Miscellaneous

I recently experienced some unsettling news regarding layoffs at CVS where I work in the corporate finance team. I had previously shared my concerns about the leadership, particularly about our new CFO, Maynd Jolly, who has a history of initiating layoffs shortly after taking on a new role. Just a month after promising our team new projects and more work, he began a series of layoffs right around the holiday season. Thankfully, I managed to avoid the cuts, but the anxiety of potentially being let go lingered for a year. To make matters worse, I later learned that jobs were being outsourced to India, which has made me even more wary of my position. I want to warn my colleagues in IT and finance to prepare themselves, especially if you're less experienced, as those roles seem to be prime targets for outsourcing. If you haven't already, start polishing your resume and networking. I've seen firsthand how this CFO operates, and I genuinely hope I'm wrong about the impending layoffs, but it's better to be prepared than to be blindsided.

I've hit a really low point in my life and wanted to share my struggles in hopes of finding some connection or support. Growing up with an abusive father has left deep scars, and despite my efforts to break free from that past, I've faced numerous challenges. I've dealt with painful family estrangement and the isolation that comes with it, especially after moving back to my hometown from NYC due to financial constraints. My experiences with toxic managers at temp jobs have only added to my mental health struggles. As a 2023 graduate, I've worked hard to create a meaningful life, but it feels like everything keeps falling apart. I attended college as a nontraditional student to avoid financial dependence on my abusive family, and I managed to earn a full ride to a prestigious school, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. I even landed internships at top Wall Street investment banks, but despite my best efforts, I didn't receive a full-time offer. I've been stuck in long-term unemployment and underemployment, constantly applying for jobs and improving my skills. While I've been getting to mid-to-final rounds of interviews for roles I want, I just can't seem to convert those into job offers. It feels like the harder I try, the more obstacles I face. I find meaning in my career aspirations, particularly in Restructuring and Distressed Credit, as I want to help struggling companies and create jobs in areas like mine. But right now, I feel like I've hit rock bottom. I don't see this as punishment, but I can't understand why the journey has to be this difficult when I'm genuinely trying to do the right things. I want to trust that things will get better, but I feel lost. If anyone else is going through similar struggles, I would love to hear from you.

I recently moved to the USA about a month ago to pursue a master's degree, and I had a job lined up as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) working with children with autism. I did my due diligence before accepting the offer, confirming that the company was legitimate with a physical address and proper credentials. Upon arriving on July 6th, I reached out to the recruiter to start my job. They informed me I needed to complete a 40-hour unpaid training, which I did promptly. After completing the training, I was told a case coordinator would contact me, but days turned into weeks with no communication. I reached out multiple times, and the recruiter kept saying the case was going through changes. A month passed with no progress, and I started applying for other jobs out of desperation. When I finally contacted HR, they apologized and promised to look into it. The recruiter then called to inform me that the family of the case had decided to stick with their current RBT. They offered me new cases, but it's been another week with no updates. I'm feeling incredibly anxious and frustrated as I need to pay bills and buy food. I’m starting to wonder if I’m being scammed or if this is just poor management. I'm looking for advice on what to do next and if anyone knows of good job agencies in the NY, NJ area. Any help would be appreciated.

I am currently looking for work and feeling a bit unsure about my job search approach. I hold a marketing degree and have three years of experience working for a nonprofit organization. Additionally, I have volunteered for several years at equine nonprofits, which has given me valuable experience in that area. I have strong letters of recommendation and over four references to support my applications. My goal is to find a position that allows me to work outdoors and is related to horses, ideally in roles that involve communicating with clients or donors, as well as assisting with event setups. I'm also open to barn manager positions. So far, I've been applying for jobs such as Marketing Assistant, Social Media Manager, and various office roles that include managing social media or marketing tasks on the side. I've also explored opportunities at ranches that align with my interests. However, I’m starting to wonder if I might be overlooking other potential job titles by focusing specifically on marketing roles. I would appreciate any suggestions for additional role names or types of positions I should consider adding to my job search list.

I’m feeling really overwhelmed right now as I’m struggling to find employment. I recently attended a workshop that I thought was going well, but I received a disappointing message afterward, which has left me feeling defeated. I’m 18 and on the autism spectrum, so communicating effectively during interviews is particularly challenging for me. My parents are considering kicking me out because I haven’t been able to contribute financially, which adds to my stress. I really need support and guidance on how to improve my interview skills and find local resources that can help me in my job search.

