Miscellaneous

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.

I'm currently looking for a job that I can only commit to for 2-3 weeks since I have a vacation coming up and will soon be a full-time college student. I'm 18 and feeling a bit lost on how to find something short-term. I've considered pet sitting as an option, but I'm unsure how to attract clients. I've received some advice suggesting temp agency work, event staffing, catering, or even warehouse shifts as good alternatives. It seems like being upfront about my limited availability is key, especially with seasonal or event employers who might prefer short-term help. I'm also thinking about reaching out to local Facebook groups or asking friends and neighbors for pet sitting gigs. Any additional tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off from my role at a tech company after less than a year. It’s been a tough realization, especially seeing how many others are in the same boat due to mass layoffs across the industry. I can’t help but wonder if these companies will eventually recognize that they may have overlaid off talent. Is it common for companies to reconsider their decisions after the initial chaos settles? I’ve seen discussions about how this cycle of overhiring and then over-firing seems to repeat itself. It makes me curious about the decision-making process behind layoffs, especially since my peer manager was retained while I was let go. I’d love to hear from others who have experienced similar situations or have insights into whether companies ever try to bring back the talent they let go.

I recently quit a job I started at a medical clinic as a Medical Assistant. I had been looking for a new position after leaving my previous medical job last year due to the pandemic. The clinic wanted me to start early because my trainer was leaving, but the training experience was incredibly disappointing. The trainer barely acknowledged me and left me to figure things out on my own, which was frustrating. The clinic itself was in terrible condition. They lacked basic equipment for the four rooms they had, forcing us to interrupt other patients to borrow what we needed. I was appalled to see other M.A.s rummaging through the trash with gloves and then touching patients without sanitizing. The cleanliness was shocking, with a trash can overflowing with flies and no proper cleaning protocols in place. When I raised my concerns to a nurse, she dismissed them completely. To make matters worse, I discovered that the clinic didn’t provide lunch breaks. When I tried to take a snack due to a health condition, my trainer told me that we had to eat on the go and even blocked off the break room with boxes. I felt overwhelmed and unsupported, and I really hope that not having breaks is not the norm in other places. Overall, it was a chaotic and unhealthy work environment, and I decided it was best to leave.

I’m feeling really stuck in my current job and just want to quit. I’ve been here for a while, but I absolutely hate it. The thought of being unemployed again terrifies me since I spent a year without a job before landing this one, and it was a really tough experience. I find myself late to work every day and I can’t seem to motivate myself to go in on time. Honestly, I’m worried that I might get fired if things don’t change. I just needed to vent about how difficult this situation is for me.

I’m currently keeping an eye on the situation at Mackenzi and Co regarding potential layoffs. I’m particularly concerned about the executive assistant role and would like to know if anyone has insights on whether the layoffs have officially started. Additionally, I’m curious if there are specific areas within the company that might be spared from these cuts.