Thinking

I just finished my first shift at a new warehouse job, and I'm feeling really uneasy about the whole experience. I've been under a lot of stress lately due to my grandad's health issues, so I was hoping this job would be a positive change after a long job search. The pay is decent at £16 an hour, and I can handle the work itself, but the atmosphere is concerning. Right from the start, I was instructed to follow another employee and only push the trolley if asked. However, I was criticized in front of other staff for not helping out, even though I was just following orders. The supervisor also raised his voice at me when I was waiting for him to finish explaining how to bag meat products before I jumped in to help. It felt really unprofessional and made me uncomfortable. Additionally, I overheard the supervisor making inappropriate comments about non-English speakers and struggling with a colleague's name, which added to my unease. I expected a welcoming environment, especially since this is a night shift team that supposedly prides itself on being sociable, but during my break, most people sat alone and barely spoke. To top it off, another manager confronted me in front of a large group, saying she shouldn't have even interviewed me. I was late due to traffic, and I felt like I was being scrutinized unfairly. Overall, I felt disrespected and belittled rather than trained. I'm not sure if I should stick it out for a few weeks to see if things improve, raise my concerns now, or start looking for another job before I get too invested. I'm really torn about whether I'm overreacting or if this is a genuine red flag for a toxic workplace.

I recently started tracking severance packages after hearing about various layoffs in the tech industry. According to the data I've gathered from 59 severance reports since launching my project, the median severance package is currently 12 weeks of pay. Interestingly, only 3% of those who received severance negotiated for better terms. In terms of location, 46% of the reports are from US-based employees, with an even split between remote and onsite work. Looking at seniority levels, 2% were VP, 33% senior, 5% mid-level, and 2% entry-level. The roles represented include 27% software engineers, 7% designers, and 5% project managers. I'm eager to provide more insights, so if anyone has specific breakdowns or information they would like to see, please let me know!

It's been a year since I left a toxic workplace, and reflecting on that experience has brought some important insights. When I was in that environment, I started to believe I was incompetent, which really affected my self-esteem. However, after a few months in a new job, I found that I was performing well again. It was the same skills and the same me, just in a healthier environment. The recovery process was not what I expected. I thought I would feel instant relief after leaving, but instead, I went through a rollercoaster of emotions—numbness, anger, sadness, and finally, relief. It took a lot longer than I anticipated, spanning several months. To aid my recovery, I found a few things really helpful: - **Therapy**: Talking to someone about my experiences helped me process everything that happened. - **Education on burnout and stress**: Learning about workplace manipulation and stress made it easier for me to understand my situation. - **Gentle movement**: Simple activities like walking and stretching outdoors had a surprisingly positive impact on my mental state. - **Journaling**: Writing down my thoughts helped me organize them and reduced the constant replay in my mind. One surprising aspect was realizing how much physical stress I had been carrying. After leaving, my sleep improved, my headaches became less frequent, and I felt generally less tense. Looking back, I see that it took time to adjust, but eventually, the job no longer dominated my thoughts. I keep asking myself if I did anything wrong, but I know now that I didn't.

I recently had an interview scheduled for a marketing position at a tech startup. However, after some reflection on the company culture and values, I'm considering withdrawing my application. I feel that the role might not align with my long-term career goals, and I want to ensure that I pursue opportunities that truly resonate with me. I'm in the process of drafting an email to inform the hiring manager of my decision. It's a tough choice, but I believe it's important to trust my instincts.

I recently received a full-time offer as an Engineer at the largest bank in my country, which has over 10,000 employees. I'm currently an international student and expected to graduate in June 2026. However, there's a chance I might fail a subject, which would push my graduation to December 2026 as I would need to retake the exam. The hiring manager verbally offered me the position in early June and mentioned that the earliest I could start would be in August, after their vacation in July. When I inquired about the implications of potentially not graduating on time, she said she would need to check with HR for clarity. I'm contemplating whether to delay my start date until December or request a part-time position from August to December, transitioning to full-time afterward. Given that my study visa restricts me from working full-time before graduation, I’m unsure how to navigate this situation. I would appreciate any advice from those who have faced similar challenges.

I was laid off last week from my IT role due to a departmental restructure aimed at cost savings. This is the first time I've experienced a layoff in my career, and I'm still processing the decision to eliminate my position. I have to remind myself that this isn't a reflection of my skills or accomplishments. As a mid-50s professional with extensive experience in IT, I'm not particularly excited about starting a job search. However, I hope that my age, which I see as wisdom, along with my broad IT background, will help me stand out during interviews. I noticed that the job market appears to be improving based on recent job numbers, so I'm optimistic that this will be a short break before I find my next role. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had success in their application or interview process and what made a difference for them. I'm wishing everyone else in the job search process the best of luck. The fear of the unknown is definitely keeping me awake at night.

