Thinking

I recently helped a friend who has been struggling to find a better job after being underemployed for a while. After reviewing her resume, I noticed she had an office manager position that lasted only 8 months, and she mentioned she was fired due to a loss prevention issue that she insists was not her fault. Knowing her character, I believe her, but I started to worry about the potential liability of including that position on her resume. To investigate further, I called the previous employer as if I were a hiring manager looking for employment verification. The response I received was shocking. The person on the other end sighed heavily when I mentioned her name and responded in a negative tone. He confirmed her employment dates and title but then bluntly stated, 'God no, absolutely not' when I asked if she was eligible for rehire. He went on to share the loss prevention story and more negative comments about her without me even prompting him. Now, I'm faced with a dilemma. This position is one of the strongest on her resume, but the negative feedback from her previous employer could be a significant obstacle in her job search. I’m considering whether to remove this position entirely from her resume to avoid potential issues, even though it would create an employment gap. I’m looking for advice on how to handle this situation.

I am currently searching for a job in Milwaukee, specifically near Brady Street and the east side downtown area. I have experience in dishwashing and cashiering, so I'm hoping to find something in those roles as soon as possible. Any leads or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I recently started my job search and quickly realized that networking is far more effective than just sending out resumes. It's been a tough transition, especially since I didn't choose to leave my last role at a tech company. I had to mentally prepare for the uncertainty and emotional churn that comes with this kind of change. I took some time to reassess what I really want in my next position before diving into job applications. I've noticed that applying blindly to jobs is a losing game right now. The number of applications per job opening has skyrocketed, and many postings are ghost jobs that were never going to be filled. Instead of just grinding away at applications, I've decided to focus on my network. Referrals account for about a third of actual hires, so I'm spending more time reaching out to former colleagues and mentors. I also started using AI tools not to send out mass applications, but to research companies that are growing and see if I have any connections there. I’ve been writing genuine LinkedIn recommendations for people I haven’t spoken to in a while, which has helped me reconnect with my network without any immediate ask. Additionally, I’m building a support circle with others who are going through similar challenges. It’s been great to share insights and strategies. Overall, I feel more focused and hopeful about my job search now.

Today, I found myself pondering the value of asking for job referrals from people I barely know. I've always relied on cold applications to land roles, but lately, it seems like recruiters are favoring candidates with LinkedIn connections. So, I finally decided to create an account and dive into the networking world. As I navigated my connections, I noticed several 2nd degree contacts at companies I'm interested in. While I recognize their names, I’ve only interacted with them a couple of times over the years, which makes the idea of asking for a referral feel awkward. I’ve come across advice suggesting that reaching out for a referral after some small talk can work, but it feels strange to ask someone to vouch for me when we don’t have a solid relationship. I’ve had success with anonymous platforms like Blind, where the culture is different, but LinkedIn feels more personal. I’m curious if anyone else has had success with these loose connections on LinkedIn. Is it worth the risk to reach out?

I received a message from Indeed about a job I applied for about two months ago. The message stated that my profile had been shortlisted and that I needed to secure an interview slot quickly, as they were filling up fast. It included a link to a site where I was supposed to book the interview. However, when I tried to access it on my PC, it said I needed a touchscreen and provided a QR code instead. Scanning the QR code led me to a site called hrcore.org, which prompted me to download an APK file labeled "indeed interview." I found this very suspicious and decided not to install it. I'm concerned this might be a scam, and I'm curious if anyone else has encountered a similar situation.

I am currently feeling desperate in my job search. I've been using the same resume for a while now, but it just doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere. Despite having certifications and a college degree, I feel like I'm stuck. I've even started to think about lying on my resume, which feels terrible, but my situation is getting critical. I have a child to support, and my husband is growing increasingly frustrated with my unemployment. I'm considering making some drastic changes to my resume, like trimming it down and focusing on the most relevant experiences, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. I really need to turn things around quickly.

I'm currently on my second day at L0v1sā, and I'm already overwhelmed and regretting my decision to accept this job. I was hired on the spot but didn't receive my schedule until the last minute. Despite informing them about an important event, they scheduled me for an 8-hour shift during that time. On my first day, I went through training, but it was chaotic. My coworkers openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the job and the company, and the supervisor is unresponsive and unhelpful. I've been working long hours—40 this week—without proper guidance. In fact, I've found myself teaching another new hire because the existing staff seems more interested in chatting than actually training us. Today, I was left to open the store by myself, but I was given the wrong key. I ended up opening late, which caused a lot of stress as customers were waiting. I almost had a panic attack trying to figure everything out with minimal instructions. My coworkers were annoyed with me for not having basic information, like pricing for piercings, which should have been provided. I made several mistakes because I was left to fend for myself, and now the team is stressed because we're behind schedule. There are so many red flags here—no manager or assistant manager, just a chaotic environment. I'm seriously considering sending in my two weeks' notice, but I'm unsure how to phrase it. Should I even bother with two weeks, or just walk away? This place feels like a disaster.

