Thinking

I'm currently in a tough spot as I prepare for heart surgery, which is scheduled soon. At just 18, I've been searching for a job for over a year, focusing on minimum wage positions like fast food or childcare, but I've had no luck. I graduated high school and had to postpone college due to my financial situation, which has been really hard on me. With the upcoming surgery, I'll be in the hospital for about a week, and then I won't be able to lift anything for 6-8 weeks. This means I can't do jobs like DoorDash or Uber, especially since I don't have a car. The jobs I've been applying for now seem impossible to pursue because I won't be available during peak times like the holidays. I'm worried about how this surgery will impact my family's finances and my future. I want to stay productive and find a way to make some money during my recovery, but I'm unsure about my options. I know remote work is often degree-specific, and I don't have one, so I'm hesitant to even try. I'm feeling lost and would appreciate any advice on finding remote gig work or any other options that might be available for someone in my situation. What would you do if you were me?

I recently joined NTT Data just a couple of weeks ago, excited about my new role. However, I was informed that the position I was hired for no longer exists. They are now asking me to resign without any severance or notice period pay, which has left me feeling uncertain about my next steps. I've attempted to reach out to my previous employer for assistance, but I'm not receiving a proper response. It's frustrating to be in this situation, especially since it feels like they want me to resign to avoid any unemployment liabilities. I'm considering my options, but I know I shouldn't quit voluntarily. I need to make sure they officially terminate my employment so I can file for unemployment benefits.

I recently started a new job that I was really excited about, but things took a turn for the worse after just one day. Last week, I had an interview for a position that involved mostly computer work and direct customer interaction. The hiring manager seemed thrilled with my performance and even offered me the job on the spot. However, when I showed up for my first day, she called me into her office and informed me that my role had been changed completely. Instead of the office work I was promised, I was now expected to do physical labor outdoors. To make matters worse, she altered my schedule right in front of me, assigning me shifts on my supposed days off without asking for my input. I was taken aback and didn’t know how to respond at that moment. I went through the training for this new position, which is much more demanding than I anticipated, and I’ve never had a job that required such physical effort before. My partner thinks I should quit, but I feel a strong urge to give it a fair chance. Quitting after just two days feels shameful to me. I’m really torn about what to do next.

I just received an interview offer for a barista position at Dutch Bros, but I recently accepted a job as a server at Olive Garden. I'm 18 and have been job hunting for a while. I got hired at Olive Garden and my orientation is scheduled for next week. However, I was really hoping to work at Dutch Bros first, so I'm feeling a bit down about the situation. I'm not planning to cancel my Olive Garden offer just yet, but I'm torn about whether to decline the interview with Dutch Bros. I'm wondering if there are any pros and cons between being a server and a barista that I should consider before making a decision.

Today, I was laid off from my job at a small US-based PR agency, and it hit me completely out of nowhere. I had a call with my manager at 11 AM, and she informed me that the company is facing serious financial issues, which led to this decision. It's a tight-knit team of around 40 people, and I honestly never expected this to happen, especially after just having a meeting last Friday where we discussed upcoming work and I was assigned new tasks. I’m still in shock and trying to process everything. Although I had other sources of income, losing this job is still a significant blow. I didn’t live for this job, but it was a good chunk of my earnings. I’m Brazilian and was working remotely, so I know that there won’t be any legal benefits for me here. I’m unsure of what to do next and just sitting here trying to wrap my head around it all. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has had a similar experience, especially when everything seemed fine before the layoff. How did you cope? How long did it take for you to process it? I’ve read some advice about filing for unemployment benefits and updating my resume, but right now, I’m just trying to breathe and figure out my next steps.

I recently received multiple messages from a recruiter at IQ Talent Partners, which is unusual for me since I've never been contacted by recruiters before. They seemed to have reviewed my resume, but I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right about this situation. I've seen comments from others suggesting that these types of outreach might be a scam or that they are just trying to sell something rather than actually offering a job. I'm considering blocking them and moving on, but I wanted to get some more opinions first.

Today, I reflected on my job search journey as a 27-year-old with a bachelor's degree in library science but very little work experience. Growing up with ADHD and autism, I wasn't encouraged to seek employment, which has left me feeling lost now that I want to start my career. My work history includes just a week at a kindergarten, a month as a library intern, another month at a clothing store, and nearly three months at a cafe. I've been applying to jobs, but it seems like I'm either overqualified or not qualified enough. Libraries and bookstores often overlook my applications due to my lack of specific experience in the field, and it's disheartening. I feel like I've failed at life and I'm unsure how to move forward. I've received some advice from others, like removing my degree from my resume for jobs that don't require it, or considering volunteering at a library to gain relevant experience. Networking seems to be a crucial part of this process, and I plan to engage with professionals in my field on LinkedIn and explore community groups. I never anticipated how challenging this would be, and I’m contemplating temp jobs or even going back to school for a secondary degree in document management to enhance my prospects. It’s frustrating, but I’m determined to find a way to build my resume and get my foot in the door.

