Thinking

I'm a 23-year-old woman and a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications Broadcast and Production. Unfortunately, my college experience has left me feeling underprepared for the job market. I chose this major after being discouraged from pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian, and while I thought I could pivot to film, the program didn't equip me with the necessary skills for a competitive field. I learned some basics of videography and drone work, but it’s just not enough to stand out among freelancers with far more experience. Currently, I'm struggling to find a job because I feel under-skilled. The market is saturated, and even if I improve my editing skills, I worry about the lack of opportunities. I have Narcolepsy Type 2, which means I can't handle physically demanding jobs, and mentioning my condition often leads to being overlooked by hiring managers. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Are there jobs I can pursue with my degree that I haven't considered? My last internship was a nightmare, so I'm hesitant about marketing, though that might have just been a bad experience. I'd love to hear any advice on career paths I can take without going back to school, as I can't afford it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Today was a turning point for me at my job as a customer service representative at a local retail store. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately due to being understaffed and trying to pick up the slack for my coworkers. I've always been the cheerful one, but I sense some tension with a colleague who seems frustrated with my energy. It’s been tough, especially with a manager who has made some questionable scheduling decisions that have led to a chaotic work environment. Today was particularly hectic. We were slammed with customers, and I had a Dungeons and Dragons game planned for later in the day. I had communicated my need to leave early multiple times, but when the time came, my manager wouldn't let me go, claiming it would be considered job abandonment. I felt trapped and frustrated, especially since I had been trying to be accommodating and help out the team. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to leave anyway, knowing it might cost me my job. I ended up calling various departments for help, but no one was available. In the end, I returned to my work area, feeling defeated. I told a regular customer that today might be my last day. I left work at 3:45 PM, still feeling the weight of the situation. Despite the chaos, I had an amazing time at my D&D game later, which reminded me of the joy I can still find outside of work. I’m still processing everything, but I feel like I might have reached my breaking point at this job.

I was laid off two months ago and recently received my first job offer for a Node.js backend developer position with a salary of 38 LPA. While this seems like a step up from my last CTC of 32 LPA in Noida, I'm feeling uncertain about a few aspects. The company plans to deduct 12% for provident fund on my basic salary and gratuity, which is making me hesitate. Additionally, the job requires me to relocate to Powai, Mumbai. I don't have any EMIs and live a low-maintenance lifestyle, so financially I could manage. However, I'm torn about whether to accept this offer or wait for potentially better opportunities. The company operates in the insurance domain and uses the same tech stack I’m familiar with, but I find myself a bit bored with it. The discomfort of being unemployed is weighing on me, and I'm struggling to make a decision. Should I take this offer and keep looking for something better, or hold out for a different opportunity?

Today marks Day 2 of my layoff from my position, and I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. My coworker has been reaching out, asking me to send her some files that she could easily access herself, as both she and her husband have the necessary permissions. My official termination letter states that my last day is August 31st, but the CEO graciously allowed me to take the entire month off with full pay. I’m unsure if I should respond to her requests or just ignore them. Part of me thinks I could simply say that I can’t log in anymore, but I also feel like it’s not my responsibility to help her out at this point. I ultimately decided to tell her no. It feels good to set boundaries during this transition.

I have been job searching for the past six months, submitting around 230 applications, and I feel completely defeated. Despite having a few positions under consideration, none have materialized into offers yet. I've been actively networking at events, trying to make connections, but it feels like nothing is working out. My parents are disappointed in my progress, and I can’t help but feel the pressure. I spend my days applying for jobs without any breaks, and it’s consuming my thoughts, even invading my dreams. I’m at a loss for what to do next and just want this struggle to end. I really hope someone will give me a chance soon.

I'm in my late 20s and currently facing challenges in my job search. I graduated high school and briefly attended art college, but had to drop out due to financial issues. I later obtained a certificate in App Development, mainly for personal projects, from a community college. My work experience includes computer repair and using industrial machinery, with a strong passion for soldering and PCB design, which I've been doing for about 16 years. I'm open to a desk job as long as it aligns with my skills. I've also considered fields like networking, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work, as I have some experience in household plumbing and networking. However, I'm unsure if I can secure an internship in those areas without attending trade school first. I'm ideally looking for a stable career, but my current living situation requires me to find a job that pays better than minimum wage (around $13 per hour). I'm now starting to explore positions that offer $20+ per hour, even if they come with significant challenges, to help me save money for a safer living situation.

