Miscellaneous

I just received my first written warning at work, and I feel completely betrayed by a colleague. I'm 23 years old and have been working in recruitment for about eight months. A few months ago, my manager and team lead discussed areas where I could improve, but it didn't feel serious at the time. Now, I've been hit with a warning for several small mistakes related to attention to detail, and I'm really heartbroken about it. During a meeting with my manager and HR, they listed seven reasons for the warning, and it felt like everything I've done has been documented. I understand that I need to improve, but the way it was presented made it seem like I had suddenly become a problem employee. The warning will stay on my record for six months, which is intimidating. What hurts the most is that I thought I had a good relationship with a colleague, who is 33. We got along well, and I felt she had my back. However, it seems she has been reporting my mistakes to our manager, including a recent incident where I asked why I needed to interview a candidate twice. I never intended to question my team lead, but it was interpreted that way. To make matters worse, this colleague has recently been promoted, and I can't help but wonder if she used my mistakes to make herself look better. Now, I'm contemplating whether I should start looking for another job. I've never faced a warning before, and I'm worried this will impact my future opportunities. I feel uncomfortable about having to interact with her in team meetings, especially since I'm the youngest on the team. I know I need to take accountability for my mistakes, but I also feel hurt and blindsided by how everything has unfolded. I'm seeking advice on whether I should start looking for a new job or stay and try to rebuild my reputation. How do I handle my relationship with this colleague without making things awkward or giving her more reasons to report me?

I recently quit my fast food job because I was only making $200 biweekly, which is far below what I need to live on. The minimum wage in my state is low, and since I live in a rural area, I had to rely on my mom to drive me 50 miles to work, which added to my expenses. I really enjoyed my job, but when my manager threatened to write me up for missing three days, I decided enough was enough and told her to take me off the schedule. My mom often pressures me to help with bills, so I never had the chance to save any money. This situation has made me realize that I need to find a better path until I can go to college and start a career. I'm feeling lost and frustrated, and I would appreciate any tips on how to cope with low pay and the pressure to keep working jobs that don't support me. I even thought about writing to politicians about the minimum wage, but I know they probably won't care. I feel like a failure for quitting, but I know something needs to change.

I've been on the hunt for entry-level positions to replace my current job, which involves serving and hosting. Lately, I've noticed that almost every opportunity I come across requires multiple interviews or additional questionnaires with different managers. I always thought entry-level jobs had a simpler hiring process, but it seems like that's not the case anymore. It's not just me either; many of my friends searching for jobs are experiencing the same thing. I remember when getting hired for these roles was more straightforward, usually just one interview with the boss. Has the process really changed that much?

I'm feeling really overwhelmed with my job hunt and decided to share my experience in hopes of getting some advice. I've been searching for a job for about four years since graduating with a BA in psychology, but I've had no luck at all. I haven't received any phone calls, interviews, or even rejection emails. I've applied for jobs both in and out of my field, but nothing seems to work out. I suspect that my struggles might be related to being autistic and having ADHD, which I'm currently trying to get diagnosed. This has made it tough for me to navigate online job applications and interviews. My college experience was also challenging due to these issues, and my GPA reflects that. I'm hesitant to pursue a Master's program until I can get the right medication to help me focus. Recently, I've had to move in with family to an area that has very few job opportunities. The local job market is dire, and many people are commuting long distances just to find work. Financially, I'm in a tough spot. While I live with family, I can't rely on them for all my expenses. I've also been dealing with health problems this year that require ongoing treatment, and I want to ensure my elderly dog is comfortable in her final years. I know the job market is challenging for everyone, but I'm reaching out for any advice on how to improve my chances of finding a job. My resume isn't great due to a history of short-term jobs that conflicted with my college schedule, and I'm aware that my mental health issues might mean I should look for remote work or positions that keep me in front of a computer. If anyone has suggestions on job boards beyond Indeed, tips for improving my resume, or insights on job hunting with ADHD, I would really appreciate it. I'm open to any advice and would love to have a conversation about this.

