Planning

It's been 9 weeks since I was laid off from my job, and the stress is really piling up. I have a mortgage to pay and a kid in daycare, but my severance is running out. I've stopped counting rejections, but the last time I checked, I had around 147. It's hard not to take each rejection personally; it feels like proof that there's something wrong with me. I've spent countless hours obsessing over my resume, trying to tweak every little detail, thinking that maybe the wording was the reason I wasn't getting interviews. I even had a friend review it and ran it through ChatGPT, but it seems like no matter how much I try to improve it, the results are the same. I've come to realize that I can't spend every waking hour applying for jobs anymore. It was driving me crazy. Now, I try to take one day a week where I completely step away from job boards. It helps a little, but the frustration is still there. I just wanted to vent about how tough this process has been.

I was recently laid off from my position as a Full-Stack Developer, where I worked remotely for two years. Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, my company faced financial difficulties, and my CEO put me on a two-month unpaid leave. Since then, I've been actively searching for a new job but have only managed to secure two interviews over the past two months. I've been using LinkedIn for my job search, but I haven't received any responses, which has left me feeling frustrated. I also tried Indeed, which did yield some responses, but ultimately, I didn't get any offers. I suspect my English skills might be a barrier, as I was rejected from both interviews without any feedback on why. I'm reaching out for advice on how to improve my job search and increase my chances of landing a new position.

I started my first job at a cafe yesterday, where I was supposed to begin training. I was there from 8am to 2pm, but it was so busy that I barely learned anything. There were only two people behind the counter, and they were swamped with orders, leaving no time for proper training. I don’t have any experience with coffee, so I knew it would take me a while to get the hang of things. The girl who was supposed to train me was there from 6:30am to 2pm and didn’t even get a lunch break. I mostly stood around, trying to help when I could and observing the chaos. The main issue is that I didn’t get any paperwork done because it was so hectic, and I never even clocked in. I only have the store's phone number, and I was told that they would contact me about when to return and about the paperwork. I tried reaching out to a guy whose number I got, but he hasn’t responded. I’m feeling a bit lost and unsure about what to do next. My mom thinks I should call again or even go to the cafe to talk to them, while my boyfriend and his mom suggest I wait until Sunday. I don’t want to come off as lazy or annoying, but I also want to show that I’m eager to start. Everyone at the cafe was really nice, so I hope to sort this out soon.

I recently found myself in a tough spot regarding my job applications to Big Tech and high finance companies. In the past, I submitted a résumé that wasn’t completely honest; I inflated my job titles, fabricated revenue figures, and misrepresented my employment dates. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t receive any offers and didn’t progress far in the hiring processes. Now, I’m eager to move forward with a truthful résumé and reapply for roles at these companies. However, I’m worried about the potential consequences of my past applications. Will their applicant-tracking systems keep my old submissions and flag the discrepancies? Do these companies compare new résumés to previous ones or even blacklist candidates for such major inaccuracies? I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially with large tech firms, investment banks, or consulting agencies. I know I need to be honest moving forward, but I’m concerned that my previous mistakes could permanently affect my chances of getting hired.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation after I gave my notice at my current job. I had accepted a new position with a school district that starts in early August, and I thought it would be best to inform my employer before it became public knowledge. I was worried that if they found out through the school board minutes, I might be let go immediately. Unfortunately, just three days after I submitted my notice, they told me my position was no longer needed and that they needed to move on to someone else. I was asked to leave right away, even though I had promised to stay for two months. While they offered to pay me through mid-July, I’m now facing a five-week gap without income, and I’m feeling both disappointed and angry about how things turned out. I’m questioning whether I should have given such a long notice in the first place, especially since it seems like my coworkers might have alerted management about my new role before I had the chance to inform them myself. I’m trying to figure out my next steps. Some people have suggested filing for unemployment to cover the gap, while others have pointed out that I should enjoy this unexpected time off. It’s hard not to feel bitter about the situation, but I’m trying to focus on the positives and save as much as I can until my new job starts.

Today, I reflected on how to handle job rejections. As someone who has faced my fair share of them while applying for positions in marketing, I find it challenging to stay positive. I usually take some time to process the rejection, reminding myself that it’s a normal part of the job search process. I try to analyze any feedback I received, which helps me improve for future applications. I also lean on my support system, talking to friends who have been through similar experiences. It’s tough, but I’m learning to see each rejection as a stepping stone rather than a setback.