I recently accepted a job offer and signed the contract, which included my roles, duties, pay, and start date. However, after signing, the new employer requested references, including one from my current employer. I was hesitant to provide that since I haven't resigned yet, but they agreed to wait. Now, as my start date approaches, they are insisting on contacting my current employer for a reference. This feels unusual to me, as I've never encountered this situation before. I did some research and found that many people consider it a red flag. The prospective employer claims it's standard practice in their area and necessary for their process. To complicate matters, my previous employer shared that the new company is asking not just for proof of employment but also about my performance and weaknesses. I'm unsure how to proceed.

I was recently laid off from my position at a museum due to a negative performance review. I acknowledge that some of the issues were my fault, but I also believe the unrealistic expectations and toxic environment played a significant role. It was disheartening to hear from former colleagues that they felt my absence deeply, and one even mentioned how shocked others were about the workplace practices I had to endure. This job was one I truly desired, and I had a lot of respect for the institution before I joined. The experience contrasted sharply with my previous roles, where I dealt with difficult restaurant managers and unmotivated coworkers. As a result, I've developed impostor syndrome and anxiety about applying for new jobs. The fear of not being good enough is almost paralyzing, making me feel like I would be lying if I highlighted my accomplishments. I'm actively working on rebuilding my confidence by reminding myself of the recognition and respect I received in my past roles. Despite this, I can’t help but feel disillusioned with the field right now. I'm sharing this mainly to vent, but I would love to hear from anyone who has faced similar challenges and how they managed to overcome them.

I received a voicemail on Friday from a company called United Job Search offering remote work opportunities. Curious, I called them back, thinking it couldn't hurt to explore. However, the conversation quickly took a concerning turn. They immediately asked for my banking information to connect to some benefits, which raised a huge red flag for me. I've been working remotely for years and never encountered a job search company requesting such sensitive information right off the bat. I decided to record the call for my own protection and pressed them for details about the job positions they had available. Instead of providing information, they promised to send me an email with job details, which I later found to be nothing more than a picture containing a company name and address. When I threatened to report them due to their non-existent website, they tried to convince me they had plenty of remote job opportunities. They also asked typical scam questions about whether I was in school and wanted information about educational institutions. It's alarming to see how these scams are evolving, now using texts, WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and phone calls to target job seekers. I want to warn others to be cautious of United Job Search and similar scams. Finding a job is already challenging enough without having to deal with these fraudulent companies.

I’m currently working an entry to mid-level operations job at a lumber and building materials company, earning $53k a year before taxes. I didn’t negotiate my salary when I started, and now I feel stuck in a low-paying position. Previously, I worked in mid-level management at a competitor's company, making around $80k a year at just 22 years old. I don’t have any formal education beyond high school, though I was close to completing an Associate's degree in Finance before I got my first ‘good’ job. I thought I could leave that job behind and pursue a degree in Biology with hopes of going to medical school, but that plan fell through. I’m very knowledgeable about operations and can handle various jobs within my company if given a week of training. However, I’m unhappy with my current role and have heard it may take 3-5 years for any promotions or raises here. I crave more mental stimulation and want a job that feels important and challenging. Over the past year and a half, I’ve made around $40k from side hustles like selling clothing, art, and trading crypto, but it’s not consistent income. I’m torn between these side ventures and my day job. I want to avoid getting too comfortable at my current job. I have side hustles that can earn me about $1-2k a month when I focus on them. I know I have the drive and ambition to achieve more than I currently am, and it frustrates me to sit at my desk earning less than I know I’m capable of. I’m willing to relocate and put in the effort to learn new skills. I’m looking for a career that I can be proud of, where I can use my problem-solving skills and feel mentally stimulated. I want a role that makes me excited to wake up and work long hours again. I’m eager to grow with a company and turn my skills and effort into something valuable. I also want to start a family but feel unprepared for that until I take the next step in my career. If anyone has advice or has been in a similar situation, I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts. I’m open to job recommendations or fields I might not have considered. Thank you for reading!