After spending 18 years in the tech industry, I recently experienced something I never thought I would: being ghosted late in the hiring process. I had gone through multiple interviews and was feeling optimistic about the opportunity, but then I just stopped hearing back from them. It's incredibly frustrating and disheartening. I'm now trying to figure out how to move on from this experience and not let it affect my job search. I appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation and keep my spirits up.

I received a text and call from a company that claimed they found my resume on ZipRecruiter, even though I hadn't applied to them. They had my first name, which made me wonder if it was a legitimate opportunity or just a scam. After some thought, I realized it seemed unlikely that a company would randomly search through the millions of resumes on ZipRecruiter when they could easily post a job and get plenty of qualified applicants. I'm leaning towards this being a scam.

I've been working at my current job for 2 years, and I absolutely love it. However, the daily 1.5-hour commute (3 hours round-trip) has become increasingly challenging, especially with my commitments as a graduate student, which also requires a long commute on weekends. Recently, due to structural changes at work, I found myself considering a job closer to home. I interviewed for an internal role at a different location, and to my surprise, they offered me the position right away. The new commute would only be 30 minutes one way, and it would also bring me closer to my parents. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I'm feeling bittersweet about leaving a job I truly enjoy and the great relationships I've built with my coworkers. I worry about whether I'll fit in with the new team and if I'll excel in the new role. I know I can apply my existing skills, but change is always a bit daunting. I value work-life balance, and with my packed schedule, the long commute just isn't sustainable anymore. I'm curious if anyone else has made a similar move from a job they loved to one closer to home and how they felt about it afterward.

I'm currently navigating a tricky situation with the U.S. company where I'm interning on a J1 visa in digital marketing. My internship ends in August, and I need to return to Argentina. I'm trying to negotiate a transition to continue working with them as a remote independent contractor. I've built a strong relationship with the company and have performed well, so there's genuine interest in keeping me on. However, I'm facing administrative hurdles. They claim they don't know how to pay me once I'm back in Argentina, citing complications with paperwork. Yet, I learned that another intern from Germany was offered a remote position without issues, which has left me confused. I suspect it might be a lack of information or fear of bureaucracy specific to my office. I'm planning to present them with a proposal that outlines practical solutions to ease their concerns. I'm seeking advice on transitioning from a J1 to independent contractor status, recommended payment platforms, and whether completing Form W-8BEN would suffice for their tax compliance. Any insights or experiences shared would be incredibly helpful as I try to move this process forward.

I received an interview invite from a company back in May for a position I was really excited about. It was scheduled for Thursday, but as the day approached, they texted me to say they had to reschedule due to technical issues. I was understanding and rescheduled for the following Wednesday, hoping everything would be sorted out by then. However, today I got an email saying they needed to reschedule again, this time without providing a reason. The earliest they could offer me was next Wednesday again, but at a later time. I'm starting to feel like this company might not want me to work for them at all. If that's the case, I wish they would just be upfront about it so I wouldn't keep holding onto false hope. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Sorry for venting.

I'm 18 and heading into my senior year of high school, but I'm having a tough time finding a summer job. I live in a rural area with limited options, and I haven't gotten my driver's license yet, which makes it hard to travel far. I've asked around, but most places are either fully staffed or not hiring at all. I did get offered a lifeguard position, but I'm not a strong swimmer and only swim once a year, so that's not a great fit for me. The other job opportunities are over 25 minutes away, and I don't have anyone to drive me since both my parents are working. I really want to secure a summer job to enhance my college resume, and I'm feeling stressed about not having one. I'm looking for any tips or advice on how to navigate this situation, especially since there are mostly small businesses around and no major supermarkets or big stores nearby.

I recently faced a tough decision between two job offers. About three weeks ago, I interviewed for a server position at an entertainment venue. The interview went well, but I had to wait around 40 minutes for the manager to see me, which made me wonder about their organization. After two weeks of silence, I assumed I was rejected and started applying elsewhere. I came across a hiring sign at a grocery store, asked about it, and was interviewed on the spot. They moved quickly, sending me a job offer within three days. Just as I was about to accept the grocery store position, the server job offer from the venue came through. I consulted friends for their opinions, and many pointed out that the grocery store showed more respect for my time. I don't want to dismiss the venue's offer outright, as I know the delay might not reflect the manager's capabilities, but it raises concerns about the company's overall organization. I aspire to work in the serving industry long-term, so I’m torn between taking the grocery job now and potentially missing out on the server opportunity later.

