Miscellaneous

I recently left my job due to my disability, which made it extremely difficult for me to work. I would often feel so unwell that I couldn't even drive home; my partner had to pick me up on several occasions. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new job that allows me to sit for at least part of my shift. I've been applying for various roles, including receptionist positions and office jobs, as well as some host roles at restaurants, thinking they might be easier to secure and could accommodate my need for a chair. Most of my interviews have been virtual, which has been a relief. However, I've noticed a significant change in the atmosphere when I show up in person with my cane. Many employers seem to lose interest as soon as they see it. Just today, I had an interview where I felt well enough to leave my cane behind. The interview went really well, and I even received a job offer. But when I mentioned needing accommodations, they quickly decided I wouldn't be a good fit for the role. It's incredibly frustrating to face these barriers due to my physical condition when I know I can perform the job as long as I'm allowed to sit for part of my shift. I understand that employers aren't obligated to hire me, but it's disheartening to see how my disability affects my job prospects.

Today marks one year since I completed my PhD in Human Geography with a focus on Regional Development. I've been struggling to secure a job since then, and I'm open to any role that can help me make ends meet. My background includes a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning and over 7 years of experience in research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in areas like spatial and environmental planning, climate change adaptation, sustainability, and transnational regional development. I'm currently based in South Africa and feeling quite frustrated with the job search process. I'm even considering roles outside my field, like delivery jobs, just to get some income.

I was recently fired from my job at a large company in Massachusetts after applying for a second ADA-accommodated leave for surgery. I've been with the company for 6 years, and this situation has left me feeling frustrated and hurt. After having a baby in late 2025, I took my state paid leave and bonding time. Unfortunately, I developed a condition that required surgery on both of my hands. My first surgery took place in July, and I had applied for a second leave under ADA for my upcoming surgery scheduled for early September. While my first leave was approved, I was shocked to learn that my second request was denied. I only found out about the denial after contacting the third-party leave administrator, as my employer had not informed me. In the days following the denial, I reached out to HR, my boss, and the leave administrator, but received no clear answers. Eventually, I was invited to a Zoom meeting where I was told that I had exhausted my leave options and that my current leave was denied because the office was busy and they needed to fill my position. They mentioned that I could reapply for my job next month. I suggested postponing my surgery to return to work, but they insisted that I could not come back and would have to reapply. They ended the meeting without providing any concrete answers about my employment status. I feel like after all my hard work, I was treated unfairly, and I'm questioning the legality of their actions. It seems like they should have made an effort to find a solution rather than terminating my employment outright. I sent an email to everyone involved to confirm my employment status, but the only response I received was a vague acknowledgment.

I recently got laid off from Tesla and received an email stating that I should expect my severance payment within 45 days. I'm curious about the experiences of others regarding the timeline for receiving their severance. I’ve already secured a new job, but I need to ensure I can cover my bills in the meantime. If anyone has insights or advice, it would be greatly appreciated!

I recently came across a work-from-home opportunity with Dr. Chris Spearman at Apollo Clinician Growth Accelerator. Initially, it seemed promising, but I quickly realized it was a scam. He offers a '10-day trial' but withholds salary information and uses psychological manipulation to keep you engaged. After those ten days, it became clear that there was no actual job offer, just a lot of empty promises. I felt taken advantage of and wanted to warn others about this experience.

I joined Microsoft a year ago in the Customer Experience and Support (CE&S) organization as a fresh graduate. Initially, I was excited about the opportunity, mainly for the brand name and the potential to transition to another team later on. I performed well in my role and received two excellent performance reviews, which gave no indication of any issues. However, I started experiencing unexpected hostility from my manager and other leaders. Just five days after a positive review, I was hit with a new performance review that claimed I was underperforming and placed on a LITE (Low Impact to Team Environment). This sudden shift was baffling, and I tried to contest it, but I received little to no explanation. Eventually, I was faced with the choice of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or a General Voluntary Separation Agreement (GVSA). I opted for the GVSA, feeling that the basis for the PIP was not justified. I raised my concerns with HR about the irregularities in the feedback timeline and wanted to know how it might affect me if I ever wanted to reapply to Microsoft after the two-year rehire bar. HR assured me that the negative review wouldn’t hinder my chances in the future, but I’m left skeptical about that assurance given the abrupt change in my performance feedback. Now, I'm questioning whether a future hiring manager would actually see that negative review or just my rehire status if I decide to apply again after the two years.