I've had a string of bad luck with Apex Systems, and it's really starting to get to me. I’ve been working with a recruiter from their Bellevue office, but things haven't gone well. Back in 2019, I interviewed for a help desk tech position with Starbucks through them. The feedback I got was that I was 'too nice' and they were concerned I wouldn't be able to finish tickets on time. Then in 2022, I applied for a role with the Microsoft safety team. Honestly, I think I messed that one up myself. I showed up looking a bit unkempt—wore a regular shirt and didn't shave, even though they said it was super casual. Most recently, I was represented for a data entry position at GoHealth. The problem is, I had no experience in healthcare, so I didn’t get that job either. Now, my recruiter has essentially fired me and told me not to call him anymore. I’m feeling a lot of anxiety about this situation. I can’t help but wonder what I’ve been doing wrong with Apex Systems that has led to three rejections and now losing my recruiter. It’s frustrating and disheartening.

I just received notice that my job has been terminated due to a debt restructuring at my company. I was initially informed that my position would be safe, and I believed I would be part of the team retained by the new owners based on verbal assurances. I’ve always had a strong relationship with the company and considered myself a loyal employee. Things took a turn when I noticed a double deposit in my paycheck one week due to an accounting error. I immediately reported the discrepancy and offered to return the extra funds. Then, out of the blue last Friday, I got the termination notice. It has left me feeling completely blindsided and scrambling for new opportunities over the weekend. I can't shake the feeling that some family members might be secretly pleased about my situation. I’m really frustrated because I thought I was finally making progress in my career. Losing my health insurance and the promised bonus for being a loyal team player feels incredibly unfair. I feel like I have no one to talk to about this, and I’m just venting my frustrations.

I recently had a job offer pulled by a company because I turned down an offer from them a few years ago. The company reached out to me a couple of days ago with an offer, but when I followed up about setting up a drug test, the recruiter mentioned that they had decided to rescind the offer due to my previous decline back in 2023 or 2024. It felt really petty, especially since I hadn't worked there before and had accepted another job at that time. I was surprised that they even remembered that and let it affect their decision. It makes me wonder how seriously they take past interactions with candidates.

I’ve been feeling really stuck in my current job situation. For years, I tried to build a freelance writing career, hoping to gain some autonomy and not be tied down to a company or NGO. I was making progress until AI took off, which made it harder to find opportunities. A couple of months ago, I had to find work again and, within a week, I landed a job in my field. I recognize how lucky I am to have a job after a long time without one. However, now that I’m two months in, I’m feeling exhausted and disillusioned. I forgot how overwhelming my field can be, and I’m learning more about its problematic aspects, which is making my experience even worse. I know I should feel grateful for this opportunity, and I do, but I can’t shake the feeling of misery that’s creeping back in. I remember how unhappy I was the last time I worked here, and while I blamed it on personal issues, I’m starting to realize that the workload and the draining nature of the job were significant factors. Now, I feel trapped and out of options. I have some ideas for other income sources, but they take time to develop and are uncertain. I’m telling myself to stick it out, but I can’t help but wonder if the problem lies with me. It feels like the system is broken when we have to choose between being unemployed or miserable at work. I would appreciate any advice, encouragement, or shared experiences from others who have been in a similar situation.

I was let go from my job a few months ago, and the whole experience was incredibly awkward. The person who delivered the news seemed inexperienced and couldn't even look me in the eye when I asked if I was being let go. Her response was vague, saying they were 'reviewing other resumes.' What really shocked me was when she asked if I would be willing to stay on until they found my replacement. I couldn't believe it! Why would I want to stick around and watch people interview for my job? I told her, absolutely not. There’s no way I would sacrifice my pride and self-esteem for that situation. It was a bizarre encounter, and I couldn't help but laugh at her lack of people skills, especially considering she’s a preacher. Just a confusing and frustrating experience all around.

I recently got laid off from a SaaS startup where I was working as a software engineer in the software testing space. The experience has left me feeling lost and hopeless, and it's been hard to come to terms with it. I really enjoyed my work there; the team was talented, the engineering challenges were engaging, and I genuinely felt like we were building something great together. I could see myself staying there for years. However, things took a turn as we all became aware of the funding market slowing down. Despite this, we kept our heads down, focused on building and shipping products, believing that our hard work would pay off. Unfortunately, it seems the runway just wasn't long enough. They might label it as productivity or budget cuts, but we all know the real reason. Accepting this reality has been tough. As engineers, we're conditioned to believe that hard work and problem-solving will lead to success, but startups often operate under different rules. You can have a fantastic team and a solid product, yet still face failure due to factors beyond your control. Looking back, I don't feel angry; I feel disappointed. It's disheartening to see months of effort end so abruptly, especially knowing that talented individuals now have to start over while management had the funds to rebrand but not to invest in the people who built the company. This experience has profoundly changed my perspective on job security.

