Thinking

I'm currently in a tech role at a company where I'm feeling increasingly insecure about my job stability. There's a high likelihood I could be laid off within the next two years, which has led me to seriously consider relocating to a lower cost of living city or even a different country. I've been thinking about the financial benefits of such a move, especially since I live in a very high cost of living area. I'm curious about what others are doing in similar situations. Are you moving for financial reasons? If so, what are your plans once you get there? Are you looking to study, retrain, or find local or online work? I know moving can be expensive, but staying here after a layoff seems imprudent given the costs. I'm weighing my options and would love to hear about your experiences.

I've been struggling to find a decent job for about a year now. Currently, I work as a server, but I'm looking for advice on how to improve my job prospects. I'm open to suggestions on certifications that could help me stand out in the job market. My interests are pretty broad at this point, so I'm not picky about the field. I'm just eager to learn and improve my skills. If anyone has ideas on certifications I should consider, whether they are remote or in-person, I would really appreciate it. I'm also open to any general advice based on my situation.

I’ve been struggling to write my CV lately and have tried several online services, but they all seem to require credit card information for trials. One service even charged me 20 euros, which turned out to be a scam, forcing me to cancel my credit card and get a new one. I ended up using a tool from a GitHub repo to download my resume, but I’m still looking for reputable CV makers that don’t have a subscription model. I’m also feeling frustrated with the job market; no matter how much I tweak my resume, prepare for interviews, or work on projects, something always seems to derail the process. I’ve heard from others that keeping a master CV and just adjusting the summary and bullet points for each application might be a better approach, but I’m still unsure if I should just write my CV from scratch instead. I’m considering joining the /r/jobs Discord for feedback, as I know I need to take the initiative to improve my resume myself.

I had a frustrating experience recently with a recruiter from a tech company where I had applied for a Content Strategist position back in February. After going through three rounds of interviews, I received the standard rejection email in mid-March. I was disappointed but moved on and continued my job search. Fast forward six weeks, and I get a call from the same recruiter. I thought maybe they were reaching out with good news or a change of plans. Instead, she casually checked in on my job search before pivoting to mention a junior coordinator role that had opened up. This position pays about $22,000 less than the strategist role and is two levels below what I had originally applied for. I’ve been in the content field for seven years, so I politely declined, but I was annoyed by the way she framed the call. Instead of being upfront about the role, she made it seem like a casual check-in. I appreciated her reaching out, but I wish she had been more transparent about her intentions.

I just finished my junior year of high school and I'm really struggling with the idea of finding a summer job. I had hoped to land an internship or a summer program, but I missed the deadlines because I was too scared to even look into them. Now, with summer here, I realize I need to find any job to fill my time, but I feel completely paralyzed by fear. For the past two years, I haven’t had a job because of this same anxiety. I feel like I’m not capable of doing anything right. My self-doubt is overwhelming; I’m convinced that I wouldn’t deserve any job I apply for and that I’d just get rejected immediately. My resume is practically blank, and I don’t have any extracurricular activities or volunteer work to fill it out. I genuinely feel like I’ve missed the boat on summer jobs since it’s already mid-June, and I’m sure all the positions are taken. I also struggle with the lack of guidance. I’ve never been taught how to apply for a job, so I have no idea where to start. I’m terrified of the process—do I just walk into places and ask if they’re hiring? Should I bring a resume? I feel embarrassed asking anyone for help because it seems so pathetic. On top of that, I’m really worried about being judged. I used to be around people who would criticize others for making mistakes, and now I can’t shake the fear that if I get rejected, people will talk about me. Since I’m applying for jobs in my neighborhood, I worry that I’ll be recognized and ridiculed. I know I’m being my own worst enemy, and I’m trying to find a way to break out of this cycle of fear and self-doubt. I’m at a point where I really need some advice or a reality check to help me move forward.

I recently owned a family business for a year, but unfortunately, it failed. At 27 years old, I graduated with an ordinary degree in electrical engineering from the UK. Since childhood, I worked alongside my father in his construction/EPC business, which gave me about four years of experience. My responsibilities included cleaning up AutoCAD files, driving, preparing technical proposals, engaging with clients, and handling supplier communications and advertising. In 2022, I started a new business that generated no revenue initially, and by 2025, we pivoted to align more closely with my father's EPC operations due to the original business's failure and significant debt. My father managed the new venture, which I initiated using power of attorney, and we achieved around $800k in revenue from a single project. My role expanded to include working with banks on guarantees and reference letters, conducting laser measurements on-site, and more direct client engagement, alongside the usual proposal editing and contract signing. Regrettably, this new business has also failed, and I've found myself in a tough spot with cash flow issues. Over the past four years, my involvement in these family businesses has yielded little financial gain, and it seems like things would go wrong just as we started to see success. I've attempted sales roles in the past, but they weren't a good fit for me. Now, I'm considering administrative, project support, or coordination roles to help me get back on my feet. However, I'm unsure about what title to use on my CV. I've been advised to simply list "Family Business," but I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what titles I could use, what jobs I should target, and how I can further develop my skills. I'm based in the UK, but the family business is located abroad.

