Thinking

I just learned that I'm getting laid off, but there's no set end date yet. My division is shutting down, and while our business is being acquired by a competitor, they aren't automatically taking us along. We were told to stop all work immediately, which feels surreal since we're still technically employed. The acquiring company has shown some interest in hiring some of us, but there’s no clarity on how many positions they will offer or when that might happen. Right now, I’m in a tough spot. I could stay put and hope for an offer from the acquiring company, which I would prefer since I like my current job and have heard good things about the new company. However, there's a real chance that I could be waiting indefinitely without any guarantee of an offer. Alternatively, I could look for other roles within my current company, but there aren’t many appealing options available, and I’d risk disqualifying myself from a potential offer from the acquirer. The last option is to apply for jobs externally, but I worry about losing my current benefits and salary, which I believe is above market rate. I’m feeling a lot of pressure to make a decision, and I’m not sure what the best course of action is. Should I start applying for new jobs now, or hold out for the potential offer from the acquiring company?

I'm currently working as a Product Manager at a small startup with 12 employees, where I've been for about 6 months. While I've gained valuable experience, the work environment has become chaotic, and I feel I have no control over product decisions. Additionally, I'm underpaid and feel exploited, which has pushed me to consider a job switch. I've prepared my resume and started applying, but navigating the job search while still employed is proving to be confusing and daunting. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has successfully made a job switch recently. I have a few specific questions: 1. How should I approach applying for jobs? Given my 9 AM to 6 PM work schedule, would it be better to apply after hours or during the day? 2. What platforms or strategies should I use to expedite my job search, especially considering the current unpredictable market? 3. If anyone is looking for a PM with 1-3 years of experience or knows someone who can refer me, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm more than willing to return the favor in any way I can. Any insights or advice would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!

I was laid off about a month ago and since then, I've been applying for jobs without any traction. It's been really tough. I'm trying to push through my discomfort with cold outreach and networking, even with people I don't particularly like. I've been constantly revising my resume, staring at empty screens, and receiving emails from scammers, which is incredibly frustrating. I find some solace in the quiet moments before bed, but the mornings hit hard when I realize I have to face another day of job searching. It feels like I'm caught in a loop of not having enough time, seeing no results, and dealing with a heavy sense of existential dread. My husband has been unemployed since early 2023. He’s had dozens of interviews and has been offered jobs multiple times, only to find out that the companies weren't serious and the offers turned out to be scams. Recently, I attended a happy hour event with former colleagues, which I was hesitant about but forced myself to go. It was a strange experience; among the crowd, only a few people were warm and engaging, and they were all unemployed like me. The others who were still working seemed tense and unable to engage in deeper conversations. I found myself reflecting on whether I was jealous of their jobs, and surprisingly, I wasn't. That realization scared me. How can I find a job when I don't even feel like working? Am I the only one feeling this way? Is this burnout something that will eventually pass, or is it a sign of something more serious?

I was laid off in 2021 and received a severance package that included 12 weeks of full pay and full healthcare benefits, which felt like I was still employed, minus the 401k match. After that period, I filed for unemployment. Recently, I learned that a friend who was laid off after 8 years at his company received a very different severance package. His deal required him to file for unemployment immediately, and his severance would only top up his unemployment benefits to match his regular pay for 16 weeks. This means his actual severance was only about 3 to 6 weeks of pay. I found this approach shocking and quite cheap on the company’s part. I always thought severance meant receiving a lump sum or continued pay before filing for unemployment. How common is it for companies to do it this way? It seems unfair to shift the financial burden to the state instead of providing proper severance.

I recently applied for an operations specialist position and was hit with an automated email just seven minutes later, demanding I complete a one-way video interview. They wanted me to record five video responses to AI-generated prompts, which felt incredibly dehumanizing. I immediately withdrew my application because I believe interviews should be a two-way street where both parties assess each other. I expressed my willingness to discuss the role in a live conversation, but the recruiter replied, shocked that I wouldn’t participate in the video assessment, claiming their team was too busy for live interviews. I firmly believe that if a company can’t spare thirty minutes to talk to candidates, they’re not ready to hire. We need to push back against this trend of impersonal hiring practices.

I recently started my journey as a self-taught software developer at 20 years old. I've been learning JavaScript for a couple of months now, but I often find myself overwhelmed by anxiety about the job market, especially with discussions around AI potentially taking over tech jobs. I feel a lot of pressure to succeed because I want to be able to support my partner and eventually get married. My goal is to earn at least $500 a month, which would cover my basic needs in my country. I know I don't have the necessary skills yet, but I'm hopeful that with time and dedication, I can reach that goal. I'm really looking for advice on how to navigate this path without messing it up.

I just experienced my first layoff at a company reorganization, and it's left me feeling oddly relieved yet anxious. After many years in a toxic department filled with constant tension and retaliation, I finally got laid off in my early 40s. While I feel relief at escaping that environment, I can't shake the anxiety about what comes next, especially since my last official day is in December. It's a strange mix of emotions; leaving a bad situation feels like the healthiest choice, but the uncertainty of my future is daunting. I'm curious if anyone else has navigated a similar "bad place but good timing" layoff and how they managed the transition in the following months.

