Thinking

I recently received a verbal offer after months of unemployment and dealing with health issues, and I'm struggling to come to terms with it. I’ve been looking for a role in the white-collar tech sector, and while I should feel excited, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m settling for significantly less pay than I know I could earn at a top AI or fintech company. It’s frustrating because I know I have the skills to excel in those environments, yet here I am, feeling like I’m just taking what I can get. I keep telling myself that having any job is better than being unemployed, especially in the high cost of living Bay Area and with the current uncertainty in the job market. I understand that this could be a stepping stone to better opportunities, but it’s hard not to feel a bruise to my ego. I wish I could say I found a great job with a pay increase, instead of feeling like I’m just settling. I’m hoping to get some perspective on this situation.

I was laid off from my job in Texas in mid-May and signed a separation agreement that included 8 weeks of severance pay. After my employment ended, I applied for unemployment benefits and reported the severance when I received it in mid-June. Recently, I received a decision stating that I was overpaid for the 8 weeks following my layoff due to the severance. I'm now considering appealing this decision and want to clarify my situation. In the separation agreement, it specifies that 10% of the severance payment is allocated for confidentiality obligations, which I believe should exclude that portion from being considered as severance under Texas law. Additionally, the remaining 90% of the severance is stated to be based on my role and tenure with the firm, which I think may also exclude it from being classified as severance under the same legal section. I have a recorded call with my former employer where they confirmed that my severance was calculated based on my position and length of service, along with a follow-up email reiterating that I was receiving the maximum severance amount according to company policy. Given these points, I'm wondering if I have a solid case for an appeal. Has anyone else had success with this type of appeal? I would appreciate any advice or insights on how to approach this situation, including tips on the appeal process or any potential challenges I might face.

I've been feeling really stuck in my life lately, especially when it comes to my job situation. I'm almost 30 and still living with my parents, which I'm grateful for, but it also makes me feel like my life is completely tied to them. Ever since COVID hit, I've been trying to find any job that pays even a little bit, but it's been a struggle. In my entire decade of working, the highest I've ever made was $13 an hour, and that was only for part-time work. I've applied to countless positions, but no one seems to want to hire me, not even for free. It's been years of searching, and honestly, I've almost given up hope. I feel like when my parents are no longer around, I won't have anything left to hold onto. I have no savings, no assets, and I can't even imagine how I'd survive without them. It's disheartening to think that I might end up with nothing when they pass away. I've lost the motivation to care about my future, and it's disappointing to feel like I'm not living up to their expectations. I know I should have more faith in myself, but right now, it just feels overwhelming.

I recently accepted a job offer and just completed my HireRight background check. I had a short-term job that lasted about 2.5 months, which I didn't mention during the interview process because the company was using an older resume I had submitted before taking that position. I was concerned that mentioning such a brief stint would hurt my chances of getting hired. Additionally, I froze my The Work Number (TWN) report, but I confirmed that the short-term job does appear there before freezing it. The HireRight application only asked for my full name, current address, and Social Security Number. Now, I'm left with a few questions: 1. If my TWN is frozen, what happens if HireRight tries to verify my employment? 2. Will HireRight contact me if they can't access my TWN report? 3. The biggest question on my mind: Does the fact that they didn't ask for my employment history suggest that employment verification isn't part of my background check? I would appreciate any insights from others who have gone through a similar experience with HireRight.

I’m currently looking to switch gears and apply for some busser and dishwasher positions at local restaurants. My last experience in the food service industry was back in 1998 and 2000, when I bused tables and tended bar. I’m worried that there will be a lot of candidates with more recent experience, and I’m unsure how to present my resume. Should I just focus on my past roles in the restaurant industry and leave out my more recent work as a freelance writer and associate creative director? I doubt those titles will impress anyone in the restaurant field. Any advice on how to tailor my resume for this change would be appreciated!

