Miscellaneous

I recently had a really frustrating experience interviewing for an Assistant Store Manager position at Lovisa. After being strung along for weeks, I finally had my interview with the District Manager (DM), and it was one of the most unprofessional encounters I've ever faced in my management career. To start, I was left in the dark for nearly two weeks after the interview without any communication, even after I followed up. But honestly, the ghosting was the least of my worries. During the interview, the DM made some shocking comments that raised serious red flags. When I shared my salary expectations, she responded with the classic line about needing to check with her boss about whether Lovisa could afford me. I expected some transparency about salary bands, but that was just the beginning. What really took me aback was how she began to openly criticize her own staff. She complained about one of her stores, saying the team was 'so slow' at learning new things that it took them '6 months' to catch on. Then, she looked at me and said she prefers hiring people with 'common sense,' implying that her current employees lack any capability. Hearing a DM talk negatively about her team to an outsider was shocking and showed a complete lack of leadership integrity. If she speaks like that about her team to a stranger, it makes me question how she would talk about me behind closed doors. Overall, I would advise anyone considering a job at Lovisa to think twice and explore other options. This experience has left a sour taste in my mouth, especially with the ongoing litigation issues they're facing in Australia and New Zealand regarding wage withholding.

Today, I made the tough decision to resign from my job due to mental exhaustion and overwhelming workload. I have been in my role for 2 years and 3 months, primarily working with SQL, Db2, and SAS reporting. Although I have a notice period of 3 months, I am available to start a new job immediately since I don't have another offer lined up. I’m feeling a bit lost on how to effectively secure a new position in this challenging job market. I would appreciate any advice on how to proceed with my job search.

I’ve been feeling really lost in my job search lately. I’ve been working in retail for the past four years, and I got the job without an interview—just clicked apply and they hired me. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, but it feels like I have no idea how to leverage it to find a better job. Whenever I mention my degree, people seem surprised that I’m still in retail, and it makes me feel inadequate. I’ve looked at software roles, but the qualifications seem impossible to meet, and even entry-level IT positions like help desk jobs feel out of reach. I don’t have a proper resume tailored for tech jobs; I’ve only got a basic one for my service industry experience. I’m thirty years old and have been in this line of work for over a decade, so I feel stuck. I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. The support system around me feels non-existent. The government doesn’t seem to care about underemployment, and my university has basically washed their hands of me since I graduated. I’m at a loss for how to move forward and can’t think of a path that would help me earn more than $24 an hour. I really want to know how others are finding decent-paying jobs because I feel like all my options are closed off.

I was laid off yesterday after nearly 7 years at a tech consulting company. My position was moved offshore as part of a cost-cutting measure, and I received no severance. As the head of a household with a wife and a toddler, this sudden change has left me feeling incredibly stressed, especially since I now have to cover health insurance costs out of pocket, which I’ve found can exceed $1500 a month. I've been reading through this sub to see how others cope after a layoff, and many suggest taking some time to relax before diving into the job search. However, I find it hard to relax with so many uncertainties looming over me. The job market seems bleak, and I’m worried about when I’ll find another position. My experience has primarily been in client relationships, project management, and customer success, rather than technical roles, which adds to my confusion about what jobs I should be applying for. I’m also contemplating whether I should pivot to a new direction or up-skill in some way, but I’m overwhelmed with questions and don’t know where to start. How do others manage to take a step back and relax in times like this? I’m feeling pretty frantic.

After nearly a year of searching, I finally landed a job! I secured two temporary assignments that will run back-to-back through October 2027. The work is engaging, and I’m excited about the opportunity to gain valuable skills and expand my professional network. This was my fourth job search and definitely the longest one. Health constraints have complicated my professional journey, making it even more challenging. I faced a lot of rejection during interviews, which was tough and felt personal at times, especially as an introvert. To tackle this, I started using AI tools more extensively. I analyzed job descriptions to pinpoint potential pitfalls for interviews and evaluated which positions aligned best with my skills and vision. This preparation helped me approach interviews as a conversation about mutual fit rather than just proving I was the perfect candidate. I also made a point to attend industry conferences and familiarize myself with the work of others in my field through articles, podcasts, and discussions with friends. During interviews, I was able to bring up relevant topics, which I believe added value to my candidacy. Overall, this job search forced me to reflect deeply on my situation, and I hope it will make navigating future work-related challenges easier.

I recently experienced a layoff and I'm reaching out to fellow laid-off professionals to connect and support each other during this challenging time. As a software engineer with over 10 years of experience, I've been through my fair share of interviews and have even helped others in their job searches. I know how tough it can be when you're applying for countless positions and still facing rejection, especially when family members don’t fully understand the gravity of the job market situation and inadvertently place blame on us for not trying hard enough. I'm here to offer my assistance—feel free to send me your resumes for feedback or ask me any questions you might have. Let's share our experiences, frustrations, and insights to help each other navigate this tough landscape.