I'm currently facing a tough decision about returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom for the past 2.5 years. My husband has been supportive, but he’s feeling the financial strain, so I've been actively applying for jobs. Previously, I worked as a server at a hotel before I got pregnant. I recently had a job interview at an independent restaurant that seemed to go well. They want me to start within a week, offering $10 an hour plus tips, which they estimate could bring my earnings to around $25-$35 an hour. However, the restaurant is 58 miles from my house, which means a commute of about 1 hour and 20 minutes—pretty standard for Virginia, but still a lot of time on the road. The benefits are limited, mostly just healthcare. I also have another interview lined up for a position as an in-room dining server at a luxury hotel. They offer $10.86 an hour plus a service charge, but the downside is that the hotel is 88 miles away, leading to a commute of 1 hour and 25 minutes in the mornings and up to 2 hours in the afternoons. The hotel position comes with better benefits, including parental leave, which is something I’m considering for the future. I’ve been applying to jobs closer to home, but I haven’t had any luck so far. I’m torn between the immediate financial needs and the long-term benefits that could help my family down the line.

I'm considering a position in the FDM Change & Transformation Practice, specifically looking at the Business Systems Analyst path. I'm trying to gauge if this role is worth pursuing in the current job market. Are there any significant layoff risks associated with this position? Additionally, I'd like to know if candidates typically have a choice between the three paths offered within the practice.

I wanted to share my journey after being laid off, as it might resonate with someone else facing a similar situation. Back in February, I was unexpectedly laid off from my job after 8 years, right after receiving a promotion. The timing was shocking, especially since my wife was just three weeks pregnant at the time, and we were left with a mortgage and no income. For the next three months, I dedicated myself to the job search, applying to around 15 positions daily, both local and remote. After over 50 interviews, I finally landed an offer, but it was about $40,000 less than my previous salary. Despite the pay cut, I decided to accept the position. Now, two weeks into the new job, I can confidently say it was the right choice. The company culture is incredibly supportive and grounded, and while the pay is lower, the benefits, hours, and work-life balance have significantly improved my quality of life. My wife and I are adjusting well, and we are making it work. If you're in a similar situation, I encourage you to keep applying and showing up. Sometimes the best decision isn't the highest-paying job, but rather one that allows you to breathe and rebuild your life. Although it feels like a financial step back, I believe this new role is setting me up to be a better father. Sure, our baby might not have the fanciest stroller, but he will have a dad who is home by 5 PM every day and doesn’t work weekends. Blessings to everyone going through this journey.

I've been working in the medical supply industry for nearly 9 years, and currently hold the title of office manager at a small company with just six employees. My role is quite flexible, allowing me to work from home and take on various responsibilities, including recruiting, project management, and light accounting. However, the work environment has become increasingly dysfunctional due to one particular service tech who is incredibly difficult to work with. He often reacts poorly to communication, whether it's via email or phone, and his emotional outbursts create a toxic atmosphere for the team. Despite numerous discussions with our owner about the need for change, nothing has improved. I've tried different strategies to manage my interactions with this tech, but nothing seems to work. Recently, I decided to stop following up on tasks and let the team operate without my usual oversight. Predictably, everything fell apart, and I couldn't help but laugh at the chaos that ensued. I had previously drafted a memo for the owner to address procedural issues, but he never sent it out until I followed up after the crisis. This experience has led me to reconsider my role in this dysfunctional setup. I'm tired of being the one to manage everything and am contemplating whether I should address these issues again or start looking for a new job. The perks of my current position are appealing, but the constant frustration is becoming unbearable.

I've been on a challenging job search in Altamonte Springs, FL, and it's been quite frustrating. Since moving here from Alaska in April with my partner and his sisters, I've applied to over 200 jobs across various platforms and in person. Despite my efforts, I've only managed to secure 22 interviews with major retailers and other companies, but unfortunately, none have resulted in an offer. I have over 6 years of experience in customer service and am fully bilingual in Spanish and English, which I thought would give me an edge in the job market. However, I'm struggling to understand why I'm facing so many rejections. The local job market feels incredibly tough right now, and I'm seeking any professional advice or strategies to improve my chances. One suggestion I received was to reach out to some of the companies for feedback on my interviews. I'm considering doing that to gain insight into what might be going wrong. Any additional tips would be greatly appreciated!

I am a 25-year-old man with a bachelor's degree in communications, and for the past year and a few months, I've been searching for a job to help me move out and live independently. I've been diligently working on my resumes and cover letters with the help of career advisors. Recently, I interviewed for a People Operations Associate position, but unfortunately, I received a rejection email. The message was positive in tone, stating that I had a strong interview and represented my skills well, but they decided not to move forward with my application due to the competitive candidate pool. It's incredibly frustrating to have been applying for over a year, receiving feedback that my interviews are great, yet still facing rejection. I just want to find a job in administrative operations support and start my life. It feels like my future is in the hands of others, and I can't help but feel stuck. Despite the setbacks, I am determined to keep applying and not give up. All I want is to work and eventually live a quiet life on my own.

