Miscellaneous

I've been feeling really defeated in my job search lately. For the past year, I've been applying to 50-100 jobs each week, which means I set a daily goal of 10-15 applications. I put a lot of effort into customizing my resumes, but the response has been disheartening. I've only had three interviews this entire time, and the one where I was a final candidate ended with them choosing someone internal. I've tried working with recruiters and headhunters, and I've even been open to relocating. I let go of my preference for hybrid or remote work and started looking for positions that require a daily commute, even if it means traveling up to 90 minutes. In my desperation, I reached out on LinkedIn for help, but out of over 1000 connections, only two responded with referrals, and it's been over two weeks without any updates. I've also considered hourly jobs, but it turns out I'm overqualified due to my Master's degree. I took on adjunct teaching, but the pay is low and my hours were cut due to declining enrollment. I even explored starting my own business and spent three months doing research, but I can't find anyone willing to partner with me. Most software developers want upfront payment and aren't interested in equity. I've messaged recruiters and hiring managers, highlighting my skills and experience, but I often get ghosted or no response at all. The mental toll of applying constantly for a year and facing rejection is exhausting. I've thought about going back to day trading since I had success in the past, but I know the market has changed. People suggest careers in Sales or Real Estate, but those fields seem just as competitive and saturated. At this point, I'm out of ideas and just feel drained. I hear about phantom jobs and wonder if many positions aren't even real. I genuinely need help and advice on what to do next.

I recently completed the final technical interview for a position I was really excited about. It was about a week and a half ago, and I felt that I performed well. The interviewers seemed to like my responses, and I didn't make any major mistakes. They mentioned that I should expect to hear back within two weeks, regardless of the outcome. However, I just noticed that the company posted again on social media about the job opening, which has me worried. I've had experiences where companies hire multiple candidates for a single position, so I'm not sure how to interpret this. I'm feeling anxious about the situation and would appreciate any insights.

I recently applied for a job at a country club alongside a friend who used to work there. When the managers saw his application, they quickly reached out to confirm his identity and hired him almost immediately due to their familiarity with his work ethic and reliability. The kitchen is currently short-staffed, with employees working around 60 hours a week, so they are actively seeking help. During a conversation with the managers about his schedule, my friend recommended me for the open position. He highlighted that I was instrumental in helping him secure his job and shared our past experiences working together. He mentioned how I covered shifts for him when he was sick and provided him rides to work, emphasizing my kitchen experience. He reassured the managers that I wouldn't require extensive training since I already know how to cook and operate in a kitchen environment; I would just need a few days to learn their specific menu and procedures. Another friend who works there also noted that they prefer hiring individuals with experience to avoid the constant cycle of training new hires who leave quickly. My friend is scheduled to meet with the kitchen manager on Thursday and plans to mention me again. He also informed me that one of the managers had already inquired about my application and wanted my name to keep an eye out for it, which he provided. I'm curious about how much weight employee referrals carry in the kitchen job market, especially at a higher-end establishment like this country club. Have any of you landed jobs due to a friend's recommendation, and how did that turn out?

I was laid off from my job on May 1, and my insurance coverage ended on May 31. My husband has just been diagnosed with a serious blood condition that requires weekly treatment, and he is currently not working. On top of that, I have lupus and we face multiple health issues together. Our monthly medications are going to cost over $6,000, even with every possible discount applied. If I have a bad flare-up, I may need additional medical care and hearing aids, as I am deaf, though not legally so. I managed to get our prescriptions filled for three months just before losing our coverage. I can't afford COBRA, so I immediately applied for MassHealth through the connector. I've spoken to representatives multiple times but am still waiting for a decision. I'm reaching out to see how others have managed their health insurance while being unemployed.

I was recently made redundant after over 5 years at my job, and my last day felt incredibly anticlimactic. I had hoped for some acknowledgment of my time there, maybe even a simple thank you card, but nothing came. It hit me hard, realizing that all those years seemed to mean nothing in the end, and it was a stark reminder that I was just a number to the company. I'm struggling with the emotional fallout of this experience and would love to hear how others managed to push through similar situations.

I recently experienced a strange layoff process at my service-based organization where I had been part of a stable project for the past four years. Due to a new company policy regarding employee rotation, I was released after triggering two points of the company's 90-day bench policy. On May 24, my HR asked me to resign, and after several follow-ups, I officially resigned on May 27. However, my last working day (LWD) has not been confirmed yet, and it seems to be set for July 27 by default. I submitted all my company assets and ID, as I had to return to my hometown last week. I'm unsure whether I should follow up with HR about my LWD, especially since I'm not in a hurry to find a new job, as I currently have no offers. Is this situation normal? Should I still look for a new project within the organization, despite my location constraints?

I recently went through the second round of interviews for a position in Maryland, and I felt really positive about how it went. The interviewers seemed engaged and interested in my background, and I thought I made a strong connection with them. However, it's been a couple of weeks now, and I haven't heard anything back. I reached out to follow up, but I've been completely ghosted. It's frustrating to put in so much effort and not receive any feedback, especially when I felt the interviews went well.

