Thinking

I recently graduated college about a year ago and I'm really struggling to find my place in the world. I chose a major that I now regret, and my plans for a career in that field fell through completely. It feels like my degree is just a participation trophy, and it hasn’t helped me land a decent job. After months of searching, I finally got a job at a gas station where I had worked before, but it only lasted about six months. I then got an offer for a sales position at a phone store, which seemed like a step up, but it turned out to be a disaster. I wasn’t properly trained and was often left alone in the store, which was overwhelming. I ended up quitting just days before my first solo shift. Now, I’ve been job hunting again for a few months, but it’s been tough. I reached out to the gas station to see if they had openings, and while they would love to have me back, they said they’re currently full. I feel more hopeless than ever, especially since both jobs I had only paid a little above minimum wage, and I struggled in one of them. The economy seems to be in bad shape, and I see people with better degrees and plans struggling too, which makes me feel like I have no chance. I’m living with my family right now, and I’m grateful for that, but I worry about what will happen when they can no longer support me. The thought of homelessness terrifies me, and I honestly don’t know how I would cope with that. I keep seeing videos online that make me feel even more anxious about my future. I just don’t know what to do next.

I have an interview scheduled for a Crew Member position, but the time slot is confusing. It says my interview is between 11 AM and 7 PM, which is odd. I work until 3 PM, so I can't make it there right at 11. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with such a wide time frame. I tried calling the store, but all I got was automated responses. The store isn't even open yet, as they open on the 19th. I'm hoping this isn't an all-day interview and that I can just show up after work. I plan to go around 3:30 PM, but I'm a bit anxious about it.

It's been two weeks since I accepted an offer letter for a position at a grocery store. I applied about a month ago, and after some back and forth with the hiring manager, I finally received the offer letter. The manager initially asked me to resubmit my application because it had expired, which I did right after our call. A few days later, I got the offer letter and filled out the I-9 form. However, the day after signing the offer, I received a call from another manager who mentioned that the original manager wanted me to resubmit my application again. I informed her that I had already received the offer letter. Since then, I haven't heard anything back. I called the store a week later to check in and learned that the hiring manager was on vacation. I tried to speak to someone else about my situation, but they confused me with another candidate. They took my name and number but I still haven't received any updates. In the meantime, I've been applying to other jobs, but I'm not getting any responses. I'm feeling really frustrated because I left my previous job due to moving and other difficulties, and now bills are piling up. This is the longest I've ever had to wait to start a new job. Additionally, the union representative reached out because I hadn't filled out the union paperwork. He mentioned he would check on my situation when he was in the store last week, but I haven't heard back from him either. I'm considering whether I should reach out again this week.

I’m currently 16 and trying to land my first job, but I’m struggling since I have no previous work experience. I’ve applied online but haven’t received any responses. I did manage to get one interview, but after going in-store, I never heard back from them. I’m considering walking into all the stores in my city this weekend to ask if they’re hiring because I’m really determined to find something. However, I’ve read that this approach might be outdated. I’m also feeling anxious about filling out applications because I worry I’ll mess up and get denied. I’ve seen advice suggesting that I should look into volunteer work for experience or check if local lawn services need help. I know that many teenagers work at places like movie theaters, which sounds fun and would fit my schedule. I’ve been told that I should avoid going in on weekends since it’s busy and might not be respectful. Instead, I should aim for a Monday or Wednesday when managers are more likely to be available. I plan to dress in business casual, be friendly, and have a resume ready, even if it’s light on experience. I’m hoping to download a generic application to fill out and bring with me when I go in. I just want to make a good impression and finally get my foot in the door.

I recently had a rather strange experience with a trial job I applied for at a local restaurant. About a week and a half ago, I received a text from someone claiming to be the boss, asking if I could come in for a trial shift. I was taken aback since I hadn't even had an interview yet, but I agreed to come in for a shift as a dishwasher. The initial communication was odd; the boss changed the time on me last minute, but I managed to rearrange my schedule for the new time. When I arrived, the place seemed legit, but there were immediate red flags. The boss didn't even acknowledge me when I walked in and quickly sent me off to my trainer. The trainer was friendly but it quickly became apparent that the expectations were overwhelming. I was expected to learn a ton of tasks right away, and while he was supportive, I felt lost trying to keep up with the pace of work. The dishwashing process was complicated, and I had to remember where everything went in a huge kitchen filled with unique dishes. On my second shift, the trainer mentioned the high turnover rate, which made me realize I wasn't the only one struggling with the workload. By the end of my shift, I was exhausted and felt like I couldn't keep up with the demands. I started contemplating quitting, even though I felt bad about it given the trainer's insights into the job. During my third shift, I noticed the boss was still distant and seemed uninterested in my presence. It was disheartening, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this job might not be for me. I was already thinking about how to communicate my decision to leave, as the pressure and expectations were simply too much for me to handle.

