I've been feeling really hopeless lately in my job search. For the past couple of years, I've been trying to find a new job, desperately wanting to escape my current role in retail. I'm physically and mentally exhausted from the constant rejections I face whenever I submit my resume. It seems like I never get called for interviews, and the one time I did get a call, it was just from an AI automated system. I've even tried changing my resume multiple times, but the struggle has been ongoing since I was 16, when I couldn't even land a job at fast food places. I recently spoke with someone who mentioned they never have issues finding jobs and can easily get callbacks after submitting just a few applications. Hearing that made me feel even worse about my situation, as I can't help but feel like no one is willing to give me a chance.

I've been working in retail for the past five years, bouncing between two different companies. My journey began as a part-time cashier, and I eventually climbed the ranks to become a part-time assistant manager. At my first job, I was promised a promotion to assistant store manager when the current one moved up, but that never happened. After weeks of working over 60 hours, the store manager quit, and the assistant manager I was supposed to replace left as well. I applied for the position internally and externally but was ultimately overlooked when the new store manager hired someone from outside the company. It was incredibly demoralizing, especially when I was asked to train the new hire. I decided to quit and started fresh at a new company as a part-time sales manager, which I enjoy. Recently, we lost two key-holders, and my store manager indicated she wanted me to step up as the assistant manager if the position opened. I applied internally, but just days later, I learned she was interviewing other candidates. Today, I received a call from someone who applied, saying they were informed the position was filled, and it wasn't me. This whole experience has been incredibly frustrating and disheartening.

I’ve been struggling to find a job for the past two years, and it’s really taking a toll on me. I feel embarrassed that even places like Spirit Halloween won’t hire me. My qualifications are limited, mostly in customer service, but I’ve applied everywhere—both online and in person. When I go in person, I can feel the judgment; I’ve even been laughed at. Online applications have been a nightmare too. I haven’t heard back from most of them, and the few interviews I’ve managed to get are just three in two years. It’s frustrating to see younger candidates getting hired for temp jobs while I’m left in the dust. I’m almost out of money, having been denied unemployment benefits, and I’m down to my last bit of severance pay. I’ve had to sell personal items just to make ends meet, and I don’t even have a car anymore. I’ve resorted to stealing food just to survive. It feels like I’m on the brink of homelessness, and the pressure to maintain professionalism is overwhelming. I’m tired of going hungry and crying myself to sleep. It’s a brutal job market out there, and I just wish someone would give me a chance.

I’m currently working a full-time help desk position at $16 an hour, which includes benefits. Recently, a recruiter reached out to me about a help desk analyst position that pays $21 an hour, but it’s a contract role with no benefits or paid time off. The recruiter mentioned that there’s a possibility for extension, but it doesn’t sound like a contract-to-hire situation, which makes me a bit uneasy. Both jobs are about the same distance from my home, with a commute of around an hour. The new position would only add an extra 10-20 minutes to my commute. While the pay increase is significant and aligns with my career goals, I’m hesitant about giving up my current benefits and job security. I’m weighing my options and trying to figure out if the higher pay is worth the risk of losing my steady income and benefits.

I've been feeling really lost since I got laid off from my role at a well-known company. Everyone keeps telling me that my resume will open doors for me, but so far, all I've received are rejections. It's been incredibly disheartening, and I feel like I'm losing my sense of self with each passing day. I can't imagine going through this for an entire year; it's truly draining. I wish there was a support group or something where I could connect with others who understand what I'm going through.

I started a new role at a company in early June, but it quickly became clear that the environment was not right for me. I have a history of mental health issues, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, and the toxicity of the workplace caused my mental health to deteriorate rapidly. On August 17, I took medical leave and went on short-term disability, which was a lifesaver as it provided some income while I sought treatment. My psychiatrist helped me get back on medication, which has been beneficial. Knowing I wouldn't return to that job, I immediately began applying for new positions. Fortunately, I recently secured a role at a company that seems like a much better fit. Now, I’m faced with a dilemma regarding my resume. I worked at the previous company for about four months, from June to September, and I’m unsure whether to include that short tenure or leave a gap. I have never had gaps in my employment since I started working in 2008, so this is a new situation for me. If I do leave a gap, how would I explain it in the future? Would saying I took a sabbatical be acceptable? Also, will that job appear on background checks?

