Thinking

I'm a 26-year-old with a Master's in Data Science, graduating in 2025, and I've been trying to break into the tech industry for a year now. I initially thought my degree would lead me to an entry-level data role, but the job market shifted significantly by the time I graduated. Since then, I've been proactive in my approach. I've learned full-stack web development, completed a frontend internship, freelanced with clients, built production websites, explored Shopify development, and recently started diving into backend development and AI engineering. My skill set includes Python, SQL, data analysis, machine learning, React, Next.js, and Node.js. Despite my efforts, I'm struggling to secure a stable full-time position. Most of my applications go unanswered, and the few interviews I've had haven't resulted in job offers. Financially, I'm facing challenges, being behind on rent and managing student loans, while also feeling the pressure of my aging parents. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. If you were in my shoes today, what would you focus on? Should I double down on data, software engineering, AI, or explore something else entirely? Any honest advice or experiences that helped you would be greatly appreciated.

I just wrapped up two interviews for what I consider my dream job, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about a situation I've created. I submitted my resume back in February, before I started my current role, so it doesn't include that position. During the first interviews, I focused on my previous long-term job, which I held for three years, and didn't mention my current job at all. I’ve only been in my current role since May, and I already know it’s not a good fit for me. I didn't think to mention it since it’s been such a short time. Now, I'm gearing up for a final interview with five people, and I'm torn about whether to bring up my current job. I’m worried that if I suddenly mention it now, they might question why I didn’t mention it earlier when we discussed my work history. Should I just continue with the process and only mention my current job if they ask directly about my employment status? Or should I proactively bring it up during the final interview? I know that if I get an offer, I’ll need to accurately fill out any background check paperwork regarding my current employment. For context, my work history has been pretty stable, with seven years in one role followed by three years in another, and my current position is in a completely different industry than the one I'm interviewing for. I really want this job, and I hope I can navigate this situation smoothly.

I’ve been actively searching for a job lately, but I’m not getting any responses from employers. It’s been really frustrating and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I would appreciate any advice or feedback on my approach. If you want to roast me, feel free, but I could really use some help too!

I was laid off from my job after 15 years of service, where I consistently received top performer reviews. Since then, I've faced a tough time, getting fired from two healthcare analyst positions in just four years. I'm starting to wonder if the issue lies with me or if it's more about the current economic climate. I'm considering whether I should explore opportunities in a different industry altogether. I'm reaching out for thoughts and guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I just got fired from my job at a local food service restaurant, and I’m feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. Earlier today, I approached my boss to let him know I intended to submit my resignation next Thursday. Instead of understanding, he exploded in anger. He initially told me no, then remembered that resignations must be in writing and required two weeks' notice. When I explained that I wanted to go back home, he snapped at me, saying, "I wish you fucking told me." That comment has been haunting me all day. For months now, my boss has been verbally abusive, yelling at me regularly, which has really taken a toll on my self-esteem. I’ve been struggling to sleep and feeling anxious before every shift. I keep questioning whether I’m just weak for not being able to handle it, especially since other employees seem to cope. There have been other instances of mistreatment that I can't get into right now, but the constant yelling has pushed me to my limit. I know I need to leave, but I’m scared about how he’ll react when I go in for my shift tomorrow. It’s a tough situation because sometimes he can be nice, which makes me doubt myself. But I realize that no job, especially one in food service, should make me feel this way. I’m looking for some validation or advice on how to handle this situation.

I'm a recent graduate from the 2026 batch and currently unplaced, which has been quite frustrating for me. I've been trying to figure out my next steps in this job search. I'm reaching out to see what others in my situation are doing. Right now, I'm considering various options: should I focus on preparing for data structures and algorithms (DSA) and aptitude tests, or should I be applying to off-campus jobs on a daily basis? I've also thought about moving to cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Hyderabad for walk-in interviews, as I've heard there are more opportunities there. Additionally, I'm contemplating whether I should take on internships or pursue certifications to enhance my skills. I feel a bit lost and would really appreciate hearing from other 2026 graduates or anyone in a similar situation about their strategies and plans. Any advice would be incredibly helpful!

I just experienced a shocking layoff at Pentaho, where I was part of a mass termination that affected 130 employees. It all happened in a two-minute Teams meeting just a month after our acquisition by Constellation Software. I'm left wondering if it's common for companies to lay off so many people right after an acquisition. It seems like it would be more efficient to handle layoffs during the transition rather than terminating everyone afterward. It feels frustrating and unfair, and I can't help but feel disheartened by the whole situation. I'm also seeing so many others struggling to find work in this tough job market, and it's weighing heavily on me.

