relocated to a new state, leaving my family behind, and endured all the changes that came with it. I dedicated myself fully to this job, launching features and even working weekends, but I constantly felt undervalued and unappreciated. It seemed like everyone around me was working in fear, just trying to meet quotas to secure their RSUs. I successfully launched a significant feature to production, but it still wasn’t enough for management. They were self-centered and showed no concern for the team. We were forced to conduct scrum meetings, and just as I was about to launch my second feature, I was let go due to a new CTO and company restructuring. It feels like companies are changing; with AI raising expectations, they are cutting senior positions to replace them with juniors. It's disheartening.

I'm a 30-year-old male with 5 years of experience in software development, primarily working with SB and MS technologies. I'm about to become a father, which is incredibly exciting, but it also brings a lot of anxiety about my career. My company has laid off around 30% of its workforce, and I see that layoffs are still happening. Despite my strong performance, I know that it doesn't guarantee job security anymore. Currently, I earn ₹1.4 lakh per month, but I've been struggling to find new opportunities. I've tried switching jobs, but I'm hardly getting any interview calls. When I asked for a 40% raise, HR told me it was out of budget and then stopped responding altogether. What worries me the most is the long-term future of my career. With AI advancing so quickly and layoffs becoming more common, job opportunities seem scarce. I often find myself regretting my choice to pursue a career in IT. With a baby on the way, these thoughts are overwhelming. I constantly worry about my family's future and whether I can provide the stability they deserve. I'm curious if anyone else is experiencing similar feelings and how they are coping with this uncertainty. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I recently accepted a new job offer as a branch manager at a staffing company, which comes with a salary increase of over $20,000 a year. I've been with my current company for six years, and honestly, it's been a frustrating experience. The company culture is toxic, and I've had my fill of the manipulative behavior from my boss. I don't want to disclose where I'm going because of various concerns, and I'm seriously considering not giving a two-week notice. I reached out to the former CFO for a reference, and he encouraged me to leave whenever I find a better opportunity. I'm torn about whether I should just send a simple termination email or if I should give some notice. Has anyone else faced this dilemma? Did you regret not giving a two-week notice?

I recently received a job offer, which is exciting, but I'm facing a challenge with the references required. The employer needs references for the past three years, and I was NEET (not in education, employment, or training) for the last year. They specifically don't accept character or personal references, which makes it tricky since I don't have a professional referee from that time. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation or has any advice on how to handle this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I had an interview scheduled for 11:15 AM today, so I arrived early at 11:05 AM. After checking in with the receptionist, I was shown to a waiting room and told the interviewer would be just ten minutes late. I thought that was fine since I was early. However, as time passed, I started getting concerned. By 11:30 AM, I was still waiting without any update. I tried to find the receptionist but couldn't locate her, and the other employees around seemed uninterested in helping me. I decided to wait a bit longer, thinking maybe there was an emergency or something. But by 11:45 AM, I was really annoyed—30 minutes past the scheduled time and still no communication. I tried looking for the receptionist again but had no luck. Finally, at 12:05 PM, I had been waiting for an hour and was fed up. I sent an email to the company letting them know I had been waiting without any information. Just as I was driving home, I received a call from them, which I didn't answer. They called again at 12:25 PM, and I picked up. They informed me that they were now ready for the interview. No explanation, no apology. I told them I had already left because of the long wait and lack of communication. They offered for me to come back, but I declined, stating I was no longer interested. This experience was incredibly frustrating. It made me realize that if they can't handle the interview process professionally, I wouldn't want to work for them anyway. Just needed to vent about this waste of my time.

I recently experienced being ghosted during an interview, which was a first for me. I had an interview scheduled on Teams and logged in, waiting for 30 minutes before deciding to log out. I even sent the recruiter an email after 15 minutes of waiting, but I never received a response. It was really disheartening, and I was surprised to find out from others that this seems to be happening more frequently now. One commenter mentioned they've been ghosted 12 times, which makes me wonder if this is becoming the new norm in job interviews.