Planning

Today I had an interview with a large company for a position I was really excited about. In preparation, I decided to follow some advice I had seen on TikTok from various interview experts and recruiters. They suggested things like always saying yes if asked if I'm interviewing elsewhere, removing graduation dates to avoid age discrimination, and even jokingly saying I hope to be in the interviewer's position in five years. I thought these tips would help me stand out, but it completely backfired. During the interview, when the interviewer asked me the classic 'where do you see yourself in five years?' I replied with the line I had learned, and he looked genuinely offended. He seemed to think I was trying to undermine him or that I was sent by a competitor. Additionally, I had removed some of my older internship experiences from my resume, thinking they weren't relevant anymore. When the interviewer asked if there was anything I hadn't included, I mentioned those internships, and he questioned why I had left them off. It felt like I was digging my own grave the entire time. Overall, the interview felt like a disaster, and I realized that taking advice from TikTok may not have been the best idea. I learned a tough lesson about being authentic and sticking to my own experiences instead of trying to fit into a mold created by social media.

I'm a data scientist at a large tech company, where I've been working for almost a year after transitioning from an intern. Lately, I've been feeling quite confused and uncertain about my career path. I've had three different managers since I started, none of whom have a background in data science, which has made it challenging to get the guidance I need. My current manager is particularly difficult to work with; it feels like I can never meet her expectations. I often find myself misinterpreting her instructions and struggling to balance the use of AI in my projects. Most of my tasks have turned into project management rather than actual data science work, and I've only completed one project that aligns with my field. Recently, during a meeting, my manager criticized my performance, stating that the first half of the year has been 'more than terrible' and that my evaluation will be based on HR criteria at the year's end. I'm seriously considering quitting, but the job market is tough, and I'm worried about finding another position, especially since I feel I'm not gaining the necessary experience to prepare for future roles, particularly in the US federal government. I'm reaching out for advice from anyone with more experience in this field.

I took a drug screen at LabCorp 13 days ago as part of the pre-employment process for my new role. My employer is still waiting for clearance from employee health, which is supposed to come through before I start next week. This week, I learned that they still haven't received the necessary clearance, and I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation. I know my prescriptions will show up in the results, and I understand that confirmation can take some time, but the lack of communication is concerning. I've reached out for an update but haven't received a response yet.

I’m thrilled to share that I just accepted a full-time position after being laid off in November 2025. I didn't start interviewing until January 2025, which felt like a long wait. The new role requires me to be in the office 4-5 days a week, but the pay is significantly better, and I couldn't be happier to have a job again. During my time off, I learned a lot about managing my health insurance. My COBRA plan was quite expensive, so I switched to a marketplace plan, which turned out to be a much better option for me as a single person without dependents. I found that even when I was doing all the right things like networking, applying for jobs, and improving my skills, it was tough to fill my days without feeling overwhelmed. I set a stopping point for my job search each day and made sure to do something I love, like baking. I also looked for free or affordable activities to stay engaged with my community. It was important to remind myself that this phase was temporary. To keep my spirits up and gain insights, I set up a weekly check-in with a senior member from my old team. We exchanged job leads—she would send me junior positions while I shared senior-level opportunities with her. I also found comfort in watching TV shows where characters faced layoffs but eventually came out stronger. It was encouraging to see that their struggles didn’t define their entire stories. Shows like Modern Family, New Girl, Girls, and Parks and Recreation were particularly relatable. Lastly, I want to emphasize that the job market is tough right now, but being laid off or facing rejection doesn’t reflect your skills or worth. Your education, experience, and certifications are yours to keep, no matter what.

