Planning

I had an interview about a week ago for a part-time position, and during the interview, the manager seemed positive, even asking when I could start. I was told I would hear back by the end of the week, but I haven't received any updates. I've been trying to call the store to follow up, but the sales associates keep switching, and none of them are able to connect me to the store manager. I'm feeling a bit frustrated and unsure about what my next steps should be. Any advice on how to handle this situation?

I had an interview last week for a position that I thought went really well. The interviewers even asked me, "When can you start?" which made me feel like they were interested in hiring me. However, I've been trying to follow up with them about the next steps, and their responses have been incredibly slow. I reached out multiple times, but the recruiter told me to only contact them during business hours. Even when I did that, they just read my messages without replying. I mentioned during the interview that I had another interview lined up, and I wonder if that might have affected their interest in me. I’ve been told that it’s better to keep such information to myself, and I’m starting to think that my eagerness might have come off as desperation. I’ve learned that after an interview, it’s best to send a thank you note and express my continued interest without over-communicating. This whole experience has been frustrating, especially with how competitive the job market is right now. I’m planning to keep applying to other positions while I wait, but it’s hard not to get my hopes up about this one.

I was let go last Friday from a startup where I had been working for a short period. The reason for my termination was quite unexpected. On Thursday, I accidentally played a song called ‘fat little chud’ at full volume from my phone because it wasn't connected to my AirPods. The song blasted through the workspace for about five seconds, catching everyone's attention. The next day, I had a meeting with the founder, who questioned my seriousness about the job, and shortly after that, I was let go. They did offer to provide me with a good referral for my next job, which I appreciate. However, I think I’ll take a break from applying for new positions for now as I want to focus on my own project.

I got laid off this week from my role as a software development engineer at a mid-sized startup. I had a feeling it was coming for about a month, so I started looking for new opportunities right away. I was only there for nine months, just shy of my one-year mark, and the reason for the layoffs was attributed to AI advancements. As a full-stack developer, I thought I’d have a decent chance at finding another job, but it’s been really tough. Most openings seem to require two or more years of experience, and I’m struggling to find positions that fit my skill level. I’ve applied to numerous jobs, but many turned out to be ghost listings—no responses or rejection emails at all. It’s disheartening because I used to be really passionate about tech, but now it feels like the industry is closing its doors to newcomers. During my time at the startup, we had an appraisal round, and raises were minimal; most of my team received less than 10%, with many getting nothing at all. It seems like the focus is all on AI, and employees are being pushed hard without much reward. I’m starting to think about a career change while I’m still young. My dad has a business, and I’m considering joining him to help grow it. However, I worry that all my education and passion for technology would go to waste. At the same time, I feel anxious about the instability of tech jobs and the possibility of being laid off again. It’s a tough decision, and I’m still weighing my options.

I'm currently a teenager trying to secure a summer job, but I've faced quite a few challenges. So far, I've submitted over 10 applications and received four rejections. I'm feeling a bit discouraged and am looking for advice on how to improve my chances. I've heard that calling the places I applied to after about a week might help, especially in retail, but I'm unsure if that's a good strategy. I also understand that the job market is tough right now, with many adults competing for the same positions, which makes it even harder for someone like me. Any tips or insights on how to stand out would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve been struggling with severe PTSD and the job market has been incredibly tough for me. My therapist keeps insisting that there are employers out there who would be understanding and willing to provide accommodations, but my experiences have made me skeptical. I've had to quit multiple jobs due to feeling suicidal, and I was even fired from what I considered my best job without any prior warning or performance improvement plan, simply because I wasn’t detail-oriented enough. I also faced discrimination for being trans, which has made in-person work really challenging for me. I’m currently working on my mental health through therapy, EMDR, and rehabilitation services, but it’s hard to focus on recovery when I’m constantly worried about paying bills and don’t have financial support from family. I’ve applied for disability, but I have little faith that I will be approved. In terms of accommodations, I would need to work from home if possible, or at least have headphones and frequent breaks. When my symptoms flare up, I can’t process information and can become very emotional, often feeling like I’m reliving past trauma. I also have specific needs regarding temperature and lighting; I need natural light or I feel like I'm going crazy. I’m just looking for a straightforward answer: is there an employer out there who would be okay with me needing to take breaks every 15 minutes or calling off on particularly difficult days? I’ve had a hard time even getting work-from-home options approved, even with a letter from my therapist at a supposedly supportive workplace. I don’t need anyone to tell me how much I need to get my act together—I’m aware of that and I’m trying my best. I just want to know if there are actually employers out there who would be understanding of my situation.

