Miscellaneous

I recently took a part-time job at my college's bookstore, Follett, expecting to work 15 to 20 hours a week throughout the school year. It seemed like a great opportunity given my schedule, so I accepted the offer and started onboarding, which included a background check and the usual paperwork. However, things quickly went downhill. Despite my efforts to complete the I-9 form early, I received multiple automated texts saying it wasn't done, and I could be terminated if I didn't resolve it. To make matters worse, I only ended up getting 12 hours of work over two weeks. Then, out of nowhere, I got an email saying my position was no longer needed. I was diligent, showed up early, followed instructions, and even asked how I could help more. I can't believe how unfair this situation is. I understand it was a temporary job, but letting people go after such a short time, especially when they clearly overhired, feels wrong. I just hope they struggle when classes start.

I just found out that Oracle is going through another round of layoffs this September. It's become a regular occurrence, happening every other quarter now instead of just once a year. I was looking forward to a nice summer, but it feels like the joy is overshadowed by the anxiety of job security. Instead of the usual 1:1 meetings with my manager to discuss performance, we now just receive a cold email notification at 6am announcing our termination. It’s disheartening to think that this could happen right before the holiday season. I’m feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty as I brace myself for what’s next.

I recently left my job as an Application Developer at an MNC in November 2023 to focus on preparing for the UPSC exams. I graduated in 2022 with a B.Tech in Computer Science, but my journey has been challenging. After resigning, I fell ill and underwent surgery for gallstones, which set me back significantly. I attempted the UPSC prelims in 2024 but didn't perform as well as I hoped, scoring 54 in General Studies and around 88 in CSAT. Despite my health issues, I continued to prepare for the next attempt in 2025, but family responsibilities took a toll on me. I lost my father to COVID in 2021, and since then, I've been the primary caretaker for my mother and have had to manage family disputes and my grandmother's illness. In November 2024, I had to deal with a family crisis that further distracted me from my studies. I finally took the 2025 UPSC exam and improved my scores to 86 in GS and over 92 in CSAT. However, tragedy struck again when I lost my grandfather, who had been a significant support for my mother. I was overwhelmed with grief and financial demands from relatives for the funeral, which drained my limited resources. Now, I'm in Noida, desperately searching for IT jobs since February 2026, but I haven't had much luck. I received a few interview calls in March and April, but nothing has materialized since then. I'm feeling lost and frustrated, unsure of how to move forward. I just want to provide a better life for my mother, but I'm struggling to even secure basic employment. I'm reaching out for any advice or suggestions on how to get back on track. Thank you for your support.

I've been navigating the job market for the past couple of months and, while it's disheartening, I can't help but find some humor in the situation. I'm currently in the running for two positions—one internal and one external. The internal interview seemed to go well, but the hiring manager later expressed doubts about whether I would be satisfied with the role, claiming it might not be as analytics-focused as my current job, even though it was advertised as such. Her response was a mix of confusion and frustration, which left me scratching my head. On the other hand, the external role felt much more promising. It was a stretch position that would allow me to grow professionally. I made it through a panel interview, a technical interview, and provided references that were checked and would give positive feedback. However, it's been a week since then, and I've heard nothing back—just silence. In the meantime, I've been applying to other jobs, but it's been a string of rejections or complete radio silence. To add to the absurdity, I wanted to give back to my community by volunteering with a nonprofit. I was connected to them through a state agency and they seemed eager at first, but now my application is stuck in limbo, and I can't get any responses to my follow-ups. I even tried calling them, only to find the line disconnected. It's like I'm trying to give my time away for free, and nobody wants it. This whole experience feels like a dark comedy.

I qualified for unemployment benefits in DC last summer, starting in late July, after working at Company A. I received payments based on my earnings from July to September 2024, October to December 2024, and January to March 2025. Unfortunately, I ran out of benefits by March. In early April, I was contacted by some AI companies on LinkedIn and did some freelance work, earning a few thousand dollars. The payments were wired directly to my bank, but I did not receive a W-2 for this work. Since then, I've been out of work and refiled my unemployment claim in the first week of August. Initially, I was deemed eligible based on my wages from April to June 2025 and July to September 2025, all from Company A. However, DC is now saying I'm ineligible because I didn't report my freelance work from April. I forgot to account for it when I was filing. I called the employment office, and they advised me to request a review of my wages, which will lead to an interview to discuss my eligibility, including the freelance work. I'm wondering if my freelance income, combined with my sufficient wages from Company A, will qualify me for another claim. I only need a couple more months of unemployment benefits to get by, as I'm very close to landing another job, especially with the seasonal hiring in my field.