I wasn't planning on leaving my job as a baker, but I was in the process of getting a second job in the evenings to help with college expenses and the upcoming holiday season. Out of the blue, a district manager from a different company reached out to me after seeing my resume. They invited me for an interview, and to my surprise, they expressed a strong interest in hiring me. I have a second interview scheduled for tomorrow, and if all goes well, I’ll be signing the paperwork soon. This new position could increase my salary by about $18,000 a year, which is a significant boost. However, it means completely changing my schedule from early mornings to nights, as the new role is in cooking. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I'm also feeling guilty about potentially leaving my current coworkers in a tough spot, especially since we are approaching the busy holiday season. I really enjoy working with them and don’t want to let them down. Additionally, I’ll have to inform the second job that I can no longer work there, which makes me feel like a quitter. The new job will likely come with a more unpredictable schedule and the possibility of working holidays, but the financial stability it offers is incredibly tempting. I'm just struggling with whether or not I’m making the right decision.

Today, I faced a tough decision regarding a job offer I received after completing three interviews. I was really excited about the opportunity, especially since I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a few years and was looking forward to re-entering the workforce. However, things took a turn during the drug test phase. I arrived a few minutes early, hoping to show my enthusiasm, but my future boss was clearly upset about it. I apologized, but it seemed to set a negative tone. During the drug test, I accidentally sealed the sample container when I wasn’t supposed to, and the hiring manager reacted very harshly. She yelled at me, which was shocking and hurtful. I’ve never been treated that way in a professional setting before, and it really affected me emotionally. After the incident, I managed to complete the test correctly, and they sent me an email offering me a start date. However, I left the office feeling defeated and cried in my car and again when I got home. I’ve been reflecting on whether I should take the job or continue searching for something else. I want to work in a place that aligns with my values, and I’m unsure if this environment is the right fit after such a negative experience. I’m looking for advice on whether to accept the offer or keep looking for a more supportive workplace.

It's been a tough 20 months since I lost my job, and I feel like I've tried everything in my power to get back into the workforce. My last position was with a small team that faced constant layoffs, and when I was let go, it didn't hit me too hard since I knew the environment was unstable. Unfortunately, the people who remained eventually faced the same fate, including my former boss. Since then, I've applied to countless jobs, but I honestly lost track of how many. I've tailored my CV meticulously and even highlighted my portfolio, but surprisingly, the only interviews I've landed came from my untailored CV. It feels like the number of interviews has drastically decreased compared to when I had less experience. I've even attempted to apply for roles in hospitality, which I did over a decade ago, and other positions where I believe my skills could transfer, like Executive Assistant roles, but I've had no luck. It’s disheartening to feel like I’m running out of options. I’m starting to feel like I’m unemployable, and I’m not sure what else to try. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this challenging job search.

I am currently on probation at a private company where I've been experiencing a toxic work environment filled with nepotism. Unfortunately, I feel completely unsupported by HR, who I believe has been gaslighting me alongside management. The situation has taken a toll on my physical and mental health, and I’ve reached a breaking point where I cannot continue. I’ve built some good relationships with colleagues, but after discussing my concerns with HR, my manager was informed and has started gossiping about my situation, likely to cover their own tracks. I want to quit immediately and not return, and while I'm not particularly worried about burning bridges since I won’t be using them as references, I still want to handle my resignation professionally. I’m contemplating writing a detailed document outlining my reasons for leaving, as I believe it’s important to stand up for myself and ensure my perspective is known. I’d appreciate any advice on whether this is a good idea and what I should include in such a document.

I just received an incredible job offer from a public firm, and I'm ready to accept it! However, I’m feeling a bit anxious about how to resign from my current position in private accounting. This is my first professional job after school, and I even interned here before getting hired full-time. The situation is a bit complicated because my boss left about five months ago, and my new boss and I don’t seem to work well together. I've also noticed that the company is heading in a direction I’m not comfortable with, and I've been feeling overwhelmed with too much work and responsibility without the support or pay to match. I've raised these concerns to HR and my new boss multiple times, but nothing has changed. I’m excited to move on, but I want to make sure I leave on good terms. I’m unsure whether I should resign in a video call since my boss and I are in different states, or if it’s acceptable to just send an email with my resignation letter to him and HR. I’ve seen mixed opinions on this, and I want to avoid any missteps, especially since I’m not fond of my boss. I plan to give a standard two-week notice, but I’ve heard that some employers might cut off access immediately, so I need to be prepared for that. I’d appreciate any advice on the best way to handle this situation!

I still think about the time I got fired from my job during my second day as a new employee. My manager became extremely passive-aggressive and seemed to expect me to know everything right away. The more she micromanaged me, the more nervous I became, leading to silly mistakes. I ended up having a panic attack in the bathroom, and when the tears started flowing, I just couldn't stop. At the time, I was also weening off my anxiety medication, which made my emotions hit me like a freight train. I know I was in the wrong for crying, but it felt really unfair when she told me to come back the following week, only to text me an hour later to fire me. Thankfully, I'm back in school now and living off of financial aid, so everything turned out alright in the end.

