I was laid off in August and since then, I've submitted 38 applications for back-end office roles at the Director+ level in NYC. So far, I've only managed to secure 3 interviews, but unfortunately, none of them led to offers. I'm starting to feel like I'm up against a lot of competition from candidates using AI to tailor their applications, or maybe I'm just making excuses for my lack of success. In the meantime, I'm taking certifications and trying to learn more about AI to improve my chances. My biggest concern is that November and December are typically slow months for hiring, which adds to my anxiety. I recently saw a post from someone who was laid off just two weeks ago and has already sent out 6 applications without receiving any responses, which makes me feel a bit better knowing I'm not alone in this struggle.

I just accepted a job offer, but I noticed a mistake on my resume regarding the dates for one of my previous roles. I listed my employment as being from May to July 2024, when it should actually be May to August 2024. I'm concerned that this one-month discrepancy might raise red flags during the background check process. I'm hoping it won't hurt my offer, but I'm unsure how to address this issue.

I’ve been laid off a few times in my career, and it’s never easy. My first layoff hit me hard, but over time, I’ve learned to take it in stride, especially when I think about the pay I was receiving for the workload. Today, I was reflecting on the disparity in how we treat employees who leave voluntarily versus those who are laid off. Recently, a senior executive at my current company decided to leave, and the farewell was a grand affair. The email announcing his departure was filled with accolades, and we even had a celebration with food and drinks to honor his decade-long contributions. Everyone was in high spirits, wishing him well on his new journey. In contrast, I recall a vice president at my previous job who was laid off. I had spoken to him that morning about a project, but by the afternoon, I found out he was gone—security had escorted him out. There was no farewell, no acknowledgment of his years of service, just silence. It struck me how differently we treat these situations. If the senior executive had been laid off instead of choosing to leave, I doubt we would have celebrated him at all. It’s ironic to think that the contributions of those laid off are often overlooked just because of the circumstances of their departure. It feels like a huge disconnect in how we value people based on the timing of their exit rather than their actual contributions.

I’m 23 years old and have been unemployed for the past 8 months. I worked in landscaping for a year and a half but got fired because I faced bullying from my coworkers and the boss, which really hurt my confidence. Now, I’m feeling lost about my future. I’ve been contemplating becoming a chaplain because I have a strong connection to Jesus and have had some mystical experiences during prayer, but I’m not fond of church dogma and I know it requires a lot of study, which I find challenging since I tend to procrastinate. I’m also not interested in returning to landscaping as the work environment was toxic, with everyone around me smoking and not taking their jobs seriously. Social anxiety has been a significant hurdle for me, making it difficult to engage in conversations and connect with others. It feels like a heavy burden that I’ve carried for years. I see friends my age starting families and businesses, which adds to my feelings of inadequacy. I’m really unsure about my next steps and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I was terminated earlier this week after a change in management at my company. It's really baffling because my previous manager was always pleased with my performance, but the new manager had a completely different perspective. I had been putting in extra hours, often staying up late to tackle additional tasks and projects on top of my regular workload, yet I was let go for 'not meeting expectations.' It just doesn't add up. It's frustrating to see how new management often wants to clear the board to bring in their own people and start fresh. I'm still processing this whole situation.

I was laid off for the first time last week at 24 years old. I've been working from home in the healthcare sector since 2023, which was my first significant job after starting my career at 18. Back in May or June, my company laid off three higher-paid employees, and they assured us that those of us on lower pay scales were safe from layoffs. So, I felt secure. However, last Friday, just as I returned from lunch, I received a call from our director with HR present. They informed me that my position was being eliminated. I was shocked as they immediately revoked my access and asked me to return my equipment right after the call. They classified it as a "two-week notice," but I was told that the last two weeks would be administrative leave. I’ll receive six weeks of severance, but I won’t see any payment until 30 days after my separation. There were 24 of us affected by this layoff, and the union wasn’t notified until we were, which has led to an emergency meeting scheduled for tomorrow. I’m feeling lost and uncertain about what comes next.