I recently landed a mid-level data analyst position at a logistics firm after an intense five-month job search. Since January, I had sent out nearly 400 applications and tailored my resume countless times, only to face a barrage of automated rejections and silence from employers. Feeling defeated, I decided to take a break from the monotonous 'Easy Apply' process and instead focused on engaging with technical content on LinkedIn. While browsing, I came across an insightful thread by a senior manager discussing her team's approach to solving a dashboard lag issue. Intrigued, I left a detailed comment with a specific question about their data pipelines. To my surprise, she responded quickly, and we ended up having a great conversation that shifted to direct messages. During our chat, she mentioned her department was looking for a new analyst and encouraged me to send my resume directly to her, bypassing the external job board. I sent my resume, and we had a casual 30-minute video call to discuss my portfolio. A few days later, I met with two of her team members. The interview process was refreshingly straightforward—no coding tests or tricky psychological questions—just a genuine conversation about my approach to data. This morning, I received the official offer, which includes a compensation package 10% higher than what I was aiming for on the job boards. It’s incredible how a simple connection over shared interests can lead to such a significant opportunity. For anyone feeling lost in the application process, I highly recommend stepping back and engaging with professionals in your field. It truly makes a difference.

I’ve been applying for jobs non-stop, but I feel like I’m stuck in a loop. I’ve never had a formal job before, only over 10 years of volunteer work, and I’m not sure if that counts as real experience. My resume is pretty bare aside from some basic homemaker skills and a bit of technical knowledge. Going back to school isn’t an option for me right now because of my student loans, and I’m starting to worry that I’ll be in debt forever. I’ve been told that I need to network with people in industries where my skills might transfer, but I’m not sure how to start. Some advice I’ve received suggests I might need to take a low-skill job, like in a restaurant, to begin building a work history. It’s frustrating to think that being 30 and having no work history could be such a huge red flag for employers. I know I need to show my willingness to work, but it feels like a long road ahead.

I took a week off from job applications, and it was a game changer for my mental health. After five months of relentless searching, I was feeling completely burnt out. I had created a detailed system with spreadsheets, tailored resumes, and cover letters, but every day felt like I was just going through the motions. I would wake up, check job postings before getting out of bed, and spend hours applying, only to receive silence or automated rejection emails. The stress was overwhelming, and I dreaded seeing phrases like 'exciting opportunity.' So, I decided to stop for seven days. I avoided job boards, LinkedIn, and application portals. At first, I felt guilty, thinking I was wasting time, but gradually, I started to feel like myself again. I slept better, cooked meals, and even enjoyed some fresh air without the nagging thought of job applications. While my job situation is still unresolved, this break helped me realize how consuming the job hunt had become. I wish more people understood how applying for jobs can turn into a full-time job filled with anxiety.

I recently reached out for help with my resume because I haven't been getting any calls for interviews. I shared my resume and asked for honest feedback. I mentioned that while I may have slightly inflated some numbers, I can justify them if needed. One of the top comments I received praised my technical qualifications, highlighting my certifications like CKA, CKS, and multiple AWS associates, along with my GCP ML Engineer certification. They noted that my achievement of saving $2M annually through a MongoDB-to-Kubernetes migration would definitely catch the eye of budget-conscious recruiters. However, I also received some constructive criticism. One commenter pointed out that while my resume has the right keywords for ATS, it might be too much for a recruiter or HR person to digest. They suggested I consider how I tailor my applications and mentioned tools like free Gemini or GPT that could help me score my resume without needing to rewrite it completely. Another piece of advice was to condense my resume to one page, as it might be a bit too lengthy. Overall, I appreciate the feedback and am looking to make improvements to increase my chances of landing interviews.

I have my first interview tomorrow at Ross, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Since this is my first interview ever, I’m unsure what to expect in terms of questions or the overall process. I’m trying to stay calm and confident, but I could really use some advice or tips from anyone who has experience with interviews, especially at Ross. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself out of work after the school year ended at the school bus company where I worked from October 2025 to June 2026. I filed for unemployment right after the school year finished, but I received a finding stating that my unemployment benefits are zero. After doing some research, I learned that I'm ineligible for unemployment based on the standard base period. However, I can request a redetermination using the alternate base period, which requires me to upload my check stubs to show that I earned enough during that time. It's been almost two weeks, and I haven't heard from anyone regarding the redetermination process. I'm unsure if I should wait for them to reach out, call them myself, or even file an appeal. I'm feeling a bit lost and could use some guidance on the next steps.

I currently work at a vape shop in Michigan and have been facing numerous issues related to my job. I have endometriosis, which I disclosed during the hiring process. Due to this condition, I've had to call in sick multiple times for medical appointments and even a miscarriage, all of which I have documentation for. Initially, my employer was understanding, but recently when I called in for a non-medical reason, they demanded a doctor's note. Since I couldn't provide one, they transferred me to a different location with significantly lower commission, cutting my hours in half. When I arrived at the new store, I discovered a serious cockroach infestation. There were dead roaches everywhere, including in the food stock and fridge. I documented everything with pictures and had to throw away food I had purchased. Thankfully, I was moved back to my original store, but I felt it necessary to inform my bosses about the roach situation, which they brushed off. Additionally, I have concerns about the store's practices, such as selling to minors and encouraging employees to do the same, as well as illegal sales of nitrous tanks. They also take deductions from our commission for 'inventory shrinkage' without any signed agreement from us. I've reported the infestation and wage theft, but I'm hesitant to escalate the situation further because I fear losing my job, especially since I rely on the commission. I have everything documented, but I'm unsure if my case is strong enough to pursue further action.