I’m currently working in a healthcare facility in the USA, and I’m feeling extremely targeted and retaliated against by a manager, whom I’ll refer to as A. This situation has been affecting my mental health significantly. I have a medical condition that requires me to take intermittent FMLA, which I’ve been using legitimately due to my health issues, including PTSD. However, since A was promoted about a year and a half ago, I’ve faced constant micromanagement and accusations regarding my use of FMLA. A has even questioned me about the specifics of my health condition and suggested that I might be abusing my FMLA rights to leave early. My direct manager, B, is kind but seems powerless to intervene effectively, as A is very much in control and has a close-knit relationship with the management team. I’ve tried to address my concerns with B, but it feels like nothing changes. A continues to monitor my work closely, changes my assignments negatively, and even texts me after hours to accuse me of misconduct. I feel like I’m being watched constantly, which is incredibly stressful. I’ve reached out for support through the Employee Assistance Program, but my requests have gone unanswered. I’m stuck in this contracted position and can’t afford to quit, but I desperately need advice on how to handle this situation without jeopardizing my job further.

I'm currently navigating a tough situation after being laid off from my job as a heavy-duty technician apprentice in Alberta, Canada. I've been unemployed for over a year, and while I've had several interviews and even some offers, I turned down a job a few months ago because it required me to stay in a work camp, which I can't do. I also declined an offer in a different field that I now regret. Recently, I received an offer in my field, but it involves relocating to a smaller town without any relocation assistance, and the pay is lower than what I've previously earned. After much consideration, I decided to decline the offer, but now I'm second-guessing my decision. I'm torn between the need to get back to work and the uncertainty of whether I'll receive another offer soon. I'm even open to accepting jobs outside my field just to get back to work. I'm really struggling with whether I should reach out to the company and ask if the offer is still available or if I should hold out for something local. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Today was incredibly tough for me at Capital One. My manager, who has been with Discover for over 8 years, was laid off, and I had to say goodbye to her during our final call. I recently started working here, and it was heartbreaking to see someone so dedicated lose their position. During our call, she was transitioning her responsibilities to me, and it was one of the most painful experiences I've ever had in my working life. She was emotional, and as she explained the tasks, I could feel the weight of the situation. When we finished, I couldn't hold back my tears, and I cried with her. I told her how much she meant to us and how great of a leader she was. This experience has left a deep impact on me, and I truly hope I never have to go through something like this again.

I recently found myself in a tough situation after being laid off from a major top 500 company. They offered me a severance package of just four weeks, but it came with the condition that I sign away all my rights. I'm currently trying to figure out if it's possible to negotiate for a better deal. I've heard from others that if you're in a special position, like an executive, you might have more leverage, but as a regular employee, it seems like options are limited. I'm also part of a protected class in tech and under 40, so I'm wondering if that might play a role in negotiations. Has anyone had success pushing back on their severance offers? I'm looking for any advice or experiences that could help me in this situation.

I just found out that I'm facing a layoff at my company, and it's happening just two weeks before my maternity leave is set to start. The situation is a bit complicated because I've been given the option to willfully accept the layoff, which would come with a severance package of 21 weeks plus 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, all in a lump sum. I'm trying to figure out how this would affect my eligibility for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). My plan was to take SDI four weeks before my baby arrives and then six weeks after, followed by PFL. But now that I might be laid off, I'm unsure how this will all work. I've heard that some people suggest applying for unemployment insurance (UI) to qualify for SDI, but I'm wondering if it's realistic to look for work for just two weeks. Also, I’m curious about how SDI payments would be calculated if I no longer have a salary. I've seen some comments suggesting that since I would receive severance as a lump sum, I might still qualify for SDI and PFL in California. I just hope everything works out smoothly as I approach this new chapter in my life.

I recently graduated from a tier 3 college and was fortunate enough to secure a position as a Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) at COFORGE. However, it's been over four months since I received the verbal offer, and I still haven't received my joining letter. My college has officially ended, and my Training and Placement Officer (TPO) is unresponsive to my inquiries. I'm feeling quite anxious and frustrated as I sit at home without any updates, and my parents are constantly asking about my job status. If anyone has any advice or knows how to handle this situation, I would greatly appreciate your input.

It's been two weeks since I accepted an offer letter for a position at a grocery store. I applied about a month ago, and after some back and forth with the hiring manager, I finally received the offer letter. The manager initially asked me to resubmit my application because it had expired, which I did right after our call. A few days later, I got the offer letter and filled out the I-9 form. However, the day after signing the offer, I received a call from another manager who mentioned that the original manager wanted me to resubmit my application again. I informed her that I had already received the offer letter. Since then, I haven't heard anything back. I called the store a week later to check in and learned that the hiring manager was on vacation. I tried to speak to someone else about my situation, but they confused me with another candidate. They took my name and number but I still haven't received any updates. In the meantime, I've been applying to other jobs, but I'm not getting any responses. I'm feeling really frustrated because I left my previous job due to moving and other difficulties, and now bills are piling up. This is the longest I've ever had to wait to start a new job. Additionally, the union representative reached out because I hadn't filled out the union paperwork. He mentioned he would check on my situation when he was in the store last week, but I haven't heard back from him either. I'm considering whether I should reach out again this week.

