Thinking

I’ve been feeling really lost in my job search lately. I’ve been working in retail for the past four years, and I got the job without an interview—just clicked apply and they hired me. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, but it feels like I have no idea how to leverage it to find a better job. Whenever I mention my degree, people seem surprised that I’m still in retail, and it makes me feel inadequate. I’ve looked at software roles, but the qualifications seem impossible to meet, and even entry-level IT positions like help desk jobs feel out of reach. I don’t have a proper resume tailored for tech jobs; I’ve only got a basic one for my service industry experience. I’m thirty years old and have been in this line of work for over a decade, so I feel stuck. I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. The support system around me feels non-existent. The government doesn’t seem to care about underemployment, and my university has basically washed their hands of me since I graduated. I’m at a loss for how to move forward and can’t think of a path that would help me earn more than $24 an hour. I really want to know how others are finding decent-paying jobs because I feel like all my options are closed off.

I recently applied for an internal role at one of the Big 4 firms in Australia, and I was convinced I had messed up my interviews. The first interview was conducted via MS Teams, and I struggled to articulate my answers. I didn't stick to the STAR format, and the interviewers kept probing with follow-up questions, which left me feeling like I had bombed it. After that, I thought there was no way I would move forward in the process. A week later, I was invited for a second interview, this time face-to-face. I was still nervous and could feel myself sweating, which only added to my anxiety. I had to pause for a moment to wipe the sweat off my forehead and hands, but I managed to get through it. To my surprise, just three days later, the hiring manager called me with the news that I had been offered the position! They mentioned that I interviewed well in both rounds and were excited to extend the offer. I’ll be starting in a couple of weeks, and this experience taught me that you should never count yourself out. Just because you think you didn’t do well doesn’t mean it’s over. It’s not a no until it’s a no!

I recently applied for a position at M&S, the UK supermarket chain, and I keep receiving a status of 'regretted' for my applications. This has happened multiple times now, and it's quite disheartening. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced the same issue with their applications.

I was laid off yesterday after nearly 7 years at a tech consulting company. My position was moved offshore as part of a cost-cutting measure, and I received no severance. As the head of a household with a wife and a toddler, this sudden change has left me feeling incredibly stressed, especially since I now have to cover health insurance costs out of pocket, which I’ve found can exceed $1500 a month. I've been reading through this sub to see how others cope after a layoff, and many suggest taking some time to relax before diving into the job search. However, I find it hard to relax with so many uncertainties looming over me. The job market seems bleak, and I’m worried about when I’ll find another position. My experience has primarily been in client relationships, project management, and customer success, rather than technical roles, which adds to my confusion about what jobs I should be applying for. I’m also contemplating whether I should pivot to a new direction or up-skill in some way, but I’m overwhelmed with questions and don’t know where to start. How do others manage to take a step back and relax in times like this? I’m feeling pretty frantic.

I recently switched jobs after spending 5 years at Company A. About two months ago, I accepted an offer from Company B for a senior position with the same salary and commission, as there was no room for growth at my previous job. I left Company A on good terms and have been with Company B for about a month now. However, I just found out that Company A has reopened the position I really wanted, which comes with at least a $25k salary increase and more responsibilities. I'm feeling torn because I want to apply for this new opportunity at my old company, but I also feel a sense of loyalty to Company B after such a short time. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What did you decide to do?

After fifteen years at my current job, I've finally come to the realization that this position is a dead end. I recently informed my manager that I would be leaving after successfully managing a massive client account, which required me to work seventy-hour weeks for nearly three months. Despite my consistent requests for more headcount on my team—over twenty times—my pleas have always been dismissed due to "budget constraints." Instead, the company opts to hire agency workers at three times the cost of a full-time employee, leading to baffling financial results. When I told my manager I was leaving, she surprisingly asked me not to quit and requested a week to "find a solution." I’m feeling conflicted about this. My health has deteriorated, my home life has suffered, and my salary has stagnated while my benefits have been quietly reduced. I worry that she might return with a token gesture, like a small raise or vague promises of support in the future, and when I reject it, I’ll be left feeling like I’ve damaged my standing for no reason. After fifteen years, I know how this cycle goes, and I’m not sure if I should trust her intentions.

