Thinking

I just learned that Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, has begun laying off staff. This news comes right after Xbox announced that it might face closure. It's disheartening to see a company I admire go through such tough times. Some people in the community are speculating about the direction of Hellblade 2, suggesting that the high budget and artistic approach might not align with what the market wants. They believe a more action-oriented game, similar to God of War (2018), would have been a better choice. It seems like Microsoft hasn't provided enough oversight, leading to this situation. I'm worried about the future of the studio and the impact on the team.

I had a really tough experience recently after being laid off from my software engineering job back in April 2023. Since then, I've been actively applying for new positions but facing a lot of rejections. To improve my chances, I started reaching out to friends for referrals, hoping they could help me get past the initial screening process. Some of them were genuinely supportive, but others really surprised me with their responses. One friend, who used to rely on me for help during our college days, told me there were no openings at his company. The next day, I saw him liking a LinkedIn post about their job openings! Another friend, who works in a different field (Analytics/Data Science), suggested I consider government jobs instead and even mentioned bribing my way into one, which I found completely off-putting. He offered to refer me but then went silent after our conversation. This whole experience made me realize how some people can be toxic and unsupportive when you're down. It’s disheartening to see how jealousy and greed can overshadow genuine friendship. Thankfully, I do have a few true friends who have been there for me, and I feel grateful for their support.

I've been with my current tech company for over 4 years, starting as an Individual Contributor and working my way up to Senior Manager. Initially, I loved my job and received a lot of praise for my ability to save at-risk accounts. The pay was good, and I was generally happy despite the demanding pace. However, this year, everything changed when my manager switched. Although they are nice, they often withhold information, leaving me feeling disconnected from the truth about our department. The atmosphere has turned chaotic, with co-workers bickering and burnout becoming widespread. Now, I'm considering a new opportunity with a different company that offers a similar role but with slightly less pay and benefits. They are eager for me to join, especially since they are building their teams from scratch, and a former VP of mine has been trying to recruit me for years. I know I'm burnt out, but I'm conflicted about leaving my current role, even if it no longer feels like the job I loved. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? What did you consider when making your decision?

I was laid off a month ago from my role as a Senior Product Manager in a fintech company, where I had spent 8 years contributing to major projects and driving results. I was blindsided by the layoff, especially since it happened during my annual leave and I had no backup plan in place. Since then, I've been on the hunt for a new PM position, but the job market feels incredibly unstable right now. I've applied to 65 jobs in the past month, but I've only managed to secure 3 interviews, with 2 of them reaching the final round. Unfortunately, both roles were put on hold, which has been disheartening. The competition is fierce, especially for remote positions, as there are hundreds of applicants for each role. I'm starting to lose my motivation, feeling like every day is just a repeat of the last. I wonder if this situation will improve anytime soon. Has anyone else experienced similar challenges in finding a job as an experienced PM? How are you coping with the current job market?

I am currently in the hiring process with a large company for a position I interviewed for. I've completed two rounds of interviews—one with a recruiter and the second with the team leader and two technical team members. Recently, I received an email asking me to provide personal information and several documents to complete a background check, but I haven’t received a formal job offer yet. When I followed up for an update two weeks later, I was informed that I am among the finalists and should expect an update this week. This is the first time I've encountered a background check being conducted for multiple candidates simultaneously. While I was feeling confident about my chances, I now realize that I need to temper my expectations as the outcome could go either way.

I had an interview for a position almost two weeks ago, and shortly after, I received an offer for a different role in the same division. We had a follow-up meeting to discuss the job responsibilities, pay, and timeline for hiring. During that meeting, I requested the maximum salary, which is still quite low at $20/hour. They mentioned they would consult with HR to see how high they could go with the offer. I followed up the following Monday to check in, and I was told that HR would be in touch soon. Now, it’s been another week since that last update, and I’m contemplating whether I should reach out again for an update. I’m eager to know about the pay and when I can expect a written offer, but I want to remain professional and not seem too pushy.

I’ve been trying to network with Talent Acquisition Recruiters on LinkedIn for the past three months, thinking it would help me land a job. I added around 100 recruiters and engaged with their hiring posts, but I haven’t received any responses or noticed any increase in job opportunities. It feels like a waste of time, and I’m starting to wonder if this approach is actually counterproductive. I’m not applying for positions that I’m not qualified for; I’m targeting roles that match my background and experience. However, it seems like recruiters are overwhelmed with requests and don’t take the time to look at my profile. I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether connecting with recruiters is beneficial, and I’m curious if anyone else has had success with this method. I’ve been advised to focus on specific roles and reach out to the recruiter associated with that position rather than just mass connecting. It makes sense, but I’m still feeling frustrated with the job search process and the impact of AI in hiring. Has anyone found a better strategy that works?

