Thinking

I am currently considering quitting my part-time job because it isn't providing me with enough hours to support myself as a college student. I love my job, but this week and next, I only have 6 hours scheduled, down from the 12 hours I was originally supposed to work. I suspect my manager has been cutting my hours due to a miscommunication about my availability, which I updated back in May. With my seasonal job now ended, I really need to find a position that offers around 16 hours during the week. I'm wondering if it's valid to leave for a better opportunity and how to approach my manager about quitting. I’ve heard that giving two weeks' notice is courteous, but I’m unsure how to handle the conversation.

I am currently on the job hunt for an entry-level position in engineering. I've been applying to various companies and roles, focusing on opportunities where I can leverage my recent degree and internship experience. I'm particularly interested in positions that offer mentorship and growth potential, as I want to build a strong foundation in my engineering career. So far, I've tailored my resume and cover letter for each application, and I'm networking with professionals in the field to gain insights and advice. It's a challenging process, but I'm determined to find the right fit.

I'm Arun, currently working as an Android + IoT + GCP developer at a startup where we launched our product about six months ago. I've been in this role for 2.5 years and recently got promoted to Project Manager. While the title sounds impressive, my salary is only 3.3 LPA, which feels quite low given the amount of overtime I've put in to help launch our app, resolve tickets on cloud functions, and support interns and other employees who tend to leave after a short time. This situation has led me to question my place here, and I'm eager to find a job that offers fair compensation for my skills. I also want to mention that I've had a rocky educational path in my early 20s, but I'm currently pursuing my MCA after dropping out of my BE program during the Covid pandemic. Any job leads or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently had a frustrating experience with Robert Half while searching for a job. An employee from RH contacted me about a position that needed to be filled urgently, claiming they were looking to hire by the following week. This urgency made me feel pressured, so I filled out a contract that required me to provide sensitive personal information, including my Social Security Number, which I really dislike doing. After submitting my information, I didn’t hear back from them at all; they completely ghosted me. I reached out twice to follow up, but still no response. I did verify the email address and checked the recruiter's LinkedIn profile, and everything seemed legitimate, but now I'm left feeling uneasy about the whole situation. I’ve heard from others that Robert Half can be unprofessional and that sometimes clients change their minds about candidates, but it’s still disheartening to feel ignored after sharing such personal details.

I'm currently feeling overwhelmed and burned out in my role as the sole HR person and executive assistant at a small school district with around 100 employees. When I accepted this position, I expected more support from the superintendent and a pre-existing structure in the HR department. However, I've discovered that I am essentially building the HR function from scratch while also managing the day-to-day responsibilities. Every day feels monotonous, reminiscent of that SpongeBob episode where Squidward's life becomes repetitive. I find myself creating tracking systems and workflows, and frequently checking in with principals and directors to address issues with our collective bargaining agreement. My boss has a policy that requires all employees to respond to emails within 24 hours, which sounds fair until you're inundated with over 50 emails daily. Many of these emails require extensive research and communication, consuming a significant portion of my time. Additionally, being significantly younger than my colleagues adds another layer of difficulty, as I sometimes feel dismissed or questioned due to my age. I've been applying to jobs in the private sector, tech, and biotech industries for the past couple of months without much success. I'm at a crossroads, wondering if I should continue pursuing a different work environment or if this is just a challenging phase in my career.

I'm currently helping my wife in her job search. She's been looking for opportunities in her field but hasn't had much luck so far. We're trying to figure out the best strategies for her to stand out to potential employers. Any advice on resume writing, networking, or job search platforms would be greatly appreciated!

I've been working as a receptionist for a few months now, and honestly, I'm really unhappy in this role. I miss my previous work in the animal shelter field, which I found much more fulfilling. Recently, I got an interview for a position that aligns with my certifications and pays $28 an hour. However, the catch is that it's a two-hour commute into the city. I'm feeling really stressed about the long commute, but I can't help but think that the work itself would be worth it. I'm torn about whether to pursue this opportunity or look for something closer to home.

I have a meeting today with the CEO of a startup robotics company, which my dad set up after sending them my resume. It feels a bit confusing because they didn’t specify it as a formal interview; they just want to meet to see what I can bring to the table for a potential intern position. I’m going in without much information about what they’re looking for or what the role entails, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. I’ve just graduated with my bachelor’s degree and have never been in a situation like this before. I’m not even sure what questions to ask or how to present myself effectively. I’m hoping to get some advice on how to navigate this lunch meeting and make a good impression.