I am currently seeking a part-time office or desk job in the College Park, Maryland area. As a business management student with over 6 years of experience in customer service, I am looking to transition from cashier roles into office-based positions where I can further my career in business and management. I am open to both in-person and remote opportunities. My ideal roles include receptionist, administrative assistant, office assistant, data entry, or any entry-level business positions. I pride myself on being reliable, a quick learner, and able to thrive in fast-paced environments. I also possess strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills. If anyone has leads or advice on job openings, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

I had an interview today for a position that I'm really interested in, but I'm feeling uncertain about how it went. They asked the usual questions like "tell me about yourself" and "do you have reliable transportation?" which I answered as best as I could. However, the interview felt rushed, and it was cut short, which has me worried. I've heard that a shorter interview can be a bad sign, and the interviewer mentioned they had another candidate to see afterward. They said they'd contact me tomorrow, but now I'm second-guessing everything. Has anyone else experienced this and still ended up getting the job? I'm just trying to figure out if this is a common situation or if I should prepare for the worst.

I'm currently seeking remote job opportunities and would love some advice on my career path. I have over 9 years of experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, leadership, and customer service. My background includes working for 3 years with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where I also had remote work experience. I've held roles such as Lead Mental Health Technician and Interim Supervisor in various settings, including hospitals and residential treatment facilities. Additionally, I spent 4 years as a Behavioral Health Technician in a school district and have experience in customer service and team leadership at a small business. My strongest skills are in crisis intervention, team leadership, customer support, documentation, training, conflict resolution, and remote communication. Due to transportation limitations, I'm specifically looking for fully remote work and am open to exploring fields beyond behavioral health. I've considered roles in remote customer support, community management, trust & safety, gaming industry support, healthcare administration, and operations. Despite submitting hundreds of applications over the past year, I've had little success. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for job titles, industries, or companies that might value my experience. Any leads or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’m currently navigating my job search after a two-year gap in employment. My last position was at Whole Foods, where I worked until January 2024. I’m eager to get back into the bakery field, specifically looking for baker or cake decorating roles at grocery stores or independent bakeries. I’m seeking advice on how to address my unemployment gap on my resume. Are there strategies I can employ to make myself more appealing to potential employers, or are there specific places that might be more open to hiring someone with a gap in their work history?

Today, I accepted a job offer after months of searching and feeling increasingly discouraged. I had been applying, interviewing, and getting ghosted by companies, all while rewriting my resume and trying to stay positive despite the rejection emails. I should feel relieved, and part of me does, but I can't shake the feeling of disappointment. The job I accepted is a normal one with decent pay and a reasonable commute, but it's not something I'm excited about. When I started my job search, I envisioned finding a role that aligned with my long-term goals and utilized my experience meaningfully. However, after facing numerous rejections, my standards shifted from seeking a good opportunity to simply wanting to avoid waking up feeling useless every day. I said yes to this offer because I’m exhausted—exhausted from constantly checking job boards, explaining my employment gap, and watching my savings dwindle. I know many people would argue that any job is better than none, and perhaps that’s true for me right now. I am grateful to have an income again, but there's a lingering sadness about how I came to this decision. I feel like I surrendered to this job rather than actively choosing it. Maybe it will surprise me, and perhaps it’s okay to take a stable position while I continue to look for something that fits better. I just wish that getting hired felt more like a victory and less like a desperate escape from a difficult situation.

I previously applied to a few Big Tech companies and high finance firms, but I may have exaggerated some details on my résumé. Now, I'm considering reapplying to these companies and I'm unsure if my past actions will affect my chances. I'm worried that if they check my previous applications, they might see the discrepancies. Should I be honest about my past résumé or just focus on highlighting my actual skills and experiences this time around? Any advice on how to approach this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently working at a Chinese takeaway, and it's been a real struggle for me. Some days I love it, but other days, like today, I come home feeling defeated. I'm 17 and still a student, and I rely on my parents to drive me since I don’t have a car or a license. The takeaway is just 10 minutes away, but it’s in a small town, making job options limited. At work, I handle the till and have always been accurate, except when this one delivery driver, whom I’ll call Max, is on shift. Max has a reputation for being dishonest; he's been caught stealing on camera multiple times, yet my boss refuses to let him go. It’s frustrating because I end up taking the blame when the till is short, which has happened a few times now. My coworkers and I have pleaded with our boss to fire him, but nothing changes. I’m really tired of this situation and need to save money for college and a car since my parents can’t afford it. I’ve been searching for another job for a year and finally landed this one, but now I’m stuck. I’m not picky about where I work, but I’d prefer to avoid cash handling due to my anxiety. I’m reaching out for advice on how to find a new job quickly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!