Miscellaneous

I recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, and I'm feeling really lost. It's been tough because all my classmates have secured jobs, and I'm the only one left without an offer. Since May 8, 2026, I've applied to over 300 positions and only managed to land about 5 interviews, but none of them turned into job offers. I can't help but feel like a failure. To make matters worse, I never really wanted to pursue engineering; I chose it for the financial security it supposedly offers, but now I feel trapped in a field I despise. The pressure from my Indian family and friends is overwhelming, as they express disappointment in my situation. I'm dealing with a mix of career pivot anxiety and unemployment anxiety, and it's all becoming too much. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced something similar or has any advice on how to navigate this challenging time.

I've been unemployed since October of last year, and I'm feeling completely lost. I've had a few interviews, but they often throw me unexpected questions that leave me speechless. As someone on the autism spectrum, conversations are already challenging for me, and interviews amplify that stress. I've faced rejection from places that supposedly hire anyone, which only adds to my frustration. I also have a messed up ankle and an inoperable hernia, so physical jobs are off the table. Without a degree or specialized skills, I feel like my options are limited. I've tried remote work, but it proved too stressful and unstable. I've worked in healthcare, hospitality, retail, and even as a janitor, but I've been rejected by every factory I've applied to. Most of my past jobs ended with me being fired for not meeting expectations, which makes me feel like I'm being punished for just existing. My sisters have suggested applying for disability, but I dread the thought of living in enforced poverty while waiting for approval. I feel like I'm constantly begging for someone to give me a chance, yet I hear people say "nobody wants to work" when I'm desperately trying to find employment. I've been in vocational rehab since the start of the year, but it feels like a waste of time. They just sit me down to search for job listings, which I could do myself. I'm at rock bottom right now, struggling with suicidal thoughts daily. The last decade has felt like a downward spiral, and I just want to find a way to earn a living, but it feels impossible.

Today was a tough day. After seven years with Marriott Vacation Club, I was unexpectedly laid off during a meeting. It felt surreal as they delivered the news without any prior warning or explanation. I've dedicated so much to this role, consistently performing at a high level, and it’s hard to accept that my contributions didn’t seem to matter in the end. I’ve noticed that the company has been focusing on hiring customer service representatives in Mexico for the past five years, but I never imagined they would let us go so abruptly. It’s a harsh reality to face, and I’m left feeling frustrated and disheartened.

I'm a 23-year-old woman and a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications Broadcast and Production. Unfortunately, my college experience has left me feeling underprepared for the job market. I chose this major after being discouraged from pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian, and while I thought I could pivot to film, the program didn't equip me with the necessary skills for a competitive field. I learned some basics of videography and drone work, but it’s just not enough to stand out among freelancers with far more experience. Currently, I'm struggling to find a job because I feel under-skilled. The market is saturated, and even if I improve my editing skills, I worry about the lack of opportunities. I have Narcolepsy Type 2, which means I can't handle physically demanding jobs, and mentioning my condition often leads to being overlooked by hiring managers. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Are there jobs I can pursue with my degree that I haven't considered? My last internship was a nightmare, so I'm hesitant about marketing, though that might have just been a bad experience. I'd love to hear any advice on career paths I can take without going back to school, as I can't afford it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Today was a turning point for me at my job as a customer service representative at a local retail store. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately due to being understaffed and trying to pick up the slack for my coworkers. I've always been the cheerful one, but I sense some tension with a colleague who seems frustrated with my energy. It’s been tough, especially with a manager who has made some questionable scheduling decisions that have led to a chaotic work environment. Today was particularly hectic. We were slammed with customers, and I had a Dungeons and Dragons game planned for later in the day. I had communicated my need to leave early multiple times, but when the time came, my manager wouldn't let me go, claiming it would be considered job abandonment. I felt trapped and frustrated, especially since I had been trying to be accommodating and help out the team. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to leave anyway, knowing it might cost me my job. I ended up calling various departments for help, but no one was available. In the end, I returned to my work area, feeling defeated. I told a regular customer that today might be my last day. I left work at 3:45 PM, still feeling the weight of the situation. Despite the chaos, I had an amazing time at my D&D game later, which reminded me of the joy I can still find outside of work. I’m still processing everything, but I feel like I might have reached my breaking point at this job.

Today marks Day 2 of my layoff from my position, and I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. My coworker has been reaching out, asking me to send her some files that she could easily access herself, as both she and her husband have the necessary permissions. My official termination letter states that my last day is August 31st, but the CEO graciously allowed me to take the entire month off with full pay. I’m unsure if I should respond to her requests or just ignore them. Part of me thinks I could simply say that I can’t log in anymore, but I also feel like it’s not my responsibility to help her out at this point. I ultimately decided to tell her no. It feels good to set boundaries during this transition.