I recently went through a challenging experience at my job where I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). After careful consideration and advice from friends in HR, I decided to pursue the PIP instead of taking a severance package. Unfortunately, despite meeting the metrics outlined in the plan, I was ultimately let go. During the PIP process, I felt a significant shift in my relationship with my manager. Before the PIP, we had a friendly rapport, and I genuinely believed that this was an opportunity for growth. The company continued to invest in my development, sending me on business trips and including me in team offsites, which made me think there was a real chance for improvement. However, I started to feel socially excluded, especially during an offsite where I noticed I was often left out of team activities. For example, I only found out about lunch plans after asking a coworker, and the next day, the team went to lunch without me entirely. Despite these moments, I actively participated in all scheduled activities and tried to engage with my colleagues, hoping to strengthen our relationships. However, on the last day of the trip, my manager and some teammates left dinner early without saying goodbye, which felt particularly isolating given our remote work arrangement. Looking back, I realized that the feedback I received during the PIP often felt subjective. My strategic recommendations were sometimes perceived as uncertainty, which was frustrating since I had clear plans and rationale behind my ideas. I even shared my concerns with HR to document my experience, knowing that PIPs can often lead to termination. It’s been hard to process the whole situation, especially since I thought my relationship with my manager was positive before this. I'm curious if anyone else has faced similar dynamics after being placed on a PIP.

I'm currently unemployed and looking for opportunities to contribute to a startup. With 15 years of experience in data and analytics, I'm well-versed in a couple of programming languages and eager to learn whatever else I might need. I'm reaching out because I need something to occupy my time and give me a sense of purpose. I have my own idea for an online business that I'm trying to get off the ground, but I believe gaining more experience by helping others could be beneficial for me. If you have a legitimate startup and could use some assistance, please feel free to message me. I'm here to learn and lend a hand!

I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Film and Media, and I've been focused on video editing and post-production. I've always wanted to work in sports media, especially since I've loved football since I was young. In January 2025, I landed a junior role at talkSPORT, one of the biggest sports radio stations in the UK, where I edited content for their social media. Unfortunately, I was laid off in May 2025 due to company-wide cuts, after only 5 months in that position. Before talkSPORT, I worked for a year at an agency as a Junior Data Analyst, where I helped improve an AI system that identified product placement opportunities in TV shows and movies. My work experience also includes two years in retail and a stint as a sports reporter for my school newspaper. While at talkSPORT, I volunteered for a football campaign, did some freelance editing, and maintained my own editing socials and website, where my football edits gained some traction. Currently, I’m working part-time in retail to make ends meet and doing post-production for a friend's weekly football podcast for free. I've been actively applying for jobs, but there seems to be a shortage of junior video editor positions. I'm open to any legitimate opportunities, whether in sports or not, and I've also been applying for Social Media and Content Creator roles, leveraging my experience at talkSPORT and with my own accounts. However, many of these roles require 3 years of specific experience, which I don't have. I applied for a Communications role at a nearby university, but the interview took an awkward turn when they asked me about marketing tasks that weren't in the job description, leaving me feeling embarrassed. Recently, I applied for a Junior Video Editor position and made it to the third stage, but after submitting my presentation and following up, I haven't heard back in over a month. I'm looking for suggestions on other niches or roles where my skills could be applicable, as I'm eager to branch out and find a new opportunity.

I recently went through a frustrating experience as a barista where I was trained for 41.5 hours without pay. During the interview, I was promised a full-time position, but when the schedule came out, I was only assigned 12 hours, and one of those days I had requested off. After I reached out to my boss to express my concern about needing more hours and asked about being compensated for the training, I was removed from the staff group chat and have not heard back since. It feels like I was used for free labor, especially since I only made $1 in cash during that time. I spoke with some coworkers who mentioned that unpaid training is not uncommon there, but I believe this is illegal. I don’t have formal proof except for some notes I took on my phone and potentially video surveillance from the restaurant. I'm considering filing a wage complaint with my state's labor department to address this situation.

I recently had a really disappointing job interview at The Ice Bath Club for a marketing position. The whole experience was unprofessional and left me feeling frustrated. The interviewer seemed disinterested and didn't provide much information about the role or the company culture. I had high hopes going into it, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. I left the interview feeling like I wasted my time. I'm not sure if I even want to pursue this opportunity further after that experience.

I graduated from a prestigious British university with a master's in an urban planning-adjacent field in August 2025, and since then, I've been on a relentless job hunt in the U.S. I've applied to over 250 positions and have had more than 40 informational interviews, but the results have been disheartening. Most employers ghost me, and I've faced a series of rejections, including one for an internship that aligned perfectly with my interests and thesis. I even received a verbal job offer from an informational interview, but it was rescinded when I mentioned the financial sustainability of my master's program in the UK, which apparently made some colleagues uncomfortable. Despite my mentor's reassurance that I'm a strong candidate with a solid resume and cover letter, I feel completely drained and lost in this job search. I've expanded my search beyond planning and policy roles, yet I see my peers securing jobs while I'm still at home, relying on my parents for support. I'm missing out on social interactions and the independence that comes with earning my own money. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Any advice on breaking through this barrier would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve been feeling incredibly frustrated with job portals lately. It seems like no matter how many applications I submit, I never get any responses. I’ve tailored my resumes specifically for each role, yet I’m still left in the dark. I’ve applied to nearly every job that fits my skills, but it feels like I’m just throwing my resume into a black hole. I remember when cold emailing used to work wonders, but now it seems like no one is even looking at those either. It’s disheartening to see so many opportunities that lead to unpaid internships or scams asking for money upfront. My friends and I have dedicated years to our education, only to be met with this nonsense. It’s really hard to stay positive when it feels like the system is rigged against us.