I recently faced a tough situation after leaving a secure position at a large corporation to join an AI startup. I dedicated over a year to this role, working weekends and long hours, believing that the chaos was just part of the startup experience. Unfortunately, I was laid off due to budget constraints. This news hit me harder than I expected, and I've been feeling a mix of embarrassment and despair about the current job market. It's only been four days since I lost my job, and I've kept it to myself except for my husband. I started applying for new positions on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on roles I felt qualified for and trying to submit my applications during peak hours. However, the rejection emails have already started coming in, and each notification makes my heart sink a little more. I know I need to stay positive and keep pushing forward, but I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, wondering how long this process will take. I barely see any open positions that match my skills, and I'm reaching out to others who have been through similar layoffs for advice on handling the mental toll during these first few weeks. How long did it take you to find your next job?

Today, I learned that a buddy of mine was laid off from his position as a department supervisor in the receiving department at Home Depot Canada. He had been with the company for over 5 years, and they informed him that they were diminishing his position and had no alternative roles available for him. It seems strange to me that they would eliminate a role so crucial to the store's operations, especially since receiving is essential for keeping the store running smoothly. He did receive severance pay and his time shares are coming soon, which is a small comfort, but it still feels unfair to be let go after so many years of service.

I've been out of work for 3 years now after completing a Master's degree in engineering that I absolutely hated. I spent 5 years on this degree, including a year in industry, and while I graduated with a 2:1, the experience was far from enjoyable. I faced two mental breakdowns during this time, one during my internship and another shortly after, which really took a toll on my motivation. After finishing university, I was on strong antidepressants and struggled to find the drive to look for a job, despite having the skills for software development. I thought I could take a year to work on personal projects, but the rise of AI and widespread layoffs crushed my hopes of finding a stable career. Now, I'm three years unemployed. I did manage to earn some money through freelance work, around £2000 for a single project, but it wasn't stable. Employers seemed uninterested in my personal projects, and I realize now that I should have been applying for any job available, regardless of the skill level. Anxiety and depression have made job searching a daunting task for me, and I often find myself overwhelmed and distracted. I've worked minimum wage jobs before, like as a pot wash and cleaner, but those experiences were traumatic and left me feeling hopeless. I know I have skills to offer, but the two-year gap on my CV has led to me being ghosted by employers. I thought about volunteering to fill my CV, but I spent that time on projects I believed would be beneficial. Now I'm in a tough spot. I need a job by Christmas, and while I’ve applied to apprenticeships, I keep getting ignored. I’m considering taking any job available, but I'm worried about my mental health and lack of joy in life. I haven't traveled or seen friends in years, and I feel like I'm running out of time to turn things around. I also tried to start a business based on some personal projects, but it became overwhelming and financially burdensome. I’m still in debt from university and struggling to get by. I just need an opportunity to prove what I can do.

I was terminated from my job in South Carolina on September 1 and was approved for unemployment benefits starting September 13, receiving $350 per week. After my termination, my former employer paid me $1,800 for unused PTO, which I reported while certifying for the week of September 20–26. However, I received $0 for that week, and it wasn't until the following week that I got the $350 payment. I reached out to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) and they confirmed that the PTO payout was the reason for my lack of payment that week. I'm trying to understand if it's normal for unused PTO accrued before termination to count as earnings for the week it was paid, even though I was no longer employed. Has anyone else faced this issue or successfully challenged it in South Carolina?