I'm currently in a bit of a dilemma as I'm interviewing for two jobs and both seem promising. I have about a year of experience in data center work and around four months in project management. The first opportunity is as a Technical Project Manager for a large company with around 1,000 employees. The pay range is quite attractive at $130,000 to $160,000, and it's fully remote, which is a huge plus for me. However, the expectations are high, and there's a significant chance of failure since my potential boss is new to the role and is looking for someone who can hit the ground running. This situation feels familiar to me from my last job, and while I believe I can handle it, I'm nervous about not meeting their expectations and possibly being let go. The second opportunity is as an Assistant Project Manager in a small realty construction company with only 10 employees. The pay is lower at $100,000, and it's a hybrid role requiring two days in the office with a one-hour commute. There’s no 401k match, but the work environment seems much less stressful, with lower expectations and more room for learning and making mistakes. I really like the company culture here. I'm torn between the high stakes of job one and the safer, more manageable option of job two. I know I shouldn't count my chickens before they hatch, but I’m eager to see where these interviews lead.

I recently relocated from Utah to Salem, Oregon, and I'm on the hunt for a new job or career path. My background includes five years at a dental laboratory in Utah, where I specialized as a waxer and ceramist. Over the course of seven years in this field, I've worked on a variety of projects, from single-unit crowns to full mouth restorations, always focusing on quality and attention to detail. In addition to my dental lab experience, I have over seven years in a clay ceramics studio, where I produced small-batch, slip-cast ceramics. I was involved in every aspect of the process, from making molds to glazing, and even served as the production manager. Prior to that, I worked in a skate and snowboard shop, where I managed web sales and warehouse duties, including transitioning our garment printing to an in-house operation by building a dark room and printing original designs on t-shirts. Now that I've moved, I'm exploring job opportunities in dental labs nearby, but I'm also open to other industries. I know there are options out there that I haven't considered yet, and while I'm excited about the possibilities, it can also feel overwhelming. Thankfully, my spouse's income allows me some time to explore my options. I'm 40 years old with a high school diploma and no college degree, so any job suggestions or industry insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently faced a challenge while applying for jobs, as I found myself in a situation where I lacked the necessary experience for the roles I was interested in. I received feedback on my CV indicating that I wasn't being shortlisted because I didn't meet the required years of experience or specific skills. This has left me wondering how I can improve my chances of getting noticed by employers. It's frustrating because it feels like a catch-22; I can't gain experience without first landing a job, but I can't secure a job without experience. I've been applying for various positions, but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the competition, especially since many applicants have the experience I'm missing. I'm considering whether further education or certifications might help my case, but I'm unsure of the best path forward.

I was laid off for the second time about 1.7 years ago. My first job lasted just 10 months and my second one only 6 months, both companies went through multiple rounds of layoffs. Since losing my job, I've had around 7 to 10 interviews, but I've faced rejections that I suspect might be due to discrimination as I'm part of a minority group. I've revised my CV countless times and I have more experience now than before, yet the short duration of my last two roles seems to be a red flag for employers. In the past, I used to get interviews almost weekly, but now I'm struggling to even get past the HR screening stage. I've even applied for more junior positions without success. It's disheartening to see others landing jobs quickly while I feel stuck in this cycle. I’ve tried to pivot my career towards content marketing, but I find myself competing against candidates with more relevant titles and experience. I’m reaching a point where I feel like I have very few options left and I really need some guidance.

I recently graduated at 18 and am currently dealing with chronic illness, which prevents me from working in person. I'm looking for legitimate work-from-home opportunities, but I have no prior work experience. I'm seeking advice on what types of jobs I can pursue that are genuine and not scams.

I recently started my first job as a waitress at a local pub, and I've been there for just two weeks. Initially, I was excited and my first few shifts went fairly well. I started to gain confidence in taking orders and serving customers, and I even received some tips and positive interactions with customers. However, I've been struggling with a lot of anxiety related to the job. Before my shifts, I often feel physically ill with knots in my stomach and loss of appetite, which makes it hard to look forward to going in. I've made several mistakes like forgetting orders and struggling with the card machine, and I feel like my colleagues have not been very supportive. One of the bar staff has been particularly rude to me, and my boss has criticized me in front of others, which really affects my self-esteem. Yesterday was especially tough; I made multiple mistakes and felt completely overwhelmed without any support from my team. Now, I'm scheduled to work alone tomorrow for the closing shift, and I don't feel prepared for it at all. My parents have noticed how stressed I am and are encouraging me to quit, but I'm torn because I actually enjoy parts of waitressing. I have a few days off after tomorrow, and I'm debating whether to push through the shift and then decide, or to quit tonight. I don't financially need this job right now, and I'm worried about regretting either decision. Should I stick it out a bit longer or call it quits?

I received a meeting invite from my manager for a 'Quick Sync-up' tomorrow morning, and I noticed that his manager and an HR representative are optional attendees. Honestly, I'm feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Work has been overwhelming for the past few months, and after only getting a 2% raise during the annual review, I've been pretty unhappy. I'm hoping that if this meeting is about layoffs, the severance package is decent and includes a few months of paid insurance since my wife and kids are on my plan. I’ve seen some advice from others about being polite and asking for what I want during the meeting, so I’ll try to keep that in mind. I just want to be prepared for whatever happens.