I recently experienced a major setback when my husband was terminated from a business he built from the ground up. He has an MBA from IIM and nearly a decade of experience, starting in banking and moving into corporate roles in business development and leadership. A few years back, he met an older gentleman who needed help with managing his demat and share-related work. Initially, my husband assisted him without any payment while still employed elsewhere. Eventually, this man offered him a position to help build the business. My husband took a leap of faith and accepted the role, starting from almost nothing. Over three years, he grew the business significantly, building it to crores and forming a team of around 13 people, while managing operations almost single-handedly in the beginning. However, after reaching a stable point, he was unexpectedly terminated, with the company citing a decline in performance. This was especially painful given the changes in his compensation structure over the years, which went from 12% to 10%, then 5%, and ultimately to nothing. The employment terms were altered multiple times, and there are ongoing issues regarding his variable payments and dues. I understand that businesses evolve and performance can fluctuate, but it feels unjust that someone who laid the foundation is now treated as if their contributions are insignificant. It's heartbreaking to see him go through this, especially after dedicating years of hard work and trust. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced similar situations: What steps should he take now? Should he pursue the unpaid dues? Is consulting an employment lawyer advisable? And how can he frame this experience positively in future interviews?

Today marked a disappointing turn in my job journey. I recently passed an interview and was excited to start my first training day at the new project. After a month of being unemployed, I felt hopeful and energized. However, by the end of the day, I learned that I had forgotten to complete a self-learning exam, which led to my rejection from the project. My HR did her best to advocate for me with the manager, but ultimately it didn't work out. Now, I find myself without a place to go tomorrow, and it's hard not to feel like this is a sign that I’m not ready yet. I take full responsibility for this setback, and it hurts deeply.

I was laid off two months ago after a decade-long career, and I can't help but reflect on how AI played a role in my situation. Initially, I felt the sting of losing my job, which was my main source of income, and like many, I was consumed by immediate concerns—bills, food, and family responsibilities. But as time has passed, I've moved through the stages of grief and found myself in a place of acceptance. I've started to think about the long-term implications of AI and technology on humanity. Sure, losing my job hurts, but I believe that in the grand scheme of things, we might be on the brink of a significant evolution in how we live and work. I envision a future, perhaps in 2126, where advancements driven by AI lead to a better quality of life for everyone. It's easy to focus on the pain of the present, but I think we need to shift our perspective. Historical layoffs during times of great change have often paved the way for progress. While I acknowledge that suffering is real and individual experiences matter, I also believe that resisting change for our own comfort might hinder future generations from benefiting from advancements we can't even imagine yet. This new mindset has brought me some peace. Yes, the future might be uncertain and filled with challenges, but I find solace in the idea that our sacrifices today could contribute to a better tomorrow for humanity as a whole. So, instead of fearing AI, I’m trying to embrace the potential it holds for the future.

I was recently laid off and it made me reflect deeply on the nature of employment. It's frustrating because I always felt I was fulfilling my part of the agreement with my employer. I dedicated myself to my role, structured my life around it, and made long-term plans based on that commitment. Yet, when the layoffs happened, it felt like the company pulled the rug out from under me without any consideration for the sacrifices I made. I wasn't left feeling inadequate or like a failure; instead, I was filled with anger and betrayal. It’s the employer who failed to uphold their end of the deal, not me. I believe that the focus should shift from blaming laid-off workers to scrutinizing the companies that make such decisions. They are the ones who can't retain talent or manage their resources effectively. I think it's important for us to have this conversation. We should view layoffs as a reflection of the company's weaknesses rather than a personal failure. It’s time we stop seeing laid-off employees as 'damaged goods' and start holding companies accountable for their actions.

I recently had my first ever interview for a consulting position, and it was quite an experience. I completely froze for about 10-15 seconds on every question they asked. The panel's reaction only made my anxiety worse, and I could feel the pressure mounting. It was really tough to regain my composure after each pause. I learned a lot from this experience, especially about handling nerves in high-pressure situations. I'm hoping to improve for my next interview.

I've been working in the health care sector, and things have been getting progressively worse. We are seeing fewer patients, which I suspect is due to management cutting back on marketing because of low funds. Six months ago, I was earning a decent salary, and everything seemed fine. Now, my pay has dropped significantly, and I'm making much less than before. I've applied to dozens of jobs, but I haven't received any responses. I'm feeling stuck and unsure whether I should quit and stay home or try to tough it out. I'm also wondering if this situation is common across the industry or if it's just my workplace.