I was recently let go from my job while I was still in training. I had come down with the flu, which I believe I caught from a customer who shook my hand. When I informed my manager about my illness, she called me to terminate my employment, claiming I had become unreliable because I had changed my schedule too much. This was after I had been advised by other managers to look for a second job due to the uncertainty of hours. They expected me to block off a minimum of 10 hours for just a 4-5 hour shift, which seemed unreasonable to me. During the conversation, my manager stated that my illness was a factor in her decision, and I felt it was incredibly unfair to fire someone who was sick. I had been trying to recover and was under the impression that my other boss was supportive, but he texted me demanding I return to work as soon as my medicine kicked in. I was told to prioritize my main manager's instructions over others, which added to the confusion. I feel really hurt by the way this was handled, especially since it happened while I was sick. I don't want to go back, as I didn't connect with my coworkers, who seemed to have a very different vibe from me. I'm just left feeling bewildered and upset about the whole situation.

I was recently laid off from my position as a graphic designer after just six months, and it happened to be on my birthday. I started this full-time role in March 2026, feeling incredibly grateful after struggling to find stable work since graduating college in 2020. My first job post-college was also as a graphic designer, but I was laid off in May 2021 due to financial issues at the company. Since then, I’ve been working as a contract designer, taking on freelance jobs, and even working in retail to make ends meet. In March 2025, I landed a marketing coordinator job, but I was fired just a week before Thanksgiving, which was particularly hard as I had just lost my grandpa that summer. I feel like my peers are settling into their careers while I’m stuck in a cycle of job instability. I live in a government-supported apartment, which helps with rent, but it’s still a struggle to get by. I have a service dog that assists me with daily tasks, but I just want a steady job in my field and a quiet life. I’ve never been in a relationship or married, and I don’t plan on having kids. I’m tired of constantly applying for jobs and just want to reach a point where I can relax and not worry about work. At 29, I already feel exhausted by life and long for the day I can retire.

I recently went through a confusing and upsetting experience during my training for a medical office administrator position. After a promising interview with the manager, Samantha, I was invited to start training immediately, with the understanding that it would be paid. However, things took a turn when I was informed that my training would extend beyond the initial days planned. From the start, my assigned trainer, Veronica, seemed unfriendly and passive-aggressive. Her demeanor made me uncomfortable, and I often felt belittled by her comments, despite my efforts to perform well. I managed to complete all assigned tasks and even worked ahead, feeling confident in my abilities. However, on the last day of my training, I approached Samantha to discuss the employment contract, as we had previously agreed. Her reaction was unexpectedly negative, and after speaking with Veronica, she told me I was "not qualified" for the position. This was shocking to me, especially since I had been performing well and received no prior negative feedback. Walking out, I felt disappointed and confused about how things had escalated so quickly. It was disheartening to see Veronica suddenly friendly with others while I was left feeling dismissed. I can't understand how I went from being in a paid training program to being told I was not a fit, especially after successfully completing my tasks.