I recently had to quit my job at a large company in Wisconsin due to some serious issues with working conditions and legal concerns. My role involved scheduling appointments for clients, but the company made it impossible to take breaks, even for basic needs like water and bathroom breaks. I went over a month without any proper breaks, and they often scheduled me for long hours without allowing me to eat or drink during my shifts. This led to significant health issues, including rapid weight loss, and my doctor advised me to consider quitting. Additionally, I was instructed to ignore legal disclosures while assisting clients with credit card applications and other services, which felt unethical and risky. After facing harassment from clients due to my unique name being used in public-facing emails, I felt unsafe and overwhelmed. I also lost my health insurance benefits, making it difficult to afford necessary medications. Before quitting, I thought I had another job lined up, but after multiple interviews and promises of hiring, the start date kept getting pushed back. Now, I'm left without a job and struggling with unemployment claims, as the system indicates unreported work that doesn’t exist. I’m considering seeking legal advice but am unsure where to start, especially since I can't afford a lawyer. It's been a tough situation, and I’m still trying to figure out my next steps.

I was previously employed as a pharmacy technician and am currently unemployed. I'm looking to get certified in either pharmacy tech or specifically for the 340B program. The 340B ACE certification offers online training modules, but I need to pay for them. I'm trying to figure out if completing these modules can count as job search training activities for my weekly requirements. Do I need to finish a whole module twice a week, or would just spending time on them be sufficient? I’ve considered reaching out to my local OhioMeansJobs career center to ask about potential funding through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for these training programs, but I’m unsure if that would be a viable option. I’ve heard mixed opinions about how training might be perceived in relation to job search activities, and I want to make sure I’m following the rules correctly.

I was recently laid off from my position at NBC Peacock, along with the entire customer service team in Orlando, FL. The company has decided to cut costs by outsourcing our operations to India, which means our roles are being eliminated. It's incredibly frustrating to see a multibillion-dollar corporation prioritize saving money over the skilled employees who have dedicated their time to supporting Peacock customers. We were the ones who understood the systems, handled challenging situations, and represented the brand with care, only to be discarded for cheaper labor. I want to clarify that this isn’t about blaming the workers in India; they deserve fair pay and good working conditions too. The real issue lies with corporations that exploit wage differences to eliminate American jobs while expecting customers to accept a decline in service quality. It's disheartening to think that the people assisting Peacock customers may no longer have the same level of experience or dedication. When companies choose the cheapest option over their employees and customers, the quality of service often suffers.

I had a panel interview about 1.5 weeks ago for a position that I’m really excited about. The interviewers mentioned I would hear back with a decision between July 28th and 30th, but I haven’t received any updates yet. The only responses I’ve gotten since my thank you emails were vague messages like "great things are coming and never stop getting results." While I feel fortunate to have received two verbal offers over the weekend, both are for one-year contracts without a guarantee of transitioning to a permanent role. I’m particularly interested in this other position because it allows me to stay in my current location and is a full-time opportunity within my field. I know I’m in a good position compared to many others in the job market, but it would be great to secure full-time employment without having to start the application process all over again in a couple of months.

I recently started a new full-time job after working part-time for about two years at a shop that specialized in used goods and smartphone repairs. It's only been two days in this new role, but I already find myself longing to return to my old workplace. At my previous job, the environment was cramped and cluttered, and while the pay and benefits weren't the best, I truly connected with the staff and had a lot of respect for both the manager and the owner. They prioritized customer service over profits, which resonated with me. We had a relaxed atmosphere where we could chat, enjoy snacks, and even use the store's money to buy refreshments. It felt like a warm, human workplace. I had the opportunity to take a full-time position there but declined because I didn't want to build my career in the used-goods sector, thinking I could find a better fit elsewhere. Now, at my current job, while I appreciate the reduced overtime and potential for better pay in the future, I feel disconnected from the manager and my colleagues. There's a lack of small talk, and the focus seems more on profit than on serving customers, which feels uncomfortable for me. I understand the necessity of running a business that way, but it doesn't align with my values. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this desire to return to a previous job. How did you handle it?