I started a new job earlier this year in an adjacent field, leveraging skills from my previous experience. I quickly progressed, completing my goals during the first half of my probation period. My manager has been very supportive, emphasizing that I should develop my career here rather than look for opportunities elsewhere. This role is entry-level, but I had some relevant experience coming in. Recently, I was asked to take on tasks beyond my current role, and while I set boundaries about not wanting to do these tasks regularly without a promotion, I find myself still handling higher-grade responsibilities. I was told that promotions are rare and usually happen only when someone leaves, but I was reassured that if a position opened up, it would be advertised internally to give me a better chance. Now, a staff member at the higher grade has left, and my line manager encouraged me to apply for the position. I expressed my interest to the senior manager and asked about the internal advertisement they had previously mentioned. Unfortunately, I learned that their higher-ups refused to advertise the role internally, meaning I have to compete with external candidates. While my managers are trying to find ways to support my application, I'm feeling anxious about the competition. I really enjoy working here, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have been misled about my chances for advancement. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. Should I consider moving on from this company?

I'm currently feeling stuck in my small town, where job opportunities are virtually nonexistent. The nearest towns with potential jobs are too far for me to commute, which limits my options significantly. I'm considering relocating to find better work prospects, but I'm facing a financial barrier as I have no money left to make that move. I'm really unsure about my next steps and feeling quite overwhelmed by the situation.

I recently started a new job as a project manager at a tech company after leaving a toxic work environment. Unfortunately, it feels like I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. My supervisor is extremely controlling, micromanaging everything we do, even down to reviewing our emails. I didn't even interview with her, as I was moved to this team after accepting the offer, which was a huge red flag I ignored at the time. Since starting in July, I've realized that the productivity expectations are unrealistically high, making it difficult to take even short breaks. With over 20 years of experience, I find it frustrating to be treated like I need constant supervision. I'm already feeling the urge to start looking for another job, but I’m torn about whether I should stick it out for a year to avoid a gap on my resume. Should I just start applying now or wait it out? I really need to figure out my next steps.

I was recently laid off and have been searching for a new job since June. My goal is to apply to 10 jobs each week, but despite my efforts to network on LinkedIn and attend job fairs, I haven't received any responses. I'm currently targeting director roles, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of financial hardship and the reality of the job market. I've heard from others who have been in similar situations, and many suggest that I need to increase my applications and consider lower-level positions if I want to see any progress. It's discouraging to think that being out of work for a few months might affect my chances, but I’m trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

A month ago, a former associate contacted me about a position at their new company that seemed to align well with my background. I decided to go through the interview process, which involved three rounds, culminating in a meeting with a C-level executive. During that final interview, I got a strange vibe, almost like I was at a used car dealership, as the executive was pushing for me to accept a consultant role, even though the job was advertised as a full-time position. I respectfully declined, emphasizing that I was looking for a long-term opportunity and was approached for this role, not the other way around. After that, my interest in the position waned. A few days later, I noticed the company had reposted the job, which made me feel like the C-level executive doubted my qualifications. Almost a month later, my former associate emailed me, including the C-level executive, stating that I was still being considered but they wanted to start me as a consultant with the possibility of transitioning to full-time later. This made me feel like they don't see me as the ideal candidate. Am I overreacting? What would others do in my situation?

I started a new remote job about six months ago after years of working in an office, even throughout COVID. While I appreciate the lack of coworker drama and enjoy the work itself, I've been struggling with some of the company's policies. They only offer one week of accrued paid vacation and unlimited unpaid vacation, which is tough since I can't afford to take unpaid time off. Additionally, I don’t get paid for holidays or the time I spend sending updates on my tasks, which can take a significant amount of time each day. I was told I had a flexible schedule during the interview, but I've had to establish specific hours and inform them of any changes, no matter how minor. Despite my compliance, I often don’t receive any acknowledgment of my schedule updates. Because of the unpaid breaks and the time I spend on updates, I find myself working an extra 1-3 hours daily without pay, which makes it hard to plan after-work activities. The training materials are great, and I've received good one-on-one training, but there seems to be an expectation that I should perform complex tasks perfectly right away, despite being new. I feel like I'm making progress, but I mostly receive negative feedback on what I haven't done perfectly, which is quite discouraging. I signed a lease in a more affordable area after starting this job, but now I feel stuck because there are limited opportunities in my field nearby, and commuting to the city would take 1-1.5 hours each way. The job market in the city seems to be dominated by outdated attitudes, making it hard for someone like me to find a better fit. I just need to hold on for a year until I can reassess my situation and hopefully move out of state.