I recently interviewed for a Teleoperations Specialist position at Zoox but unfortunately received a denial. The feedback I got was quite perplexing. My recruiter seemed unsure about the reasoning, but it boiled down to my answer regarding a hypothetical situation where a car is double parked. I explained that I would check the surroundings and instruct the car to move past the vehicle if it was clear. While the interviewers seemed satisfied with my other responses, this particular answer led to my rejection. I found it hard to believe since I have no prior experience in this role, and they didn't specify that they were looking for hyper-specific answers. I thought my response was reasonable, especially considering there’s a six-week training program for the position. It feels like I've encountered some really odd hiring processes lately. Now, it's back to the drawing board for me.

I recently went through a series of interviews for a position that I felt went really well. Initially, I had a great first interview where I was told I was a perfect fit and that they would recommend me for the next stage. The second interview was a bit different; the questions seemed to focus on areas of the job that I wouldn't be heavily involved in, which left me unsure about their assessment of my skills. Then came the third interview with the direct report manager, who also expressed that I was an excellent candidate and mentioned that it would come down to me and one other person for the final decision. However, it has now been over a week since that interview, and I've heard nothing. I didn't start any background checks or provide references, and to make matters worse, I noticed the job was reposted on their website the day after my last interview. I can't help but feel ghosted, and it's frustrating to go through multiple rounds of interviews only to be left in the dark. I’ve experienced something similar before, and it’s disheartening. I’m trying to stay positive and keep applying elsewhere, but I’m left wondering if this is just how the job search process goes sometimes.

I haven't been to work for three days because I was "sick," but the truth is I was just procrastinating. I caught a usual cold, and after taking some medicine, the inflammation has stopped. However, the thought of going back to work makes me feel nauseous. I didn't show up on Saturday, which was payday, and I received a call from HR asking when I could come in and for a medical certificate. Right now, I only have a headache and a sore throat, but I'm mentally exhausted and don't want to return. I'm considering resigning, but I'm unsure how to go about it.

I graduated with my MChem in 2022, but the journey has been incredibly tough. I started university in 2020, just before the lockdowns hit, which completely derailed my first year. I transferred to a local university in the south for my second year, but it felt like everyone already had their friend groups, and I struggled to connect with anyone despite being present on campus. I excelled academically, winning awards and securing a summer internship, but socially, I felt isolated. Year 3 was even harder; I faced personal challenges due to a significant bereavement and barely managed to keep up with my studies. By the time I reached my fourth year, the master's program was grueling, and many students dropped out. I pushed through, but making friends was not a priority amidst the overwhelming workload. After graduating, I landed a job in Quality Control at a big pharmaceutical company, but I quickly realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I left after eight months, and then tried another job that required a three-hour commute, which was unsustainable. I quit that position in January and have been struggling to find my footing ever since. I've been applying for jobs and volunteering opportunities, but I keep facing rejections, even for entry-level positions. I feel like I'm doing everything right—personalizing cover letters, keeping my CV updated—but nothing seems to work. On top of that, I have no friends, which I deeply regret. I wish I had made more of an effort during university to connect with others. Now, I'm feeling lost, jobless, and purposeless, which is affecting my relationship as well. My partner has a successful career and social life, and I often feel resentful, even though I know it's not their fault. I just don't know how to make friends anymore or how to find a fulfilling job or career. It's been a challenging few years, and I really hope to hear from others who have been in a similar situation and found their way back. I could use some encouragement right now.

I recently found myself unemployed and I'm feeling a bit lost. I've been hearing about this thing called 'ts' and I'm not sure if it's real or just a myth. I reached out for advice, and it seems like it's a biweekly ritual that employees have to go through with their boss to receive their paycheck. I appreciate the insights, especially since I'm still trying to navigate this new phase of my life.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at my current job. The company decided to stop providing subscriptions for generative AI tools due to budget constraints. While management allocated licenses to all tech workers funded by client projects, I noticed that I was not assigned or extended a license. This was particularly disheartening since I'm currently in my notice period. Despite my resignation, I'm still working hard to complete my coding tasks and providing knowledge transfer to my team. However, I can't help but feel a bit awkward about the manual coding I'm doing, especially when I know there are tools that could make my work easier. I’m considering reaching out to management to request access to the AI tools until I finish my work, but I’m hesitant to do so. It’s disappointing to not have been informed about the decision regarding the license, and it feels like a reflection of how the workplace treats employees who are leaving.