Miscellaneous

I'm currently seeking new job opportunities and would love any leads or referrals. I have experience working in startups across various roles including product, operations, category management, and data-driven positions. I'm particularly interested in roles related to Product/Program Management, Business Analysis, Business/Strategy Operations, General Operations, Founder's Office, and Product Operations. I'm based in Bangalore and am open to remote work as well. I'm available to join immediately, so if you know of any openings or your company is hiring, please reach out. I can share my resume via DM. Thank you!

I started a summer job in May, working under a 60-hour contract for three weeks. During the interview, I was assured that regardless of the contract type, I would have the opportunity to work more hours than guaranteed. My manager confirmed this when I started, saying I could work as much as I wanted if I expressed my desire for more hours. However, despite my monthly requests to increase my hours, I've consistently only received around 60-65 hours per rotation. Recently, our new schedule showed that almost every employee, including myself, has been assigned fewer hours than our contracts stipulate. This is a clear violation of our employment agreement, and I'm entitled to full pay for the contracted hours, even if the shifts aren’t provided. I spoke to a coworker about this issue, but he’s hesitant to bring it up to management, fearing it would add more stress to our already supportive managers. I understand that the company may have overhired due to expected sales increases, but I find it hard to believe that a large company in this field can't afford to honor our contracts. While I appreciate my managers and don’t want to create problems for them, I also feel the need to stand up for my rights as an employee. I wish there was a way to address this issue directly with higher management without involving my kind managers. Financially, I’m in a tough spot since I had planned to save most of my earnings for university, but now I’m struggling to cover my living expenses after moving out due to renovations at home.

I’ve been reflecting on the current climate of layoffs, and it’s alarming to see how common retrenchments have become. It used to feel like a distant concern, but now it seems like almost every day there are reports of companies letting go of employees without clear reasons. What’s particularly troubling is that even managers and higher-ups aren’t safe from these cuts. I’ve learned that there are no mandatory severance packages or requirements that companies must follow, which means that even firms that are doing well can let people go without any justification. I’ve witnessed toxic environments where employees are fired only to see the same positions filled again shortly after. It feels like loyalty has become obsolete in the workplace. Companies seem to hire without much thought and fire just as easily, without any legal repercussions to protect workers. In other countries, it’s much harder to terminate an employee, but here it’s almost too easy. Often, they’ll give you a month’s notice, or create impossible performance targets that no one could realistically meet, just to label you as underperforming. I’ve seen HR departments act in ways that are downright intimidating, threatening termination without any real basis in performance. Many of us are left feeling pressured to resign to avoid the stigma of being fired. I know colleagues who work tirelessly, going above and beyond, only to find themselves in the crosshairs of layoffs. The process can be humiliating, with accusations that are laughable yet result in their termination. It’s heartbreaking to think about the families affected and the financial burdens they face. I can’t help but wonder how many people have suffered severe consequences from these layoffs—like depression or worse—because they can’t find new jobs, especially as they get older. It’s a serious issue that needs addressing. I really hope our government steps in to protect workers from these unjust practices, ensuring that companies—both local and multinational—are held accountable for their actions.

I just got laid off from my position at Publicis Groupe, and it's been a tough time for me. About three months ago, my fiancé left me, which has made things even more challenging. I’m living in a giant loft apartment that I can barely afford, especially now that I'm without a job. The place feels so empty without her and all her stuff, and it's hard to keep up with the rent. I was finally getting my life back on track—hitting the gym every day and cutting back on drinking during the week. But now, with this layoff, I feel like I’m back to square one. I haven't done any coding challenges in years, and I’m unsure if they’ve changed or if companies are still relying on traditional methods. I’ve heard mixed things about using AI in coding interviews, and I’m worried about how to approach my job search moving forward.

A few months ago, I made the tough decision to quit my job as a Part Time Manager at Claire's. Initially, I enjoyed my role, despite the challenges of changing signs every night. However, after the company went through bankruptcy and was bought out, the work environment turned toxic. Management was poor, and many employees were leaving. I found out from friends that I was severely underpaid at $12/hour for my position, especially when I learned that others were making more for less work. Despite my store manager's encouragement to pursue a promotion to Store Manager, I was ultimately not hired after being led to believe I would be. This was the final straw for me, and I submitted my one-week notice. My boyfriend supported my decision to focus on my hobby instead, but since quitting, I've struggled with feelings of inadequacy and a lack of purpose. I've been trying to make money from my hobby, but it's been slow, and I've also started doing DoorDash to make ends meet. However, my phone service issues complicate things. I feel like I've lost my routine and am not accomplishing anything meaningful. Now, I'm looking for new jobs, but I feel stuck. I want to earn more than $14/hour, work part-time, and preferably find something remote or within a 30-minute drive. I don’t have a degree, and I’d love weekends off, but I’m starting to wonder if my expectations are too high. I feel like I might have to lower my standards and consider full-time work or even go back to the $12/hour range. I'm reaching out for advice on whether I'm being too picky or if I'm missing something in my job search.

