Miscellaneous

I got laid off unexpectedly on a Tuesday along with the rest of my team. The next morning, I decided to take a break from the stress and went to an art gallery. It felt necessary to decompress and surround myself with something beautiful during such a chaotic time. I realized I needed to focus on my mental health before diving back into the job search.

I've been in the job market for a couple of years now, and I've noticed a troubling trend with ghosting during the hiring process. Most of my interviews and meetings with recruiters end without any follow-up. I usually ask when I can expect to hear back, typically within three days, but about 75% of the time, I don't receive any response. I always send a thank-you email after each interview and follow up a week later if I haven't heard back, but it rarely leads to anything. Recently, I went through three rounds of interviews with a company via a recruiting firm. They even told me I was the top candidate and wanted to meet with me the next day, but then I never heard back at all. It feels like they don’t see candidates as people, and I can’t help but wonder if this has gotten worse over time. Did companies used to at least send an email to let you know you didn’t get the job, or has it always been this way?

I started a new job just three days ago after a nine-month job search. The company reached out to me and hired me quickly, which made me a bit suspicious given my past layoffs. The pay is decent and the company is small, but the disorganization is driving me up the wall. While the team is competent, their knowledge seems to be stuck in their heads. We share a single drive account that is a mess, making it incredibly difficult for me to find the data I need for my research. I've spent 45 minutes just searching for basic information, and the lack of onboarding has left me feeling overwhelmed. I was given assignments without any guidance, and every time I ask for help, it feels like I uncover even more things I don't understand. I have insurance and support from my husband, but I'm really questioning if it's worth staying in a job that's this chaotic. I've always thrived in structured environments, and this experience is unlike anything I've faced before.

I’m currently preparing for an unemployment appeal hearing in Washington regarding my separation from my previous job. I accepted a PEP (separation agreement) after being placed on a final written warning, and I’m worried that my case will be seen as a simple voluntary quit without considering the serious circumstances that led to my departure. I started my job in May 2022 after being recruited for the position. However, from November to December 2023, my husband suffered a severe medical crisis, and I became his sole caregiver. This involved taking him to numerous appointments, coordinating his care, and managing crises when he was disconnected from reality. I took FMLA leave during this time but returned to work afterward. Despite my efforts to balance work and caregiving, my husband's ongoing medical issues took a toll on my physical and emotional health. I was under significant stress and was seeing a therapist throughout this period. In August 2025, I received my first written warning for performance issues, which I discussed with HR, explaining my situation and my commitment to improving. I continued to work hard until I received a final written warning in March 2026, at which point I was offered a PEP due to my manager's belief that my strengths didn’t align with the role. I accepted the PEP on April 3, and my employment ended on April 17. I moved to Michigan shortly after and started a new job in July. I know that accepting the PEP makes this a voluntary separation issue, but I’m hoping to argue that my circumstances qualify as good cause under Washington law. I have documentation to support my case, including the PEP, written warnings, and a statement from my therapist. I’m seeking advice on several points: how the acceptance of the PEP affects the good-cause analysis, whether my FMLA leave and caregiving responsibilities support my argument, how to present these circumstances at the hearing, and how to address my previous statement of being 'laid off.' Additionally, I want to know what questions I should be prepared for from the OAH judge. I’m not looking for validation; I just want to understand my position and how to present my facts accurately.

I recently faced a frustrating situation regarding a Disney Marketing internship that I had hoped to secure. After graduating from college with high honors and receiving several strong recommendations, I was working in Guest Experience at a museum and dreaming of transitioning into a business role there. However, when the internship opportunity arose, I was disheartened to learn that it was awarded to someone over 30 with more than 10 years of experience. This individual had spent 7 years at the museum and 3 years elsewhere, which left me feeling like there was no chance for a recent graduate like myself to compete. It felt incredibly unfair, especially coming from a company like Disney. This experience has only added to my growing list of frustrating job search stories.