I started a summer job in May, working under a 60-hour contract for three weeks. During the interview, I was assured that regardless of the contract type, I would have the opportunity to work more hours than guaranteed. My manager confirmed this when I started, saying I could work as much as I wanted if I expressed my desire for more hours. However, despite my monthly requests to increase my hours, I've consistently only received around 60-65 hours per rotation. Recently, our new schedule showed that almost every employee, including myself, has been assigned fewer hours than our contracts stipulate. This is a clear violation of our employment agreement, and I'm entitled to full pay for the contracted hours, even if the shifts aren’t provided. I spoke to a coworker about this issue, but he’s hesitant to bring it up to management, fearing it would add more stress to our already supportive managers. I understand that the company may have overhired due to expected sales increases, but I find it hard to believe that a large company in this field can't afford to honor our contracts. While I appreciate my managers and don’t want to create problems for them, I also feel the need to stand up for my rights as an employee. I wish there was a way to address this issue directly with higher management without involving my kind managers. Financially, I’m in a tough spot since I had planned to save most of my earnings for university, but now I’m struggling to cover my living expenses after moving out due to renovations at home.

I’ve been reflecting on the current climate of layoffs, and it’s alarming to see how common retrenchments have become. It used to feel like a distant concern, but now it seems like almost every day there are reports of companies letting go of employees without clear reasons. What’s particularly troubling is that even managers and higher-ups aren’t safe from these cuts. I’ve learned that there are no mandatory severance packages or requirements that companies must follow, which means that even firms that are doing well can let people go without any justification. I’ve witnessed toxic environments where employees are fired only to see the same positions filled again shortly after. It feels like loyalty has become obsolete in the workplace. Companies seem to hire without much thought and fire just as easily, without any legal repercussions to protect workers. In other countries, it’s much harder to terminate an employee, but here it’s almost too easy. Often, they’ll give you a month’s notice, or create impossible performance targets that no one could realistically meet, just to label you as underperforming. I’ve seen HR departments act in ways that are downright intimidating, threatening termination without any real basis in performance. Many of us are left feeling pressured to resign to avoid the stigma of being fired. I know colleagues who work tirelessly, going above and beyond, only to find themselves in the crosshairs of layoffs. The process can be humiliating, with accusations that are laughable yet result in their termination. It’s heartbreaking to think about the families affected and the financial burdens they face. I can’t help but wonder how many people have suffered severe consequences from these layoffs—like depression or worse—because they can’t find new jobs, especially as they get older. It’s a serious issue that needs addressing. I really hope our government steps in to protect workers from these unjust practices, ensuring that companies—both local and multinational—are held accountable for their actions.

I was fired twice within a year, and I'm starting to question if leaving a toxic job was worth the ongoing insecurity. My first job was with a local city government in a healthcare IT role. Overall, it went fine, with only a couple of minor errors that were easily corrected. However, I was feeling uneasy about the budget discussions happening two months before I was supposed to become a permanent employee. I started applying for new jobs, and just three days before my permanent status, I was let go. They claimed I didn’t work hard enough, and I left with my head held high, even though they didn’t bother to escort me out properly. After that, I thought I could start fresh with a new job. The first month went well, and my first employee evaluation showed no issues. But in the second month, my boss became frustrated with me for asking questions about my tasks, and then also for not asking enough questions. I tried to communicate my discomfort with some of the processes, and despite my efforts to address a production issue I caused, I was still blamed for it. I had a compliance ticket related to SOX that I was dinged for because the process had changed midway, but the auditor was understanding. Things took a turn when I had jury duty. I provided my boss with the court-ordered letter and went to fulfill my civic duty. I received frantic messages from my boss about a schedule, which I didn’t have since I was at jury duty. Fast forward to last Tuesday, and I was fired again. I used to be confident in my career path in IT, having worked as a contractor and a system admin for years. However, it seems like every job I take is poorly managed. I miss the days when proactive management was the norm and when people were trained and appreciated for their hard work. Now, it feels like there are too many in IT who lack the passion and understanding needed for the field. I’ve never had formal certifications or a four-year degree, but I have a wealth of experience. Unfortunately, I often feel overshadowed by those who do have degrees. I’ve decided to take some time off to focus on getting certified and to finally have the credentials to match my experience.

I recently learned that Dignity Health has laid off several top-tier employees. This news has left me concerned about the overall health of the organization and what it might mean for the future. I'm wondering if this is a sign of deeper issues within the company or if it's just a strategic move. It's unsettling to see such talent being let go, and I'm curious about the implications for those of us still employed here.