I dedicated all my time and resources to building my startup, pouring my heart and soul into it. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and now I'm in a tough spot. I need to find a job quickly before my financial situation worsens. I'm reaching out for any advice or leads you might have. I really appreciate any help you can provide.

I was laid off from Deloitte after six years of relentless work that took a toll on my health and personal life. The news came in a brief 10-minute call with a partner and an HR representative, and I felt completely numb. My entire mid-20s were consumed by the demands of the firm, where I sacrificed my well-being for the sake of deadlines and client deliverables. I endured chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and anxiety, all while missing out on family gatherings and personal milestones. I kept telling myself that if I just got through one more busy season, things would improve, but they never did. Instead, I was left feeling like just another number on a spreadsheet. Now, even though the layoff was a shock, I also feel a sense of relief. For the first time in years, I don’t have to worry about utilization metrics or late-night work. I’ve decided I’m done with the Big 4 and reclaiming my life. To anyone still in the grind, please prioritize your peace; the firm won’t care about you in the end. It's time for me to heal and focus on my well-being.

I've been job hunting in HR for about 8 months now and faced a tough decision regarding how to address my survival job as an Uber driver during interviews. Initially, I left it out of conversations, worried it would make me seem desperate or disconnected from my field. However, I eventually grew tired of dodging the question when asked about what I had been doing. So, I decided to be honest about it. I explained that I kept income coming in while focusing on finding the right fit and mentioned how the candidate experience aspect of driving helped me think more critically about onboarding touchpoints. This approach made a noticeable difference in the interviews. Some hiring managers responded positively, indicating that it showed self-sufficiency, while others moved on without much thought. There was one who reacted awkwardly, but overall, being straightforward seemed to resonate better than my previous vague answers. The gap conversation is tough, and I feel many people in similar situations are advised to downplay or deflect, but my experience suggests that owning it and connecting it to relevant skills can be more effective. I'm curious if anyone else has navigated the income gap during their job search and what strategies worked or didn't work for them.

I got laid off on my birthday, which was quite a shock. It's been about 9 days since my employment with the company ended. I had spent four years in my role, where I excelled and built strong relationships with my colleagues, but unfortunately, I wasn't viewed as favorably by management. The company decided to implement a reduction in force, affecting 300 employees, and I was among those selected. It was disheartening to receive the news, and a colleague even offered to help me clear my desk to avoid having to go back into the office. Initially, I saw my severance package as a chance to relocate to a new state, especially since my lease is up in less than a month. I wanted to find new employment in a different state, but I'm starting to think that might not be the best move right now. I'm also enrolled in a medical assistant program that my previous employer funded, and I'm unsure if they'll allow me to finish it and get my certification. Despite this uncertainty, I've been keeping up with my studies and am ahead of schedule for completion. My official last day is August 7, 2026, and I plan to finish my courses before then. I usually stick to a path until I get a clear signal to change direction, at which point I reassess my options. During this transition, I've found walking and journaling to be really helpful.

I recently experienced the impact of the ongoing layoffs affecting major companies like Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx. As someone who has been following the trends in the job market, it's disheartening to see that the so-called 'low-hire, low-fire economy' is becoming a reality. While tech companies have been hit hard, it seems that other sectors are starting to feel the pressure as well. I’ve noticed CFOs are advising their boards to prepare for a potential recession, even as these companies report record profits. It feels like a mix of greed and caution, as they want to avoid being caught off guard like during previous economic downturns. This situation has made me more anxious about job security and the overall stability of the job market.