I'm currently an Electrical Engineer looking to move away from the manufacturing floor. I have an interview scheduled for a Project Manager (IPT Lead) role at Boeing in their space systems division. I'm 33 years old and have a degree in Electrical Engineering, with most of my career spent in manufacturing, operations, and production support. I've worked at companies like Lockheed, Medtronic, and I'm currently at Abbott. I've also faced layoffs in test roles from both Boeing and Raytheon. To be honest, I'm feeling burnt out on the manufacturing floor and lab environments. The physical restrictions of cleanrooms and the anxiety of potentially damaging expensive equipment are really weighing on me. I don't feel like I have the deep technical skills for R&D or Project Engineering roles, as I've mostly just executed tasks given to me rather than innovating solutions. The opportunity at Boeing involves managing schedules, running IPT reviews, tracking action items, and presenting updates to leadership. I do have some experience with this from my time at Lockheed, where I managed production bottlenecks and hosted IPT reviews, but I've never officially held the title of Project Manager. However, I have some hesitations. I'm trying to weigh whether the administrative stress of Project Management—like herding cats and dealing with delayed schedules—is better than the physical anxiety I experience in the lab. I have a strong need for structure and predictability, and I'm concerned that PM roles can be chaotic due to unpredictable human factors. Additionally, I have past trauma from being put on a PIP at Lockheed due to a supplier delay that was out of my control, which has left me wary of being held accountable for others' failures. I'm also considering a pivot into Systems Engineering, as it seems more structured and rule-based, but I don't currently have an interview lined up for that. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has made the transition from hands-on engineering to Project Management. Is the trade-off worth it for a desk job? Is it easier to leave work stress at the office compared to dealing with broken devices? Should I fully commit to preparing for the Boeing interview, or should I hold out for a Systems Engineering opportunity? Any advice on how to prepare for a non-technical interview would also be appreciated, as the recruiter hasn't been very helpful. I also have a hiring event with Northrop coming up on September 1st that could lead to other opportunities, and I'm waiting to hear back from a Boeing space test design role.

I received an invitation to complete a "Video Interview" for a position I applied to on Indeed. The email stated that I can complete it anytime within the next week and that it will take about 31 minutes. I'm a bit apprehensive about this hands-off approach and wonder if it might indicate a negative company culture. Am I being overly cautious at 26 years old? I also checked the company's career page to see if the position is listed there, but I'm still unsure if I should feel concerned about the way they reached out to me via email directly. Has anyone else experienced this type of interview process?

I was recently separated from my position at a local gym/community center where I was still in training. It was a pretty upscale place with a predominantly white and South Asian membership, and I felt out of place from the start. During the welcome meeting, I sensed that I was going to be let go; everyone else seemed younger, wealthier, and had grown up in the area. My only training partner shared my skin tone, but it felt like we were the odd ones out. I tried to ask a lot of behind-the-scenes questions and submitted multiple schedule changes because the other managers kept suggesting I find a second job or adjust my availability. When I had a meeting with my boss to clarify my schedule, she was vague and unhelpful, only saying I needed to be available on weekends without explaining what that meant. Things took a turn when I caught the flu from an older member and missed an emergency training session. They used that as a reason to separate me, even though I had communicated with another manager about my situation and was waiting for my boss's response. It felt like I was being bullied into finishing my training without any clear guidance. At least I wasn't outright fired, but I can't shake the feeling that I exposed some serious issues within the management.

I recently applied for a position at a local office of a quasi-governmental agency in the US and was excited to land an interview. However, the application process took a turn when they required a lengthy Word document that asked for six references—three professional and three personal. I found myself in a bit of a bind since I only have four vetted references that I'm currently in contact with. After 20 years in my career, along with the disruptions caused by the pandemic, I've lost touch with many former colleagues and I really don’t want to go hunting for them on social media. Additionally, I'm not comfortable involving my personal friends and family in my job search; I prefer to keep my professional and personal networks separate. This whole situation has led me to think that maybe this position isn't meant for me. I'm wondering if anyone can convince me otherwise or share their thoughts on how to handle this reference requirement.

I recently wrote a short book sharing my journey through job searching and how I managed to secure higher roles and salaries in accounting. After spending about 7 years in the field, I reached the Corporate Controller position at a billion-dollar restaurant group. Each time I returned to the workforce after being unemployed for over 4 years, I landed a higher role and significantly increased my pay. For example, I transitioned from a Senior Accountant earning $72k to an Assistant Controller at $115k, and just three months later, I was promoted to Controller with a salary of $150k. I believe that while job hunting, it's crucial to keep learning. I suggest using job listings as a guide to identify areas where you can improve. Embrace the learning process, and you'll not only enhance your skills but also increase your chances of landing the job you want. This approach can also lead to promotions once you're hired. I discuss these strategies in my ebook, which is a quick read. Although I'm not supposed to promote it here, I'm open to sharing it with anyone interested. If finances are tight, feel free to reach out for a free copy or to ask any questions. Good luck to everyone in their job search!

