Thinking

I have an interview for a busser position at Las Palapas on Monday. I'm feeling a bit anxious because I really need this job, but I'm not sure what to expect during the interview. I'm looking for any advice or tips that could help me prepare, especially considering I have autism and might face some unique challenges. Any insights on what the interview process might be like or how to present myself effectively would be greatly appreciated.

Today, I was supposed to have a screening call with a recruiter for a Deal Analyst position at Workday. I was really looking forward to it since she had reached out to me first and mentioned that my background was a great fit. I scheduled the call for 3:15 PM through her Calendly and planned my afternoon around it, even skipping a much-needed nap to be prepared. However, just two minutes before the call, at 3:13 PM, I received a message asking to reschedule for next week. There was no phone call, no attempt to keep the appointment—just a last-minute request to push it out several days. This has left me feeling a bit unsettled, especially since I can't find the job posting on Workday's career site. I’m now trying to figure out if this is just a case of busy recruiters or if it's a red flag about the entire process. I’m considering whether to continue with this recruiter if they apologize and reschedule, or if I should move on due to this first impression.

I recently interviewed for what I thought was my dream job. The role, location, pay, and team all seemed perfect, and I felt a strong connection during the interview. Unfortunately, I didn't get the position, and I feel incredibly defeated. It feels like I've lost my only shot at something I truly wanted. I'm struggling to figure out how to recover from this setback. I know I need to move on and apply to other jobs, but it's hard to shake off the disappointment. I've read that there are many opportunities out there, but right now, it feels like nothing will compare to this one.

I recently applied for an Operations Analyst position at PNC and went through two interviews that I felt went really well. The recruiter initially reached out to me after reviewing my resume, and I had a great first interview. The hiring manager even complimented my answers during the second interview and discussed what my potential day-to-day would look like on the team. She ended on a positive note, saying she hoped to speak with me soon, but mentioned she had more interviews to conduct and was going on vacation for a week. While she was away, the recruiter kept me updated, which I took as a good sign. However, after the hiring manager returned, I followed up and learned that the position had been put on hold indefinitely due to unforeseen internal circumstances. The recruiter mentioned it might be a couple of weeks before I hear anything further. My application still shows as 'Interviewing' in Workday, and while I'm continuing to apply elsewhere, I'm curious if anyone else has experienced a similar situation where a position was put on hold after multiple interviews. Did it eventually come back, or was it canceled? I'm also interested in hearing from recruiters or hiring managers about their thoughts on this scenario.

I'm currently navigating a job transition within my research organization and am expecting an official offer for a new position soon. The hiring manager has assured me that everything is moving forward, but there are still some HR steps to finalize before I can officially accept. I'm hoping to start around mid-September. However, I'm dealing with a challenging supervisor who's become increasingly difficult to work with over the past year. His unpredictable mood swings have made the work environment quite stressful, especially after finishing my PhD. I'm concerned that once I submit my resignation, the final two weeks could be really tough. I have about 72 hours of vacation leave and 53 hours of sick leave. If I transfer directly to the new position, I can carry over both types of leave. But if I resign and take a break, I would lose my sick leave, although my vacation would be paid out. Additionally, my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first baby soon, and I want to help them during that time. Unfortunately, the family leave policy doesn't cover this situation, so I'd need to use my accrued leave. I'm considering using some sick leave before I resign since I've been feeling burnt out. Once the new job is official, I would give my two weeks' notice. If my supervisor is professional, I would work through those two weeks, but if he becomes hostile, I might use my sick leave to manage the situation. I'm weighing the option of taking a short break between jobs to decompress and spend time with family, but that would mean losing my sick leave. I'm looking for advice on how to balance professionalism, finances, and my mental health during this transition.