I wanted to share a bit of hope amid all the job search challenges I've seen lately. After applying to around 600 jobs over the past three months, I finally landed a full remote position that pays $79,400 a year. It was definitely a numbers game; I made sure to apply to every remote IT job in the USA that offered over $25 an hour. During interviews, I treated every opportunity as a competition against candidates who might have more experience, and I focused on selling myself to the hiring managers. Persistence really paid off!

I was laid off a few months ago, at the end of 2025, and received a severance package along with other benefits until the ESA end date. However, my employer did not provide my yearly bonus. They stated that I needed to be an active employee on the day the bonus is disbursed to qualify for it. I signed the full and final agreement because there was a condition that if I didn't sign by a certain date, I would lose part of my severance amount. I raised the issue with the Ontario Labour Board, but haven't received a positive response since my employer is covered by the policy and I already signed the documents. I'm looking to connect with others who have been laid off but still received their bonus as part of a full and final settlement.

I had a really unsettling experience at work today. I was called into a meeting with several supervisors, including my own, to discuss some work-related issues. During the meeting, one supervisor, who isn't even my direct boss, started yelling at me. He stood up, towered over me, and accused me of not liking him and not acknowledging his presence. It felt incredibly hostile and intimidating. I tried to explain my feelings about the situation, but he only got angrier, and the others in the room dismissed my perspective, calling me immature. I was shocked that they allowed this behavior to continue without intervening. I don't even report to this person, yet he insisted he had authority over me. I'm feeling really confused and unsafe right now, so I've decided to write a letter to management demanding a meeting to address this issue. I can't shake the feeling that they're targeting my job. This experience has made me seriously consider looking for a new job.

I recently learned about a troubling situation involving my friend at their company. They announced layoffs, and it seems like the managers who had direct involvement with my friend had already secured new positions within the company. Now, my friend is under a new manager who has a history of giving negative feedback during performance reviews. This manager is now asking my friend to retrieve emails from six months ago, which my friend can't access due to company policy that deletes older emails. The manager suggested they file a request with IT to recover them. What raised red flags for my friend was when this manager asked about their ethnicity and citizenship, which feels inappropriate and suspicious. My friend is concerned that this could be a tactic to deny them a severance package or even to push for their termination before the official layoff date. It seems like HR and the manager are working closely together, and my friend feels trapped. They’re unsure of what steps to take next in this difficult situation.

I recently started a one-year fixed-term role after wrapping up another fixed-term position. Honestly, I'm feeling mentally drained from this cycle. It seems like I'm just jumping from one temporary job to another. My experience has been frustrating, especially since I've never held a job for more than five years. A lot of that has to do with external factors and people getting in the way. My first job lasted four years until the HVAC issues at the restaurant led to its closure, which was a known problem with the building's owners. Now, I'm in a lower-paying role that feels disposable, and it's taking a toll on my motivation.

I'm a DevOps engineer with 7 years of experience working as a consultant for various large banking and insurance organizations. Recently, I've been looking to improve my chances of getting hired as the job market seems to be changing. I want to earn more and find a role that I truly enjoy. Currently, I'm based in Lugano, Switzerland, but I'm open to relocating to Zurich if necessary. My preference is for remote positions, though I'm also considering hybrid roles in either city. Up until now, I've primarily been applying for jobs through LinkedIn with a 2-3 page CV, but my efforts haven't yielded the results I hoped for. I'm seeking advice on a couple of things: 1. What other job platforms should I consider besides LinkedIn? 2. How can I polish my CV to increase my chances of landing more opportunities? I’m also interested in creating a system using AI to help me find jobs daily with a clear strategy, but I feel I need more information to navigate this process effectively. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding a job opportunity that has come up at my partner's company. I've been working in an administrative role for several years now, and while I enjoy my job and have a good work-life balance, this new position offers a significant pay increase and a unique schedule of one week on, one week off. The financial benefits would help us pay off our mortgage much faster, which is appealing. However, the role is a paid apprenticeship in a field where I have no prior experience. I’m worried about my lack of skills and knowledge—like not even knowing the difference between a flat head and a Phillips head screwdriver. I fear that if I leave my current job, I won’t be able to return, and that pressure is daunting. My partner believes I can excel in this new role, but I can't shake the feeling that it might be selfish of me to pursue it when I already have a comfortable position. I feel torn between wanting to contribute more financially and the fear of failing in a completely new environment. I reached out to the community for some reassurance, hoping someone could tell me that it’s okay to take this leap, even if I’m not entirely sure I want to. I’m trying to convince myself that I can adapt and learn, but it’s a tough mental battle right now.

I recently applied for several jobs and included my seasonal work with a government agency on my resume. I listed the dates from April 2021 to October 2022, even though I didn't work during the winter months. I wanted to keep my resume concise, so I noted that my position was a seasonal appointment that was completed. Now, I'm worried that this might cause issues if they run an employment verification check. Should I be concerned about the discrepancy in dates, or is it better to clarify my seasonal role upfront?