I'm currently in my mid-30s and actively job searching to leave my current role due to a toxic company culture that's really affecting my sleep and overall well-being. I'm considering expanding my job search to include rotational and night shifts, even though this isn't my first choice. My main goal is to get my foot in the door at a company or in an industry I want to work in, with the hope of transitioning or transferring to a more desirable position later on. I've noticed a lot of job postings for 40-hour schedules that alternate between two weeks of daytime and two weeks of nighttime shifts, as well as some positions with rotating 12-hour shifts. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has experience with this kind of employment arrangement. I have a few questions: - What was your experience like when you started working these shifts? Did you have a plan to leave, and how did that work out for you? - How did your sleep pattern change, and were you able to adjust over time? - If you lived with roommates, did they have issues with your nighttime schedule? - On your days off, did you find yourself feeling tired, especially after 12-hour shifts? Did you spend most of your time catching up on sleep? - How long did you work these shifts, and was it tough to transition back to a regular 9-5 afterward? - Looking back, do you have any regrets? What advice would you give to your younger self starting a job with these hours? - Lastly, can you maintain a relatively normal life while working these shifts? How important is scheduling? I've read comments about losing track of what day it is—does that improve? I plan to take public transit, so I'm also curious about how the commute differs between night and day shifts. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off from my first job as a fresher, which was a Data and Automation Engineer role that I enjoyed. I graduated in Computer Science from a tier 2 university in October 2025 and landed this remote position right before graduating. Unfortunately, I was let go due to what they described as a "lack of proper communication." As a newcomer, I find this reasoning puzzling; I think communication skills can be developed over time rather than being a reason for termination. Since my layoff, I have sent out over 700 applications through platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and Instahyre, but I’ve only landed one interview. The silence from most applications is disheartening, and the rejections I do receive rarely provide feedback, leaving me unsure of what I need to improve. Currently, my job search strategy includes tailoring my resume for each role instead of sending out mass applications, reaching out to founders and HR via direct messages on LinkedIn, and applying daily on major job portals. I have about six months of experience in data engineering and web scraping, along with a backend project and a mobile app that I've launched, so I feel I have relevant skills to offer. Despite my efforts, the high number of applications with minimal responses is mentally taxing. I’m committed to staying positive and treating my job search like a full-time job, but I could really use some advice: 1. What changes would you suggest for my workflow? 2. Is it worth the effort to cold DM founders and HR, or should I focus my energy elsewhere? 3. Where should I concentrate my efforts as a fresher? 4. If anyone knows of teams hiring freshers or has referrals, I would greatly appreciate it. For context, my tech stack includes Python, Dart, Java, SQL, FastAPI, Flutter, and more. Thanks for taking the time to read this; any guidance would mean a lot to me right now.

I recently had a couple of colleagues laid off from our company last week. This week, I was approached by the CEO of a partner company who asked if I could recommend someone for a sales and marketing position. I immediately thought of two of my former colleagues who would be perfect for the role. I went ahead and made an introduction using their personal emails while I used my work email for the communication. Now, I’m starting to overthink whether this could cause any issues. Did I cross any boundaries by using my work email for this?

I recently got laid off from my position in the Bay Area tech scene and I'm looking for ways to connect with others who are in similar situations. I'm particularly interested in finding online or in-person meetups where mid-level managers and engineers gather. I think it would be really beneficial to network, share emotional support, and explore potential co-founder opportunities for new projects. Additionally, I'm eager to discuss job opportunities and strategies for preparing for the next steps in our careers. If anyone knows of any groups or events, please let me know!