I had an interview scheduled for 9:00 AM that was about 30 minutes away from my home. I was already halfway there when I received a message that the interview was canceled. I didn’t even see the message until I arrived because I was driving. It felt incredibly frustrating to have wasted my time like that. I understand that looking for work is a numbers game, and it can feel very one-sided and thankless. I just wish they could have informed me earlier, maybe even the day before or at least an hour prior to the interview. It’s disheartening to see such a lack of professionalism in the hiring process. I guess I’ll take a moment to regroup and try to find some calm before I dive back into the job search.

Today was a challenging day for me at work. I woke up feeling really unwell after having a moderate allergic reaction to tree nuts from some cookies I ate at a bake sale last night. The cookies were on a table labeled as nut-free, so I didn't think twice about eating them. I spent hours dealing with significant abdominal cramping and nausea, and by morning, I still felt terrible. I didn’t have a fever or anything contagious, but I knew I wouldn't be able to focus well at the office. I decided to reach out to my manager and asked if I could work from home for the day. I explained that I’d be more comfortable with a heating pad and close to my own bathroom, and that I was still willing to work. I also made it clear that I understood if the answer was no. I felt guilty asking, especially since I had just returned from an extended medical leave after knee surgery and had exhausted my paid sick leave during that time. To my surprise, my manager told me to either take a sick day or come into the office. I was really discouraged by this response, especially given my track record of satisfactory performance over the past three years. I ended up driving an hour to the office, feeling nauseous and cramping, just to sit at my desk with a heating pad. It was frustrating to feel like my health wasn’t being prioritized, especially after such a long recovery period. I really wish my manager had considered my request more thoughtfully, especially since my work is entirely computer-based and I could have been just as productive at home. It made me question my position and how I’m valued in the team.

I've been teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) online since 2020, and while I initially earned a solid $2,000 a month, my income has drastically dropped to a quarter of that as the pandemic effects have worn off. I loved teaching and connecting with new people, but the financial stability just isn't there anymore. Over the past two years, I've been transitioning into the tech field and have earned my Google Cybersecurity certification through Coursera, along with a COMPTIA Security+ certification. I've also been studying through Alison and TryHackMe, taking detailed notes to enhance my knowledge. Despite what the ads and influencers promised about having a fair shot at remote positions with these qualifications, I've faced radio silence in my job search so far. I'm currently still teaching while looking for opportunities in both IT and Data Entry. To add to my challenges, one of my ESL students has decided not to pay this month, which adds to the uncertainty of my current situation.

I am currently facing a tough job market as a recent B.E. Information Technology graduate from 2026, desperately searching for a Software Engineering role. Despite dedicating months to honing my skills, including achieving a **LeetCode Guardian** status with over 2350 rating, becoming a **Codeforces Expert**, and earning a **CodeChef 6★**, I've struggled to land interviews. I've tackled over 1300 DSA problems and learned technologies like **JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, SQL, Git, REST APIs, and C++**, building full-stack MERN projects to enhance my profile. However, my applications through various channels—company career pages, LinkedIn, job portals, referrals—often go unanswered or end in rejection. I'm not looking for a handout; I just want a fair chance to prove myself in an interview. Therefore, I’m offering my first two months' salary to anyone who can refer me to a Software Engineering position. If you can help or know someone who can, please DM me for my resume and profiles. Even a share or upvote would be appreciated. Thank you!

I've been trying to find a new job in the finance industry in Melbourne for nearly four years now. After facing continuous setbacks, I took a break to further my studies, hoping that would improve my chances. Despite seeking mentoring and career counseling, I still haven't landed a position. Financially, I'm not in a position to quit my current job, although I would have preferred to do so long ago. I'm approaching my seven-year mark at my current company, which means I can take Long Service Leave. I'm torn between cashing out or actually taking the leave to focus on my job search without the pressure of making excuses for interviews. To make matters worse, I've been dealing with some medical issues that require attention. Recently, I had a phone screen and a first-round interview, but the night before, I had to rush my dog to the emergency vet. On top of that, I might need surgery soon. The stress of juggling these responsibilities has made interviews challenging; I often feel nervous and overwhelmed, which affects my performance. I've tried taking breaks from my job search, using leave, and even considering changing industries, but nothing seems to work. I've come close to receiving offers three times, but ultimately, it hasn’t been enough. I'm feeling exhausted and unsure of what to do next.