I just had another interview and, as usual, the anxiety hit me hard. I really dislike the whole process, no matter how much I prepare. It's the unpredictability that gets to me—I never know how tough the questions will be or how I'll be judged by the interview panel. I've been through several interviews now, and I've started to realize that it's healthier for me to manage my expectations. I try not to get my hopes up, even if I feel like the interview went well. There are so many factors outside of my control that can affect the outcome. I'm learning to let go of the idea that I’ll land every job I interview for, which helps me move on more easily when things don't work out. Just trying to find some peace in this process.

I graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in Data Science from a top American university, and I was really optimistic about finding a job in such a growing field. However, it's now been five months since I started my job search, and I still haven't landed anything. Despite having relevant research, an internship, and a part-time job related to my field, employers keep asking for multiple years of experience, which I don’t have. Just last month, I went through four interviews with a potential employer, only to receive a generic rejection a few days later. This whole process has been incredibly discouraging and is worsening my depression. I’ve always struggled with mental health, but the constant rejection and lack of opportunities make me question if I can keep going. I’ve thought about going back to school for a master’s degree, but I fear that it would just lead me back to the same situation, only with more debt. I’m reaching out for advice on how to stay motivated during this tough time or if anyone is willing to help me with my resume. I could really use some support right now.

I've been working at my current company for about 11 years in a process/mechanical design/safety/QA role, and I'm feeling stuck when it comes to career advancement. My title is mechanical design "engineer"—I put quotes around it because I don't have a bachelor's degree. My responsibilities are extensive and include lifecycle process ownership, planning and implementing preventative maintenance for remotely operated systems in a radiation environment, and mechanical design of tooling for highly radioactive components. I also manage radioactive waste inventory, work as a SharePoint designer, and lead R&D for new technologies in hot cell environments. Additionally, I'm the subject matter expert on ASME B30.20 and BTH-1 for multiple departments and operate overhead cranes, including remotely controlled ones. Despite my diverse skill set, I'm currently earning about 15% less than others in similar roles who have fewer responsibilities. I've had multiple discussions with my manager about a compensation increase, whether through a raise or a promotion from Engineer II to III or a management role. My manager has advocated for me, but after two years of cost-of-living raises that barely surpass 2%, I'm starting to feel like I've hit a ceiling at this company. I genuinely enjoy the work environment and the work/life balance here, but I'm beginning to think that my time may be running out if I can't find a path forward. I'm looking for suggestions on how to enhance my attractiveness for other opportunities.

I just received a job offer from Thrivent for a position I applied for. During the interview process, the manager mentioned that there were 6,000 applicants and I was one of only 8 selected for the role. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and skepticism—either they are really proud of their selection process, or my resume and interview skills exceeded my own expectations. I'm curious if anyone else has experience working there. I've seen some mixed feedback online; some say it's a high-pressure life insurance sales role and not worth it, while others mention that Thrivent has a solid reputation and good benefits. Given the current job market, I’m tempted to accept the offer but want to be sure it's the right move for me.

I'm currently working at a company that seems to be facing some financial difficulties. Although we have a lot of work in the pipeline and payroll hasn't been missed yet, they've stopped issuing paystubs, which raises some concerns about tax remittance. I'm not entirely sure how we ended up in this situation, but I’m curious if anyone else has gone through something similar. How did it turn out for your company? Were they able to secure financing and recover? I know I should be actively searching for a new job, and I am, but I'm interested in hearing about other people's experiences in situations like this.

I'm currently working at a company that seems to be facing some serious financial struggles. Despite having a lot of work in the pipeline and not missing payroll yet, they've stopped issuing paystubs, which has me worried. I'm not sure why this is happening—maybe they aren't remitting taxes? I've been trying to understand how companies get into situations like this and if they can turn things around. I've heard from others that stopping paystubs is a major red flag, and I remember a previous job where they did something similar before shutting down completely just weeks later. I've started job hunting, but I'm also curious if anyone else has had similar experiences and how it turned out for them.

I recently had an interesting experience with a company I interviewed with for an HR position two years ago. After going through two interviews and an assessment test, I was ultimately not selected. Fast forward to two weeks ago, a recruiter from that same company reached out to me, praising my performance in the assessment and interviews, and asked if I would be interested in a different position in Payroll since the HR role was filled. I coordinated with the VP of Finance to set up an interview, confirming a date and time that worked for both of us. However, when the day of the interview arrived, I logged into the MS Teams meeting five minutes early, but the VP didn’t show up. I waited until 1:15 PM before I decided to call the recruiter, leaving a voicemail expressing my disappointment at the lack of professionalism. The recruiter called me back, explaining that the VP had a 'fire in payroll' to deal with, but I was frustrated that they hadn’t communicated this to me directly. I told the recruiter that I was no longer interested in the company due to this experience. The next day, the recruiter relayed that the VP felt bad about the situation, but I couldn't help but roll my eyes at that. Curiously, I looked up the VP on LinkedIn and saw that one of their top skills was 'Communication.' It seems they are having trouble filling the Payroll position, which was posted seven months ago. I feel like I dodged a bullet here, not once but twice!