This week, I encountered a frustrating issue while trying to certify my unemployment claim in New Jersey. After receiving backpay for three weeks, I got an error message stating 'Unable to certify - reopen your application.' I currently work part-time in EdTech, but I was a full-time in-school teacher last year. I'm wondering if anyone else has faced this problem with an active NJ claim and if they were able to resolve it by speaking with an agent over the phone, without having to go through the adjudication process again. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have been working in IT Support in Saudi Arabia for about a year, but my contract was not renewed due to the downturn in the market caused by the war situation. My company gave me a few months to find another job, but despite applying to numerous positions on LinkedIn, Gulf Naukri, and other job portals, I didn't receive a single interview call. I tailored my CV for different roles and shared it with friends and relatives in Dammam, Jeddah, Mecca, and Riyadh, hoping for leads. I even joined WhatsApp groups for job seekers, but nothing seemed to work. After months of searching, I started to doubt my abilities. Eventually, I received a job offer through a reference, but the new company wanted me to work under my previous employer's sponsorship, which is not legal. They kept delaying the transfer of my sponsorship, while my previous employer pressured me for confirmation. The stress took a toll on my health, and when I informed the new company I couldn't start due to illness, they canceled my offer. I feel like I did everything possible, but nothing worked out.

I’m feeling really frustrated and overwhelmed in my job search. I’m 27 and have been actively looking for a job for the past year, but it seems like no matter how hard I try, I keep getting ghosted or receiving rejection emails. My parents think I’m being lazy, but I assure them that I’m putting in the effort. The job market feels so different now compared to when I graduated, especially after COVID hit. I’m not sure how to communicate my struggles to my family without them thinking I’m not trying hard enough. It’s really taking a toll on my mental health.

I recently faced a tough situation in North Carolina regarding my unemployment benefits. My assignment with a client ended unexpectedly, and I was left without income. I waited for my temp agency to reach out, but they were unaware of the situation as well. Once I got in touch with them, they agreed to help me market my resume, so I decided to file for unemployment. Unfortunately, my benefits were denied because I failed to update my temp agency about my availability for about two weeks. I didn't realize this was a requirement, as it wasn't clearly stated when I signed on. Now, I have an appeal hearing coming up, and I'm anxious to see if they will accept my explanation for the oversight.

I recently experienced a shocking turn of events after moving continents for a new role as a Director at my company, where I had been working remotely for two years. I was excited about the opportunity and had made extensive preparations for my move, including managing my health records, arranging care for my mother, and even securing a business license for my rental property. However, on the very day I arrived in my new country, I was blindsided by an email from a boss I didn’t even know existed, accusing me of a lack of commitment due to my absence from meetings while I was in the midst of relocating. Despite having communicated my situation to my direct co-director, who had initially been supportive, it turned out she was not on my side and had complained about me to this surprise boss. Almost immediately, I was demoted in a team meeting with 40 colleagues present, which was incredibly humiliating. The co-director wasted no time in undermining me further, sending out emails to the team stating she was the sole director and instructing them to exclude me from management communications. To make matters worse, I was already dealing with physical limitations due to a past injury, and when I discussed my need for accommodations, she dismissed it as a 'problem.' It felt like I was being actively bullied and isolated, with team members even reporting that they were told not to engage with me. My entire portfolio was taken over by her, and any attempt I made to explain my situation was met with resistance. Despite having over 15 years of experience and having led international teams through crises, I found myself in a toxic environment that was incredibly isolating and demoralizing. I kept detailed notes of everything that happened, knowing that I needed to protect myself. In the face of this adversity, I decided to channel my energy into creating a resource I wish I had during this ordeal. I developed a project called 'Wild at Work' aimed at helping others navigate workplace toxicity and isolation. It has been a therapeutic outlet for me, and I hope it can assist others who find themselves in similar situations. I’m grateful for my career and the network I’ve built, which has provided me with support during this challenging time. I truly believe that if I were earlier in my career, this experience could have been devastating. Now, I’m focused on moving forward and helping others who might be struggling with similar issues.

I'm currently looking for my first job and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have about a month before I head back to school, and I want to start exploring options to earn some money for expenses like gas and insurance once I get my license. The catch is that I need a job within walking distance since my parents aren't able to drive me around. I live near a Coborns, and while I think it could be a good fit, I'm worried about my age. I'm 15, and most of the employees there seem to be older, which makes me question my chances of getting hired. I’m also considering fast food places since they tend to hire younger workers. Another challenge I'm facing is my struggle with interviews. I've already bombed two interviews, and despite practicing beforehand, I get really nervous and forget everything I prepared. It’s frustrating because I want to make my parents proud, but I feel like I'm letting them down with each failed attempt. If anyone has tips for interviewing or knows of job opportunities for someone my age, I would really appreciate your help!