I applied for a position at my current company and went through the interview process a few weeks ago. On July 2nd, I was informed that I was the top candidate, and on July 6th, I received a call from the operations manager offering me the job. The following day, I reached out to confirm if I should expect a call from HR for a formal offer and was assured that I would. Now, it's been almost 20 days with no communication whatsoever. I've tried to follow up but have not received any responses. It's incredibly frustrating to be left in the dark after being told I was the preferred candidate. I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation and wondering if I should continue to wait or start looking for other opportunities.

I’ve been out of the software engineering industry for 5 years now. I used to have over 11 years of experience and was recognized for my work frequently, even surviving multiple layoffs and mergers. In 2021, I decided to take a break due to burnout and personal issues, including my mom's illness. I thought it was a good time to step back, but now I’m realizing how tough it is to re-enter the workforce. I’ve sent out countless resumes, but it feels like they vanish into thin air. No headhunters are reaching out to me anymore, and I’m struggling to get any responses at all. I did work as a teaching assistant at a reputable university during my time off, so I know my skills aren’t completely outdated, but I feel like I’d need several months to get back up to speed. I’m really at a loss here. Has anyone else successfully returned to work after a long break? How did you manage to get back in? I’m feeling pretty discouraged with the lack of interviews and responses.

Today, I had a scheduled Zoom meeting for an interview at 10 AM. I logged in early, around 9:55 AM, and waited in the waiting room for about 18 minutes. After not hearing anything, I sent an email to HR at 10:13 AM to confirm I had the right link. I waited another 17 minutes without a response and eventually left the waiting room. Later, I received a message from HR explaining there was a "family tragedy" and they still wanted me to schedule an interview for another day. However, I also got an email from the CFO that seemed to imply I had missed the meeting. I'm really confused about the whole situation and wondering if this kind of communication is normal for them. Should I even respond to the CFO's email or just move on?

I graduated with a 2-year diploma in IT, which covered the basics of hardware and software. While some of my classmates found jobs after graduation, I struggled to get my foot in the door. After a couple of years of searching, I decided to go back to school to further my education. Some classmates chose the co-op/internship route, and one of them landed a full-time IT job after just a couple of courses in the degree program. I wanted to follow that path, but it took me several months to secure my first co-op/internship. During that time, I opted to take one course each term to stay active as a student. The diploma program had 20 courses, and to complete the degree, I need another 20. So far, I've completed 3 courses for the degree, but the thought of finishing the remaining 17 feels overwhelming and like a huge commitment. I’m considering whether completing the degree is worth it in the long run or if I should focus on gaining experience through another co-op job and eventually applying for full-time roles in IT. I already have 8 months of experience in the field as a student, but I don’t feel confident enough to apply for full-time positions yet. I want to do another internship to learn more at a different organization. My concerns about completing the degree are significant. I need to work full-time to pay my bills, which makes it hard to take on too many courses. I can only manage 1 or 2 courses each term, which could extend my degree completion to 3-5 years. Additionally, my original credits will expire by 2028, and I need to complete those 17 courses in a year and a half. I’ve heard that the school might extend the expiry date for my first-year courses, but that’s not guaranteed. Currently, I have a weekend job as a backup since co-op positions are temporary. I can’t risk being jobless if my co-op ends, so I’m working every day. I’m also 30 years old and feel like I haven’t truly started my career yet. I barely have time to socialize, which is tough because I want to get married but haven’t found someone yet. Some people say we should enjoy our youth, but I’m not enjoying it at all due to my busy schedule. In summary, I’m torn between investing time, money, and effort into completing my degree or focusing on gaining practical experience and possibly pursuing certifications to advance in the IT field.

I’m feeling really down about my job situation right now. I currently work at a hotel front desk, and honestly, I hate it. This is my first job after being a caretaker for a disabled family member, which was unpaid. I’m exhausted all the time and I get burnt out quickly. I want to quit, but I can’t find another job. I've applied to around 40 positions and only got interviews for a few, and the only job I landed was this one. The problem is, the jobs available in my area are either ones I’m unqualified for or roles that I know I wouldn’t enjoy at all. Plus, I can’t move to another city since I already relocated to get away from home. I studied history in school, but I’m not sure if I want to pursue a master’s degree, and there aren’t any history-related jobs available. It’s mostly food service or roles I just don’t qualify for. I’ve started noticing memory issues and I feel constantly drained. I think it’s because my current job isn’t stimulating or interesting enough for me. I feel like I’m losing my sharpness and I forget things more often than I used to. This is just me venting, and I’m not even sure if any of this makes sense. I just feel stuck and overwhelmed.