I recently resigned from my job at a boutique marketing agency due to a toxic manager. I had been there for 5 years and was laid off in 2024, but after a year of searching, I finally landed a great role with decent pay in the summer of 2025. Unfortunately, after a year, my manager changed and the new one treated me poorly, which severely impacted my mental health. I made the tough decision to resign in June and took a month off to travel overseas with my family, returning to Canada at the end of July. Now, I’m back on the job hunt and facing some challenges: the job market seems dry, and the wages offered are significantly lower than what I was making before. I regret quitting, but I know I prioritized my mental health. I feel out of touch with the latest trends in digital marketing and web/graphic design, and after my break, I’m struggling with brain fog and feel mentally sluggish. I need to find a source of income quickly, whether that means taking a full-time job or building up freelance clients, as I have some freelance experience. I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, just a higher diploma from about 5 years ago, but I do have around 7 years of experience in the field. I also still need to get my driver’s license. I have several questions: 1. How do I explain my decision to quit without a job lined up during interviews and move past my feelings of regret? 2. What can I do to regain my mental sharpness after my time off? 3. Given the current market with low wages, should I accept a pay cut for a full-time position or focus on freelancing? 4. What’s the fastest way to get back up to speed with current marketing and design practices? 5. Is pursuing an online degree while unemployed worth it, or will it just be a distraction? Are there any recognized and affordable options in Canada? Having climbed out of a lengthy job search before, I believe I can do it again, but I’m looking for direction and any honest advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently started a new job as a [specific role] at [company name] just two months ago. I was really grateful to land this position after being on the job market for a while. My department is quite small, consisting of just my manager and me. However, I've been informed that my manager will be leaving the company soon. The workload is quite heavy, often requiring me to take work home, but my coworkers are fantastic, and the flexibility is a huge plus. I genuinely enjoy the work most of the time, although I'm still adjusting to the high stress and fast pace. Recently, I received an offer for another role at a different company that aligns even better with my career goals. This new position offers a higher salary and the advantage of being fully remote. The catch is that it’s a temp-to-hire position, which makes me a bit nervous given the current job market. I'm feeling conflicted about whether it would be professional to leave my current job after such a short time. I'm also apprehensive about the temp aspect, especially considering the uncertainty in today’s job climate. I'm seeking advice on what I should do next.

I've been struggling with long-term unemployment and the constant stream of rejection emails has really taken a toll on my spirit. I posted about my situation before, and now I'm at a point where I'm questioning whether I deserve a break. Most people view a vacation as a reward for hard work, but when all I face is negativity and I've withdrawn from social activities, I wonder if it's okay to take a week or two off to recharge. I feel guilty about the idea, as if it might be selfish or like I'm running away from my problems. But I also recognize that a break might be what I need to come back stronger in my job search. I've seen comments suggesting that if I have the financial means, taking a break could actually help me return to the job hunt feeling less depleted. It's a tough decision, but I’m considering it.

After several years working in HR, I've now found myself on the other side of the table with a gap in my resume. To keep things afloat, I've been driving for a rideshare service while I explore my next career steps. Interestingly, I've noticed that being upfront about my situation has been beneficial. In my previous role, I always advised candidates to be honest about their gaps, and now I’m experiencing the truth of that advice firsthand. Just last week, during a phone screen, the hiring manager expressed appreciation for my honesty about being between roles and actively keeping my skills sharp. I've always felt for candidates who tried to overcomplicate their explanations for employment gaps, often stretching dates or creating elaborate stories about freelance work that wasn't substantial. From my perspective as a recruiter, these tactics often backfire, making the gap seem more significant rather than less. Given the current job market, I sense that gaps are becoming less stigmatized compared to a couple of years ago. Of course, this might vary by industry, but I feel like there's been a shift in how hiring managers perceive these situations. I'm curious to hear if others are experiencing similar changes in their job searches or if it really does depend on the specific industry and the individual screening the candidates.

I’m currently in a challenging situation at my job where my employer is trying to assign me leadership responsibilities without officially promoting me. They want me to take on a ‘leadership’ role while still handling my current duties, but they haven’t discussed any formal change in title or compensation. I’ve been documenting everything—emails, calls, and the extra tasks I’m being pulled into—because it seems like they’re trying to get me to do two jobs for the price of one without any acknowledgment or pay increase. I plan to address this in my next one-on-one with my manager, as I can clearly see their strategy of claiming that my salary covers these additional duties. If this continues without any formal recognition or compensation, I’m ready to ramp up my job search and consider handing in my resignation. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? How did you handle it?