I'm feeling really frustrated with my job search right now. I have a bachelor's degree in business administration and served in the Marine Corps for four years, but I feel completely stuck. The only job option that seems available to me is a welding position that pays $30 an hour, but it would require me to work 60-70 hours a week for most of the year. I'm torn between the decent pay and the fact that it would consume my life. I've applied to various business jobs, but I haven't had any luck, and the only other jobs I've seen offer very low pay, around $18 an hour. I'm located in downriver Michigan, and I'm just not sure where to turn next.

I've been living in Boston for the past year, tirelessly applying for jobs in case management and care coordination, but I'm still unemployed. I've sent out hundreds of applications, tailored my resume multiple times, and written countless cover letters, yet only about 3% have led to interviews, and none to job offers. It's disheartening, especially since I'm about to start my master’s in public health in a few months without securing a position in my field. To make ends meet, I've been working labor jobs. I can't shake the feeling that bias might be playing a role in my job search. As a 33-year-old Middle Eastern man, I've started to notice patterns that make me question whether my background is affecting my opportunities. Every interview I've had has been with women, from talent acquisition to hiring managers, and during one interview, a director made an odd comment about men wanting to listen to women because of their mothers. I found it inappropriate and responded, but the interview ended abruptly after that. After a year of hard work and minimal results, it's hard not to wonder if being a Middle Eastern man in a predominantly female field is creating unseen barriers. I’m seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation and improve my chances.

I recently went through a lengthy interview process for a senior role at a tech company, which started on April 20th. A former colleague referred me, and I quickly got in touch with a recruiter. After an initial conversation, I was told I might be considered for a more senior position due to my experience. I had a series of interviews, including with the Hiring Manager and a senior director, and received positive feedback throughout. The last interview was on May 22nd, and I was told I would hear back soon. However, after a follow-up on May 28th, I learned I was a finalist but there were internal holds on extending offers. Things took a turn when I discovered on June 3rd that the recruiter I had been working with was laid off, along with other contingent recruiters. I reached out for an update and was assigned a new recruiter who promised to keep me in the loop. Since then, I've heard nothing. I'm left wondering if I'm being kept warm while they consider other candidates or if there are genuine delays.

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. I've had four interviews in the past month where everything seemed to go well, but then I was completely ghosted afterward. Companies act like they’re really interested in me during the interview, even promising to call me on a specific date, but then they just disappear. One company even told me they were definitely hiring me and just needed to sort out some logistics before calling me the next day to get started the following week. But that call never came, and when I followed up, they ignored my message. It's really disheartening and has made me feel discouraged about finding a job. Am I the only one experiencing this?

Today, I found myself reflecting on the concept of giving a two-week notice at work. I've been considering leaving my current job for something that aligns better with my career goals. However, I've heard mixed opinions about the whole notice process. Some people have shared experiences where their managers either denied their resignation or even went as far as to rip up their resignation papers, which really makes me question if giving a notice is even worth it. A co-worker advised me not to mention my job search to anyone at work, suggesting that I could be fired on the spot if I did. This has left me feeling confused about the etiquette of resigning. I understand that in many at-will employment situations, I technically don't have to give any notice, but it feels like a courtesy to do so. Yet, if the company can react so negatively, it makes me wonder if it's really a good idea. I’m eager to find a new role, but I also want to handle my current job transition professionally.

I recently got a job offer from a greenhouse that operates Sunday to Thursday, which is a significant upgrade from my current position at McDonald's. However, I'm in a tough spot because I have a blackout week coming up at McDonald's, and if I call out, I risk being fired. The greenhouse job wants me to start on Monday, but they have a two-week trial period to assess if I'm a good fit. This puts me in a precarious situation: if I leave McDonald's and the greenhouse decides not to keep me after the trial, I'll be unemployed and struggling to pay my rent. I'm weighing my options: 1. Jump into the greenhouse job and hope they like me, risking my current job. 2. Stay at McDonald's and continue with a job I want to leave. 3. Ask both jobs if I can delay the start at the greenhouse by a week, which is risky since I need both sides to agree. I've expressed my concerns to the greenhouse, but they didn't take it well. I'm feeling extremely stressed and would appreciate any advice.