I am currently a 5th-year architecture student, set to graduate in July 2027, and I am actively seeking part-time remote design or drafting work starting immediately. My goal is to transition into a full-time in-person role with relocation after graduation. I'm open to opportunities in Europe, Australia, and the USA. In terms of experience, I have hands-on involvement in leading both interior and architectural projects, which includes everything from creating initial mood boards and selecting materials to producing 2D technical drawings and coordinating on-site activities. I also have a background in project and operations management, where I've handled property operations, vendor coordination, and design workflows with cross-functional teams. My core competencies include technical drafting, 3D visualization, spatial planning, and material specifications. Currently, I am available for remote architectural drafting, 3D rendering, or interior design assistance while I finish my final academic year. After graduation, I am eligible for the J-1 Intern/Trainee visa program in the USA, and I plan to utilize the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa pathway in Australia. For Europe, I am open to full-time junior design roles or contract positions that offer visa support or sponsorship. If your studio is in need of immediate remote drafting support or is looking to pipeline junior talent for mid-2027, I would love to connect! My portfolio and CV are available upon request.

I recently went through a tough experience at my job where I failed my probation period after working for a company for 8 months. I was part of a team of about 45 employees, but during my time there, at least 25 people left, and I had to deal with three different managers. Unfortunately, I received very little support, and there were no regular check-ins or performance reviews to help guide my progress. When my current manager started, I raised my concerns about the lack of support and expressed my need for assistance, but that never materialized. Instead, my manager relied on me and a coworker to support him, which was frustrating. Last Friday, I was told that I would have a review, but when I arrived at the office, I found out it was actually my probation review, and I was at risk of termination due to some minor booking mistakes I had made. During the meeting, the issues raised were ones I had already addressed informally, and I had made sure those mistakes didn't happen again. I pointed out to my manager that if these issues were so critical, why were they only being brought up months later? I also highlighted that we lacked a proper booking system or helpdesk software, which contributed to the mistakes given the heavy workload. Additionally, I was tasked with handling safeguarding concerns without any training, which felt incredibly unfair. Yesterday, I learned that my probation was officially failed, and I was terminated because I allegedly did not meet their standards. When I asked my manager what those standards were and how they had been communicated to me, he couldn't provide an answer. To make matters worse, I found out he is also leaving the company due to struggling with his role and finding the company's operations strange. I'm feeling lost and frustrated. I'm considering whether it's even worth appealing this decision, given the lack of support I received throughout my time there, which made it nearly impossible for me to do my job effectively.

I recently came across an article discussing how many employers are ghosting college graduates and even rescinding job offers right before they start. This really struck a chord with me, as I have several friends who have experienced this firsthand. It's disheartening to see how many talented individuals are left in limbo after being promised a position, only to have it taken away at the last minute. The morale among my peers is really taking a hit, and it's frustrating to witness such a lack of professionalism from companies.

I was laid off from my position in Product Management at a UK-based MNC in India back in December 2025, as my role was made redundant along with several others. After over 12 years of stable work, I had hoped to take my time finding a new role, especially since my husband and I were trying to conceive. Unfortunately, in February of this year, my husband lost his job due to internal politics, just as our IVF treatment finally succeeded after two previous failed attempts. While we do have some financial runway for the year, the impending arrival of our baby has made me anxious about our financial situation. My husband has been searching for jobs in Supply Chain and FMCG, where he has over 16 years of experience, but he hasn't had much luck yet. We haven't shared this news with anyone in our circle, and it's been six months since he lost his job, which adds to my anxiety. I won't be able to actively look for a job until at least early next year. We both hold MBAs and have worked with reputable MNCs, so I’m curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation of job loss while starting a family. How long did your job search take, and what strategies helped you cope during that time? I would also appreciate insights from women on how to discuss gaps in employment.

I recently had a strange experience during an interview for a software engineering intern role at a startup. I applied through a cold email and was pleasantly surprised to receive a response within just 5 hours. The interview started off normally with introductions, discussions about my projects, and a review of my resume. However, at the end of the interview, the interviewer revealed something unexpected. He mentioned that he was a Full Stack developer himself, currently struggling to find a job due to his poor communication skills. To improve, he conducts fake interviews with candidates, pretending to be a recruiter. I was taken aback by this revelation and felt frustrated, especially after preparing thoroughly for the interview. While I can't change what happened, I reminded myself that at least my cold email got a response and I was able to revise my topics.