Today marks my 36th job interview since October, and unfortunately, I didn't make the cut for an Analyst position I interviewed for. The role was advertised as an agriculture insurance analyst, but during the interview, it turned out to be more sales-oriented than I expected. This unexpected twist left me feeling blindsided, especially since I have five years of experience in fraud and financial forensic analysis and am currently pursuing my MBA at a well-regarded university. After the interview, I found myself in tears. It felt like they hadn’t even read my resume, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was unprepared for the sales aspect of the job. To make matters worse, I’m currently stuck in a call center job with no other income to cover my bills, which adds to my distress. I’ve been trying to improve my interview skills, but I feel like I'm hitting a wall. Despite securing 35 interviews, my mental health is deteriorating, and I’m starting to question if all my hard work is worth it. I had hoped that going through bankruptcy would relieve some pressure, but it hasn't. I just want to find a path forward.

I recently tried working with Uber Eats to supplement my income, but after three hours of driving around, I realized the payout just wasn't worth it—only enough to cover a tank of gas. I decided to stop pursuing it and filed my unemployment claim, reporting the earnings I made from Uber Eats and stating that I would no longer be working there. Now, I've been informed that my unemployment payments are on hold while they review my case, which could take up to four weeks. I'm feeling really disheartened about this situation. I'm considering whether I should tell them I plan to go back to Uber Eats, even though I found it unprofitable. It seems like I might have made a mistake in my claim.

I was laid off in the first week of May and remained on payroll until June 5th. I started interviewing at a new company around May 18th and recently received an invitation for an on-site interview scheduled for next Wednesday. Throughout the interview process, I was stating that I was still employed at my previous company since I was technically on payroll. However, now that the payroll period has ended, I can no longer claim that, and I worry about what to say during the background check. I'm contemplating whether I should start discussing my experience in the past tense and hope they don’t ask about my current employment status. If they do ask, I’m unsure how to address the fact that I was laid off without making it sound negative. I've seen advice suggesting that honesty might be the best approach, as many hiring managers understand the current layoff climate. I hope to navigate this situation effectively.

I recently faced a confusing situation at my job. I had been experiencing chest pains and requested some time off. The company responded by offering me the option to switch to an hourly pay structure, allowing me to set my own hours, which I thought would be beneficial for my health. However, after accepting this arrangement, communication from my employer went silent. I received a message stating that they would get back to me after securing another round of funding, leaving me in a state of uncertainty. Although I’m not officially laid off, I haven't had any income for about two months now and I'm struggling to afford insurance. I'm starting to wonder if I should have stayed a full-time salaried employee. Given my situation, I'm looking for advice on what options I might have, including whether I can apply for government unemployment services.

I got laid off today, and honestly, it feels like a huge part of my identity has been stripped away. My role was a significant achievement for me, and now I'm left in shock. I know I need to take some time to process everything and not let this define who I am. I've read some supportive comments suggesting that this could be an opportunity for something better, and I hope that's true. I plan to reflect on my career and start networking soon, but for now, I just need to let everything settle. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in this experience.

I'm currently facing a tough situation at my job as a retail associate. My management has become increasingly aggressive, and it's really affecting my mental health. Recently, I was written up for taking a break to eat, even though I had informed them beforehand. They changed the break policy, stating we can only take 30-minute breaks instead of 15-minute ones, which is frustrating. I worked an 8-hour shift without a proper break and when I came back on time, they claimed they couldn't find me and issued a write-up. I expressed my feelings about how unfair this is, and even threatened to quit because the pressure is overwhelming. They insisted I shouldn't leave, citing job abandonment, but I’m at my wit's end. I’m actively looking for a new job, but I don’t want to leave without a backup plan. It’s exhausting being blamed and yelled at in a role that I no longer want to be in. I feel like I’m reaching my breaking point.

I’m a 23-year-old currently looking for temporary work while unemployed. I've come across several cashier and food service jobs for the U.S. Open, where I previously worked security without any issues. However, I'm concerned about the working conditions. The shifts are incredibly long, ranging from 10 to 13 hours, and they only offer a single 45-minute break during that time. Additionally, the venue is located on the outskirts of the city in a wealthy area, making my commute from NYC around 5 hours. I'm considering these jobs out of necessity for income, but the commute and the conditions seem quite unreasonable. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these event jobs and if I might be overreacting about the break situation.

I am a former music teacher and professional violinist looking for a new career after experiencing significant challenges in my previous role, particularly related to my identity as a transgender individual. Teaching was rewarding in many ways, especially the impact I had on my students, but the environment became untenable. I am currently pursuing a degree in allied health to become a medical lab technician or biomedical equipment repair tech, but I’m not entirely sure if that path resonates with me. What I truly enjoy is working with my hands and utilizing my fine motor skills, which I honed through music and activities like snowboarding and skateboarding. I also have experience repairing computers and cell phones, which I found fulfilling and challenging. Ideally, I’m looking for a job that allows me to leverage these skills while providing a livable wage of around $60k, as I need to support myself independently. I’m open to apprenticeships and want to avoid roles that offer low pay without growth potential. Additionally, I’m considering opportunities that could facilitate my move to Canada, especially given my concerns about the current climate for transgender individuals in the US.