I'm currently job hunting and came across a position at a furniture store that offers 100% commission pay. I had an interview, but I'm really unsure if this type of role is worth it. My main concern is the uncertainty of income; I don't want to end up working hard and not getting paid at all. I've heard mixed opinions about commission-based jobs, especially in furniture sales, where success can depend heavily on the company's marketing efforts rather than my own work ethic. I just want to secure a job quickly, but the idea of potentially earning very little or nothing at all is really daunting. Has anyone here worked in a similar role? What was your experience like?

Today I received the devastating news that I've been laid off from my position as a UX lead designer at a tech consultancy in Switzerland, where I had worked for five years. The company is reallocating resources due to a lack of demand, and unfortunately, I was deemed no longer necessary. This news hit particularly hard, as it came just three weeks after my wife and I found out we are expecting our first child. I feel completely shattered. While a part of me had been bracing for this outcome, the reality of it is crushing. I find myself questioning everything—was it the rise of AI, the shifting industry, or my own complacency in thinking I was secure? I had been pursuing my passion for art and creativity on the side, investing my own money and time into projects that now feel pointless. The timing couldn't be worse. My wife is not working, and I also have to care for my sick mother who has no pension. The financial burden is overwhelming, and I’m filled with dread about how to support my growing family. The stress is unbearable, and I feel like I’m losing my grip on everything. I want to scream, cry, and curse the situation, but I’m just left feeling trapped and insignificant. The irony of my professor's words from college echo in my mind: 'Never give too many years to a company who will not value you tomorrow.' It’s hard to see a way forward when the salary I earned in Switzerland is far beyond what I could make in Italy, and even that wasn’t enough to cover my family's expenses. I don’t know what to do next.

I was recently laid off from my sales position, where I earned $19/hour plus commission, and I've been on unemployment for about six weeks now. I received a part-time job offer for $15.75/hour, but I'm hesitant because the hiring manager mentioned that there are no guaranteed hours. They indicated that I might only get around 12 to 18 hours a week, which is a significant drop from the 26 hours I was working previously. My weekly benefit amount from unemployment is $319, and I believe I could still qualify for partial unemployment if I take the job. My main concern is the lack of guaranteed income, and I'm not excited about this offer. I'm also worried that if I decline it, it might cause issues with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) regarding what they consider suitable work. I'm planning to reach out to IDES for guidance, but I'm also looking for advice on whether I should accept this job or if it's reasonable to pass on it given the circumstances.

I was laid off from my Social Media Marketing position five months ago, and since then, I've applied to around 250 jobs but only landed about 7 interviews. I felt really optimistic about my most recent interview, but I received a rejection today, which has left me feeling incredibly frustrated and hopeless. This is the first time I've faced such a tough job search, and it's disheartening. I've even considered switching careers, but I don't know where to start and I definitely can't afford to go back to school. It feels like I'm stuck in an endless cycle of interviews and rejections.

Today marks my last day at the company where I've worked as a data engineer for the past four years. They informed us about the layoffs two months in advance, which feels surreal. Honestly, I’ve been ready to move on and have no intention of applying for new data engineering positions. I’ve witnessed a lot during my time here—management changes, colleagues getting laid off, and new hires coming in and out. It’s been a rollercoaster, and while I often just wanted to clock in and out, I now realize I wish I had engaged more with my coworkers. I mostly kept to myself, only exchanging small talk with a few people, and I regret not building deeper connections. As everyone is sharing their contact information, I can’t help but wonder if anyone will actually reach out to me after I leave. It’s strange to feel this way about a job I was eager to leave, but I guess I’ll miss it. This is likely my last role as a data engineer unless I decide to return to the field in the distant future. Despite my frustrations, I learned a lot here, particularly about maintaining professionalism in challenging situations.