I was recently laid off from my tech job and I'm looking to connect with others who have experienced similar situations, especially those affected by AI advancements. I'm based in California and would love to find a community where we can share resources, news, and information about training opportunities. It would be great to find support and connect with people who understand what we're going through.

I recently had a rather strange experience with a trial job I applied for at a local restaurant. About a week and a half ago, I received a text from someone claiming to be the boss, asking if I could come in for a trial shift. I was taken aback since I hadn't even had an interview yet, but I agreed to come in for a shift as a dishwasher. The initial communication was odd; the boss changed the time on me last minute, but I managed to rearrange my schedule for the new time. When I arrived, the place seemed legit, but there were immediate red flags. The boss didn't even acknowledge me when I walked in and quickly sent me off to my trainer. The trainer was friendly but it quickly became apparent that the expectations were overwhelming. I was expected to learn a ton of tasks right away, and while he was supportive, I felt lost trying to keep up with the pace of work. The dishwashing process was complicated, and I had to remember where everything went in a huge kitchen filled with unique dishes. On my second shift, the trainer mentioned the high turnover rate, which made me realize I wasn't the only one struggling with the workload. By the end of my shift, I was exhausted and felt like I couldn't keep up with the demands. I started contemplating quitting, even though I felt bad about it given the trainer's insights into the job. During my third shift, I noticed the boss was still distant and seemed uninterested in my presence. It was disheartening, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this job might not be for me. I was already thinking about how to communicate my decision to leave, as the pressure and expectations were simply too much for me to handle.

I've been living in Boston for the past year, tirelessly applying for jobs in case management and care coordination, but I'm still unemployed. I've sent out hundreds of applications, tailored my resume multiple times, and written countless cover letters, yet only about 3% have led to interviews, and none to job offers. It's disheartening, especially since I'm about to start my master’s in public health in a few months without securing a position in my field. To make ends meet, I've been working labor jobs. I can't shake the feeling that bias might be playing a role in my job search. As a 33-year-old Middle Eastern man, I've started to notice patterns that make me question whether my background is affecting my opportunities. Every interview I've had has been with women, from talent acquisition to hiring managers, and during one interview, a director made an odd comment about men wanting to listen to women because of their mothers. I found it inappropriate and responded, but the interview ended abruptly after that. After a year of hard work and minimal results, it's hard not to wonder if being a Middle Eastern man in a predominantly female field is creating unseen barriers. I’m seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation and improve my chances.

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. I've had four interviews in the past month where everything seemed to go well, but then I was completely ghosted afterward. Companies act like they’re really interested in me during the interview, even promising to call me on a specific date, but then they just disappear. One company even told me they were definitely hiring me and just needed to sort out some logistics before calling me the next day to get started the following week. But that call never came, and when I followed up, they ignored my message. It's really disheartening and has made me feel discouraged about finding a job. Am I the only one experiencing this?

I applied for a phlebotomy position at a local hospital and had my interview two weeks ago. They offered me a different schedule than what I initially applied for, and I've been anxiously waiting for a response since then. The online application still says "under consideration," and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the wait. I did receive a job offer from an independent clinic, but I decided to ghost them because their schedule was inflexible, and I want to continue my education. I also interviewed at Costco, but they rejected me in less than 24 hours. I'm starting to wonder if I’m not performing well in interviews or if my English skills are lacking. Any advice on what I should do next?

I recently applied for a server position at a local restaurant and had what I thought was a promising interaction with the manager. After dropping off my resume, he quickly invited me for an interview, followed by a trial shift just a few days later. We had a lengthy and seemingly genuine conversation after the shift, where I inquired about my hiring status. He mentioned he was still interviewing other candidates and promised to get back to me by Wednesday or Thursday. Fast forward to Thursday night, and I hadn’t heard anything. I even sent a follow-up email, but no response came my way. It’s frustrating to feel like I wasted my time and effort, especially after driving to the restaurant and working a trial shift, only to be ghosted. To make matters worse, the trial shift was supposed to be paid, but the payment ended up being reversed by my bank. When I reached out to the manager about that, he responded by forwarding my issue to his accounting team, but he completely ignored my question about my hiring status. It feels really disappointing and unprofessional. Is this kind of ghosting common in the job search process? I've never done a trial shift before, and now I'm left wondering if it was worth it.

Today, I lost my job just two weeks after starting as a new employee. My manager told me I wasn't a good fit, and I can't help but feel devastated. It's hard to believe that someone can make such a judgment in such a short time. This was my first job, and I was really hoping to make a good impression. Now, I feel embarrassed and confused about what went wrong. I was dealing with a personal crisis already, and this just adds to the stress. I wish I could wake up and find out this was all just a bad dream.