Thinking

I graduated in December 2027 with a degree in mechanical engineering and have been actively applying for jobs and internships. Unfortunately, I've been facing a lot of rejections. Friends and family keep telling me that the job market is tough right now and that it's an "employers market." I've been hearing this since around the end of COVID in 2022, and it makes me wonder when things will improve. It feels like landing entry-level roles or internships is becoming increasingly difficult. I understand that the job market can vary, but I can't help but feel concerned about whether it will ever get better.

I was laid off about 7 months ago and have been actively applying for jobs in Data Analytics ever since. It's been really tough; I hardly get any interview calls, and the constant cycle of applying is exhausting. I'm feeling a lot of uncertainty about the future, especially with the rapid advancements in AI. It's hard to stay motivated to study and upskill when it feels like the job market is so unpredictable. I have around 3 years of experience, but it seems like everyone is facing similar challenges. I'm curious how others who have been laid off are coping and what their plans are moving forward. For those still employed, how are you managing the anxiety around potential layoffs and the impact of AI on our jobs? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

I just experienced a sudden layoff from my job, and it feels like I'm going through a breakup. This position was more than just a job for me; it was my core identity. I invested so much creativity into my work, and it allowed me to travel the world, where I met my fiancé. It gave me confidence and helped me recover from a tough period of depression. I finally felt like I had a clear trajectory after years of job hopping, and I loved the company culture. I was naive to think that the constant praise from leadership would protect me from being let go. I took on multiple roles to prove my worth and believed I was a standout performer, thinking I was invincible. However, in a brief 15-minute call, I found myself jobless. There was no warning or notice, even though I had sensed it might happen since the layoffs began in January. I thought I was safe because I was still being given work and recognition. My manager even tried to negotiate on my behalf, mentioning my upcoming wedding, hoping they would reconsider. Now, I'm left grappling with the shock of being terminated due to restructuring, with no performance issues to blame. I spent the beginning of this month preparing for my wedding in Europe, and now I’m faced with the daunting task of job searching and worrying about my financial stability before the big day. It's hard to believe how cruel the timing is, losing my job right before my wedding.

I recently got hired at a small metal fabrication and CNC machining company through a temp agency. I'm 24 and have skills in welding, forklift operation, assembly, and testing, so I felt confident going into the interview. They advertised the position at $20 per hour, and during the interview, I mentioned that I expected at least $21 per hour. To my surprise, they quickly agreed to that rate. However, after doing some research, I found out that the starting pay for this position is actually $24 per hour. I feel like I might have lowballed myself during the negotiation, especially since I got nervous and didn't ask about their starting rates while touring the facility. Now, I’m set to start in just two days, and I’m unsure how to approach this situation. Should I bring it up with them after I start, or is there a better way to handle it? I really want to make sure I'm being compensated fairly.

I recently applied for a position at Procter & Gamble and received a notification regarding my application status. I'm curious if this means I passed the assessment for my other applications or if I'm still under consideration. I've heard mixed experiences from others about the assessment process, with many giving up. I'm looking for insights from anyone who has successfully navigated through the assessment to the interview stage or even received an offer. What was your timeline and experience like with P&G? I'm open to DMs if you'd prefer to share privately.

I recently started a part-time retail job three weeks ago while still working my full-time 9-5 job during the week. I took this retail position to boost my savings, but I'm realizing that working seven days a week is taking a toll on my mental health and my relationships. I've been sick twice in this short time, and it's clear that this schedule isn't sustainable for me. Although I like the job and the people I work with, I feel overwhelmed and anxious about the idea of quitting. One of my old coworkers, who is now my manager, went out of his way to help me get this position, and I feel guilty about potentially wasting his time. I know I don’t need this second job financially since I can manage on my current salary while still saving a bit each month. My anxiety disorder is making the thought of having this conversation with my manager even more daunting. Logically, I know quitting a part-time job isn’t a huge deal, but my anxiety amplifies the situation, making it feel like a major offense. I’m torn between wanting to keep this job out of loyalty and recognizing that my well-being is more important. I’m reaching out for advice on how to approach this conversation without spiraling into anxiety.

Three months ago, I found myself in a tough spot after being laid off from my first job post-grad, where I had worked for 10 months. The suddenness of it all left me confused, sad, and angry. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me. For two months, I prayed for new opportunities while endlessly scrolling through job boards. I reached out to every contact I had, trying to leverage my network, but nothing seemed to work. The financial stress was overwhelming, and I was on the verge of giving up. Then, everything changed when I finally received a job offer after three long months of searching. I was ecstatic but also fearful that it might slip away. This new position not only came with an 18% pay increase but was also 90% remote and in the media field, allowing me to utilize my degree that cost me $60,000. I just completed my first week at this new job, and I can confidently say that the team, the culture, and my bosses are a significant improvement compared to my previous job. My mental health is also much better now. If you're feeling hopeless, I want to share my story as a sign that things can and do get better.