I recently applied for a position with a transcription company called Expert Radiology, which primarily serves radiologists. They reached out to me for an interview, but I couldn't find any real reviews or feedback about the company online. I did manage to call their customer service number and spoke with a representative, which felt reassuring. I'm curious if anyone here has experience working for them or can provide insight into their work environment and culture.

I recently got laid off and found a great community in the Bay Area for people in similar situations. This Monday, August 31, I’m joining a hiking group at the Stanford Dish loop, which is a 3.7-mile hike with a 534 ft elevation gain. It’s a chance to clear my head and connect with others who are navigating their job searches. The group splits into smaller ones based on pace, which is nice since it keeps the trail less crowded. I appreciate that they host these hikes on Mondays when trail traffic is low. It’s not just about hiking; the community, known as (un)PTO, also engages in co-working, job search help, and social events like coffee hangs and bike rides. I’m looking forward to meeting others who understand what I’m going through. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this job transition journey.

I recently learned about mass unannounced layoffs happening at Nations Benefits, starting June 11, 2026. It seems that both remote and on-site staff, including member advisors and support specialists, are being let go abruptly through sudden video or phone calls from management. This has been a recurring issue, as highlighted by reviews on Glassdoor and discussions online. Employees have expressed frustration over the company's public claims of financial growth and acquisitions while secretly cutting staff for budget or restructuring reasons. Some are even raising concerns about potential violations of the WARN Act due to the lack of required advance notice for these terminations.

I’m currently helping my husband in his job search after he was laid off from his role as a Director of Product Marketing. He has extensive experience in B2B SaaS and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science along with an MBA. We’re focusing on opportunities in Chicago or remote positions. He’s genuinely one of the hardest-working individuals I know, and his previous coworkers even compiled a book of farewell notes for him when he left his last job, which speaks volumes about his character and leadership. Unfortunately, after many years at his last company, he was part of a recent layoff. Since then, he’s been actively searching for his next role and has had a few interviews, but like many others, he’s faced ghosting from potential employers. There was one opportunity that seemed promising when an old manager reached out, but ultimately, the position went to another laid-off coworker. While we’re happy for that person, it was tough for my husband after waiting and hoping for a positive outcome. I don’t have a large professional network in his field, so I’m reaching out here in hopes of finding leads or connections. If anyone knows of companies hiring for a Director of Product Marketing, especially in the B2B SaaS space, I would greatly appreciate any introductions or suggestions. It would mean a lot to see him get a break after this challenging period.

I was laid off almost a year ago from my position due to what was described as "restructuring." This was my first experience with a layoff, and it was particularly disheartening because I was a new hire, having only been with the company for 8 months. I suspected that the restructuring was more about the senior members of the team wanting to keep their positions, as they were younger and had more experience in the organization. I had a good performance record, received a severance package, and was eligible for unemployment benefits, but the whole experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. After my layoff, I received a year-end bonus that was half of what I had earned at my previous job, along with a performance rating of "needs improvement," which was a first for me. It felt like they were trying to justify my lower bonus due to my termination. Fortunately, I found another job quickly, but it pays less than my previous role. However, the environment is much more flexible and pleasant, which has been a relief. Recently, I received a notification on LinkedIn that the job I was let go from has been reposted, with the same duties and title. To my surprise, the salary listed is tens of thousands of dollars less than what I was making. It makes me wonder if my position was truly eliminated as a cost-saving measure or if my managers were trying to protect their own positions during the transition to a new head of the department. I also learned that the senior manager who hired me is no longer with the company, which adds to my suspicion that there were internal changes that affected my role. It seems like management may have miscalculated the necessity of my position, and now they are trying to fill it at a lower cost. I can't help but feel confused and frustrated by the whole situation.

I was recently laid off unexpectedly from my job, where I was earning $29 an hour, had a company truck, and enjoyed four weeks of PTO. The sudden loss has left me feeling trapped and hopeless. I had been saving the company thousands, and now I’m struggling to figure out how to move forward. I have a wife and three kids to support, and the pressure to provide for them is crushing. I’m terrified about not being able to pay our bills, especially since I was just starting to build up some emergency funds. I’m really unsure about when this overwhelming feeling and pressure will ease up.