I recently applied for a full-time 1099 job that would pay me 2.5 times my current salary at the non-profit where I work. I really enjoy my role supporting mothers and their children, but with rising living costs, my current salary isn't cutting it. I've been juggling a part-time job to help pay off my debt and save for a house. I received an email from a company I applied to a month ago, and they want to schedule an interview. The company is relatively new, established in 2022, and has some positive reviews, but I'm cautious about the 1099 status. I know there are risks involved, like lack of job security and benefits, which I currently have at my non-profit job. I'm seeking advice on whether I should take this opportunity if offered, considering the significant pay increase but also the potential downsides of a 1099 position in today's economy. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently experienced a layoff and have been reaching out to my network on LinkedIn for referrals. I appreciate the support I've received from some people, but I've noticed a trend where many seem dismissive or even snobby when it comes to providing referrals. It feels quite humiliating to ask for help in this way. To streamline my requests, I usually prepare a message template that includes three sections: the job opening I'm interested in, a note on why I believe the person I'm asking is qualified to provide a referral, and a brief introduction about my work experience. I also include the job ID and link to make it easier for them to find the position. Despite my efforts to make it convenient for them, I often feel like I'm being treated as if I'm beneath them, as if I'm asking them to do something demeaning. I really wish people would reflect on their behavior when it comes to referrals on LinkedIn. It’s frustrating to feel this way when all I'm seeking is a little support in my job search.

I’m currently working in an IT job that I find unfulfilling, and I’m eager to transition into a creative role where I can truly express my artistic flair. I have a passion for creativity and am obsessed with the idea of working in a field that allows me to utilize my talents, even though I don’t have a relevant degree or extensive experience. I’m specifically looking for opportunities at companies like Flent that value creativity over formal qualifications and offer good compensation to support living in a metropolitan area. I have some personal writings and edits that showcase my skills, but I know I need to demonstrate my creative abilities in a way that resonates with potential employers. I’m open to contractor roles as well, as I just want the chance to let my talent bloom. I’m reaching out for any advice or leads on how to land my dream job in a creative field. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I received an email from the executive assistant to the SVP regarding an onboarding initiative that my learning and development team is involved with. While some of the questions posed seem relevant to improving the onboarding experience, others have raised some concerns for me. Specifically, they asked about how our team creates value for clients and stakeholders, our primary purpose, and how we utilize AI. These types of questions often signal a shift in focus, and I can't help but feel uneasy about it. I've been passively looking for new job opportunities, but I've been hesitant to accept offers due to lower pay and benefits. Now, I'm starting to wonder if I should reconsider my options and be less picky, especially given the current climate in the company. I’ve heard similar stories from colleagues in the industry about how such inquiries can precede layoffs, and it’s making me anxious about my position.

I'm feeling completely defeated in my job search. I've been applying for jobs for what feels like forever, and I've lost count of how many applications I've submitted—it's well over a hundred at this point. I graduated with good grades, thinking that would help me secure a decent job, but instead, I keep hearing that I'm overqualified for positions that I would have taken just to get my foot in the door. I've even considered roles that seem beneath my qualifications, like being a dishwasher or working the front desk, but I can't shake the fear of failing at those too. The thought of not being able to perform basic tasks or getting fired for minor mistakes is paralyzing. With each rejection, my confidence plummets further. I'm starting to wonder if I'm just not cut out for the workforce at all. It's incredibly disheartening, and I can't help but feel like I'm stuck in a cycle of disappointment. Is anyone else feeling this way, or am I just losing my mind?

I recently graduated and have been on a job hunt, which has been quite challenging due to my lack of experience. I had an interview at my dream design company in India, which I was really excited about. After completing a demo task, I received a message the next day saying I was selected for the position. I was overjoyed, especially since it was close to home and involved a diverse team. However, all communication was done through WhatsApp, which I found a bit unusual but didn't think much of it since everything seemed fine. They told me I would receive joining details soon, and I quickly responded when they asked about my availability to start. I was hopeful that I hadn’t been forgotten. But after following up about the offer letter, they left me on read. Days turned into a week, and I assumed it was due to the festival season. When I finally reached out again, I was told that my application was "currently on hold." I was confused and frustrated because they had initially welcomed me and expressed excitement about my joining. Is it normal for companies to say you’re selected and then ghost you? I’ve been left feeling uncertain and disappointed.

I recently faced a troubling situation with my former employer in Maryland. After my maternity leave, I was verbally assured that I could return to my position, as my job didn't offer FMLA. However, just a week before I was set to go back, I was informed that I was no longer needed. To make matters worse, my employer is now telling the unemployment office that I was fired on the day I took my maternity leave, which is completely untrue. I'm feeling incredibly frustrated and betrayed, especially since I just had a baby and am in desperate need of financial support. I'm considering reaching out to an attorney to explore my options, as I believe they are actively lying to prevent me from receiving the benefits I deserve.

I joined an early-stage B2B AI startup about six months ago after spending four years at a large, stable firm. I made the switch because I wanted to be closer to the technology and felt the impact of AI on my industry. However, I've recently learned that our startup has approximately six months of runway left, and while they're looking to raise funds, the financials haven't been strong. I suspect an acquisition might be more likely than a successful funding round. Given this uncertainty, I've started applying to other roles. I'm grappling with the decision of when to accept an offer if I receive one. Should I prioritize stability and take the first reasonable offer, even if it's at another startup with its own risks? Or should I hold out for a more promising opportunity, knowing that waiting too long could leave me in a precarious position as our runway shortens? I genuinely enjoy my current job, but I also worry about the potential for job hunting from a place of desperation if things don't improve. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate the next few months and make the best decision for my career.