I've been struggling to find a job in retail or fast food, and honestly, I've reached a point where I've given up on applying altogether. I still browse Indeed occasionally, but I just can't bring myself to submit any applications. I've tried my hand at various retail positions and fast food jobs, but nothing has come through for me. The only option I haven't explored is factory work, and I really don't want to go down that route. I just don't think I'd thrive in that kind of environment. Right now, I'm doing DoorDash to make some money, but it feels like I'm relying too much on others for help, which I find inconvenient for them. They don't mind covering gas money, but it still feels like a burden. Interestingly, my mother, who has been out of work for a long time, is on the verge of getting a job delivering medicine, which is a glimmer of hope in our situation. Still, it's pretty disheartening to think about my own circumstances.

I’m currently working at a contract company where morale is plummeting. Our new director has been making it clear that everyone is expected to quit, and it’s no surprise that attendance at our yearly work party is dwindling. The company barely managed to secure the new contract, largely thanks to one standout worker who impressed the client. Unfortunately, the director has been dishonest about raises and has even committed wage theft. Many of us are too scared to report it, fearing retaliation or the financial burden of a legal battle, especially during this recession when jobs are scarce. Upper management is unprofessional and rude, which creates a toxic atmosphere. There’s no work-life balance; everyone is stressed and taking work home mentally. While some are getting overworked, others are seeing their hours cut. Promises of raises have turned into statements claiming that raises simply aren’t given. The yearly party is a joke—same old food and prizes, and most employees just show up, eat, and leave within half an hour. There’s no incentive to stay, especially with the lack of meaningful benefits. It’s ironic that the directors are upset about the low turnout; they’ve created this situation through their poor management. With no guarantee that our contract will be renewed next year, I’m focusing on saving money and learning new skills in hopes of finding a better opportunity.

I recently faced a tough setback after being rejected by Apple for an early career EPM role. I went through multiple rounds of interviews, and I genuinely felt that they went well. The managers I spoke with were positive about my responses, which made the rejection hit even harder. I had invested a lot of time and effort into preparing for this opportunity, and it felt like my only chance to break into a FAANG company. Since receiving the automated rejection late last night, I've been feeling devastated and questioning my abilities. I'm torn about whether to reach out to the recruiter to express my interest in future roles or if it’s better to just move on. It’s a confusing and emotional time for me.

I've been working at my current job for over a year and a half, and I genuinely love it. However, I've developed a serious problem due to a nearby building that burns toxic materials. I've been experiencing allergic reactions, including rashes and severe headaches, which make it difficult to continue working in this environment. Despite my efforts to find a new job, the search has been frustrating, and I haven't had any luck so far. I'm really torn because I enjoy my role, but I can't keep dealing with these health issues. The job market feels so bleak right now, and I'm worried about being stuck in this situation for years to come. I'm considering seeking medical advice to address my allergies, but I'm also open to any suggestions on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I recently experienced a layoff from my position as an individual contributor in the tech industry after over 10 years with the company. I was one of only two people laid off from my department in the U.S. Just eight days prior to the layoff, I disclosed a health condition related to single-ear deafness due to a past brain tumor surgery, which affects my ability to handle noisy social situations. Currently, I have received a severance package that includes a lump-sum payment and one month of employer-paid COBRA for my family's healthcare coverage. My main concern right now is ensuring continuity of healthcare during this transition. I am considering asking HR if it would be possible to extend the employer-paid COBRA coverage beyond just one month, as this would greatly assist me in managing my medical needs. I'm looking for advice on how to approach this request without coming across as confrontational or threatening. Should I communicate directly with HR, or would it be wise to consult with a third-party legal advisor first? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I'm 25 years old and have never had a job. I feel completely stuck as I have zero work experience and no resume, which has led to constant rejections from every job I apply to. I used to sell on eBay full-time, but now I'm looking for something more stable and consistent. I'm not sure where to start. I've received some advice to look into entry-level positions like those offered by temp agencies, fast food restaurants, or call centers. Some suggested volunteering to build my resume and gain references. I know I need to start from the bottom, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward.

I recently found myself wondering about the recent layoffs at Centene, particularly in California. I've been following the news and discussions online, but it seems like most of the information is coming from outside the state. I'm curious if anyone else in California has heard anything specific regarding the layoffs or if there are any updates on the situation. It feels a bit uncertain, and I'm eager to connect with others who might have insights.

