Thinking

I started a new job about a month ago as a part-time housekeeper at a drug and alcohol recovery center. This is my first role in housekeeping; previously, I worked as a cashier at a thrift store. The job seems straightforward—I handle tasks like sweeping, mopping, dusting, and taking out the trash in common areas and patient rooms. My manager has assured me that the job is relaxed and flexible as long as I complete my tasks, which is a relief. However, I'm facing a lot of pressure from a coworker named Carol, who is in her 60s and seems to be a workhorse. She has two jobs and is incredibly diligent, which makes me feel intimidated. As a 31-year-old woman on the neurodivergent spectrum, communication can be tough for me, and I prioritize my work/life balance to avoid burnout. I’m only working part-time because I’m also going to school. The clash between Carol and me stems from our differing views on workflow. While my boss insists that every housekeeper shares the same responsibilities, Carol believes I should be cleaning the 2nd and 3rd floors every day while she handles the detox unit. I find this unfair, especially since I just started and am still learning the ropes. The emotional turmoil from this situation has been overwhelming. Carol is critical and has made disparaging comments about another coworker, George, who is an 85-year-old part-timer. I’ve received positive feedback from other staff and patients, but I feel like I’m not measuring up to Carol’s standards. I’ve spoken to my boss about my concerns, and while I thought the conversation was productive, I worry that I might have misstepped. The organization at the center is lacking; I was hired quickly, and only after starting did my manager create a cleaning schedule for patient rooms. Carol and George have been texting each other off-hours instead of utilizing the schedule. I’m feeling frustrated and emotional, and I’m not sure how to navigate this situation. I want to make this job work since the pay is good and it’s not direct customer service, which I struggle with due to my neurodivergence. I just hope I can find a way to get along with my coworkers and improve the overall atmosphere.

I recently decided to apply directly to jobs on staffing agency websites instead of going through recruiters. I submitted a lot of applications today while searching for opportunities in Chicago. I'm curious if anyone else has had any success with this approach. I've heard mixed reviews; some say staffing sites can feel like black holes where resumes just disappear without a trace. I've also read that following up with a recruiter after applying can significantly improve my chances. I'm eager to hear about others' experiences!

I’ve been feeling a mix of guilt and restlessness lately as I explore new job opportunities outside of my current role in education. I work at a wonderful school with great kids and supportive staff, including a principal who is kind and understanding. They trust me, and I genuinely feel valued there, which makes the idea of leaving really tough. Despite this, I find myself bored and uninspired, craving something more creative and fast-paced that challenges me. I know I have a good job, but I’m not happy in it, and I wonder if I’m rushing my decision to leave after just a year. I could ask for a raise and give it more time, but I also worry that staying might be a mistake. I’m mostly venting here, but if anyone has advice on navigating this feeling of guilt while seeking something that excites me, I’d really appreciate it.

I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal behaviour and welfare, and I also invested £4,000 in a canine hydrotherapy qualification. Unfortunately, I've found that there are no job opportunities in canine rehabilitation, and I'm reluctant to pursue a master's degree due to the additional financial burden and the prospect of earning minimum wage with a higher tax rate. It's now been four months since I graduated, and I'm feeling quite anxious as I have no income. My zero-hour contract job unexpectedly let me go without any notice, and my savings are quickly dwindling. I've started looking at job openings in recruitment and local council roles that don't require specific experience, but I'm struggling with how to present my CV. For the past three years, I've focused entirely on animal-related jobs and a self-employed role, which doesn't align with these new opportunities. I do have some prior experience as a supervisor in a restaurant, but that was four years ago. I'm feeling lost and desperate for guidance on how to pivot my CV to fit these new roles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I wanted to share a cautionary note for my fellow tech workers in the US. I've been on the job hunt recently and noticed a troubling trend with corporate job postings, particularly for roles like Senior, Lead, or Solution Design. It seems that many of these positions are tied to companies that heavily rely on offshore operations, especially in India. If you’re not of South Asian descent, I recommend saving your time and energy by steering clear of these vague listings. From my experience, the hiring process often feels like a mere formality, where the real decision-makers are part of a closed network that tends to favor candidates who share their cultural background and communication style. The interview process can feel like a bureaucratic exercise, designed more to meet HR metrics than to genuinely evaluate talent. I’ve noticed that these companies have shifted most of their engineering and operational work to Global Capability Hubs in India, leaving only a few token roles in the US that serve more as gatekeepers. The job descriptions are often filled with generic buzzwords like 'cloud modernization' but lack any specific technical details, which is a clear sign that the US team isn’t involved in the actual execution. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I suggest asking for the hiring manager's first name during the recruiter screening. It might help you identify whether it's worth your time to pursue these opportunities.