I'm currently evaluating two job offers for a Customer Support role and could use some advice on which one to choose. **Offer 1:** - Salary: ₹26,000/month - Shift: 8.5 hours with weekends off - Payment: Salary paid every 15 days - Night allowance: Paid quarterly - Benefits: No Provident Fund (PF), only 1 leave per month, and one-third of the first salary is held as security, which is returned only upon leaving the job. **Offer 2:** - Salary: ₹26,000/month plus incentives - Shift: 9 hours with rotational shifts - Days off: 2 weekly days off - Leave: 1.75 leaves per month - Benefits: PF provided. I'm leaning towards the first offer because of the fixed weekends off, but I'm worried about the lack of PF, the security deposit, and the limited leave. On the other hand, the second offer seems better for long-term benefits with PF, more leave, and incentives, despite the rotational shifts. I would really appreciate any insights or personal experiences that could help me make this decision. Thanks!

I recently got laid off from my position, but I still have to work for another month at the company. It's been really uncomfortable since I'm the only one in this situation, and my coworkers are acting awkwardly around me. I feel like I'm in a humiliation ritual for the next five weeks. While I'm personally handling it well and staying optimistic about finding a new job, I can't help but feel a sense of shame. I'm looking for advice on how to cope with this awkwardness and the feelings of shame that come with being the only one laid off.

I recently joined an audit firm in Dubai as an intern about 8 months ago, and I’m feeling quite frustrated with my experience so far. Initially, I was excited to learn and grow, but I’ve felt that my efforts and progress have gone largely unrecognized. During my first couple of months, I was mostly sitting idle due to the off-season, and I didn't receive any formal training, which left me feeling lost. After a month and a half, I finally got assigned to work with a senior, but I struggled due to the lack of guidance. I raised my concerns with my manager, expressing my need for more support without criticizing my senior. However, it seems that my feedback has been held against me, and I still feel judged for it. In the last few months, I’ve made an effort to learn and take on responsibilities beyond what’s typical for an intern. But recently, I received an official warning from my manager primarily about my attendance and breaks, which I acknowledge I need to improve. I’ve been arriving late and taking longer breaks than allowed, but I followed the lead of my colleagues who seemed to do the same. The warning escalated beyond attendance issues, with my manager questioning my output and capabilities. I felt dismissed when I tried to explain my situation, and it hurt to hear that my progress was being minimized, especially considering that I was not given much work or training for a significant part of my internship. To make matters worse, I learned that my friend’s manager labeled me as a “bad influence” because of my habits, which felt incredibly unfair. I’m earning 3,000 AED per month and balancing work with ACCA exams and personal challenges. Now, I’m at a crossroads. I know I need to improve my punctuality and adherence to company rules, but I also feel that the environment hasn’t been conducive to my growth. I’m contemplating whether to stay until I finish my ACCA exams in December 2026 or start looking for other opportunities, knowing that resigning would come with a hefty training cost and a lengthy notice period. Additionally, there’s a potential promotion in November that could lead to a slight pay increase. I’m trying to assess if I’m avoiding accountability or if this is an unhealthy work environment. Any advice would be appreciated.

I've been struggling with chronic underemployment for quite some time now, hopping from one job to another without finding a stable position that truly fits my skills and aspirations. I often feel stuck in a cycle of low-paying, part-time jobs that don't utilize my full potential. I'm looking for advice on how to break free from this pattern and find a more fulfilling and stable career path. Any tips on job searching strategies, networking, or skills development would be greatly appreciated.