I was let go after just one day of training, and I'm feeling absolutely devastated. I'm a 23-year-old male, and I've been under a lot of pressure from the family I live with to find a job. Currently, I do gig work, but it’s taking a toll on my car and doesn’t even cover a third of the rent, which has made my family resentful. This year has been incredibly tough for me, filled with depression and anxiety about finding a job. I was really hoping to avoid a soul-sucking position that would hinder my ability to finish college. I finally landed what I thought was an ideal job as front of house staff at a counter service restaurant, where I have previous experience and genuinely enjoy the work. The pay was good, and the atmosphere seemed positive. My first day, which was a busy Saturday night at a downtown pizza place, went well in my eyes. I arrived early, followed instructions, showed initiative, and got along with everyone. Sure, I had some corrections and felt a bit awkward with customers due to my autism and ADHD, but I was improving by the end of the shift and was excited to return for more training. However, the next day, just before my second training shift, I received a text saying I wouldn’t be scheduled anymore. When I called to ask why, I was told there was no specific reason, just that they were making that decision. I understand at-will employment, but it feels so cold and unfair. I'm heartbroken and can’t stop crying. I desperately needed this job, and now I’m back to the grind of applying for positions I don’t want, only to face more rejections. I haven’t even told my family yet because I don’t know how to explain it without feeling like a failure in their eyes, especially after sharing my excitement about this job. They’ve set a deadline for me to start paying an equal share of the rent by August 1st, and I’m at a loss for how to manage that now. I feel like a failure and I’m struggling to figure out how to present myself confidently in future interviews when I feel so incompetent and hopeless right now. If anyone has advice, I would really appreciate it.

I recently received two job offers and I'm feeling a bit torn about which one to accept. I'm 23 years old and aiming to become a paralegal. The first offer is for an entry-level paralegal role at a law firm in New York City, which involves document review, and it pays $20 an hour. However, this would require me to relocate four hours away from my current home, which is a bit daunting. The second offer is for an assistant funeral director position in Washington, D.C. This job pays slightly more at $22 an hour and allows me to stay where I am. I think some of the skills I would gain, like dealing with people, could be transferable to my future paralegal career. I'm not overly attached to my current location, but the thought of a big move is intimidating. I'm also concerned about the costs associated with relocating, like finding a room or storage unit, which could eat into my savings. Another idea I had was to volunteer at legal offices in D.C. while working the funeral job to enhance my resume. I'm reaching out for advice on how to weigh these options. If you were in my position, what factors would you prioritize?

I recently faced a challenging situation while job searching. A few months ago, I applied for two positions at a company that was going through a merger and unfortunately got rejected. I later applied for a different role at the same company through a recruiting agency, but when I disclosed my previous rejections, the recruiter informed me that I couldn't move forward due to that history. Now, I've noticed that the job posting has been re-uploaded on their career page. I'm considering reapplying and reaching out directly to the HR director, whose email I have from our previous correspondence. I was never formally interviewed, so I'm wondering if it's worth the effort to email her and ask if my past rejections would still affect my chances. The job market in my area is quite limited, especially for roles at that level, so I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps.

I'm feeling really lost as I try to figure out how to land my first job. I had a serious back and pelvis injury when I was 14, and now at 20, I'm struggling to make ends meet. I've been volunteering a couple of times a month since I was 17, but my SSDI isn't covering my living expenses anymore due to rising rent and cuts in benefits. Living in a small city limits my job options significantly. The only places hiring seem to be fast-food spots like Waffle House or retail stores like Lowe's, and from what I've read, many of these jobs come with more downsides than upsides. I'm also concerned about my physical limitations. I can manage about 3 hours of volunteering, which often leaves me exhausted and in pain. I know I need a part-time job or something like an internship, but I'm not sure how many hours I can realistically work. I've considered work-from-home options, but I'm not a programmer and I'm worried about the pay not being enough to cover my expenses. It's really urgent for me to find something soon because of my medical bills. Any advice or leads would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently in the process of looking for a new job after spending the last three years in my first professional role since graduating college. My background mainly consists of retail work during college, so my job history is not very extensive. I have two bosses from my current job who could serve as references, but I'm hesitant to use my current boss because if they receive a call, it would reveal that I'm job hunting, which could create tension at work. I'm concerned that having only one reference might hinder my applications, especially since many employers request 2-3 references. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation.