I’ve worked 4 jobs in the last 10 years, with my longest tenure being 4 years. I was laid off from my federal job at the IRS last year and found a temporary role in February. Currently, I'm interviewing for two positions at finance firms. My background is primarily in estate and trust law and wealth management. During my interviews, both a partner and a vice president commented on my job history, noting that I’ve changed jobs multiple times. They asked if I could see myself staying long-term in a role. I’ve wanted to settle into each position, but circumstances often led to my departure. For instance, at my last job for 4 years, I hit a pay cap, and at the IRS, my position was eliminated after 18 months. One of my previous roles required extensive travel, which became unsustainable, and another ended when the attorney I worked for was disbarred, causing the firm to close. I’ve been told by a resume reviewer that having 4 jobs in a decade might be seen as job hopping, which surprised me. I always thought job hopping referred to having gaps in employment or switching jobs frequently without good reason. I’m now questioning if my job history will be a red flag for potential employers.

I graduated with a Computer Science degree in 2024 and have been on quite the job search journey since then. I started keeping track of my applications from January 1, 2026, but honestly, I didn't keep a good record before that, so the total number of applications is likely double or triple what I have now. To manage my student loans while searching for a job, I took a retail position that lasted about a year. I quit that job two months ago, and I'm thrilled to share that I've secured a full-time position in public education! I'm currently going through the background check and training process, but I should be starting this month. I'm not sure how it will go, but I'm relieved to finally have a full-time job that can kickstart my career. Interestingly, I didn't find this job or my previous retail job through the usual job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. I always applied directly when possible, but these positions weren't advertised there, or I simply missed them.

I recently graduated with a Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Administration, focusing on quality management and patient safety. Since December, I've been applying for jobs but have only received a handful of screenings, two interviews, and countless rejections. It's been incredibly frustrating, especially since I'm now open to any work, not just my initial focus on epidemiological data analytics and prevention work. Despite having a BS in Public Health and a minor in Biology, I just got rejected for a receptionist position less than an hour after submitting my application. I have relevant experience and the necessary technical skills, so it's disheartening to face such quick rejections. I've also been ghosted after screenings that I thought went well, which adds to my frustration. Now I'm questioning whether I should simplify my resume to improve my chances. I'm worried that my qualifications might be making me seem overqualified for basic roles, leading recruiters to think I wouldn't stick around long. Should I downplay my technical skills or remove references to my research and literary support roles? I'm really at a loss and could use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently encountered what feels like a scam while job hunting. I've been actively applying for positions through ZipRecruiter and sharing my resume widely. However, I was surprised to receive an email from a company called Danterr, which I never applied to. I reached out to them to inquire how they obtained my resume, but their response raised my skepticism even more. As someone based in the US, the fact that this company is Australian adds to my doubts. I've received advice from others suggesting that if I didn't apply for the position, it’s likely a scam. The comments I read emphasized trusting my intuition and pointed out that fake job postings often lure applicants with offers that sound too good to be true, like remote administrative work at $30/hr. It's concerning to think that these postings attract hundreds of applicants without needing to reach out directly. I'm definitely going to be more cautious moving forward.

I am currently applying to various small market stations across New York state. I'm focusing on positions that align with my skills and experience in broadcasting. It's a competitive job market, but I'm determined to find a role that fits my career goals.

I'm currently an unpaid intern at a local community government social service, dedicating about 30 hours a week to a mix of youth social work and operational tasks. I started this journey as a volunteer about a year and a half ago, and after expressing my interest in a more formal role, they created an internship position specifically for me. My supervisor mentioned that the team was eager to bring me on board, which felt validating. Since starting, I've taken on new responsibilities and have had numerous opportunities to learn and grow within the organization. This experience has truly solidified my passion for social work, and I hope to make it my career. As I enter my final year of undergrad, I'm planning to continue in this role, even though it's unpaid. I appreciate the learning experience, despite some colleagues feeling guilty about the lack of compensation. I understand the organization is underfunded, but I'm concerned about the sustainability of this arrangement after graduation. I'm hopeful they will offer me a paid position eventually, though I'm trying to manage my expectations. I've recommended the volunteer-to-intern route to others interested in social work, as it has worked well for me. I'm curious about how far others have taken this path and whether recruiters will see my growth here as valuable if I don't end up with a job at this organization.

Today, I received a call from a plumbing company after applying for a position. I'm 18, just out of high school, and I may have exaggerated my experience on my resume. I listed "contracting experience" with details that my school teacher helped me write, but the truth is, I haven't done any of that work in years. I forgot how to use basic tools and even how to hold a hammer properly. The hiring manager seemed impressed with my supposed experience and wants me to come in for an interview. He mentioned he’d send me the application online, but he really wants to meet in person. I'm feeling anxious because I know I can't fake my way through this. I don't want to show up and look clueless about basic plumbing tasks or tool usage. I’m considering my options, but I know I need to be honest about my skills before it backfires.

I've been actively submitting job applications since I decided to move to a smaller town in my state. For the past three years, I've worked for the largest insurer in my area, but now I'm facing a tough job market. I've applied to over 40 positions, and the results have been discouraging. Most of my applications seem to disappear into a black hole, sitting for 2-4 months without any updates, only to eventually receive a rejection. A few others have rejected me within just 1-2 business days. I did manage to secure one interview that I felt went really well, but unfortunately, I was informed afterward that they decided not to move forward with my application. I believe I am well qualified for the roles I'm applying for, and in some cases, even overqualified. I've tried using AI tools to tailor my resume and have also attempted networking, but it's challenging to connect with people in a new city where I don't know anyone. At this point, I'm considering applying for Amazon warehouse jobs or other manual labor positions just to make ends meet.