I recently came across a job opportunity that seemed too good to be true, and I couldn't help but question its legitimacy. The company appears to be real, but the pay they offered raised some red flags for me. After searching for a job for a long time, I really don't want to miss out on a genuine opportunity, but I also want to avoid falling for a scam. I noticed some oddities during the interview process, such as the scheduled time being from 8 am to 5 pm, which seemed unusual. Additionally, they mentioned needing a Microsoft Teams account to join the meeting, which I know is not necessary if you have the meeting link. I did some research and found advice suggesting to verify the company online, check LinkedIn, and avoid any situation where they ask for upfront payments. A few comments from others who received similar emails confirmed my suspicions, as they felt something was off too. One commenter pointed out that a legitimate job would already know what role I was interviewing for by that stage, which made me think twice about the whole situation. I'm still weighing my options, but I wanted to document this experience as a cautionary tale.

I recently lost my job as a data scientist after a short tenure of about six months at a lesser-known company. I made the switch earlier this year, hoping for a better fit, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a poor match. Despite achieving some accomplishments, I didn't pass probation, and the role felt more like an analyst position rather than the data science work I was aiming for. The company culture was also quite toxic, which contributed to my decision to move on. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling too down about this situation. The job was leading me to burnout, and I now have the opportunity to focus on what I truly want, which is transitioning into AI engineering. I appreciate having this extra time to upskill in AI and consider potential side hustles. Thankfully, my savings provide me with a comfortable runway for the next few years, so I'm not overly concerned about immediate income stability. However, I do want to minimize any gaps on my resume and ensure that this time is productive. I'm considering reaching out to recruiting agencies for contract jobs, as I've never done this before. My goal is to find a role that allows me to work less than 40 hours a week while engaging in meaningful projects. Any advice on how to navigate this transition would be greatly appreciated!

I recently had a frustrating experience while job searching. I was contacted for an interview for a part-time position, and I clearly stated on my resume that I am currently enrolled in university and have classes in the afternoon. When I suggested weekend or evening availability, I was told they were only looking for candidates with weekday availability. It was disheartening to have my hopes raised only to be let down because they didn’t seem to read my resume properly. It feels like part-time jobs for students are becoming increasingly rare, and the whole process seems so disconnected. I can't help but wonder why employers reach out without considering the details provided in applications.

My wife was laid off from her job in Illinois back in April, but for some reason, she didn't file for unemployment benefits at that time. Now, 5-6 months later, she's reconsidering and wants to know if she can still file. We're both worried that she might have missed her window to apply. I've heard mixed opinions on this, with some saying she should definitely file regardless of the delay, while others warn that waiting too long could reduce her benefits. I'm really hoping we can get this sorted out and that she can still receive the support she's eligible for.

I recently observed a troubling trend in the job market here in Norway, particularly in the IT, Product, UX/UI, QA, and Finance sectors. Many of my friends and colleagues have faced layoffs or significant restructuring within their companies, leading to entire departments being shut down. It seems that the driving force behind these layoffs is a combination of factors, with AI playing a central role. Companies that have been struggling financially for a while are now cutting costs, yet they still allocate substantial budgets for AI services—one friend mentioned her company has a budget of around $400k for AI, which seems excessive given the circumstances. The situation is even more disheartening when I look at LinkedIn. I see countless posts from individuals sharing their desperate situations. For instance, one person who recently purchased a house is now pleading for job leads after being laid off, while another returned from maternity leave only to be called into an HR meeting on her first day back. Additionally, recent graduates are finding it incredibly tough to break into the job market, with many reporting hundreds of applications submitted and no responses. I can't help but wonder if my perception of the job market is skewed by these horror stories. I want to know if others who have been laid off recently have had a better experience finding new positions. If you were laid off, I would love to hear your story: what sector you were in, when you were laid off, how long it took you to find a new job (if you have), whether you needed to upskill or shift your focus, and any tips you might have for those currently searching for work. I’m genuinely concerned about the future of the job market and have a sinking feeling that it could worsen. I believe that foreigners, in particular, may face greater challenges than locals due to a lack of networks and support systems. For example, if I were to lose my job and couldn't afford my mortgage, I wouldn't have the option to move back with family like many natives do. It's a daunting thought.

I've been applying for jobs since the beginning of 2023, and it's been nothing but rejection after rejection. I'm feeling really exhausted and discouraged. It seems like I'm stuck in my current toxic role forever, and it's seriously affecting my mental health. I just wish things would get better soon.