After graduating with a degree in a STEM field, I faced significant challenges in finding a job. Despite having a strong GPA, I struggled to secure even an entry-level position. I attended numerous career fairs and put myself out there, but nothing seemed to work out, which led me to enroll in grad school to enhance my skills and qualifications. It took me five years post-graduation to finally land a job, which paid decently, but I had to take on side jobs to make ends meet. Unfortunately, after four years in that role, I was told by management that I would not be promoted, while my peers moved up the ladder. This was a tough and disheartening experience for me. Everything changed when I met someone special who encouraged me to keep applying for new opportunities. Following her advice, I began applying more actively and was surprised to receive interview invitations from multiple agencies. To my astonishment, I ended up with four well-paying job offers! It was overwhelming to have so many options after such a difficult start. Ultimately, I chose the position that felt right for me and turned down three other offers. Reflecting on my journey, I feel grateful for the support I received and the opportunities that have come my way. It's a stark contrast to my earlier struggles, and while it’s exciting, it can also be a bit overwhelming to have recruiters reaching out with job offers. I wanted to share my experience to connect with others who may have faced similar challenges in their careers.

I recently got laid off and found a great way to connect with others in similar situations. I'm joining a weekday hiking group this Tuesday, October 13th, at Tilden Regional Park in Orinda, California. It's a 4.4-mile loop with a 554 ft elevation gain, which should be a nice way to clear my head and meet new people. The group is open to anyone navigating a layoff or between jobs, so it feels welcoming. They usually split into smaller groups based on pace, which helps make the hike more enjoyable. I appreciate that they also organize other activities like co-working and coffee hangs, fostering a supportive community for those in career transition. I hope to see others there who are looking for a little camaraderie during this challenging time!

I was let go from a startup just 1.5 months after I joined. I really put in my all and was excited about the opportunity, but it seems like they prioritize 'culture fit' over skills and experience. After reading some comments, it sounds like this isn't uncommon in the startup world. I’ve learned my lesson and I don’t think I’ll be pursuing another startup role anytime soon. It feels frustrating to have invested so much effort only to be dismissed so quickly. I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this isn’t a reflection of my abilities.

I graduated in Summer 2024 with a bachelor's degree in political science, but I've struggled to find a job in my field for the past two years. Initially, I started in computer science, but I found my passion in technology policy and machine ethics, which combines my interests in politics, data governance, research, and policy development. This niche is becoming increasingly important as we navigate the implications of AI usage in society. I have aspirations for a master's or PhD, and even a law degree, but unfortunately, my ideal school rejected me. During my undergraduate studies, I engaged in various projects and conferences focused on critical AI-ML analysis and human-tech interactions. I presented at two conferences, although I missed one due to funding cuts at my university. I also took on multiple leadership roles, advocating for policy changes and networking with fellow students and organizations. My involvement included working with the faculty senate to lead data assessments on student engagement, which ultimately improved resources for professors. My resume is quite extensive, spanning two pages, with an additional page for references, which I know is unconventional. Currently, I am working small jobs unrelated to my career just to make ends meet. I understand the job market is tough, but I can't shake the feeling that I've made mistakes along the way. I've applied for several internships, but many are restricted to current students. To enhance my employability, I'm re-learning programming to showcase my technical skills, but I’m uncertain if that will be sufficient. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced similar challenges or has advice. I'm open to sharing my resume for feedback.

I recently learned that Amazon has laid off hundreds of employees in their Stores Division. This news was quite surprising, especially considering the ongoing changes in the retail landscape. It seems that the company is making significant adjustments, possibly due to the challenges faced by Amazon Fresh and other grocery initiatives. I'm curious about how this will impact the overall strategy for Amazon's physical retail presence.

I am a 2026 CSE graduate actively seeking a job in the technical domain. I am reaching out to request referrals for any suitable openings that align with my skills and projects, which I have attached in my resume. As a token of appreciation, I am willing to offer my first month's salary to anyone who successfully refers me and helps me land a job. This would be paid only after I secure the position, so there is no upfront payment required. I would genuinely appreciate any assistance or leads!