I'm currently in a tough spot as an international student on OPT, working as an intern at my company. I've been here for three months and I'm eligible for STEM OPT, which gives me some options moving forward. I have two potential scenarios that I'm weighing. In the first scenario, I might receive an internal referral for a full-time role at my company while also having the chance for my internship to convert to a full-time position. If that happens, I would likely prefer to stay with my current team since it aligns better with my studies and I genuinely enjoy the work. However, I'm concerned about how to gracefully decline the internal referral if I choose to stay with my team, especially since my mentor is involved in that process. I want to maintain goodwill and not jeopardize our relationship. In the second scenario, if I get the internal offer but my internship is only extended and not converted, I face a dilemma. Extended interns aren't eligible for H-1B sponsorship, which could mean missing out on this year's lottery. The referred role might offer sponsorship, but it’s not closely aligned with my career goals. So, I’m stuck between the need for visa sponsorship and pursuing work that I am passionate about. I have a few questions I’m hoping to get advice on: 1. Is it appropriate to discuss the referred role while waiting for my current team's decision? Should I inform my mentor or hiring manager about this potential offer? 2. If you were in my shoes with the second scenario, which option would you choose? Does having STEM OPT give me an advantage in this situation? 3. Has anyone successfully leveraged an internal offer to encourage their manager to convert their internship or provide sponsorship? How did you approach that conversation? 4. If I decide to take the sponsored role, how realistic is it to transfer back to a team like my current one after a year or two? No decisions have been made yet, but I want to make the best choice given my limited time in the U.S. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I think it's important for us to share more context about our backgrounds in layoff and job search discussions. I'm suggesting that we include our industry and years of experience when we post about our situations. For example, if someone has 12 years in AdTech or 20 years in biotech, it gives a clearer picture of their job search challenges. I've noticed that some people might be unemployed for a long time, but their circumstances can vary widely. For instance, I recently read a post where someone mentioned being unemployed for three years, but it turned out they were in college during that time. That detail changed the whole context of their situation. By sharing our industry and experience, we can better understand each other's struggles and successes in the job market. It would also help with knowledge sharing and benchmarking, making discussions more relevant and useful for everyone.

I recently started a new role as a technician in the aviation industry, but I'm feeling increasingly uneasy about my situation. I've been in this position for less than 90 days and have around 19 years of experience, yet my current pay is significantly below the market standard, especially considering the cost of living and the nature of the job. My employer is not well-regarded in the aviation cargo sector, which adds to my concerns. Over the past month, I've noticed some troubling signs. The tasks I'm assigned are very basic and don't align with my expertise, and I often find myself sitting idle while newer employees are given more complex responsibilities. There was even an incident where I believe I was set up to fail on a task, which resulted in me receiving a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). This was frustrating because I had to report an error that wasn't my fault, stemming from my unfamiliarity with company policies and my lead's failure to check my training records. Additionally, I feel quite isolated from my coworkers. While I'm naturally introverted and don't seek social interactions, I maintain professionalism in my work relationships. Despite this, I seem to be receiving the cold shoulder from everyone, which makes me wonder if I'm being quietly pushed out. Given these circumstances, I'm feeling stressed about my situation, especially with the mediocre pay and the overall work environment. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this and whether I should consider looking for other opportunities.

I was laid off from a big tech company in May 2026, and it hit me hard emotionally. I had noticed some signs that things were shaky, but I never expected to wake up one day and find myself jobless. It's been a brutal five months since then, and I’m still in the job hunt. I've applied to numerous positions and even made it to the final stages of a few recruitment processes, but I haven't received any offers yet. Each time I open LinkedIn, I see posts from others celebrating their new jobs, and it just makes me feel worse. The constant comparison is draining, and I can't shake the feeling of worthlessness. I know I need to keep pushing through, but it’s tough to stay motivated when it feels like nothing is working out.

I'm currently feeling stuck in my job as a marketing associate at a mid-sized tech company. I've been unhappy for a while now, mainly due to being underpaid and having a difficult relationship with my boss. I've started interviewing for new positions, but I've hit a snag at the reference check stage. Potential employers want to contact my current employer for a reference, but I know my boss will not give me a positive review. He’s not the type to fire me, but I can sense he won't support my move to another company either. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation without jeopardizing my chances of landing a new job.

I was let go from my job just 5 months after starting, and it was my first experience with a layoff. Last month, I learned that the company was being bought out, but they assured us that there was no need to worry about job security. However, when I returned from a pre-approved vacation, I found an email stating that I “wasn’t selected” to continue with the new company, effective immediately. It was shocking, especially since the email came from someone I barely knew, and my direct supervisor was unaware of my termination until I handed in my things. They claimed it wasn’t based on my performance, but it’s hard not to take it personally since it’s my first time losing a job. I had already started applying for new positions, anticipating the company’s decline, but now I feel overwhelmed and doubt my qualifications for roles that pay as well as my previous job. I’m feeling lost and would appreciate any advice or encouragement.