I recently made the tough decision to resign from my internship at a big4 company after just three days. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in June and was thrilled to land this internship in July, especially since I also accepted a fully-funded master's program in the same month. I thought I could manage both commitments since my work hours were during the day and classes were in the evening. However, I quickly realized that I was overwhelmed, even before my master's classes had started. On my first day, I was so sick that I couldn't even show up. After asking for a different start date, I returned to work on Monday, but I was still unwell. I pushed through the day, meeting the team and starting my tasks, but I was nauseous and unable to eat properly. After a rough night of vomiting and feeling weak, I called in sick the next day. My health deteriorated to the point where my family called an ambulance for me, and I ended up needing IV fluids due to starvation. After discussing my situation with my family, they suggested I quit the internship since my master's classes were starting soon and I wouldn't be able to handle both effectively. I felt guilty about leaving such a great opportunity, especially since the team was supportive and welcoming. However, I knew that prioritizing my health and education was essential. I sent my resignation email quickly, feeling embarrassed and guilty for not discussing it with anyone first. The HR representative was understanding, but I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment in myself. I had hoped to manage everything, but it became clear that I couldn't even make it through the probation period. Now, as I reflect on my decision, I feel a mix of relief and emptiness, unsure of how to move forward. I know I made the right choice for my well-being, but I can't help but feel like I've failed at adulting.

I've been on the job hunt since returning to India from the UK in February this year, and it's been quite a challenging experience. I've applied to jobs across several countries, including India, the GCC, Portugal, and Malta, but the results have been disheartening. In India, I've submitted over 300 tailored applications, but hiring managers seem to view me as a liability due to my salary expectations and lack of local hospitality experience. In the GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), the hiring process has been slow and selective, with only 2 interviews from more than 500 applications. On a brighter note, I had some traction in Portugal and Malta, landing around 6-7 interviews from over 400 applications. The feedback was positive, but the lengthy work visa process (3-4 months) deterred employers from waiting. Currently, I'm facing a financial crunch with 3 pending student loans totaling around INR 2,80,000 ($3000). The loan company, Avanse, has filed a legal complaint against me due to my inability to repay, despite my attempts to restructure or pause payments. I have a legal hearing scheduled for the end of this month. I'm left wondering if my CV is the issue or if it's just the tough job market. I know I have strong communication skills and a solid hospitality background, yet I've been unemployed for over 5 months despite my efforts.

I recently faced a frustrating situation with a company where I had just started working. I was hired and signed a contract, but after only a week of being punctual and putting in effort, I was let go. The reason given was that my Spanish proficiency didn't meet their standards, which I felt was unfair. I was promised payment for my work, but when I reached out to the owner to inquire about my pay, I was met with criticism and told I wouldn't receive anything. I'm now seeking advice on how to proceed, as I believe it's illegal to not be compensated for work performed. I'm considering contacting my local department of labor and possibly an employment attorney for help.

I recently had a tough experience at my job that has really made me reflect on my performance. I’m about five months into my role as a project coordinator at a mid-sized tech company, and my first performance review didn’t go well at all. I received feedback that I was below expectations in several areas, including attendance, communication, quality of work, reliability, and teamwork. The review indicated that if I don’t improve, my job could be at risk, which has put a lot of pressure on me as I approach my next check-in with my manager in a few weeks. I fully own the mistakes that led to this situation. I missed a one-on-one meeting because I overslept, and I was out on approved leave during a crucial week when I was supposed to be the main point of contact for my team. I also submitted work that wasn’t ready, which caused delays and extra work for everyone involved. Additionally, I realized I jumped into this role without enough knowledge of the industry, which became evident in my work. Since receiving the review, I’ve made significant changes to how I operate. I created a checklist to follow before starting any project and have developed a set of standard questions to guide my work. This has helped me focus and improve my output. I’ve also started asking my coworkers for help instead of trying to do everything alone, and my attendance has been perfect since the feedback. My manager has noted improvements in my communication, and a coworker even mentioned that something I created helped her complete her tasks more efficiently. However, I still have moments of doubt. I wonder if my recent efforts are enough to turn things around or if I’m just delaying the inevitable. My next one-on-one is scheduled for the day before I hit the six-month mark, which adds to my anxiety. I’m trying to stay genuine and not overly polished in my communication, as I’ve realized that being authentic resonates more with my manager. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation, particularly if you’ve been on a formal improvement plan. What strategies did you focus on that made a real difference? Conversely, if it didn’t work out for you, I’d appreciate your honesty. Also, if you’ve been a manager observing someone trying to improve, what factors influenced your decision to keep them on board?