I've been on the job hunt for a while now, and it's been quite disheartening. I have over 4.5 years of experience in Business Operations, where I've successfully built systems and categories from the ground up. My efforts have been recognized with more than 10 excellence awards, which I thought would make me a strong candidate. However, despite my qualifications, I'm hardly receiving any responses to my applications. What's particularly frustrating is that when I do get interviews, they often go really well. Companies seem interested and then ask for more time to make a decision, only for me to end up being ghosted. I’m starting to wonder if this is just how the current job market is or if there’s something I’m missing in my approach. If anyone has any advice, referrals, or knows of any relevant openings, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

I recently found myself navigating the complexities of job searching while managing my unemployment benefits. Currently, I'm receiving unemployment based on my part-time income, and I have a few interviews lined up. However, I've just learned that I need a medical procedure scheduled for mid-November, which will require me to take several days off over two non-consecutive weeks. To complicate matters further, I am also facing major surgery in February 2027 that will necessitate six weeks off work. I'm unsure about how to approach this topic during my interviews and whether I should stop my unemployment benefits now. I want to be transparent with potential employers, but I also don't want to jeopardize my chances of securing a job. It's a tough balancing act, and I'm trying to figure out the best course of action.

I completed my final round of interviews for a position on September 10th. During that interview, HR discussed salary verbally and mentioned that I would need to have a final discussion with the CPO to finalize things. It took a week to schedule that call, and then they suggested that I might fit better into another opening on the same team, so they wanted me to interview with another manager. The day after that, they reached out for my documents and said there would be a call for salary discussion. However, it has now been a week since I submitted my documents, and I haven't received any response. I've been following up every two days, but still no word from them. I'm feeling anxious since I'm currently unemployed and really hoping for this job. Is it normal to experience such a long wait? Should I still expect an offer or should I start looking elsewhere?

I recently found myself in a tough spot after leaving my job at a local marketing firm where I worked as a junior analyst. I quit after just two weeks, thinking it wasn't the right fit for me, but now I'm regretting that decision. I left on good terms, so I'm considering reaching out to see if they might take me back. I've been reading mixed opinions on whether it's a good idea to ask for my old job back, and it seems like some people think I should just swallow my pride and go for it since I didn't burn any bridges. Others suggest I wait a few months before making a move, as returning too soon might raise eyebrows about my commitment. I really liked the team and the work, so I'm torn about what to do next.

I recently lost my job in the dental field after a decade of working 40-60 hour weeks, and honestly, I feel relieved. At almost 28, I've been in a career that I never enjoyed, forced into it by my parents when I was 17. The past ten years have been filled with verbal and physical abuse from patients, constant negativity, and a lack of benefits or overtime pay. I moved back home after being laid off two months ago, and I've mostly been sleeping and hitting the gym to recover from the burnout that has plagued me since my teenage years. Despite achieving financial success, I’ve been miserable and exhausted for so long that it feels like no one truly understands my struggles. The only time I felt somewhat alive was during the month off I had during COVID, where I lost weight, picked up hobbies, and reconnected with old friends. Now, I know I need to get back to work or consider going back to school, but nothing sounds appealing. I’m considering a career change, possibly into hairdressing as a curly hair specialist or personal training. My dad suggests water treatment engineering, but I want to pursue something that genuinely interests me this time. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has dealt with similar burnout and how they found their way back to what they enjoy.

I recently interviewed for a job (Job A) and received an offer just a few hours later. However, the pay was on the lower side for a new grad, so I asked for a few days to think it over. They wanted a quick response, and after emailing them some questions, I didn't hear back. I followed up with a text, and they promised to get back to me the next morning, but as the day ended, I still hadn't received a call. In the meantime, I got a call from another company (Job B) where I had interviewed. They mentioned I would hear back in a few days, and I suspect I might need to interview again since it's a different location, but still the same company. The pay for Job B is about $4 more per hour, plus they offer a 9-day fortnight, which I would prefer. Now, I'm wondering if it's acceptable to accept the offer from Job A if they respond, and then back out if Job B makes an offer. Also, when should I stop anxiously checking my phone for a call? I'm new to this job search process and could really use some guidance.

I’m currently seeking my first job opportunity in the tech/business sector after completing my Master’s degree nearly two years ago. Originally from India, I moved to the USA and have been actively applying for entry-level positions since then. Despite having relevant skills and continuously improving myself, I’ve faced significant challenges in my job search, including a lot of ghosting after interviews where I felt confident about my performance. It’s been exhausting and discouraging, but I’m determined to keep going. I’m reaching out to the community for help with a few things: - Referrals or leads for entry-level roles - Feedback on my resume or LinkedIn profile - Advice on how to enhance my job search strategy - Connections with recruiters or hiring managers - Any other insights based on your experiences would be greatly appreciated. I’m ready to put in the effort to learn and grow; I just need a chance to prove myself. If anyone knows of openings or can connect me with someone in the industry, I would be incredibly grateful.