Thinking

I recently landed a busser job at a restaurant after a series of interviews that were quite challenging. The first interview was straightforward, but the second one had the interviewer arriving 20 minutes late. For the final interview, I made sure to show up 10 minutes early, despite walking almost a mile in heels under the Texas sun, only to wait for 2 hours before I could finally speak with the interviewer. Thankfully, I got the job and was told to come in for training the next day at 10 AM. However, I woke up feeling extremely drained and possibly suffering from heat exhaustion. When I tried to bike to the restaurant, I felt unwell and had to call them to say I couldn't make it, which was about 16 minutes after the scheduled training time. I couldn't find any management contact information, just the restaurant's general number. After getting home, I emailed the contact address I found online, asking to reschedule and even offered to come in early to make up for the missed training. It's been a while, and I haven't received any response yet. I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should reach out again or if they will consider my situation given the circumstances of the interviews. My mom thinks they might still give me a chance, but I'm worried they might choose someone else instead. Should I try to find a manager's number and call again?

I’ve been reflecting on my career journey, which has been quite turbulent since I graduated with my business degree ten years ago. Here’s a quick overview of my timeline: - I started out as a bookkeeper at a business management and accounting firm for three years before moving on to a new opportunity. - Then, I spent three years as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) in the SaaS industry, again leaving for what I thought would be a better fit. - After that, I worked for nine months as an Account Executive (AE) in SaaS but was laid off, leading to a nine-month period of unemployment. - I then took a sales rep position at an accounting advisory firm, but was laid off again after nine months, which resulted in another nine months of job searching. - Most recently, I was an SDR at a recruiting firm, but once more faced a layoff. - Currently, I am a sales rep in the print, packaging, and labels sector, where I’ve been for just over a year. The last three layoffs have really taken a toll on my confidence. I know logically that layoffs often stem from factors beyond an individual’s control, like company performance or budget cuts, but it's hard not to take it personally after experiencing it repeatedly. In my current role, I feel like I’m set up to struggle. The company is large, and most of the high-potential accounts are managed by long-tenured reps. With virtually no inbound leads, my success hinges on outbound prospecting, but I’m left with accounts that feel like scraps. Every morning, I wake up feeling anxious and depressed, almost expecting to be laid off again. It feels like I’m in a constant battle to prove my worth while my colleagues, who are all much older, maintain their existing customers rather than seek new business. I’m at a crossroads, unsure whether to keep pushing in my current role, seek another position, consider leaving sales altogether, or find a company where the territory and lead distribution are more equitable. I’m exhausted from feeling like my career is on shaky ground, with another setback lurking around the corner. With three kids and a mortgage, I’m living paycheck to paycheck, and they have no idea how much I struggle inside, feeling like a failure. Has anyone else been through multiple layoffs or found themselves in a series of ill-fitting sales roles? How did you rebuild your confidence and determine your next steps?

I applied for a position again and received a message about an interview for a different shift, but it was sent just 7 minutes after the scheduled start time. This experience has solidified my decision that I never want to work there. I have extensive experience in this field, so it's frustrating to see them not acknowledge that. It feels like they're being dishonest about their reasons for not moving forward with my application. I’ve already been told ‘no’ twice, and it seems like they’re not able to recognize my qualifications. It's disheartening to think that despite meeting all the requirements, I’m still being overlooked. Maybe I just didn’t fit their company culture, but it’s disappointing that they won’t be straightforward about it.

I had my first interview with a small company for an Account Manager role on July 21st. The interview with the Account Director went really well, and I was excited to move on to the next stage with the two co-founders. That second interview took place on July 28th, and afterwards, I received positive feedback about my salary expectations and was told to expect further communication once the Director returned from vacation. However, on August 4th, I got an email from one of the co-founders informing me of a family death, which understandably delayed things. I sent my condolences and waited, but by the following Friday, I still hadn't heard back. On August 9th, I decided to follow up again, expressing my condolences and reiterating my enthusiasm for the role and the team. Now, I'm unsure about when to follow up again, considering the company is small and likely has a lot to catch up on. I'm used to the timelines of larger companies, so I’m looking for advice on how to adjust my expectations and when it might be appropriate to reach out again.