I’m 29 years old and have been navigating my career path after a tough car accident two years ago that left me with a traumatic brain injury and several other injuries. Thankfully, I’m recovering well, but it's been a journey. I studied finance and banking, as well as insurance and risk management, and have held a client representative position for a few months right after graduation and then worked in investment operations for a year and a half until my accident. Recently, I attempted a treasury analyst role, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out, and I was let go in less than two months due to difficulties keeping up with the demands. Now, I’m seeking advice on my next steps. I’m looking for a job that is not stressful and offers a non-toxic work environment where I can earn a decent income. I’m considering roles in HR, particularly in compensation, since I enjoy working with people, or perhaps sticking to my finance and risk management background. However, I’ve found that I don’t particularly enjoy corporate settings, even though they seem to be the most viable option. I live in North Carolina and would appreciate any guidance on what to focus on in this job market, especially since I don’t have a strong professional network to lean on. I also wonder if anyone else has faced a challenging life event and what strategies helped them in their job search and interviews. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) recently due to a difficult client situation and a decrease in client work. After 16 years at my company, I'm worried they might be trying to avoid paying me a severance package by using the PIP as a reason to terminate my employment with cause. The client had specific expectations for a role, but it turned out they wanted something different, and I ended up being blamed when they decided to remove me from the project. Additionally, we've lost a few major customers, which has led to lower utilization rates for me compared to previous years. I'm based in Ontario, Canada, and I've been advised to document everything—emails, performance reviews, and communication with the client—just in case they try to use the PIP against me. I need to be careful not to sign any agreements or acknowledge the PIP without adding my own notes to protect myself. It feels like a precarious situation.

I recently wrapped up final interviews at eight different companies, but unfortunately, I just received a rejection email from my dream job at a FAANG company. I had a fantastic interview with the hiring manager, which led them to skip the second interview and bring me onsite. However, I felt I only performed adequately during the onsite, and that clearly wasn't enough to secure the position. I'm feeling quite disappointed and frustrated with myself. I've invested in interview coaching, and while my resume is solid and I get positive feedback about my personality, it hasn't translated into offers. I've prepared extensively for some interviews and barely studied for others, yet the outcomes have been similar. Additionally, there were other opportunities where I performed well but didn't make it to the final stages due to various reasons—like getting sick right before an interview, positions being canceled mid-process, or discovering that the pay wasn't worth the relocation to a high cost of living area. Despite all this, I plan to keep pushing forward, even though I'm struggling to pinpoint where I'm falling short or if there's room for improvement. Being early in my career, I suspect that candidates with more experience might be getting the edge over me.

I was laid off this week due to a "restructure" at my company, where I was the sole provider for my family. I received almost three months of severance, which I am grateful for, but the timing couldn't be worse as I am currently 21 weeks pregnant. I had been earning nearly $150,000 last year and was looking forward to three months of paid maternity leave. Now, I find myself in a panic about how to secure health insurance quickly, find a job with minor to no pay decrease, and ensure that my prenatal appointments and the birth in January are taken care of. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to approach job interviews knowing that I will need time off so soon after starting. I have to support a household of six, and I'm really worried about keeping our home. I’m reaching out for advice on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I recently started my job search and finally landed a couple of interviews, which is exciting! However, they are both scheduled for the same morning, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. One position is part-time while the other is a temporary role. I have open availability, but I’m concerned about potentially losing out on an offer by trying to juggle both. I've had two conversations with the manager for the temporary job, and she seems to understand my availability. In contrast, I’ve barely spoken with the part-time job manager, so I’m not sure where I stand with them. It feels like I have a better chance at the temporary job, but I still want to prepare for both interviews. I have a few questions: 1. If they ask about my availability, how should I respond? 2. What’s a good way to introduce myself when they ask, "Tell me about yourself?" 3. I struggle with the question about weaknesses; what are some appropriate responses? 4. I really need a job, but I don’t want to come off as desperate. How can I project confidence? 5. If I receive offers from both, what’s the best way to handle that? I’d love to accept both, but I’m unsure about the scheduling. I tend to get nervous during interviews and often talk too much, so any tips would be really appreciated!

I graduated in July with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from a reputable university, and I've been on the job hunt ever since. For the past month, I've been applying to Business Development Representative (BDR) and Sales Development Representative (SDR) roles, sending out about 50 applications each week. Unfortunately, the only interviews I've landed have been through recruiters reaching out to me directly. Even then, I've faced rejection for entry-level sales positions because they claim I lack sufficient experience. I'm starting to feel frustrated and wonder if my degree even matters in today's job market. I've crafted my resume using Claude, but I'm still struggling to make progress. Most of my applications have been through LinkedIn, with some on ZipRecruiter and Handshake. I'm seeking advice on what I might be doing wrong and if there are specific job positions I should focus on.