I recently got fired from my job at a tech startup where I had been working for just three months. The whole situation stemmed from some unfounded rumors and a particularly tough day emotionally. It's been a rough experience, and I'm looking for some hope and inspiration from others who might have gone through something similar. I want to hear your stories about getting rehired after being let go. I understand the skepticism around wanting to return to a place where I was let go, but I genuinely believe that sometimes circumstances can change. If anyone has a redemption story or advice on how to navigate this, I'd really appreciate it!

I’m currently in the process of looking for a low-stress job as I recover from an accident at work where I hit my head. I’ve spent a couple of months healing, and now I feel it’s time to get back into the workforce, but my anxiety is really high. My background is quite diverse; I’ve worked in healthcare, fast food, customer service, and recruiting. However, the thought of job searching is overwhelming. I know I can’t stay out of work forever, but I’m not sure where to start. I plan on going back to school eventually, but for now, I need something manageable. Disability isn’t an option for me, so I’m hoping to find a role that won’t exacerbate my anxiety.

I've been on the job hunt for a minimum wage position as a college student, and it's been incredibly frustrating. Over the past month, I've had 10 interviews, but not a single offer. I've tried calling various places to ask if they're hiring, only to be told to check their websites. When I do apply online, the AI chatbot moves me forward and schedules an interview, but when I show up, the manager isn't even there or they tell me they're not hiring after all. One restaurant said they were hiring, but during my interview, they informed me that they were actually not hiring and that I would only hear back if someone didn't show up for their shift. I called a week later, and they said they were hiring again and told me to apply online. I've gone through multiple interviews at other places where the manager either wasn't available or showed up late. One restaurant had me come in for a second interview, but the manager wasn't scheduled until later that day. Another place ghosted me after two interviews, only to later announce they were holding more hiring events. This is the first time I've encountered minimum wage jobs requiring multiple interviews, and it's disheartening when they promise to get back to me but then disappear. I've also applied to retail jobs, but I get auto-rejected after a lengthy online questionnaire without any notification. I had one fast food interview that seemed to go well, but I was ghosted afterward. The interviewer even complimented me, saying I had a good heart, yet I still didn't hear back. It's frustrating when people suggest I apply to locations closer to me, especially when those places have ghosted me in the past. One job even called me saying they accidentally pressed the offer button, but when I missed the call and tried to follow up, they told me to come in for an interview instead. They promised I'd hear back within 24 hours, but once again, I was ghosted. I'm left wondering what employers are really looking for.

I was laid off in January 2023 from my senior marketing VP role after over a decade in the industry, right when I turned 55. It took me a staggering 42 months to secure a stable new position, and I wanted to share my journey in hopes it might help others facing a lengthy job search. In 2023, I started off with a positive outlook since I had severance and bonuses that kept me financially stable until June. I had been saving diligently and had some consulting leads, plus a consistent freelance client that brought in $20-40K annually. By the end of 2023, I had two monthly retainer clients and a couple of project-based gigs, but I made about 30% less than the previous year. I applied to 29 jobs, went through 11 interviews, but unfortunately, no offers came my way. Many of the interviews were through referrals, but I knew they weren't the right fit. In 2024, I lost my retainer clients but managed to get work from my old employer. After my unemployment ended in March, a recruiter reached out from a small Midwestern company, and I landed a new job in July, which came with a 25% pay increase. My income for the year was similar to 2023, but I applied to 48 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer after making it to the final rounds twice. Then in January 2025, I faced another layoff. The new company was disorganized, and the president who hired me had left. I received a small severance and had to restart unemployment. Consulting work became challenging as many companies started relying on AI. Thankfully, I found a maternity leave cover position with a former manager, although it paid significantly less and lacked benefits. My income dropped by 10% compared to 2024, and I applied to 21 jobs, got 9 interviews, but only made it to the final rounds three times. By 2026, my consulting gig ended in January, and I was living off unemployment and savings while in final rounds for two roles that ultimately fell through. In April, I was called back for another consulting role, which recently converted to a W-2 position. While it pays 50% less than my last job, I'm grateful to have it. My income now is less than half of what I earned in 2022. I applied to 34 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer. The job market was tough, especially with the impact of the Iran war affecting many sectors. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to have had savings, supportive family, and no major health issues. My emergency fund took a hit, but I haven't touched my retirement savings. The adaptability and resilience required in this new job landscape are overwhelming, especially with AI disrupting my field. I hope to maintain my current position until retirement and wish everyone the best in their own journeys.

I recently realized that I missed filing my weekly unemployment claim for the week of August 15th. I thought I had completed it, but when I logged in today, I saw that it was marked as 'Not filed'. I’m really worried about potentially losing out on that money, even though I’ve been keeping up with all my job search activities. I do have the option to file for the week of August 22nd, but I’m not sure how to handle the missed week. I’ve heard that I might need to speak to an agent to see if I can reopen that week for me. I’m hoping that even if they say no, it won’t affect my overall benefits. I’m definitely going to set an alarm to remind myself to file on time in the future to avoid this stress again.