Today, I learned that Credit Karma laid off 117 employees despite experiencing a surge in sales. It’s disheartening to see such decisions being made, especially when the company is performing well. I’ve been following the news closely, and it seems like Intuit's influence is a significant factor in these layoffs. While I don’t personally know anyone affected, I can’t help but feel for those who lost their jobs during what should be a prosperous time for the company.

I recently gave my notice at my job in the food industry, where I've been working primarily in controlled environments like retreat centers and a senior center. With 8 years of cooking experience and 14 years in kitchens overall, I found myself increasingly stressed due to a moody boss and being part of an understaffed team. Everyone was just trying to survive their shifts. The only upside was the pay, which was decent. Now, I'm about four days into my two-week notice after accepting a Food Prep Cook position at a high-end restaurant. The pay is slightly lower than my current $23 per hour, but the better hours and improved work-life balance are worth it to me, especially since I have a family and I’m also a gigging musician. I initially found the job on Indeed, which advertised a pay range of $20-24 per hour. After I applied, the General Manager reached out, impressed with my experience, and set up an interview with the Sous Chef. The interview was brief but friendly, and I expressed my desire for a job that fit my work-life balance better. I mentioned my current pay rate, and she suggested they could offer me $21-22 per hour. After a short conversation, I was offered the job, and I immediately gave notice at my current position once I received the onboarding link. However, I haven't received a formal written job offer—everything has been done through an app. I reached out to the Head Chef to confirm my start date and salary, but he didn't respond and later told me I would start at $18 per hour, like all new hires, despite my extensive experience. They mentioned that I could renegotiate after 90 days, but I feel misled and blindsided by this situation. Currently, I have completed all onboarding processes and am likely scheduled for training next week, but without a formal commitment from them, I feel it’s wise to keep my options open and continue searching for other opportunities.

I recently came across some information about UMass Memorial and their hiring practices. It seems like they have a number of positions that are being advertised but may not actually be available, often referred to as 'ghost jobs.' This has raised concerns for job seekers like myself who are looking for legitimate opportunities. I wanted to share this experience to help others avoid wasting time applying for roles that might not exist.

I recently found myself contemplating a new job opportunity while still employed at a federal agency. I'm currently in a well-paying position that I enjoy, but the long commute and the desire for more engaging work have prompted me to explore other options. I came across a role at a nonprofit organization that piqued my interest. Interestingly, I had interviewed with them a few years ago for a different position but wasn't selected, which I hold no grudges about. To gauge the situation, I reached out to a contact I have within the organization, someone fairly high up, to inquire about the salary range for the new position. I made it clear that I am not willing to accept a significant pay cut. My contact was helpful and created a group text with the two individuals overseeing the hiring process. However, the response I received was quite terse, simply instructing me to send in my resume and cover letter. While I understand that they don’t owe me anything, I was hoping for a more professional interaction. Now, I'm at a crossroads on how to proceed. I could send my resume as requested, express my disinterest politely, or ask further questions. Given my background as a retired law enforcement officer who transitioned to a STEM career, I have experience in the workforce, but this situation is making me reconsider how to navigate the job application process. Any advice on how to move forward would be greatly appreciated.

I recently received a job offer that I was eagerly waiting for, which was a huge relief for me. However, when I went to complete the background check, I noticed that they mentioned they 'may' run a credit report. My credit history isn't great; I've faced significant challenges since COVID, including being sued for debts, having a vehicle repossession (which I've paid off), and dealing with charge-offs and collections. I'm really worried that my credit issues will jeopardize this opportunity. I'm trying to turn my life around, and this job is a crucial step for me to pay off my debts. Now, I'm feeling anxious and uncertain about the outcome of the background check.

After struggling for six months with my job search, I decided to automate the entire process to improve my efficiency and response rates. Initially, I was manually tracking applications using spreadsheets, which involved a lot of copy-pasting and refreshing job boards daily. It was exhausting, and I often found myself dropping the ball on follow-ups. To tackle this, I built an automated job search system using Claude Cowork, Google Sheets, and App Scripts. The results have been remarkable! My response rates have doubled from around 5% to between 12-15%. Here's how I did it: 1. **Automated job discovery:** I created a script that pulls new job listings that match my criteria directly into a Google Sheet. Now, instead of hunting for jobs every day, I just review this list once. 2. **Automated follow-ups:** For every application I submit, a follow-up email is drafted automatically 48 hours later. I can review, edit, and send it in just 2-3 minutes, compared to the 15 minutes it used to take. 3. **Tab queue:** Each morning, the roles I’ve queued up open automatically in Chrome, allowing me to work through them efficiently. Overall, this system has reduced my mental overhead significantly and made my job search much more consistent. While I still experience a lot of silence, I feel more in control and productive. If anyone is interested in the details or has questions about my setup, feel free to ask!