I received a job offer in mid-April for a position starting at the end of August. After signing the offer letter, it took them two weeks to confirm receipt and they mentioned they would send the contract in May. However, it's now June and I still haven't received it. I'm starting to wonder if this delay is normal, especially since the job starts quite a bit later. I’m considering sending a follow-up email to ask for a timeline, as I’m feeling a bit anxious about the whole situation.

I recently interviewed for a new position within my company about three weeks ago, and I felt that the interview went really well. I even heard from some colleagues that I was the top choice and that HR is just finalizing the offer. This new role would come with a pay increase, which is tempting. However, I've got some serious reservations. The team I would be joining has a reputation for a toxic work environment and a questionable culture, which really worries me. Currently, I'm in a blue-collar job that I absolutely love. I enjoy working with my hands and being active, but this new position would be a desk job, and I have to admit that the thought of going back to that terrifies me. I've done desk work before, and it was not a good fit for me. Now, I'm at a crossroads and could really use some advice. Should I take the offer for the higher pay, or stick with what I know and love, despite the potential for career advancement? I know some people think that a toxic work environment isn't worth the extra money, and I have to agree with that sentiment. I just don't want to miss out on future opportunities within the company either.

After nearly a year of searching, I finally landed a job! I secured two temporary assignments that will run back-to-back through October 2027. The work is engaging, and I’m excited about the opportunity to gain valuable skills and expand my professional network. This was my fourth job search and definitely the longest one. Health constraints have complicated my professional journey, making it even more challenging. I faced a lot of rejection during interviews, which was tough and felt personal at times, especially as an introvert. To tackle this, I started using AI tools more extensively. I analyzed job descriptions to pinpoint potential pitfalls for interviews and evaluated which positions aligned best with my skills and vision. This preparation helped me approach interviews as a conversation about mutual fit rather than just proving I was the perfect candidate. I also made a point to attend industry conferences and familiarize myself with the work of others in my field through articles, podcasts, and discussions with friends. During interviews, I was able to bring up relevant topics, which I believe added value to my candidacy. Overall, this job search forced me to reflect deeply on my situation, and I hope it will make navigating future work-related challenges easier.

I recently experienced a layoff and I'm reaching out to fellow laid-off professionals to connect and support each other during this challenging time. As a software engineer with over 10 years of experience, I've been through my fair share of interviews and have even helped others in their job searches. I know how tough it can be when you're applying for countless positions and still facing rejection, especially when family members don’t fully understand the gravity of the job market situation and inadvertently place blame on us for not trying hard enough. I'm here to offer my assistance—feel free to send me your resumes for feedback or ask me any questions you might have. Let's share our experiences, frustrations, and insights to help each other navigate this tough landscape.

I recently completed my fourth interview for a Finance Director position at a global FTSE100 company, and I'm feeling quite anxious as I wait for feedback. Normally, I handle interviews with ease, but this one has me on edge due to the significant impact it could have on my career. My latest interview was with the CFO, which I felt went well, as it was more of a chance for me to ask questions and get to know them. I've already met with HR, the hiring manager, and a key Director stakeholder prior to this. The hiring panel is supposed to reconvene early next week, and I should have feedback by midweek. While I appreciate the clarity on the timeline, I can't help but feel conflicted—if they were really interested, wouldn't they have reached out before the weekend? I'm trying to enjoy my weekend despite the nerves and uncertainty about what the news will be next week.

I recently completed my second round of interviews for a position I was really excited about, but I've been feeling frustrated because I keep getting ghosted. It's been a couple of weeks since the last interview, and I haven't heard anything back from the hiring team. I followed up with a polite email to inquire about the status of my application, but still no response. This has happened to me a few times now, and it's starting to take a toll on my confidence. I really hope to hear back soon, but the silence is making it hard to stay positive.

I’m 33 years old and currently wrapping up my international MBA, which I expect to finish in December. I have a BA from NYU and have spent the last 10 years working as an academic and test prep tutor in New York City. I decided to pursue a business degree to pivot into a more stable career with better earning potential. As I plan to move back to New York after graduation, I’m trying to gauge what kind of roles and salaries I should realistically aim for. I’m targeting mid-level program or operations roles with salaries between $75k and $85k, but I’m concerned that my lack of corporate experience might push me down to a $55k entry-level coordinator position. I’m feeling uncertain about the job market and would really appreciate any advice on what to expect given my unique background.