I’ve been laid off for about eight months now, and it’s been an incredibly challenging time for me. In the past six months, I’ve also gone through two miscarriages, which has left me grappling with both emotional and financial instability. Losing my job and experiencing these personal losses so closely together has affected me more than I anticipated. It feels like I’ve lost not only my future plans but also the financial security I relied on. I know I need to redirect my focus towards job searching, but the grief I’m experiencing makes it really difficult. Job hunting is already a draining process, requiring a lot of energy to update my resume, fill out applications, and prepare for interviews, all while facing the potential for rejection. Some days, I can manage to stay focused and productive, but on others, I feel emotionally drained and struggle to accomplish much. As my unemployment stretches on, my debt is starting to pile up, and the financial pressure is becoming overwhelming. This pressure makes me feel like I should be doing more, but the guilt and anxiety often paralyze me instead. I find myself caught in a cycle of needing time to heal while also feeling the urgent need to find a job to alleviate our financial strain. My husband has been incredibly supportive throughout this ordeal, and he never makes me feel like a burden. Yet, I can’t shake the guilt I feel from being stressed all the time, knowing it impacts our life together. His support means the world to me, but I wish I could manage everything better. I’m not looking for sympathy; I genuinely want to connect with others who have faced similar challenges of grief and financial stress. How did you regain your focus after feeling stuck for so long? What strategies helped you rebuild structure and motivation when the pressure felt insurmountable?

I just got laid off from my job at Citi after 10 years. I knew it was coming, but hearing it while I was on vacation hit hard. I was on a plane, sitting in an aisle seat, trying to hold it together while my 7-year-old watched YouTube and my husband worked on expense reports by the window. I felt like I was silently falling apart. I had just climbed a mountain and felt so connected to the world, and now I was crying on an airplane, feeling like everything was pointless. It’s hard not to feel worthless right now, especially when I have to pretend for my child that everything has meaning when it feels like it doesn't. I’m in this swamp of an existential crisis, trying to figure out who I am without my job. It’s overwhelming, and my mind feels upside down. I’m not ready for this, and I’m struggling to process everything.

I was laid off two weeks ago due to organizational restructuring at my company. It hit me hard, especially since just three days prior, I had been promoted to a Managerial position while I was on vacation. I thought it was a nice return gift, but it turned out to be a prelude to my layoff. This experience made me reflect on the current state of the digital marketing industry. It seems like companies are no longer hiring marketers; instead, they are looking for problem absorbers. The responsibilities have expanded to encompass SEO, ads, content, social media, analytics, AI, strategy, and design—all under the marketer's umbrella. Somewhere along the line, digital marketing has morphed from a defined role into a catch-all department. The frustrating part is that while marketing teams are expected to drive growth, they often face the axe when budgets are slashed. Despite our efforts to upskill and adapt to constant changes in algorithms and tools, job security feels more elusive than ever. I'm not sharing this out of bitterness; I know I'll find another role. I just believe it's crucial for the industry to discuss whether we are hiring marketers to foster growth or expecting them to do the work of an entire team. To my fellow marketers who have faced similar layoffs recently, I’m sending my thoughts and prayers your way.

Today, I received the news that I was laid off after nearly 30 years at my company. I had just hit retirement age and half-joked in a meeting about being interested in any available packages. I thought I might be able to take advantage of a good offer, especially with the potential for 4 weeks of pay for each year of service, up to two years. But then things changed when they moved me into the union. My boss had been missing our one-on-one meetings for months, which I didn’t mind since I never liked him anyway. When he finally showed up with a woman I didn’t recognize, I knew something was off. I was offered a 12-month severance package or they would look for another position for me. After doing the math, I realized my savings took a hit after my divorce, and I had hoped to work a couple more years to boost my pension and savings. Now, I need to reassess my financial situation, and I visited the bank to reshuffle my portfolio. I think I’ll be okay if I manage my spending wisely, but it’s not the outcome I was hoping for. What really shocked me was my colleague, let’s call him CO, who was in the same position as me. He’s been with the company for about 15 years, going through a divorce, and has two young kids. He can’t afford to take the severance package they offered him. Instead, they found him a new job at a junior level in the same department, which means he’ll be doing the same work for a 45% pay cut. I’m more concerned about his situation than my own. I’m sharing this not just for myself, but to highlight that I’m not the only one affected by this layoff.