I'm currently on the job hunt for a work-from-home position, and I'm finding it quite challenging. I've been applying to various roles but haven't had much luck so far. I'm looking for advice on how to improve my chances of landing a remote job. Any tips on where to look, how to tailor my resume, or networking strategies would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself in an interesting situation regarding a job opportunity that I wasn't actively pursuing. I had been networking on LinkedIn, expressing my interest in moving to France in about three years. I connected with a hiring manager at a company I admire, whom I'll refer to as Person A. I made it clear that I was primarily looking to gather information and make connections rather than apply for a job immediately. However, I also connected with another engineer, Person B, at the same company. To my surprise, Person B pushed my application forward without me formally applying, and now I've received an invitation to interview with Person A. The catch is that I'm currently settled in my new job, and my family isn't quite ready to move yet. While the company offers great relocation resources, I'm torn about how to approach this opportunity. I wonder if I should still go through with the interview, even though I'm not looking for a job right now. Some advice I received suggests being upfront about my situation during the interview. I could mention my timeline and see if they might be open to remote work for a year or a delayed start. Worst case, I get some valuable interview practice and keep the connection warm for when I'm actually ready to make the move.

I received a call yesterday informing me that I’ve been offered a position at a company I interviewed with. However, they mentioned that the official offer letter might take a few days to arrive. I’m considering whether I should send a thank you email now or wait until I get the offer letter. I already expressed my gratitude after the interview, but I’m unsure if it’s appropriate to send another thank you at this stage. Most advice I’ve seen suggests waiting until I have the official offer in hand, as it might seem premature to thank them for a letter that hasn’t arrived yet. I plan to follow up if I don’t hear back in the timeframe they provided.

I currently work at Bank A in Canada, earning $108k CAD with a $12.5k bonus last year in the deposits space. Recently, I received a competing offer from Bank B for $120k CAD, along with a slightly higher bonus of around $4k, and a title bump. However, the role is completely different, as it's within capital markets, and the team mentioned that during earnings season, they start their days as early as 5:30-6 am. The HR representative was quite tough during negotiations and stated they wouldn't budge on the base salary. While the salary increase is appealing, I'm concerned that it may not be worth the stress of early mornings and potentially demanding work hours outside of earnings season. They also seem to have lowballed me due to my limited experience, and I feel that I should be compensated fairly for the additional responsibilities that come with the title bump. I'm currently negotiating a signing bonus, but I realize that I would be giving up my year-end bonus at my current job. Additionally, I have about $1.5k in unvested shares that will vest next August, which I’m willing to forfeit if I decide to make the switch. I’m seeking advice on how to proceed. I want to negotiate with my current employer to see if they can match the offer from Bank B, but I’m unsure when to bring this up. Should I wait until they complete the background check or give my notice? Any insights would be appreciated.

I recently received an email from a company called Cellular Engineering Technologies offering me a position as a data entry clerk at $30 an hour. The whole situation feels off because I don't remember applying for this job, and I can't find any information about the company or its employees online. They mentioned that I would receive an expense check for obtaining a personal software license, which raised my suspicions even more. After doing some research and reading about common job scams, I’m starting to think this might be a scam. I’ve heard about similar tactics where scammers send fake checks to trick people into depositing them and then asking for money back. I plan to reach out directly to the company to verify if this offer is legitimate, but I’m feeling pretty uneasy about the whole thing.

I experienced a tough month with my job search, receiving rejections from four different companies. Each rejection came at various stages of the hiring process: one was after an online assessment, another after an HR round, and the last two were at the final interview stage. I’ve been tracking my applications and, unfortunately, all I see are 'rejected' tags. It's disheartening to see my friends landing internships while I’m still searching. I’m left wondering if it’s my resume, my LinkedIn profile, or my interview communication that’s holding me back. I've got a Notion document filled with vague feedback that doesn’t help me pinpoint the issue. I really want to improve my chances and would appreciate any insights from those who have faced similar struggles. Did you find out what was wrong with your approach? How did you diagnose the issue?

I recently received a letter from my employer stating that they have appealed my unemployment claim to the Industrial Claims Appeals Office (ICAO) in Colorado. The letter mentioned that my copy of the hearing record was enclosed, but nothing was actually included. I'm unsure if it was sent to my attorney instead, as the letter doesn't clarify that. I'm feeling a bit lost about what this appeal process entails and I'm under pressure since I have until the 8th to respond and submit any necessary brief. I'm considering logging into my MyUI account or reaching out to my lawyer for guidance, but I really want to understand what steps I need to take next.

I have been on unemployment for a few months now and I'm about to start graduate school next week. Recently, I was selected to participate in the RESEA program, and during a phone call with them, I mentioned my upcoming full-time studies. They told me that I could still collect unemployment benefits while in school, which left me a bit confused. I thought that enrolling in full-time school would disqualify me from receiving benefits unless I went through the Training Opportunity Program (TOP). I’ve heard mixed opinions on this, with some saying I can still qualify if I’m available for full-time work and prioritize job searching over school. However, others have pointed out that enrolling in full-time school without proper approval usually disqualifies you from benefits. I'm not sure what to believe and I'm worried about my eligibility.