Today, I had my unemployment hearing regarding my layoff from my previous job in New York. The hearing was intense; my former employer challenged my claim and even accused me of misconduct for being late on my last day. The judge was quick and somewhat intimidating, but she was fair. She asked my former employer if I had received any warnings before the incident, and he claimed I had, while I asserted that I had not. The judge quickly pointed out that there was no policy supporting his claim of misconduct. She also noticed that he had omitted his own responses to my emails where he approved my sick days and lateness excuses, which was a relief. During my testimony, I mentioned a conversation I had with one of the company owners who terminated me, but I forgot to bring up that he offered to be a professional reference for me, which I have in an email. I felt that could have strengthened my case. The hearing was adjourned because there were missing documents from the Department of Labor regarding an overpayment issue, which I know is a system problem, but the judge didn’t allow me to elaborate on that. After the hearing, my former employer tried to ask about another form, mistakenly thinking I was applying for unemployment again, but it was actually about unpaid wages they owe me. The judge dismissed him and told him to contact the DOL. I was nervous and didn't speak up when I should have, missing a chance to further discredit him. It feels incredibly unfair that my employer can put me through this, and if I hadn’t defended myself, I could have faced a $6,400 fine and lost wages. I also noticed my former employer lied under oath about several details regarding policies and warnings, which I thought could be considered perjury. I’m left wondering what consequences he might face that I won’t see. As I prepare for the next hearing, I’m trying to figure out how to include the professional reference statement and email confirmation in my testimony. I thought I was prepared, but the judge's speed and directness caught me off guard.

I recently applied for unemployment after retiring from the military and I'm currently navigating the process. As a disabled veteran, I can still work as a civilian, but I've been having a tough time getting through to the EDD. I've spent hours on hold, and sometimes the automated system just hangs up on me. I'm currently filling out the work search record for my continued claim, specifically Section B, where I need to indicate if I've worked in the past two weeks. I've applied to five different jobs, but unfortunately, I've been informed that they are moving forward with other candidates. I'm stuck on what to put in the "Results: Please explain" section since I wasn't hired. I want to avoid using the term "declined" because I’m worried the EDD might interpret that as me turning down a job offer, which isn't the case. I’m looking for the right terminology to use here, and any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I’m at a significant crossroads in my career right now. I’m a 34-year-old female working as a front end manager at a grocery store, where I oversee all front end operations and manage a team of over 80 people. My store is quite busy, generating about $2 million in sales each week, but I’m feeling increasingly dissatisfied with my situation. Despite my responsibilities, I’m only making $20 an hour, which feels inadequate after 12 years with the company. The long hours are also wearing me down; I work six days a week and only get one day off, which is taking a toll on my well-being. The only real perk is my schedule, which is 7 AM to 3:30 PM, and I don’t have to pay for health benefits, which is rare these days. I’m scared to leave my job and regret my decision, but staying in a position that feels like it’s offering me the bare minimum isn’t a viable option either. I’ve been exploring other opportunities, particularly service advisor roles at car dealerships. I’m not looking to become wealthy; I just want to earn more than I currently do and have a more standard work-life balance with two days off a week. I’d appreciate any advice or insights on potential career paths that might suit my experience.

I've been out of work for two years after losing my job, and I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth looking for a new position anymore. With the recent news about job losses this month, the situation feels really bleak. I stopped applying a few months back because it was just too discouraging, and I've been focusing on hobbies to distract myself. I feel guilty for not having a job, but despite my efforts, I haven't been able to find anything, and even referrals haven't helped.

I recently completed a final interview for a role that I really want, and the wait is driving me crazy. I feel well-qualified, especially since I have a referral from my sister, though I'm not sure how much that helps. The process has been extensive: I had a recruiter screening, two take-home assessments, and an interview with the hiring manager. Most recently, I had a technical interview with the team manager, which I felt went really well. I had prepared answers for all their questions and even expressed my interest in the top pay they listed, while also being open to negotiation. They mentioned they had three more interviews to conduct the day after mine and promised to get back to me by early to mid-week. Since Monday morning, I've been refreshing my email non-stop, convinced that they might have already sent an offer to someone else and are just waiting for that person to accept before telling me no. This job feels like my white whale. I applied for a different position at this company a year and a half ago and was the second choice, but this new role aligns perfectly with my experience. I even took the initiative to complete a certification for the CRM they use after my first interview, which I was excited to mention in the second interview. I've wanted to work at this company for four years. The role is remote with unlimited PTO, which is a huge draw for me. Currently, I'm stuck in an office job in a blue-collar field that I find unbearable, especially with the uncomfortable work environment. I really need to get out of this situation, and I'm just losing my mind waiting for a response.