I just found out that my close friend, who had been with her company for a decade, got fired yesterday. It’s been a tough year for both of us; I was unexpectedly laid off earlier this year, which really threw me for a loop, but I recently started a new job that feels like a great fit. However, hearing about her situation is really weighing on me. At 63, she was hoping to stay at her job until she could qualify for social security at 65. The stress of her role was intense, and I know that from my own experience there before I left. Now, she’s in a tough spot, and I’m worried about her financial stability. She doesn’t have much saved for retirement, and the job market is brutal, especially for someone her age. I want to help her navigate this difficult time. I’m considering scanning job boards and sending her links to relevant positions, but I’m also thinking about helping her update her resume and LinkedIn profile to make sure she stands out in today’s job market. Additionally, I’ve heard that applying for unemployment benefits could provide her with some financial relief while she looks for a new job. I really hope I can support her through this. It’s heartbreaking to see someone so capable and intelligent facing such a challenging situation.

I recently found out that I may be ineligible for unemployment benefits after being laid off from my job at a nonprofit organization. I worked out of an office in Illinois, but the nonprofit's headquarters are in Colorado. Despite being a full-time employee and paying regular Illinois taxes, it seems that my employer did not report my wages to the state of Illinois. This has left me confused and frustrated, as I had no idea that this was even a possibility. I’m now trying to figure out if there’s any way I can qualify for unemployment benefits. Is it possible for me to seek unemployment in Colorado, even though I don’t live there? Or are remote employees in similar situations just out of luck when it comes to unemployment? I’ve heard from others that since the organization has more than four employees, they should have been reporting my wages to Illinois. If they reported to Colorado instead, it seems they may have made a mistake. I’m considering filing for unemployment in Colorado, but I’m not sure if that will work since I didn’t actually work there. I’m also looking into my paystubs to see where the state taxes were reported. This whole situation is really stressful, and I just want to know my options.

I got laid off two months ago from my role as a Java developer, where I had two years of experience with Java, Spring, and Spring Boot. In these two months, I've only managed to secure three interview opportunities, with today being the third one. During the interview, I was asked about Vert.x, a framework I had never heard of until recently. I spent my limited time learning about it, but I still struggled with some advanced questions. What hurt the most wasn't the lack of knowledge but the realization that years of hard work could be dismissed in a matter of minutes due to a few unanswered questions. The offered package was lower than my previous one, and I felt like my experience wasn't valued. It seems like the interview process has changed; one wrong answer can overshadow everything I've accomplished. With more candidates and the influence of AI, my skills feel less relevant. I often question if I chose the right career path, especially when comparing myself to friends who found better-paying jobs. Being in this limbo of having exactly two years of experience makes me feel stuck. I even faced a demoralizing moment when someone questioned my English skills after my layoff, despite my background in a product-based company. I know I'll continue to learn new technologies, but it's exhausting to feel like I'm constantly proving my worth. I'm sharing this because I know many developers feel the same way, and it's tough to keep demonstrating that our skills still hold value.

Today, I learned about a really unfortunate way to handle layoffs at my family member's company. They had a company-wide call scheduled for 9 AM, and everyone was on edge because they knew something was up. The company has been struggling due to circumstances beyond their control, and during the call, they announced that they would be sending out emails at 9:45 to inform employees whether or not they were laid off. This meant that everyone had to sit there for 25 minutes, anxiously waiting to see if they would be the ones getting the ax. It felt incredibly cruel to put everyone through that. My family member ended up being laid off, which was heartbreaking. I can't help but wonder if this is a common way to handle mass layoffs, as I've never experienced anything like it myself.

I was laid off last month from a multinational company where I had built an 8-year career. This was my first job right out of college, and now in my early 30s, I find myself at a crossroads. My role was quite niche, and there aren't many openings in that area since those in similar positions are holding on tightly to their jobs. I'm considering a career pivot, but I know that if I switch to another function, even if it's adjacent, I might have to start from the bottom again. I have transferable skills, but I'm unsure how this change will impact my career trajectory. I usually think of my career as a stackable game, where each experience builds on the last. I'm worried that a course change might set me back compared to those who have a more linear path. Has anyone else experienced this? How did your transition go?