I recently witnessed a troubling trend at my company in the automotive sector. As a project manager, I noticed that while some employees were being laid off or put on reduced hours, others were working extreme overtime—sometimes clocking in 100 to 120 hours a week. This situation raises serious questions about management practices and the fairness of workload distribution. It seems contradictory that a company would allow certain employees to earn two to three times their normal salary through excessive overtime while simultaneously letting go of others or claiming budget constraints. If there's enough budget to pay one person so much for overtime, why not hire or retain additional staff to share the workload? This approach could prevent burnout and provide more employees with stable incomes. I believe that companies should set reasonable limits on overtime and rotate extra work among qualified employees. It’s essential for management to review time reporting carefully and ensure that the workload is genuinely necessary. The current practice not only risks employee health but also undermines team morale and productivity. Has anyone else experienced similar issues in their industries? How did management respond to the imbalance in workload and staffing?

I'm Besar Sadriu, a cybersecurity professional actively seeking new job opportunities. I have a solid background in cybersecurity, built upon my experience in tech support and security-focused roles. I'm particularly interested in positions such as SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, Blue Team roles, and Cybersecurity Engineer or Specialist. I'm flexible with work arrangements, open to remote, hybrid, or on-site roles, and I'm willing to consider various locations. If anyone has leads or advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm also happy to share my LinkedIn profile or resume via direct message.

I was laid off last week from my position in marketing, and I’m still trying to process everything. This is my first experience with being laid off, and honestly, it feels surreal. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for job boards that might be more effective than LinkedIn or Indeed. My background is in marketing and media, but it seems like the industry is struggling right now, especially since I live in a smaller area. Any advice on how to navigate this job search would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off from my IT job three months ago, and it's been a tough journey. I've been feeling quite lonely and depressed during this time, and I think it would really help to connect with others who are in a similar situation. I'm looking to start or join a chat channel where we can share our experiences, support each other, and maybe even exchange job leads. If anyone is interested, please reach out!

I recently received a raise of just 43 cents per hour at my job as an Assistant General Manager, despite taking on nearly double the workload. This raise follows a pattern where my previous requests for increases were denied, including when the state's minimum wage went up. Currently, I'm making $17 an hour, which is only $2 above minimum wage. My district manager claims that my pay is reasonable since I work over 50 hours a week, with guaranteed overtime for those extra hours. However, I'm starting to question if it's worth it to stay at a company that seems to undervalue my contributions. I'm actively interviewing for other positions, one of which offers $2-3 more per hour but caps at 40 hours a week. This new role also comes with better insurance and significantly less responsibility, being a corporate position instead of a franchise. The pay difference would be about $400 a month before taxes, and while my current role has potential bonuses, hitting targets is often a gamble due to frequent call-outs affecting staffing. Many of my coworkers share my frustration about the low pay for management roles, and I'm torn between the potential bonuses and overtime versus the lack of appreciation from my current employer. Is it worth it to stay in this situation?

I was informed yesterday that I will be laid off from my position due to company reorganization, with my last working day set for October 1st. I've only been with the company for six months, and they are offering me three weeks of severance pay, which totals around $3,800, along with a $1,500 bonus if I sign the agreement. My health, vision, dental, and FSA benefits will end on October 31st. I'm considering whether it's worth attempting to negotiate for extended health benefits through the end of the year, as I recently underwent major surgery and have ongoing medical appointments. It would significantly ease my emotional and financial stress if I could maintain coverage until the year's end. I'm seeking advice on whether I have any leverage in this situation and if negotiation is advisable.

I recently faced a setback in my job search after being rejected following three rounds of interviews for a position I was really excited about. I took PTO to participate in the interviews and complete an online assessment, but after two weeks of silence, I received an email stating that another candidate was more aligned with their needs. I reached out for feedback, but they didn’t respond, which I understand since they aren’t obligated to. Rejection is tough, and I know it’s part of the process, but I genuinely wanted this job. My team lead at my current job was rooting for me and kept asking if I heard back, so it was awkward to tell him I didn’t get it. I feel like I’m entering a hopeless phase in my job search. It’s been nearly seven months of applying and tailoring my resume for each opportunity. This particular job was conveniently located and matched my qualifications perfectly, so not getting it hit hard. I suspect I may have struggled with the assessment; they seemed to want someone more outgoing, while I’m more of a work-first, play-later type. I do interact with coworkers, but I’m not one for company outings unless my work is done. I realize that my personality might not have fit their culture. Financially, I’m feeling the strain. My current job doesn’t pay much, but I was okay with it while pursuing my master’s degree since it was funded by my employer. Now that I’ve graduated, the commute is exhausting, and the rising cost of living is becoming a concern. I want to be in a role where I can comfortably pay my bills and student loans. Moving up in my current position seems nearly impossible, as most colleagues have been there for over eight years, and promotions only happen when someone retires or passes away. I don’t want to be stuck in that situation. I guess I just needed to vent. My family keeps telling me that rejection is protection and to keep praying about it, and I’ve been doing just that.