I'm currently navigating a tough situation after being laid off from my job as a heavy-duty technician apprentice in Alberta, Canada. I've been unemployed for over a year, and while I've had several interviews and even some offers, I turned down a job a few months ago because it required me to stay in a work camp, which I can't do. I also declined an offer in a different field that I now regret. Recently, I received an offer in my field, but it involves relocating to a smaller town without any relocation assistance, and the pay is lower than what I've previously earned. After much consideration, I decided to decline the offer, but now I'm second-guessing my decision. I'm torn between the need to get back to work and the uncertainty of whether I'll receive another offer soon. I'm even open to accepting jobs outside my field just to get back to work. I'm really struggling with whether I should reach out to the company and ask if the offer is still available or if I should hold out for something local. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I started a new job about 6 months ago, and I've come to realize that it's just not the right fit for me. The stress has been overwhelming, and I feel embarrassed about wanting to leave so soon. I'm now at the stage where I'm considering looking for another position, but I'm unsure how to explain my reasons for leaving. I’ve seen advice suggesting that I can simply say it wasn’t the right fit, which feels honest enough. I also need to prepare for questions about my goals and how they align with potential new roles. It’s a bit daunting, but I know I need to prioritize my well-being and find a job that suits me better.

I'm currently working as a Tech Support professional at a multinational company in Bangalore. Managing my finances here has been quite challenging, and I'm eager to explore job opportunities abroad that align with my skills. I'm particularly interested in roles that could provide visa sponsorship or even paid internships, as I graduated with an engineering degree two years ago. I'm reaching out for advice on effective methods or resources that could help me secure a job overseas. Any guidance or tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself in a tough spot after getting fired from my corporate job. Just a few days later, I had a final round interview at a new company and, feeling a bit nervous, I talked as if I was still employed at my previous job. To my surprise, I received an offer, but now I'm anxious about the upcoming background check. I'm unsure how to handle this situation. Should I be honest about my final day at my old company? If HR asks why I'm no longer there and why I didn't mention it during the interviews, what should I say? I'm considering a few options for the background check: 1) Enter the correct termination date and hope they don’t catch it, 2) Change the date to a week later than when I was actually fired (since the interview was just four days after my termination), or 3) Claim that I still work there (though I'm hesitant about that one). I really appreciate any advice on how to navigate this tricky situation!

I recently found myself in a tough situation after being laid off from a major top 500 company. They offered me a severance package of just four weeks, but it came with the condition that I sign away all my rights. I'm currently trying to figure out if it's possible to negotiate for a better deal. I've heard from others that if you're in a special position, like an executive, you might have more leverage, but as a regular employee, it seems like options are limited. I'm also part of a protected class in tech and under 40, so I'm wondering if that might play a role in negotiations. Has anyone had success pushing back on their severance offers? I'm looking for any advice or experiences that could help me in this situation.

I just found out that I'm facing a layoff at my company, and it's happening just two weeks before my maternity leave is set to start. The situation is a bit complicated because I've been given the option to willfully accept the layoff, which would come with a severance package of 21 weeks plus 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, all in a lump sum. I'm trying to figure out how this would affect my eligibility for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). My plan was to take SDI four weeks before my baby arrives and then six weeks after, followed by PFL. But now that I might be laid off, I'm unsure how this will all work. I've heard that some people suggest applying for unemployment insurance (UI) to qualify for SDI, but I'm wondering if it's realistic to look for work for just two weeks. Also, I’m curious about how SDI payments would be calculated if I no longer have a salary. I've seen some comments suggesting that since I would receive severance as a lump sum, I might still qualify for SDI and PFL in California. I just hope everything works out smoothly as I approach this new chapter in my life.

I was referred to a colleague of my friend's dad who runs a business in NYC and is looking for a full-time hire. My friend initially got the job offer but could only work part-time, so she passed my resume along to the colleague knowing I’m looking to move to NYC. I missed her call on Thursday because I was at work, and she texted me asking when I’d be available to talk. I told her I was free after 6pm, but she didn’t call that evening. I followed up with a text, but still no response, so she suggested we try again after 6pm on Friday. I waited again, but there was no call. I reached out to my friend for advice, and she said to wait until Saturday morning to follow up. I sent a polite message offering my availability for the weekend or the following week, but it’s now 4pm on Saturday and I still haven’t heard back. I understand it’s the weekend and she might be busy, but I can’t help but feel stressed about the lack of communication. I plan to wait until Monday evening to follow up again, but I’m anxious about whether this means she’s not interested in hiring me.