I received an email from my company on Monday announcing a "voluntary severance program" due to cost-cutting measures, despite the fact that we've seen growth for the last three quarters. It feels like since we went public this year, the focus has shifted entirely to appeasing shareholders. Over the past year, management has been integrating AI into our processes, claiming it was just to assist us. However, I recently discovered that we were actually training a new AI chatbot that is now deemed "highly capable" of handling most customer interactions. This revelation came after my manager inadvertently revealed more than she intended, and it was clear that our jobs were not as secure as they had led us to believe. Now, I have until the 20th to decide whether to take the severance package or wait it out, risking a layoff by the end of October if not enough people volunteer. The severance would be nearly double what I’d earn if I stayed, but I’m worried about my future. I won’t finish my bachelor’s degree until December, and my resume mainly consists of customer service roles with some team lead and logistics experience. The thought of being stuck in a call center, especially with the rapid advancement of AI, is daunting. I also don’t have a car since I’ve been working from home for the last three years, and my savings were depleted due to an emergency surgery earlier this month. The job market feels bleak, and I’m terrified of what comes next. This experience has taught me that employers can be misleading, and it’s essential to have a backup plan. I’m grateful for the advice from others to take the severance and focus on finishing my degree and job searching. I just hope I can find something before it’s too late.

I interviewed for a position at a new store opening soon, and I felt really positive about how it went. During the interview, they mentioned they would get back to me within 1-2 days and that they were expediting the hiring process. I had my interview on Monday, and now it's Wednesday. I'm wondering how long I should wait before following up to check on my application status.

I was hired about a month ago for a position at a small startup with just 10 employees. Recently, I noticed that the exact same job posting I applied for a couple of months ago was reposted on LinkedIn, but in a completely different location. This new location is some village in Africa, while I’m currently based in Western Europe. It left me feeling a bit anxious, wondering if they might be planning to replace me. I mean, why would they post the job again in a different location if everything was fine? I’m slightly freaking out about this situation and looking for any insights or advice from others who might have experienced something similar.

I have 4 years of experience as a frontend developer at a small company with around 80 employees. Lately, I've been feeling really anxious about potential layoffs, especially since I'm about to become the sole earner in my household with no savings to fall back on. On paper, my job seems secure, and the compensation is decent for my level, but the constant news about layoffs has kept me up at night. The situation is particularly stressful because my dad is retiring next year, which means I’ll be the only one bringing in income. My family is middle-class, and we don’t have much of a financial cushion. I also lack an emergency fund, and if I were to lose my job, I honestly don't know how I would manage. I’ve realized that I struggle with data structures and algorithms (DSA) as well as system design. I’ve landed jobs mainly due to a decent GPA and a bit of luck, rather than strong problem-solving skills. I can grasp theoretical concepts when I study, but I freeze during live problem-solving scenarios. At work, I mostly handle tickets without much ownership or understanding of the product, which makes me feel replaceable. Even though my salary is good for my experience, it adds to my anxiety because I feel like I'm being paid well for doing average work, and I worry that others would agree if they looked closely. To top it off, I’m feeling burnt out; I chose computer science mainly for job security and family pressure, not out of passion, and I still don’t feel drawn to the work after a few years. I’m not looking for the usual advice to just grind DSA for a few months, since I’ve tried that and it hasn’t worked for me. What I really want to know is: with my background in computer science and 4 years in frontend development, what are some realistic career options if I decide this path isn’t for me? Are there roles within tech that don’t involve typical development work, or even options outside of tech altogether? Has anyone else felt this way and managed to make a change? I’m genuinely open to any perspectives or advice on how to move forward.

Last week, I was let go from my role at a tech company after just over 2 years. Fortunately, I received a severance package that I consider quite generous. I will remain on payroll with access to my work email and Slack until October, which is 60 days after my notice. If I don’t find a new position within the company during this time, I will receive a one-time payment equivalent to 4.5 months of salary, along with six months of fully paid COBRA health insurance. Additionally, I’ll be eligible for unemployment benefits. While I’m still processing the shock of being laid off, I feel relieved about the severance, as it gives me roughly nine months of financial support to figure out my next steps. My partner has a stable, high-paying job that covers our housing expenses, which adds some flexibility to my situation. I’m grappling with the decision of whether to start job hunting immediately or take a few months to really consider what I want to do next. I’m hesitant to jump into the job market right away because I’m unsure about the company culture after my departure. I’m 33, and while my instinct is to start applying for jobs now, I wonder if it might be wiser to take a few months to decompress and explore my options. I’ve heard mixed advice from others — some suggest taking a week to destress and then start applying, while others recommend taking a couple of months off before diving back in. Given the current job market, I know it can take a long time to find a new position, so I’m trying to balance my desire for a break with the reality of job searching. Overall, I’m still weighing my options and would appreciate any thoughts on whether it’s reasonable to take a few months to figure things out before applying.