Today, I faced a major dilemma regarding my new job as a Senior Developer in the tech industry. I had lied on my resume, inflating my experience by adding a fictional job to make it seem like I had 9 years of relevant experience instead of the 6 years and 9 months that were actually valid. I nailed the interview and got the job, but the background check process was more rigorous than I had anticipated. I was required to provide detailed employment history for the past 7 years, including W-2s and pay stubs, which exposed my lie. After realizing the gravity of the situation, I decided to come clean to the HR person I had been communicating with. I explained the discrepancies honestly, without making excuses or embellishing my story. I also made it clear that I was willing to discuss my actual experience to demonstrate my qualifications for the role. Now, I’ve completed the onboarding documentation, but I’m left feeling anxious about what might happen next. I’ve never been in a situation like this before, and while I know I can excel in the role, I’m worried about the trust I may have already broken with my new employer. I’ve learned a valuable lesson about honesty in the job search process, but I can’t shake the feeling of uncertainty about my future with the company. I’m just hoping they might overlook this misstep and allow me to prove my worth based on my actual skills and experience.

I've been receiving unemployment benefits for a while while working on call for the state of California. Recently, I've been feeling really anxious about my job search requirements. I've been applying for jobs almost every week, but there were a few weeks where I couldn't find anything I qualified for. I’ve been browsing calcareers regularly, but I'm unsure if that counts as a job search. I'm worried about the possibility of being audited and being accused of fraud, even though I’m willing to pay back any benefits if necessary. I just really don't want anything negative on my record. Today, I plan to call them to clarify the situation and see if I need to repay for the weeks I didn't submit job applications. I did something similar last year, and I'm concerned about having to repay that too. I just want to make sure I'm following the rules and not risking my benefits.

I'm currently working in a corporate job and have been for the past 12 years. Recently, I was transferred to a new department, and unfortunately, I've encountered some rude and toxic behavior from colleagues, which has made me feel quite isolated. This situation has prompted me to consider a shift towards a work-from-home (WFH) position. I’m planning to start with a part-time job while I still receive my 13th-month pay from my current employer, as I want to make the transition smoother. My ultimate goal is to move to a full-time remote job. To begin my search, I asked ChatGPT for recommendations on reliable online job platforms to avoid scams, and I got a few suggestions: Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph, and JobStreet. I’m aware that each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, so I’m looking for advice on which one might be best for someone like me who is just starting out and has no prior online or virtual assistant experience. If anyone has transitioned from a corporate job to remote work, I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any tips you might have. Thank you!

I recently had a frustrating experience with a job interview process. I was invited in for an interview, only to be told right before it started that they had decided to move on to another candidate. I never even got the chance to present myself or my qualifications. I hold a Bachelor’s in International Relations, with minors in Intelligence/Security Studies and Russian, and I'm currently pursuing a Master’s in Criminal Justice. You would think that with this background, I would be landing great job opportunities, but that's not the case. My work experience is quite limited, consisting mainly of freelance tutoring jobs. Unfortunately, I've only had two clients, and they only met with me once each. The dates I included on my CV are more reflective of the time I spent searching for clients rather than actual work experience. I do have relevant projects and extracurricular activities that showcase my skills, but I feel like they go unnoticed. As a result, I've been stuck in minimum wage jobs, and I even downplay my experience to avoid being seen as overqualified. Despite my efforts, I rarely get called for interviews, and when I do get hired, I often face challenges with accommodations for my disability. It's been a tough journey, and this recent incident just adds to the absurdity of my job search.

I recently relocated to Canada and am in the process of starting my career over from scratch. I'm reaching out for any advice or resources that could help me navigate the job market here. Whether it's tips on networking, job search strategies, or insights into specific industries that are thriving, I would greatly appreciate any guidance. Thank you!

I recently got laid off from my position as an oil and gas operator after three years with the company, although I have a total of 18 years in the industry. The layoff was part of a restructuring effort. I'm trying to understand what a standard severance package looks like for someone in my role. Additionally, I'm curious if companies typically offer a pro-rated bonus as part of the package. Any insights or experiences from others in the industry would be greatly appreciated.