I have been searching for a job for the past 8 months, and it feels like the job market is much worse than the numbers suggest. Despite the seemingly fine job statistics, there's a significant disconnect when it comes to actually finding a position, especially in the tech industry. I've noticed that many people, including myself, are experiencing a lot of frustration. There are so many part-time workers who want full-time hours, and many individuals have simply stopped looking for jobs altogether. Wages don't seem to be keeping up either. I regularly connect with other unemployed professionals who have solid experience, and it's disheartening to hear that they are also getting ghosted after months of searching. We are all trying to stay proactive by tailoring each application, networking extensively, and following up persistently, but it feels like an uphill battle.

In January 2026, I landed a full-time job at a startup tech company with a salary of $55,000. Unfortunately, just three months later, I was let go because the company was struggling financially and had to cut its marketing department along with other positions. Before this job, I was working on-call, earning around $17 an hour, which isn't much but it's better than nothing. Now, I'm in a tough spot. My parents expect me to contribute $1,000 towards their mortgage, but I can only afford to give them about 30% of my paycheck after expenses. I'm trying to save and cover my own groceries, but it feels like I'm not meeting their expectations. I want to find a job that I enjoy and pays a livable wage, but the job market seems slow right now. I've been applying for new positions, but I worry my parents don't see how hard I'm trying. I've been contributing between $100 and $200 to help with the mortgage, and I plan to give more as I earn more. I’m considering sticking with my on-call job while I continue my job search. It seems like the right strategy, but I’m looking for advice on how to balance everything and find a job that fits my needs.

I’m currently in a bit of a dilemma regarding my job search. I’ve been going through a lengthy hiring process with my top choice, Job A, for a couple of weeks now. I completed the final panel interview two weeks ago and was initially told I would hear back by last Tuesday. However, I just received an update that the decision has been pushed to either this week or next week, and I still haven’t heard anything. In the meantime, I received a verbal offer from Job B, but I haven’t received a firm written offer yet. I’m considering reaching out to Job A to let them know about the verbal offer from Job B to potentially speed up their decision-making process. I want to express my continued interest in Job A without coming off as too pushy or pressuring them. I’ve heard mixed advice on this. Some say it can be helpful to mention another opportunity to encourage a quicker response, while others warn it might backfire. I really want Job A to be my next role, so I’m hesitant to do anything that might jeopardize that chance. I just feel like the waiting is becoming too much, and I need to make a decision soon.

I was contacted by a multinational company based in Dallas about two months ago for a job opportunity. After an online interview, they invited me to their office for an internal event where I got to meet some of the team. The interaction went really well, and a couple of weeks later, I received an update that they were preparing a proposal for me to review. However, it’s now been almost two weeks since I last heard from them. I reached out for an update, and they mentioned that the proposal was being detailed and finalized, and someone would get back to me soon. The silence since then has left me feeling anxious. I’m unsure if this is typical for such processes, especially given that it likely involves multiple approvals and budget discussions. I’m contemplating whether I should send another follow-up email or if I should just wait it out. I don’t want to come off as pushy, but the lack of communication is making me nervous. I really want this job and am looking for guidance on how to follow up without jeopardizing the opportunity.

I have an in-person interview at Hardee's tomorrow at 2 PM, and honestly, this is one of my last resorts for finding a job. I don't have much experience to speak of, just some minor embellishments about babysitting and being a teacher's assistant. The location is super convenient since I can walk there, especially since I currently don't have a car. I'm starting college in the fall and really need to save some money for myself and my future. I’m feeling a bit anxious and would love some advice on how to ace this interview step-by-step. I had another interview at Taco Bell, but it fell through because my sister works there, and the manager who was hiring didn't like her. I also have a backup interview at Chipotle, but it's much farther away, so I'd prefer to get this job at Hardee's. I’ve received some tips from friends and online, like showing up a bit early, being reliable, and conveying my eagerness to learn. I plan to dress appropriately—clean and sensible clothes, hair pulled back, and to be polite and friendly. I just hope I can make a good impression and land this job.

I recently applied for a remote office manager position that raised some red flags for me. The company requested that I obtain my credit report to send to them, but I would have to pay for it upfront. The job description didn’t mention anything related to handling money or accounting, which made this request feel odd. They assured me that I would be refunded after the interview, but I’ve never encountered a situation like this before. After sharing my experience, I received several comments warning me that this is likely a scam. Many people pointed out that no legitimate company would require a candidate to pay for their own credit report. I even got a text from them asking if I was going to fill out the form, or they would move on to another candidate. This whole situation has made me cautious. I’ve learned that sharing personal information for a job application before actually being hired is risky. I’m planning to walk away from this opportunity and look for more reputable companies that don’t ask for such questionable requirements.