I recently faced a tough situation after being fired from a landscaping job in the Netherlands. I worked there for just a week, and when I informed my employer that I needed to fly back home for a braces appointment, they let me go. They promised to pay me €500 for the hours I worked, but things took a turn when I didn't receive my payment as expected. Initially, they told me I would get paid six weeks after my usual pay schedule, which is on Tuesdays. After waiting for six weeks, they asked me to fill out some documents that I hadn't completed during my employment. I know I should have taken more care with that, but I complied without hesitation. Now, two days after submitting those documents, I reached out again to inquire about my payment, but they opened my message without responding. I'm feeling anxious about whether I will actually receive the money they owe me. I moved abroad for this job and was on the brink of homelessness after being fired. I'm planning to follow up with them again, possibly on Monday or after Tuesday, but I'm starting to worry that they might refuse to pay me altogether. As an Irish citizen, I'm unsure of my next steps if they do refuse. What should I do? Who can I contact for help in this situation?

I recently had to quit my job at a large company in Wisconsin due to some serious issues with working conditions and legal concerns. My role involved scheduling appointments for clients, but the company made it impossible to take breaks, even for basic needs like water and bathroom breaks. I went over a month without any proper breaks, and they often scheduled me for long hours without allowing me to eat or drink during my shifts. This led to significant health issues, including rapid weight loss, and my doctor advised me to consider quitting. Additionally, I was instructed to ignore legal disclosures while assisting clients with credit card applications and other services, which felt unethical and risky. After facing harassment from clients due to my unique name being used in public-facing emails, I felt unsafe and overwhelmed. I also lost my health insurance benefits, making it difficult to afford necessary medications. Before quitting, I thought I had another job lined up, but after multiple interviews and promises of hiring, the start date kept getting pushed back. Now, I'm left without a job and struggling with unemployment claims, as the system indicates unreported work that doesn’t exist. I’m considering seeking legal advice but am unsure where to start, especially since I can't afford a lawyer. It's been a tough situation, and I’m still trying to figure out my next steps.

I was previously employed as a pharmacy technician and am currently unemployed. I'm looking to get certified in either pharmacy tech or specifically for the 340B program. The 340B ACE certification offers online training modules, but I need to pay for them. I'm trying to figure out if completing these modules can count as job search training activities for my weekly requirements. Do I need to finish a whole module twice a week, or would just spending time on them be sufficient? I’ve considered reaching out to my local OhioMeansJobs career center to ask about potential funding through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for these training programs, but I’m unsure if that would be a viable option. I’ve heard mixed opinions about how training might be perceived in relation to job search activities, and I want to make sure I’m following the rules correctly.

I was recently laid off from my job and received a small severance package. It's been three months since I started applying for new positions, but I haven't had any luck landing a job yet. My partner is also not working, so we are currently taking care of our two toddlers. I'm trying to figure out when I should start applying for benefits for our family of four and what types of benefits are available to us here in Scotland, UK.

I was recently laid off from my position at NBC Peacock, along with the entire customer service team in Orlando, FL. The company has decided to cut costs by outsourcing our operations to India, which means our roles are being eliminated. It's incredibly frustrating to see a multibillion-dollar corporation prioritize saving money over the skilled employees who have dedicated their time to supporting Peacock customers. We were the ones who understood the systems, handled challenging situations, and represented the brand with care, only to be discarded for cheaper labor. I want to clarify that this isn’t about blaming the workers in India; they deserve fair pay and good working conditions too. The real issue lies with corporations that exploit wage differences to eliminate American jobs while expecting customers to accept a decline in service quality. It's disheartening to think that the people assisting Peacock customers may no longer have the same level of experience or dedication. When companies choose the cheapest option over their employees and customers, the quality of service often suffers.

Today was a tough day at my fast food job, where I’ve been working for about a month. My GM sent me home early because I went to the bathroom, which was really frustrating. I was only in there for about five minutes and had asked the store owner for permission first. I suffer from IBS, and I often need to use the bathroom to manage my condition, especially since I work long 8-hour shifts without much time to rest. When I came out of the bathroom, my GM told me to clock out and go home without explaining why. I confronted her, asking why I was being sent home, and she just ignored me. Eventually, she said I had failed her evaluation and that I was going to the bathroom too often and not informing her. This was the first time I heard it was an issue, and I felt completely blindsided. I’ve always communicated with my managers about needing to use the bathroom, especially since I get lightheaded due to my IBS. I’ve explained my situation multiple times, but it seems like my GM just doesn’t care. It’s been really embarrassing and frustrating, especially since I see her son working there and not facing the same consequences. I’m seriously considering quitting because I don’t want to return to such a toxic environment where I feel disrespected. I’m also worried about my bills since this is my first job in a year. I’m looking for advice on how to handle this situation.

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.