I was laid off 10 months ago and I feel completely lost and scared about my situation. With two years of experience under my belt, I've been applying to various jobs that match my skills, as well as some that are a bit of a stretch. I've managed to secure a good number of interviews, but unfortunately, no offers have come through yet. It's a frustrating and disheartening experience, and I feel stuck. I've been actively networking with people in the industry, sending out tailored cover letters, and preparing thoroughly for interviews, but nothing seems to be working. My financial situation is becoming increasingly dire; I’m living off my retirement savings and trying to manage my weekly grocery expenses while paying rent. I feel guilty for spending on groceries, but I refuse to eat just rice and beans—it would only make my mental state worse. I qualified for EBT, but I haven’t received any assistance in months, which adds to my anxiety. I worry constantly about my living situation, even though my rent is currently paid. The job market feels incredibly bleak, and I often feel like an imposter, doubting my skills and abilities, especially after a negative experience with my last manager who was fired after I reported her. My confidence is at an all-time low. I keep applying for jobs, but it feels like I’m not making any progress. I find myself venting to my friends, and I feel bad for burdening them with my struggles. I recently went out to pick up free pet supplies for my foster pets, and as I walked past restaurants, I longed to enjoy those experiences, but my financial constraints hold me back. I can't shake this feeling of failure for not being able to secure stable employment, and being neurodiverse adds another layer of humiliation. I just needed to vent and express how overwhelmed I feel. Thank you for listening.

I’m a 32-year-old with a degree in Public Relations and eight years of work experience that hasn’t really built my career. I graduated in 2017 and took a front desk job at a physician's office, thinking it would be temporary, but I ended up staying there for five years. I got comfortable and underpaid, and honestly, I was scared of rejection, which kept me from looking for other opportunities. In 2023, I moved to a second physician's office for a year and then landed an office manager role at a financial advisor firm with a $10k pay bump. Unfortunately, I was laid off a little over a year later and spent six months unemployed. Now, I’m back in a similar role at another advisory firm, but I find myself with a lot of downtime to reflect on my career path and how I feel behind. I realize I don’t have any specialized skills or a niche, just a degree that I never really utilized and a resume filled with administrative roles. I hear everyone talking about how brutal the job market is right now, and while I believe it, I can’t help but wonder if I’m just using that as an excuse to avoid taking action. If you were in my position, what would you do next?

I just learned that VideoAmp has laid off some of its staff as they shift focus towards AI technology. As someone who has been following the company closely, it's concerning to see how the rise of AI is impacting jobs in our industry. I'm currently assessing my own situation and considering my next steps in the job market.

I was recently laid off from my position at Citi while I was on vacation. I received a phone call that completely blindsided me. It was a tough moment, and I found myself reflecting on my identity and what this change means for me. I know that I need to focus on finding a new job to pay my bills, but it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss. The way it happened felt very impersonal and left me feeling unsettled. I'm trying to navigate this transition and figure out my next steps.

I am currently seeking to transition from my role as a Retail Operations Leader into Business Operations. With over 15 years of leadership and operations experience in retail and multi-unit environments, I've managed teams of over 40 employees and have been responsible for various aspects of operations, including training, process improvement, and performance management. I hold a B.S. in Computer Information Systems, but I'm not looking to dive into a technical IT role. I'm particularly interested in roles like Business Operations Manager or Operations Program Manager, but I've faced challenges getting employers to see my experience as applicable outside of retail. I'm eager to leverage my existing skills in a new industry and am open to onsite, hybrid, or remote opportunities. If anyone has advice, recommendations, or referrals for companies that hire for Business Operations roles, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm happy to share my resume privately as well.

I'm currently navigating the unemployment process in Pennsylvania and I'm struggling to set up direct deposit for my benefits. I've been receiving paper checks, but I lost my first one and I really want to avoid that hassle again. I can't seem to find the 'claimant dashboard' where I'm supposed to set up direct deposit. Is this feature located in the same portal where I file my weekly claims? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently facing a layoff that is scheduled to take effect in over a month. As I navigate my job search, I'm unsure how to answer the question about my employment status on applications. I want to be honest, but I also don't want to jeopardize my chances of landing a new role. Right now, I am employed, so I feel inclined to answer 'YES' to the question of whether I am currently employed. However, I worry that if the hiring process takes a long time and my layoff date arrives, it could create confusion during the background check when they find out I'm no longer employed. I've read that employers typically don’t know about future layoffs unless disclosed, and that I shouldn't have to mention it. Many suggest I should stick with 'YES' until the layoff officially happens, as employment verification processes usually just check the dates of employment. I’ve also seen advice that if I get a new job and then get laid off shortly after, I can explain that it was a layoff that occurred after I accepted the new position. Ultimately, I think I will answer 'YES' on applications because, as of today, I am employed. I just need to keep in mind that I can clarify my situation if it comes up during interviews.