I’m a 26-year-old who has been navigating the job market for the past eight years, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty defeated. I’ve always tried to play it safe and avoid stepping on anyone’s toes, following the rules even when others don’t. I’ve asked my bosses for more responsibility, hoping they’d see my commitment, but it feels like my efforts have led me nowhere. I’m just feeling used, abused, and completely exhausted. I’ve been actively putting out resumes and trying to network, but it’s like I’m hitting a brick wall—nothing seems to be working. I often hear that this is just how life is and that not everything works out, but it’s disheartening. I can’t shake the feeling that maybe it’s a marketing issue, or perhaps something deeper is at play. I’m really tired of the narrative that people don’t want to work. I believe some are just afraid of being called out on their shortcomings, which stifles their voices. I’m looking for any advice or support as I continue this frustrating journey.

I just filed for unemployment in New Jersey and I'm feeling really stressed about my situation. I was working officially for only 23 hours a week, which brought in about $621. After the 60% calculation, I'm left with just $372, and honestly, that's not enough to get by. I was also working off the books for additional hours, bringing my total to 42 hours a week, but since I can only claim the 23 hours on my paychecks, it feels like I'm in a tough spot. I know I need to keep applying for jobs, but I'm not sure how to make ends meet with this limited income. It seems like I'm just out of luck.

I recently started a new job in a department that is now undergoing restructuring just a few weeks after I joined. I’m currently in my fourth week, and a new department head was appointed right before I started. During my third week, our leader informed us that all our titles will be changing due to this restructuring. There are four of us on the team, and we are all vying for just two positions, which makes the situation quite competitive. To be proactive, I’ve decided to start applying for other jobs to safeguard myself against potential layoffs and to be prepared in case I receive an offer for a less desirable role. I'm unsure whether to include my new job on my resume or leave it off, and I'm also contemplating how to address the restructuring on my resume to clarify that this situation was beyond my control.

I found a weekday hiking group for those of us navigating layoffs in the Bay Area. It's a great opportunity to clear my head and connect with others who are in a similar situation. This Monday, June 15, we're meeting in Oakland for a 5-mile loop hike with a 636 ft elevation gain, starting at 10:30 am. I'm looking forward to getting outside and meeting new people while sharing our experiences. It's nice to have a supportive community during this challenging time.

I recently got hired at a new retail store after trying to leave my current job for a while. I've completed the pre-boarding process and even spoke to the manager, who mentioned I can come in to do my I-9 after finishing the pre-boarding. Now, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure about when to resign from my current job, where I've been for 1.5 years. I have my resignation letter ready, giving two weeks' notice, but I'm debating whether I should quit tomorrow. It feels surreal to be leaving, and I'm looking for advice on the best timing for my resignation.

I have a BS in Marine Science and have been searching for a job for about two years now. I live in the Orange County NY area and have done some volunteer work at an aquarium along with internships during my studies, but I feel like my experience is limited. I'm open to opportunities in the local area, NYC, or even NJ if necessary. It's been really tough feeling like my applications are going nowhere, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward in hopes of landing a job. I'm specifically looking for advice on where to apply or any resources that might help me in my job search. I'm particularly interested in positions that involve lab work or data analysis, as I enjoyed microscopic lab work and data analysis during my studies. I've applied to positions at CUNY and SUNY as a lab tech, as well as roles with the DEC for environmental analyst and biology, but I feel like I might not be searching effectively. I've utilized job boards, but they haven't yielded much success. Any suggestions on websites or organizations that focus on marine science jobs would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I'm currently on the lookout for offshore job opportunities and feeling a bit lost in my search. I've been exploring various resources but would really appreciate any guidance or recommendations from those who have experience in this area. If anyone has tips or knows where I can find reliable listings, please share. Thank you!

I recently received a job offer and I'm weighing my options. Currently, I work in the IT industry at a well-established company that allows me to work 100% remote. My pay is average, and while I have nice coworkers, there are few opportunities for advancement. The company does have a questionable reputation, which adds to my uncertainty about staying long-term. The new job offer is from a startup that was established in 2018. They are offering about $20,000 more per year, which is tempting. However, the downside is that I would have a 40-50 minute commute involving two freeway interchanges and a short walk. They are open to a hybrid work model, but for the first 60 days, I would likely need to be in the office five days a week. My main concern is that after the initial period, the company might back out of the hybrid arrangement. I really can’t manage a five-day-a-week commute long-term, as it would be too exhausting. I’ve seen mixed reviews about the new company, but they do have an average rating of 3.6. I’m torn because while the salary increase is significant, I’m worried about the potential for an enforced in-office policy that could lead to dissatisfaction. I’m considering staying in my current role, even if it means continuing to look for better opportunities.