I have my final interview for what feels like my dream job on Tuesday, and I'm both excited and nervous. The interview is set to last about 3 hours, starting with a tour of the office, followed by five separate 30-minute one-on-one meetings with people from different departments. The hiring manager mentioned that this format is usually pretty relaxed rather than overly formal, which is a bit comforting. I've never experienced a final interview like this before, so I'm reaching out for advice. I'm curious about what kinds of questions I might expect during these meetings. Will each person likely ask the same questions, or do they typically focus on different aspects? I'm also wondering how best to prepare for this unique setup and if there are any common mistakes I should avoid. I usually do well in interviews, but this format is new to me, and I want to make a great impression. Additionally, I want to know if reaching this stage is a good sign that an offer is a real possibility or if it’s still anyone's game. This opportunity means a lot to me, and I really want this job. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I just got laid off from my position at Publicis Groupe, and it's been a tough time for me. About three months ago, my fiancé left me, which has made things even more challenging. I’m living in a giant loft apartment that I can barely afford, especially now that I'm without a job. The place feels so empty without her and all her stuff, and it's hard to keep up with the rent. I was finally getting my life back on track—hitting the gym every day and cutting back on drinking during the week. But now, with this layoff, I feel like I’m back to square one. I haven't done any coding challenges in years, and I’m unsure if they’ve changed or if companies are still relying on traditional methods. I’ve heard mixed things about using AI in coding interviews, and I’m worried about how to approach my job search moving forward.

A few months ago, I made the tough decision to quit my job as a Part Time Manager at Claire's. Initially, I enjoyed my role, despite the challenges of changing signs every night. However, after the company went through bankruptcy and was bought out, the work environment turned toxic. Management was poor, and many employees were leaving. I found out from friends that I was severely underpaid at $12/hour for my position, especially when I learned that others were making more for less work. Despite my store manager's encouragement to pursue a promotion to Store Manager, I was ultimately not hired after being led to believe I would be. This was the final straw for me, and I submitted my one-week notice. My boyfriend supported my decision to focus on my hobby instead, but since quitting, I've struggled with feelings of inadequacy and a lack of purpose. I've been trying to make money from my hobby, but it's been slow, and I've also started doing DoorDash to make ends meet. However, my phone service issues complicate things. I feel like I've lost my routine and am not accomplishing anything meaningful. Now, I'm looking for new jobs, but I feel stuck. I want to earn more than $14/hour, work part-time, and preferably find something remote or within a 30-minute drive. I don’t have a degree, and I’d love weekends off, but I’m starting to wonder if my expectations are too high. I feel like I might have to lower my standards and consider full-time work or even go back to the $12/hour range. I'm reaching out for advice on whether I'm being too picky or if I'm missing something in my job search.

I recently landed my second job using a data-backed approach to my job search, and I wanted to share my experience in hopes it helps others. I'm a data science graduate from the class of 2022. I was previously employed at a firm on the West Coast but was laid off in early 2024. After that, I spent nearly a year applying to jobs and faced a lot of rejections, which was pretty devastating. It wasn't until recently that I realized I had been applying blindly without leveraging my data science skills effectively. To improve my job application success, I developed a testing methodology that involved running a regression model to identify key factors influencing successful applications. I defined a successful job application as receiving a reply after submission. I hired two interns to help apply on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, and I also utilized four automatic application tools for sites like ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor. Each of us applied to about 40 to 50 jobs daily, tracking our progress with unique emails. I used the free version of Breezy HR ATS to analyze which resume formats were most effective. Through my research, I discovered that tailoring a resume to a specific job role significantly impacts ATS rankings. I used an NLP web scraper to identify popular resume formats in the industry and created three versions: UniTalent, LaTeX, and RenderCV. Over 120 days, we collectively submitted about 28,844 applications, categorized by posting time: jobs posted within 24 hours, those over a week old, and those over a month old. Our overall response rate was about 5.8%, with 1,670 positive responses. The results showed that tailored resumes with relevant keywords performed best, and timing was crucial—applications submitted within the first hour of posting had the highest response rates. Interestingly, I found that the format of the resume also played a significant role in the response rate. The UniTalent format yielded the highest number of positive responses, followed by LaTeX and RenderCV. This experience has taught me a lot about the job application process and the importance of using data to inform my approach.

I recently completed an assessment interview for a position that I thought I had messed up, but surprisingly, it went better than expected. The hiring manager even asked me to give him a call to discuss onboarding preparation, which we touched on briefly. The recruiter also reached out to me regarding the next steps. Now, I’m gearing up for the final round, which is an executive interview with a senior leader. I’m feeling really nervous about it. I’m trying to balance my hope for the position while also staying focused on preparation. I’m curious for insights from anyone who has been through similar high-level interviews. What do they typically assess? Is it more of a conversational style, or should I prepare for another in-depth interview? Any tips on how to get ready would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!