I was laid off in 2020 from a corporate job where I had been building my career since grad school in 2013. The initial shock was overwhelming, and I spent a lot of time trying to support my colleagues who were also facing layoffs. However, once I was out, it felt like I had woken up from a monotonous routine—endless traffic, pointless meetings, and the realization that I had wasted so much of my life behind a desk. After that experience, I started my own business, which I eventually had to let go, and then worked remotely for another major corporation. Working from home allowed me to spend more time with my daughter and manage my work in a way that felt more meaningful. Now, having been laid off again, I find myself hesitant to return to a corporate environment. I learned about a distant relative who transitioned from a corporate job to working in manufacturing after a merger and found happiness and security there. I've read about many people who have made similar shifts toward small businesses or factory jobs and found greater satisfaction. I'm curious if anyone else has had a similar awakening and what changes they made as a result.

I recently faced a tough situation with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) regarding my unemployment benefits. Initially, I was granted benefits after losing my job, but my former employer appealed the decision, claiming misconduct. However, their own emails and the evidence clearly indicated that my termination was performance-related, not misconduct. I went through the appeal hearing, but unfortunately, the TWC reversed their decision, which now means I have to pay back the benefits I received. I was caught off guard by my termination, and I have recommendation letters that contradict my employer's claims. I wasn't placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or given any formal notice about the reasons for my termination. Now, I'm trying to figure out my next steps. I've heard that I might have to repay the benefits either through future unemployment payments or a payment plan, but I'm also considering appealing to the commissioners. I've been advised to reach out to local media or government officials to highlight this issue, as it seems unfair and could be affecting others as well.

I recently went through a challenging period after losing my job just before Christmas. I wanted my wife to have a good holiday, so I kept it to myself initially. With ten years of experience in a niche field, I updated my resume, reactivated my job site accounts, and reached out to recruiters. I managed to land multiple interviews, but despite positive feedback, I faced a lot of ghosting and even had offer letters retracted at the last minute. At one point, I worked for three days at a company that couldn't afford me after I significantly lowered my salary expectations. After six months of unemployment, I found myself applying for jobs at places like Walmart, which was disheartening. I did some desperate things to keep food on the table for my disabled wife. Just when I was about to lose hope, I received a call for a new position. The pay wasn't great, and the job came with a lot of challenges, but they hired me after just one interview. I was in the middle of a trip out of state to help my mother-in-law, who was recovering from an accident, and I had to take bereavement leave shortly after starting. Despite the rocky start, my new employer has been supportive, and I'm determined to prove that they made the right choice in hiring me. This experience has been tough; I've watched my retirement savings dwindle and even considered extreme measures to ensure my wife had her medications. But I found a job that I needed, and I'm now focused on building a future where I won't have to struggle like that again. I've started a fund for a small rental property and even begun writing romance novels to create additional income. It's been a painful journey, but I'm here to say that if you're struggling, you're not alone. Hang in there; things can change unexpectedly, and you are worth rooting for.

Today, I learned that Bytedance is conducting layoffs, particularly affecting the TikTok Shop division. The process seems to be ongoing, and while I'm not sure of the exact number of people impacted, it started this morning. It's a tough situation, and I'm trying to stay updated on the developments.

I worked at a fintech company for 8 years until I transitioned to a competitor at the end of April. Recently, I learned that my former company was purchased by a private equity consortium, and it has left me wondering about the future there. I know that acquisitions can lead to significant changes, and I'm curious about the potential for layoffs. I've heard from others that private equity firms often aim to cut costs to enhance profitability, but I'm also aware that the impact can vary depending on the specific industry and the purchaser's strategy. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has experience with similar situations and can share insights on what I might expect for my old company.

I am currently navigating the frustrating job search process after being laid off. Recently, I had an interview that left me feeling hopeful, but then I was ghosted. It was only after I reapplied that I received a rejection email, which felt like a slap in the face. In another instance, I got a follow-up email thanking me for an interview that I never actually had. It’s disheartening to deal with such inconsistencies. I also had an interview scheduled that was canceled on the day of, with the explanation that another candidate was further along in the process. It’s baffling to me why they would allow scheduling if they had already made a decision. I feel like I’m not even getting a fair shot. With over 7 years of experience in the healthcare field, I’m eager to return to roles involving scheduling and insurance verification. I know my skills are still sharp, and I’m ready to contribute effectively. The job search has been incredibly discouraging, but I’m holding on to hope for a new opportunity. Good luck to everyone else in the same boat!