I recently faced a tough situation where my role as an Associate Product Manager at an MNC became redundant. After nearly 9 years with the company, I was informed on August 13th that I needed to resign, which I did without hesitation. However, I was disappointed to find that I received no severance package at all. Instead, I was given payment for a 3-month notice period and gratuity, but nothing beyond that. Now, I'm contemplating whether I should reach out to HR and the leadership team in India, as well as my manager in the UK, to inquire about the lack of a severance package. I want to understand if there’s a standard severance policy for MNCs in India and if they would reconsider my situation. Additionally, I've lost my corporate health insurance, which is particularly concerning since I have an upcoming ACL and meniscus repair surgery planned for early November. This surgery, along with the necessary physiotherapy, is going to cost around 8 lakhs, and I had to postpone it due to my job situation. I'm considering asking the company for an ex-gratuity payment to help cover these medical expenses. I'm also curious about how others are coping after their roles have been made redundant. What strategies are you using to manage expenses after leaving your job? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. I try to send out 10 highly tailored resumes every day, but the process is exhausting and I dread it. I’ve been unemployed for a year now, and I’ve noticed that the only time I get interview requests is when I put in the effort to tailor my resume specifically for each job. However, it feels like a painful chore to create a new resume for every application. I’ve attempted mass applying, but that hasn’t worked for me either. I’m curious how others manage to keep going without hating every moment of this process. Some people suggested that I might be overhauling my resume too much instead of just tweaking it. I've been thinking about keeping a master resume that highlights all my achievements and selecting the most relevant ones for each application. Maybe that could make the process less daunting.

I've been working as a server for about a year now and I'm eager to move back to Southern California, where I've lived my whole life until September 2025. However, I don't have any major qualifications or certifications, which makes it challenging to secure a job before relocating. I've considered getting into trades, but the nearest trade school is over three hours away, so I'm leaning towards finding a job in my original city first. I'm looking for advice on how to find a decent-paying server position or any job that could help me make this move happen. I've heard that companies like Amazon are hiring for the upcoming peak season, and I've also been advised to check out seasonal retail positions or staffing agencies in the area. Any tips or leads would be greatly appreciated!

I recently applied for a few roles at Pareto and I've been doing some research on the company. I've come across a number of negative reviews online, which has made me a bit hesitant. I'm trying to figure out if these reviews reflect the actual work environment or if they are just outliers. I would love to hear from anyone who has worked there, especially regarding their graduate schemes. Are they worth pursuing or should I look elsewhere?

I was recently laid off from my Software Engineer position at a FAANG company after about a year. My situation was a bit complicated because my managers changed a few months into my tenure, and on my last day, they informed me that I wasn't meeting expectations. The feedback I received was primarily about my productivity and poor status updates, but I had never been placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) before this. I suspect that the layoff was more performance-based rather than just cost-cutting, especially since a few others were also let go at the same time. Now, as I prepare for upcoming behavioral interviews, I'm grappling with how to frame my layoff. I'm torn between saying I was laid off due to restructuring or being honest about the stack-ranked layoffs and my struggles with the new management. I lean towards the first option, but I worry that it might not be completely truthful, and I fear that hiring managers might find out the real reason from my previous employer. Additionally, I'm considering which experiences to highlight in my interviews. Should I focus on stories from my previous role, where I left on my own accord, or is it acceptable to use examples from my recent position, especially if I can get positive references from senior engineers? I feel that some stories from my last role showcase my skills better, but I'm concerned that the fact I was laid off might overshadow them. I'm reaching out for advice from anyone who's been through a similar experience. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I have a chat scheduled with someone from the team I applied to, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I'm really interested in this position, and I hope this conversation can help me stand out as a candidate. I want to make sure I approach it the right way, especially since I'm hoping for a referral. I've been searching for advice on what to ask, but most suggestions seem too generic, like typical coffee chat questions about hobbies or career paths. This isn't just a casual chat for me; there's a specific job opening I'm aiming for, and I want to make the most of this opportunity. I want to ask questions that will give me insights into the team dynamics and the role itself, while also sharing my background in a way that feels natural and not overly self-promotional. I'm looking for guidance on how to frame my experience without it coming off as just a pitch. Additionally, I need advice on how to bring up the possibility of a referral at the end of our conversation without making it feel transactional. If anyone has been in a similar position, I’d love to hear what questions you found effective or how you navigated these conversations.

I had my final interview for a position last week and received an email from the recruiter on Friday. They mentioned that the hiring manager is deliberating with the team over the weekend and that they would provide an update next week. I’m really interested in this job, and I’m considering whether I should respond to the recruiter. I’m thinking of sending a brief reply to thank them for the update and express my eagerness to hear back. I’ve seen advice suggesting that responding is a good idea, so I’m leaning towards that.