I’m currently navigating my resignation process at my job, where I work a 9/80 schedule. I want my last day to be Wednesday, July 1st, which coincides with a company cookout for the 4th of July. My boss typically works from home on Wednesdays and Fridays, so I’m trying to figure out the best timing to submit my two weeks' notice. I’m considering putting in my notice next Tuesday, June 16th, which would technically give me a 2 week and 1 day notice, but I prefer to speak with my manager in person. Alternatively, I could wait until Wednesday, June 17th, but I believe he’ll be busy with another job that day. Another option is to submit my notice on June 26th, but that would only give me an 8-day notice due to the holiday. I’m unsure if that would be seen as unprofessional, especially since a mentor of mine will be on vacation the week of the 6th-10th. I couldn’t find any specific guidance in our company policies regarding notice periods. Any advice would be appreciated!

I am currently seeking a new job as I want to transition out of my position at In-N-Out, where I have been working for about 6 months. I've noticed a lot of favoritism at my location, leading to frustration as I've seen others who were hired after me getting promoted much quicker despite my hard work and dedication. I'm 18 years old and looking for opportunities that offer more room for growth, ideally around $20 an hour. My experience includes working at In-N-Out and previously at Raising Cane's, along with a role as a party host where I developed strong customer service skills, teamwork abilities, and the capacity to handle challenging situations. I'm eager to learn new skills and work hard in a new environment. I'm reaching out for recommendations on jobs that would be suitable for someone with my background and pay expectations. Any advice or success stories from those who have made a similar transition would be greatly appreciated!

After two long years of job hunting, I've finally decided to give AI a shot for my resumes. I've been scraping by by restoring and building lamps, but it’s been tough with no luck on the job front. I've applied to at least a thousand listings, tweaking my resume each time, and the only response I got was a rejection for being 'overqualified.' No interviews at all. I’ve always been skeptical about AI, believing it has a negative impact on the world, and I’ve been pretty tech-averse lately. But I caved and tried using ChatGPT to create job-specific resumes. Surprisingly, I applied to three listings and now have three interviews scheduled! It still took about the same amount of time to revise my resume, but the mental load was significantly lighter, which was a relief. I’m hopeful this will finally lead to something good.

I recently made the bold decision to quit my job without having another position lined up. I left my role at the company without a backup plan, an offer letter in hand, or any specific next steps mapped out. It was a leap of faith for me, driven by a strong desire for change and the need to pursue new opportunities.

I've been unemployed for over a year now, and it's been incredibly tough. I get a few interviews here and there, but I never seem to make it past the first stage. It's frustrating because I rarely receive any concrete feedback, just generic rejections. To make matters worse, I was on sick leave for a long time and got laid off while trying to return to work part-time. I used to be a confident, educated young woman with dreams of buying an apartment and starting a family with my partner. Now, I find myself struggling with mental health issues, feeling deeply depressed, and on the verge of breaking up with my partner due to the stress of my situation. Despite all this, I still put in my best effort during interviews. I even role-play to prepare, and I often receive positive feedback during those practice sessions. But I can't help but wonder if the actual interviewers can sense my desperation. It's been a difficult journey, and I'm really not doing well, so I'm reaching out for some support and understanding.

Today I signed my separation document after being laid off from my role. However, my manager is now asking me to take on additional tasks and documentation as part of my transition. I feel frustrated because I believe that since my employment has officially ended, I should only be responsible for transitioning my existing work. I plan to push back and tell my manager that any new requests should be redirected to someone else. I'm concerned about whether this could affect my severance or unemployment application if I refuse to do more work. It feels unfair to be asked for additional contributions after being laid off. I just want to ensure that I handle this situation correctly.

I recently faced a tough situation and got laid off from my job. It's been a challenging time for me, and I'm reaching out for any support or advice that could help me navigate this period. I believe that any assistance, no matter how small, can make a difference. I'm open to suggestions and resources that could aid in my job search.