I recently experienced a frustrating situation with my job in Kentucky. I was working under a direct supervisor who was incredibly difficult to deal with. One day, I tried to check the schedule and realized I couldn't log in. To my surprise, I found out that I had been fired without any notification—no termination letter, no phone call, nothing. My coworkers mentioned that my supervisor was claiming I quit, which is not true. I'm now wondering if I should file for unemployment benefits. Given that I never received any official termination notice, could my supervisor have falsely reported that I quit? I'm concerned that if I file, I might be denied based on his word alone. I didn't communicate directly with anyone in authority about my absence from the schedule, which I now realize might have been a mistake. I'm feeling quite lost about how to proceed.

I’m currently working at a consulting firm where the workload has really dried up. My role involves reaching out to clients for projects, but they’re hesitant to spend money on labor right now. Recently, I’ve been warned multiple times by my boss that my current situation isn’t sustainable, and I can’t shake the feeling that they want me to quit. I’m feeling pressured and uncertain about my next steps. I’ve been late to work a few times, and I worry that this could affect my eligibility for unemployment if I decide to leave. I’m also concerned that they might track my downtime and use that against me. I don’t have another job lined up, and I honestly doubt I’ll find something soon. I’m torn between staying in a job that feels precarious and leaving without a safety net.

I applied for a part-time warehouse role at DPD on July 1st, and since then, my application status has remained at "new." I'm feeling a bit lost as I can't find any contact details for their recruitment or HR teams to get an update. I even tried reaching out to a couple of recruiters on LinkedIn, but one is on sick leave and the other hasn't responded yet. I'm wondering if the recruitment process has been frozen or if the position has already been filled. If anyone currently working at DPD has any insights, I would really appreciate it!

I’m currently unemployed and navigating the job market while dealing with chronic mental health issues and some unfortunate luck. I’m 23 years old and live in Southern California, one of the largest cities in the state. Despite having over four years of experience in customer service, retail, and grocery, I haven’t been able to find a job for almost two years now. In 2022, I started working at Walmart after spending five years at Subway, but I lost that job in 2024 due to excessive absences linked to a deep depression. My mental health took a hit after a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of my grandparent and a close friend, as well as a breakup with my partner of three years. This led to a lack of motivation that kept me from even leaving the house. Since then, I’ve focused on my mental health with support from family, starting SSRIs, and attending therapy. I’ve also been selling handmade crafts and taking art commissions to keep myself busy. Now that I feel more stable and ready to re-enter the workforce, I’m struggling to even get interviews. I’ve spent hours tweaking my resume based on advice from others, but I keep receiving rejection emails. Transportation is another hurdle for me due to vision problems and a panic disorder from past accidents, so I’ve been applying to jobs within a 30-mile radius, including restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and warehouses, but I haven’t heard back from anyone. I have family and friends who help with rides, but I want to be financially independent and contribute back to them. I’m considering taking classes for a work-from-home job, but I’m unsure where to start since I’ve always been focused on working rather than studying. I’m frustrated with the job market and my ongoing mental health journey, but I’m open to exploring various options. I’m looking for job suggestions that might suit my experience and interests. I’m a creative person who enjoys crafting, digital drawing, and organizing. I’m not picky about the type of job, but I prefer roles that involve helping others or repetitive tasks that I can do without overthinking. I’d appreciate any advice on where to start looking for jobs or how to improve my chances of being hired. Any encouragement would also mean a lot. Thank you for reading.

I just received a rejection email from my top-choice company after going through three interviews. I hadn't heard back for a while, so I followed up twice before getting this response. The email thanked me for my interest and mentioned that I left a great impression, but they decided not to move forward because the position requires working with more experienced candidates. They emphasized that this decision wasn't about my current abilities and expressed hope for future opportunities. I'm feeling a mix of disappointment and hope. I approached the interviews with enthusiasm, and I really want to work for this company, so I'm considering applying again in the future. I'm curious if the tone of the email indicates I was seen as a strong candidate or if it's just a standard rejection template. Some comments I've seen suggest that if they used my name and not just 'Dear Applicant,' it might mean they genuinely liked me but just didn't have the right fit at this time.