I recently applied for a position at a local animal shelter, which is a government job. This role is really important to me because my passion lies in helping and caring for animals, and while I can't afford vet school, I see this as a great opportunity to make a difference by helping animals find their forever homes. I'm considering whether I should follow up on my application to express my enthusiasm, but I'm unsure if that's appropriate for a government position. I've heard mixed advice about following up—some say it shows commitment, while others warn that it might annoy the hiring team due to their strict timelines. I plan to do some research to find the right contact person, but I'm also trying to be patient, as I know these processes can take time.

Today, I sought feedback on my cover letter for a job that I believe aligns well with my skills and experience. I reached out to a community for insights, as I wanted to ensure my application stood out. The general consensus was that my cover letter was too lengthy and included too many details that should be reserved for my resume. I received advice to condense it into a brief introduction that highlights why I would be a great fit for the position. Some commenters suggested that many hiring managers might not even read cover letters, so I should focus on making it concise and impactful. I plan to revise it based on this feedback and maybe even use AI tools for further critique.

I recently had an interview with Aerie for a position that I felt went really well. The manager and I had a great conversation about my experience, and she seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. She mentioned that I should expect to hear back from them either the same day or by the end of the week, specifically Friday or Saturday. If I didn’t hear anything by then, she suggested that I should give them a call. I’m feeling a bit uncertain about whether this means I might receive an offer or if I should indeed follow up with a call. I'm considering reaching out on Monday for an update.

I applied for a phlebotomy position at a local hospital and had my interview two weeks ago. They offered me a different schedule than what I initially applied for, and I've been anxiously waiting for a response since then. The online application still says "under consideration," and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the wait. I did receive a job offer from an independent clinic, but I decided to ghost them because their schedule was inflexible, and I want to continue my education. I also interviewed at Costco, but they rejected me in less than 24 hours. I'm starting to wonder if I’m not performing well in interviews or if my English skills are lacking. Any advice on what I should do next?

I recently completed my Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) and have been actively seeking analyst roles in the real estate sector. Despite sending out numerous applications daily, I haven't received any responses, and it’s incredibly frustrating. I feel confident in my skills and knowledge from my degree, but I'm struggling to find leads. I've tried networking, but it hasn't been fruitful so far. Right now, I feel stuck in my job search and unsure of the next steps to take.

I just scheduled a webinar for a customer service representative position I applied for. I've never attended one of these before, so I'm a bit unsure about what to expect. The webinar is set for next week and will last for an hour. I'm curious if this is a good opportunity to learn more about the role and the company, or if it might just be a waste of time. I've seen mixed opinions online, with some saying it's definitely worth attending if I want the job, while others are warning it could be a bit like an MLM pitch. I'm preparing myself to walk away if it doesn't feel right.

I was recently terminated from my role due to misconduct, but the specifics of the situation are being kept internal by my former employer. I'm preparing for a second round of interviews and need to explain my departure. It's important to note that my termination wasn't related to my job performance or responsibilities, and the misconduct didn't harm anyone at the company. I'm considering how to address this in interviews. Should I mention it was an internal issue while emphasizing that it had no impact on my work? I'm also worried about how the lack of a reference from my previous boss might raise suspicions. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

I've applied for over 350 jobs in sales and project management, but I've yet to land a single interview. I've reached out to recruiters, made connections on LinkedIn, and tapped into my network, but nothing seems to be working. I'm really curious if others are actually getting hired just by applying online. If anyone has any advice or insights on this, I would greatly appreciate it.

I recently graduated high school and I'm on the hunt for a part-time job, ideally for the summer. I'm 17 and don't have much experience, but I'm eager to learn. I'm not interested in being a counselor or working in fast food if I can avoid it. My preference is for an office job where I can sit down and listen to music while working. I have some volunteer experience at a retail store and at a Community Living Center for veterans, which I enjoyed. However, I'm not familiar with tools like spreadsheets, but I'm willing to learn. Any advice on how to find a job or improve my chances would be greatly appreciated!