I interviewed for a position at a company 7 business days ago, speaking directly with the hiring manager. She indicated that the next step would involve an interview with her boss, but I haven't received any updates since then. Today, I noticed that the same job has been reposted under a different title, although the job duties remain unchanged. During my interview, the hiring manager specifically mentioned that the role was titled "HR Specialist" but they were looking for someone with a background in "Accounting," which aligns with my experience. The new job posting is titled "Accountant and HR Specialist," confirming it's for the same team. I'm curious about what this could mean for my application status. In the meantime, I've applied for the new role and informed HR about my application.

I had a phone screen interview for a position recently, and at the end, I was told that a supervisor would reach out within a few days to schedule an in-person interview. However, it's been almost five days now, and I haven't heard anything from them. I'm starting to wonder if I should still expect to be contacted or if this is a sign that I might be ghosted. I’m curious if anyone else has had a similar experience and what the outcome was. Should I keep my hopes up or continue my job search in the meantime?

I have my first job interview tomorrow for a part-time position as a housekeeper at a senior retirement residence. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, so I’m reaching out for some advice. I really want to make a good impression, especially since this is my first interview. I've heard that showing up on time and being reliable is crucial in this role, and I plan to emphasize that during the interview. I also want to make sure I come across as friendly and trustworthy, as I know they’ll be looking for someone who can get along well with the residents and staff. I appreciate any tips on how to handle questions, especially about problem-solving and conflicts. I want to be myself but also present my best self. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I experienced a temporary layoff from my job at a family-run business after a fire destroyed my apartment and affected my workplace in February. Thankfully, the damage to my work wasn't severe, but I was put on a layoff since it’s just my boss, his wife, and me running the operations. Initially, I welcomed the time off to grieve the loss of my home and our two cats. It allowed me to adjust to living back with my parents and to seek therapy. However, as time has passed, I've found it increasingly hard to fill my days in a fulfilling way. I engage in hobbies like crochet, video games, and arts and crafts, and I’m taking some online classes. I’m also planning summer trips with my boyfriend and friends, but when my boyfriend asks about my day, I struggle to share anything meaningful. My days feel monotonous, and while I don’t feel depressed, I sense a bit of aimlessness. My boyfriend is concerned about my mental health and the possibility of not returning to my job. I keep in touch with my boss, who has assured me he’ll let me know if my position is at risk. He plans to resume full operations by September, so I don’t feel the need to rush into finding another job just to quit later. I’ve told my boyfriend that if I’m not back to regular hours by then, I will seek other employment. For now, I’m just trying to navigate this uncertain period and would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

I'm 39 and feeling a bit stuck after being self-employed for nearly 4 years. I lost a $70K job in web/content due to restructuring, and since then, I've been running a few online stores. Unfortunately, my self-employment isn't bringing in consistent income, so I'm at a crossroads trying to decide my next steps. Ideally, I want to scale my business, but I know I can't rely on it full-time right now. I'm considering whether to return to full-time work or take a part-time job to supplement my income while I figure things out. I have a solid educational background with 10 years of post-secondary education in business, finance, insurance, and graphic design. My work experience spans banking, insurance, healthcare, and IT, but I've also done retail management over 15 years ago. I don't enjoy corporate environments or sales, and I've stepped away from graphic design outside my self-employment. I prefer roles that involve more movement and interaction. Recently, I found a part-time grocery store admin/systems role just 5 minutes from my home, offering $18.60/hr. It seems straightforward—do the job and go home—which I like. However, I'm uncertain if taking a role like this would be a wise temporary step while I sort out my longer-term career direction, or if it would just be a waste of time. I'm looking for guidance on whether I should pursue this part-time role or consider other types of jobs that might align better with my situation.

I'm feeling really stuck in my job search and I'm not sure what to change. I've been applying to countless positions but keep getting rejected. I have three years of culinary training and hold both Food Handler's and Food Manager's certifications, yet I can't even get a job at places like Domino's. My last job was incredibly stressful; I dealt with a constant rush of customers, a demanding boss who wanted me to grab pizzas with my bare hands instead of using a spatula, and a chaotic kitchen environment where I couldn't communicate effectively due to language barriers. I was making $14 an hour and still faced complaints from customers over minor issues, like sauce on their pizza. I recently applied to a restaurant where my 16-year-old sister worked, but I got rejected because I don't have a TABC license, which is ridiculous since she didn't have one either at that age. I typically apply to about 10 jobs on Indeed, but only hear back from two, and one of those is for a store that isn't even open yet, requiring an hour-long commute. Right now, I have just $150 left, my certifications, some experience in IT, and a smartphone. I'm considering investing in a cheap laptop to look for remote work, but I'm unsure if that's the right move. Any advice or similar stories would be really appreciated.