I've been reflecting on my job search journey lately. I've only submitted four resumes in my life, and each time I landed a job. My current role is in a different industry than my previous ones. I worked in IT for my second job and then transitioned to a front desk position at a hotel for my third job while I was looking for something more suitable. I needed that job to keep me afloat, even though the pay wasn't great. Now, I’m curious about the experiences of others who seem to struggle finding work. I recently heard about someone who submitted nearly 1700 applications over 18 months before finally getting hired. It makes me wonder if the job market is really that tough or if people are just setting their standards too high. I feel fortunate to have a job now, especially since the local market is pretty bad. I can imagine how difficult it must be for those without a job at this time.

I'm currently working in a nursing home in housekeeping, but I've reached a point where this job is really draining me. I feel stuck and frustrated, with no clear direction or future. I've been searching for new job opportunities, including side jobs or part-time work, but I often struggle to find anything suitable or I don't meet the qualifications. My interests lie in technology, computers, social media, and digital-related work, and I'm particularly drawn to roles like chat support, email support, or community management, ideally in a remote capacity. However, I feel discouraged because many job listings require specific degrees or experience that I don't have. Plus, I'm not comfortable with phone calls, which makes traditional call center jobs less appealing. I often wonder how others manage to switch careers or find additional income sources, especially when I see so many discussions about remote jobs and online careers. I'm also feeling quite dissatisfied with my current situation and the limited opportunities in my country. I really want to find a job that aligns with my interests and doesn't leave me exhausted every day. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you manage to transition out of a job that was making you unhappy? I'm looking for realistic advice on breaking into fields like chat support or community management without formal training.

I recently found myself in a tough situation after resigning from my company where I’ve worked for 20 years. I’ve been with this company since its inception, and over the years, I’ve climbed the ranks and built a large team. I genuinely enjoyed my career there until about 18 months ago when the culture took a turn for the worse. Reorganizations led to a toxic environment, and new management started to overlook long-tenured employees like myself, which was disheartening. After much consideration, I accepted a new role that was lateral in nature but promised upward mobility in title and offered me the same compensation. This new position also provided the flexibility I was seeking, although it required bi-weekly travel. I had made up my mind and resigned, clearly stating that I wasn’t looking for a counteroffer. To my surprise, my original company countered with an offer that included a better title, even more locational flexibility, and a 17% increase in total annual compensation compared to the new role. While I appreciate their effort to retain me, I’m skeptical about whether the company culture can truly change. I’m torn about what to do next. I know the common wisdom is to never accept a counteroffer, but this feels different. I would love to hear any insights or experiences from others who have been in similar situations.

I recently had a frustrating experience while interviewing for a receptionist position at a dental office after spending 12 years in retail, primarily in visual merchandising and management roles. I applied for a few administrative jobs on Indeed and was pleased to see that my application caught the attention of this dental office. After reaching out to the recruiter, I managed to secure a phone interview. However, my current work schedule, which is Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, only allowed me to interview during my lunch hour or after work. On the day of the interview, I found myself waiting endlessly for the call. I sent a message to the recruiter at 12:26 PM, and she called me back right away, explaining that she had been in a meeting that ran late. I understood that things happen, but I had to ask to reschedule for the next day at noon due to a shorter lunch break I had to take that day because of management coverage issues. While she agreed to reschedule, I received a rather rude message later that day, reiterating our discussion in a passive-aggressive tone. The next day, she called at the scheduled time, but I felt her attitude suggested a lack of respect for my time. During the interview, she asked what I knew about the practice, and while I mentioned that it was a dental office, I did share some knowledge about the doctor running it. I expressed that my skills in planning, scheduling, and customer interactions could transition well into a patient care environment. When asked about my strengths, I mentioned my adaptability to new expectations, especially since retail has become unpredictable. However, I stumbled when discussing my weaknesses, saying that my decision-making felt rusty since I had shifted my focus more towards merchandising. Ultimately, I received a rejection, which left me feeling stuck in retail and questioning my future. I’m seeking advice on how to move forward from this experience.