I recently experienced a layoff from my role at a tech company where I was a project manager. I always believed that being well-liked and a high performer would protect me from layoffs, but I learned the hard way that this is not true. I worked tirelessly, often going above and beyond to support my team and cover for colleagues on leave. I was the go-to person, always willing to step up, whether it was joining late-night calls or helping with office tasks. Despite my efforts, I was laid off just before a planned medical leave, leaving me in shock. My manager, who often claimed to advocate for our team, completely cut off communication after the layoff. The timing was particularly cruel, coming right after a lavish company retreat where I felt appreciated. Now, I'm in a tough spot, navigating job applications and networking while grappling with the emotional toll of this experience. I realize that no one is truly safe in this environment, and the uncertainty is disheartening. I wanted to share my story to highlight the harsh reality of job security and the impact it has on our sense of self-worth. I hope that one day we can openly discuss these challenges without fear.

I recently landed a busser job at a restaurant after a series of interviews that were quite challenging. The first interview was straightforward, but the second one had the interviewer arriving 20 minutes late. For the final interview, I made sure to show up 10 minutes early, despite walking almost a mile in heels under the Texas sun, only to wait for 2 hours before I could finally speak with the interviewer. Thankfully, I got the job and was told to come in for training the next day at 10 AM. However, I woke up feeling extremely drained and possibly suffering from heat exhaustion. When I tried to bike to the restaurant, I felt unwell and had to call them to say I couldn't make it, which was about 16 minutes after the scheduled training time. I couldn't find any management contact information, just the restaurant's general number. After getting home, I emailed the contact address I found online, asking to reschedule and even offered to come in early to make up for the missed training. It's been a while, and I haven't received any response yet. I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should reach out again or if they will consider my situation given the circumstances of the interviews. My mom thinks they might still give me a chance, but I'm worried they might choose someone else instead. Should I try to find a manager's number and call again?

I’ve been reflecting on my career journey, which has been quite turbulent since I graduated with my business degree ten years ago. Here’s a quick overview of my timeline: - I started out as a bookkeeper at a business management and accounting firm for three years before moving on to a new opportunity. - Then, I spent three years as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) in the SaaS industry, again leaving for what I thought would be a better fit. - After that, I worked for nine months as an Account Executive (AE) in SaaS but was laid off, leading to a nine-month period of unemployment. - I then took a sales rep position at an accounting advisory firm, but was laid off again after nine months, which resulted in another nine months of job searching. - Most recently, I was an SDR at a recruiting firm, but once more faced a layoff. - Currently, I am a sales rep in the print, packaging, and labels sector, where I’ve been for just over a year. The last three layoffs have really taken a toll on my confidence. I know logically that layoffs often stem from factors beyond an individual’s control, like company performance or budget cuts, but it's hard not to take it personally after experiencing it repeatedly. In my current role, I feel like I’m set up to struggle. The company is large, and most of the high-potential accounts are managed by long-tenured reps. With virtually no inbound leads, my success hinges on outbound prospecting, but I’m left with accounts that feel like scraps. Every morning, I wake up feeling anxious and depressed, almost expecting to be laid off again. It feels like I’m in a constant battle to prove my worth while my colleagues, who are all much older, maintain their existing customers rather than seek new business. I’m at a crossroads, unsure whether to keep pushing in my current role, seek another position, consider leaving sales altogether, or find a company where the territory and lead distribution are more equitable. I’m exhausted from feeling like my career is on shaky ground, with another setback lurking around the corner. With three kids and a mortgage, I’m living paycheck to paycheck, and they have no idea how much I struggle inside, feeling like a failure. Has anyone else been through multiple layoffs or found themselves in a series of ill-fitting sales roles? How did you rebuild your confidence and determine your next steps?

I recently applied for unemployment after retiring from the military and I'm currently navigating the process. As a disabled veteran, I can still work as a civilian, but I've been having a tough time getting through to the EDD. I've spent hours on hold, and sometimes the automated system just hangs up on me. I'm currently filling out the work search record for my continued claim, specifically Section B, where I need to indicate if I've worked in the past two weeks. I've applied to five different jobs, but unfortunately, I've been informed that they are moving forward with other candidates. I'm stuck on what to put in the "Results: Please explain" section since I wasn't hired. I want to avoid using the term "declined" because I’m worried the EDD might interpret that as me turning down a job offer, which isn't the case. I’m looking for the right terminology to use here, and any guidance would be greatly appreciated.