I've been struggling to find a job ever since I graduated with my university degree. I'm currently in the EU and even though I'm pursuing a master's to get my medical license, it requires several additional courses that will take years to complete. I've had a few interviews, but none have led to an actual job offer. I'm feeling really frustrated and exhausted by this job search process. Recently, I've even considered the idea of going to fight in Ukraine, thinking that at least I would have some form of employment and a salary there. It's a tough situation, and I'm genuinely tired of the uncertainty.

I was working as a project manager at a financial institution on a 6-month contract that was supposed to end in early January. Today, I received the unfortunate news that my contract is being terminated earlier than expected, this month, due to budget constraints. I'm feeling quite down about it, as I had plans and dreams for the remaining two months of my contract. Now, I only have two weeks left to wrap things up.

I'm currently struggling to find a job that pays a livable wage. I'm 29 years old and have a background in artistic skills, particularly in murals and social media management. Unfortunately, I don't have a degree due to health issues, which has made my job search even more challenging. Despite my efforts to supplement my income by taking on bartending gigs, I still find it hard to make enough money to move out and become financially independent. I'm feeling quite lost and unsure about what steps to take next in my career.

I've been feeling increasingly impatient and frustrated with my job search lately. It feels like I've been hunting for a position for months, and I'm starting to feel like a beggar pleading for opportunities. My patience is wearing thin, and I'm not sure how to present myself to employers and recruiters anymore. I really need some advice on how to navigate this tough market. I've heard from others that it's not just me—many are struggling to even get interviews. It's disheartening to see how competitive things are right now.

I recently had a panel interview for a position that I'm really excited about, but it has me feeling quite nervous. The panel included HR, the hiring manager, and the CEO of the company, and they went through my entire work history dating back to high school. I was particularly anxious about how to address a significant event from my past: I was fired from a bar job 16 years ago for drinking on the job. Since then, I've turned my life around and have been sober for over 8.5 years. I've built a successful career in aesthetics, spending more than six and a half years with my current employer and taking on leadership roles. However, I'm worried that my past might overshadow my accomplishments. If they ask about why I left that bar job, I want to be honest without oversharing. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has experience with panel interviews like this, especially regarding how to handle questions about past employment and being fired.

I received an unexpected calendar invite from my manager today, and it turned out to be a meeting with HR. They informed me that my role is being eliminated, and I have until December 31st to transition out. They mentioned that I can apply for other positions within the company during this time, and they will provide support in my job search. However, the severance package they offered is quite low, which leaves me feeling uncertain about my options moving forward. I'm considering updating my resume and starting to network aggressively, as I know the holiday season isn't the best time for job hunting. I'm also contemplating whether to accept any internal roles, even if it means taking a pay cut, just to ensure I have some income and benefits. It feels overwhelming, but I know I need to act quickly.

I was part of a significant layoff in 2023 from my full-time job, and since then, I've been freelancing, which wasn't my first choice. My goal is to secure another full-time position. I've been getting hired during busy seasons, and my clients often compliment my work and express appreciation for my contributions. However, when full-time roles open up at these companies, I never seem to be selected. I've also noticed that some of my previous employers have active listings for my old position, but when I apply, I either hear nothing back or receive rejections. It's incredibly frustrating. I wish I could understand what I'm doing wrong. Why do they praise my work but then choose not to rehire me? I feel like I deserve some feedback on where I might be lacking, but it seems like companies are unwilling to provide that information, possibly due to legal concerns. It's disheartening to think that my past experiences might be holding me back, and I just want to know how to improve my chances.

I recently completed two rounds of interviews for an engineering role at a tech company, and today I learned that I am one of the final two candidates. HR informed me that they are drafting a second job description to send to me tomorrow for discussion. They mentioned that there will be no further interviews, which has left me curious about what this could mean. I’m wondering if they might be considering hiring both of us for different roles or if they are looking to adjust the responsibilities of the original position. I’ve seen some comments suggesting that this could be a negotiation phase, but I’m unsure how to respond. Should I express a preference for one role over the other, or should I keep my options open? I’m eager to see the new job description and understand their intentions better.