I'm currently struggling to find a job at 17 years old, and it's been quite frustrating. I'm in my senior year of high school and have been actively searching for employment since January. I know my age might be a factor, but I have a solid resume that includes work experience and a certification in business management that I earned while studying. It's disheartening to see my peers landing jobs while I keep getting turned away. I've applied to various positions, but I'm starting to wonder if my resume needs more attention or if I should be looking at smaller businesses instead of larger chains. Any advice on how to improve my chances would be greatly appreciated.

I just learned that Salesforce is cutting 59 jobs across their Seattle and Bellevue offices. This is actually the second layoff announcement from the company this week, which is quite concerning. It feels like the atmosphere here is getting tense, and I can't help but wonder how many more layoffs might be on the horizon. Some people in the comments are suggesting that they should just fire everyone, which seems extreme but reflects the frustration many are feeling right now. I'm hoping to stay informed and prepared as this situation develops.

I am currently trying to transition from a traditional K-12 teaching role to a corporate position, which feels like a big shift for me. I have six years of teaching experience, but I lack any formal experience in educational roles like instructional design outside of a school environment. I'm debating whether it's appropriate for me to apply to job postings labeled as 'early career.' I've been struggling to get responses to my applications, and I wonder if my lack of diverse experience is the reason. I am tailoring my resume to align with the language used in the job postings, but I'm still not seeing results. I've received advice that applying to early career roles is a good idea, as this typically means entry-level positions in that specific field rather than a complete lack of professional experience. My teaching background has equipped me with valuable skills like planning, communication, and managing a classroom, but I'm concerned that it doesn't translate well on paper for corporate roles.

I recently started a trainee position at a multinational company in a field where I have significant expertise, but it's been a waking nightmare. My background is in construction management, and I've developed a strong skill set in this other area over the years, which I can't disclose due to the small nature of the field and the risk of my coworkers identifying me. After being unemployed like many others, I thought this role would be a stepping stone to utilize my knowledge, but instead, I'm stuck doing warehouse work that feels beneath my capabilities. The practices here are questionable at best, and they blatantly disregard employment laws. To make matters worse, my experience is treated with skepticism, and I often find myself being mocked for it. Despite breaking company production records on my third day, my achievements go unnoticed. The management seems oblivious to the economic factors impacting our work, and when I try to warn my boss about potential issues, my advice is ignored until it's too late. I feel trapped; if I didn't need this job to pay my bills, I would have left after the first week. Instead, I'm left watching this company waste potential while I struggle with anxiety every week. It's incredibly frustrating, but I know I need to keep applying for other jobs and find a way to leverage this experience on my resume.

I recently accepted a job offer for what I consider my dream position after leaving a toxic work environment. I'm currently waiting for the background check to be completed. However, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. When I applied for the job months ago, my resume was accurate, but after submitting it, I took on a short-term role for about 2.5 months, which I resigned from just yesterday. During the interview process, I relied on my original resume and didn't mention this short-term job. When asked about my last job, I explained why I left and mentioned taking a break to find the right fit. In my final interview, I was specifically asked when I left my last company, and I stated I left in 2025, omitting the short-term role entirely since I was concerned it might negatively impact my chances of getting the job. Now, I'm worried about the background check. I checked my TWN report, and the short-term job is listed there. My main questions are: should I disclose this 2.5-month position if the background check asks for my employment history, even though it wasn't on my resume? Also, will the employer see everything I provide in the background check form, or just the final outcome? I know I could have approached this differently, but I'm trying to do the right thing moving forward. I really need this job and would appreciate any guidance.

I recently accepted a job as an Administrative Assistant after being out of work since May 2025. The pay is quite disappointing, dropping from my previous salary of $73k plus bonuses to just $34k. My husband was also laid off in March, which adds to the stress. Although our cost of living is low, I can't help but feel sad about the pay cut after submitting over 300 applications and going through 50 interviews. I'm trying to stay positive, hoping that this position at a small college will allow me to finish my master's degree and that it will be easier to find a better job in a year. I'm also considering doing part-time virtual assistant work on the side while managing this new job.