I'm feeling really overwhelmed after four months of job searching without success. I've been actively looking for work for nearly five months now, and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health. I've had several interviews where companies seemed interested, but then they either ghosted me or chose to go in another direction. Just in the past month, I've gone through five drug tests and background checks, only to end up with no job offers. I’ve reviewed my own background and driving record since I’m applying for positions mainly in the driving and warehouse sectors, but I can't pinpoint why I'm not getting hired. Some employers have even told me I'm overqualified, which feels frustrating because I thought that would be an advantage. I'm currently doing Uber to make ends meet, but it's barely covering my food and expenses. I've even applied to places like McDonald's, but nothing has panned out. I know the job market in Florida is tough right now, and I've seen others experiencing similar challenges, but I'm genuinely at a loss. I'm applying consistently and willing to work, yet I can't seem to catch a break. If anyone has gone through something similar or has advice on what I might be doing wrong, I would really appreciate it. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's becoming increasingly difficult.

I applied for a position at a hotel a few days ago and received an email instructing me to call the department Director. When I called, she mentioned she was busy and would return my call in 30 minutes, but I never heard back. After waiting for four hours, I tried calling again, but there was no answer, so I left a voicemail. Feeling a bit discouraged since this is the first response I've had in two months, I'm considering going to the hotel tomorrow to drop off my resume and speak with someone in HR or management if I don't hear back today. However, I've seen mixed advice about whether this is a good idea. Some say it could be frowned upon, while others suggest it's a proactive approach. I'm really eager to get my foot in the door and explore any opportunity.

I’m currently on the job hunt for audit and internal audit positions in New York City. I’m based in California right now and have been applying to jobs online, but I haven’t had much luck getting responses. I’m working remotely in an audit role, which gives me the flexibility to relocate to NYC, but I want to secure a job before making that move. I’m looking for advice from finance professionals and recruiters on how to stand out in my applications. Since I can’t attend in-person networking events, I’m considering reaching out to larger recruiting agencies that specialize in financial services, like Selby Jennings and Robert Half. I’ve also been advised to ensure my resume clearly states my intention to relocate, as some employers might not consider candidates who are further than 100 miles away. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started a part-time job as a graphic designer, which aligns perfectly with my major. I've been enjoying my time there, and I feel appreciated by the company, especially since they recently highlighted me in a blog post. However, I often find myself with not much to do, and while I like my team and the job itself, I'm considering an interview for a full-time position that pays between $40,000 and $50,000. This new job is closer to my home, but it also pays $17 an hour, which isn't enough to cover my adult bills in Florida. I'm currently juggling multiple jobs, including tutoring and teaching art, which I love but can be inconsistent due to school closures. I applied for the new position on a whim because it seemed interesting and relevant to my skills. Now, I'm feeling anxious about the possibility of changing jobs so soon after starting this one. I truly enjoy my current role and the people I work with, but the lack of benefits and the need for a steady income are weighing on my mind. I'm torn between staying where I am and pursuing this new opportunity. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if it's okay to want a new job so soon and how to handle this anxiety about potential change.

I graduated with my ELA credential in December and was fortunate enough to land a teaching position at an alternative school in February. My current job is relatively low stress, offers a good salary, and provides year-round employment with generous PTO, including a two-week summer break and winter break. However, I don’t see this role as my long-term career path. I’ve always dreamed of being a traditional classroom teacher, focusing on direct instruction. Recently, I received an offer for an English teacher position at a school district I’ve always admired. Although it comes with a pay cut and will likely be more stressful, it aligns with my career aspirations and offers a 10-month work schedule. They even offered a signing bonus that would match my current salary, but I would take a pay cut next year. I’m feeling torn between these two opportunities and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this decision.

I received a rejection letter last month after applying for a position at a company I was really excited about. The last line of the letter mentioned that they would be in touch if any new roles appeared at their other locations. It got me wondering how often this actually happens and why they mentioned other locations instead of the one I applied to. I’ve heard from others that it can happen, especially in niche industries where there are fewer candidates. One person shared how they had a similar experience about a decade ago; they made it to the final round but lost out to another candidate. A few months later, they were contacted for another similar role. I’m trying to stay optimistic but I know I shouldn’t rely on this happening. I’m continuing to apply elsewhere in the meantime.