I’ve been feeling a mix of guilt and restlessness lately as I explore new job opportunities outside of my current role in education. I work at a wonderful school with great kids and supportive staff, including a principal who is kind and understanding. They trust me, and I genuinely feel valued there, which makes the idea of leaving really tough. Despite this, I find myself bored and uninspired, craving something more creative and fast-paced that challenges me. I know I have a good job, but I’m not happy in it, and I wonder if I’m rushing my decision to leave after just a year. I could ask for a raise and give it more time, but I also worry that staying might be a mistake. I’m mostly venting here, but if anyone has advice on navigating this feeling of guilt while seeking something that excites me, I’d really appreciate it.

I recently experienced a shocking layoff from my first job at a local pet supply store, where I had been working as a cashier for just three weeks. This position was a dream come true for me, especially since I have a passion for working with animals, particularly reptiles. The store had a supportive environment, with many employees sharing similar backgrounds, including being queer and disabled. However, my excitement quickly turned to despair when I was called into a meeting with my manager, who listed numerous complaints from customers and coworkers about my behavior. I had no prior warnings or feedback about these issues, and it felt like a complete shock to be confronted with such criticism. For instance, I made a couple of comments during transactions that were misinterpreted as disrespectful, which I never intended. I also had to take breaks due to my chronic fatigue, but I always communicated with my coworkers about it. Despite my enthusiasm for the job and my efforts to fit in, I was fired on the spot. My manager suggested I seek therapy and consider reapplying in a year. This experience has left me devastated, as I was starting to feel comfortable and was planning my financial future. Now, I'm left without a stable income and uncertain about my next steps.

I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal behaviour and welfare, and I also invested £4,000 in a canine hydrotherapy qualification. Unfortunately, I've found that there are no job opportunities in canine rehabilitation, and I'm reluctant to pursue a master's degree due to the additional financial burden and the prospect of earning minimum wage with a higher tax rate. It's now been four months since I graduated, and I'm feeling quite anxious as I have no income. My zero-hour contract job unexpectedly let me go without any notice, and my savings are quickly dwindling. I've started looking at job openings in recruitment and local council roles that don't require specific experience, but I'm struggling with how to present my CV. For the past three years, I've focused entirely on animal-related jobs and a self-employed role, which doesn't align with these new opportunities. I do have some prior experience as a supervisor in a restaurant, but that was four years ago. I'm feeling lost and desperate for guidance on how to pivot my CV to fit these new roles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been on the job hunt since February and honestly, I'm feeling pretty defeated. I've applied to what feels like thousands of positions, but I've only managed to land three interviews, and I received a rejection from one of those. It's been tough, especially since I'm a full-time student and have resorted to applying for minimum wage jobs like McDonald's just to make ends meet. I've printed about 300 resumes and spent days driving around, handing them out, but now I'm out of options. It feels like nothing is showing up on job boards like Indeed anymore. Since February, I've had $0 income, and I'm at a loss for what to do next. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I wanted to share a cautionary note for my fellow tech workers in the US. I've been on the job hunt recently and noticed a troubling trend with corporate job postings, particularly for roles like Senior, Lead, or Solution Design. It seems that many of these positions are tied to companies that heavily rely on offshore operations, especially in India. If you’re not of South Asian descent, I recommend saving your time and energy by steering clear of these vague listings. From my experience, the hiring process often feels like a mere formality, where the real decision-makers are part of a closed network that tends to favor candidates who share their cultural background and communication style. The interview process can feel like a bureaucratic exercise, designed more to meet HR metrics than to genuinely evaluate talent. I’ve noticed that these companies have shifted most of their engineering and operational work to Global Capability Hubs in India, leaving only a few token roles in the US that serve more as gatekeepers. The job descriptions are often filled with generic buzzwords like 'cloud modernization' but lack any specific technical details, which is a clear sign that the US team isn’t involved in the actual execution. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I suggest asking for the hiring manager's first name during the recruiter screening. It might help you identify whether it's worth your time to pursue these opportunities.

I’ve worked 4 jobs in the last 10 years, with my longest tenure being 4 years. I was laid off from my federal job at the IRS last year and found a temporary role in February. Currently, I'm interviewing for two positions at finance firms. My background is primarily in estate and trust law and wealth management. During my interviews, both a partner and a vice president commented on my job history, noting that I’ve changed jobs multiple times. They asked if I could see myself staying long-term in a role. I’ve wanted to settle into each position, but circumstances often led to my departure. For instance, at my last job for 4 years, I hit a pay cap, and at the IRS, my position was eliminated after 18 months. One of my previous roles required extensive travel, which became unsustainable, and another ended when the attorney I worked for was disbarred, causing the firm to close. I’ve been told by a resume reviewer that having 4 jobs in a decade might be seen as job hopping, which surprised me. I always thought job hopping referred to having gaps in employment or switching jobs frequently without good reason. I’m now questioning if my job history will be a red flag for potential employers.

I graduated with a Computer Science degree in 2024 and have been on quite the job search journey since then. I started keeping track of my applications from January 1, 2026, but honestly, I didn't keep a good record before that, so the total number of applications is likely double or triple what I have now. To manage my student loans while searching for a job, I took a retail position that lasted about a year. I quit that job two months ago, and I'm thrilled to share that I've secured a full-time position in public education! I'm currently going through the background check and training process, but I should be starting this month. I'm not sure how it will go, but I'm relieved to finally have a full-time job that can kickstart my career. Interestingly, I didn't find this job or my previous retail job through the usual job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. I always applied directly when possible, but these positions weren't advertised there, or I simply missed them.

I recently graduated with a Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Administration, focusing on quality management and patient safety. Since December, I've been applying for jobs but have only received a handful of screenings, two interviews, and countless rejections. It's been incredibly frustrating, especially since I'm now open to any work, not just my initial focus on epidemiological data analytics and prevention work. Despite having a BS in Public Health and a minor in Biology, I just got rejected for a receptionist position less than an hour after submitting my application. I have relevant experience and the necessary technical skills, so it's disheartening to face such quick rejections. I've also been ghosted after screenings that I thought went well, which adds to my frustration. Now I'm questioning whether I should simplify my resume to improve my chances. I'm worried that my qualifications might be making me seem overqualified for basic roles, leading recruiters to think I wouldn't stick around long. Should I downplay my technical skills or remove references to my research and literary support roles? I'm really at a loss and could use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently encountered what feels like a scam while job hunting. I've been actively applying for positions through ZipRecruiter and sharing my resume widely. However, I was surprised to receive an email from a company called Danterr, which I never applied to. I reached out to them to inquire how they obtained my resume, but their response raised my skepticism even more. As someone based in the US, the fact that this company is Australian adds to my doubts. I've received advice from others suggesting that if I didn't apply for the position, it’s likely a scam. The comments I read emphasized trusting my intuition and pointed out that fake job postings often lure applicants with offers that sound too good to be true, like remote administrative work at $30/hr. It's concerning to think that these postings attract hundreds of applicants without needing to reach out directly. I'm definitely going to be more cautious moving forward.

I am currently applying to various small market stations across New York state. I'm focusing on positions that align with my skills and experience in broadcasting. It's a competitive job market, but I'm determined to find a role that fits my career goals.

I'm currently an unpaid intern at a local community government social service, dedicating about 30 hours a week to a mix of youth social work and operational tasks. I started this journey as a volunteer about a year and a half ago, and after expressing my interest in a more formal role, they created an internship position specifically for me. My supervisor mentioned that the team was eager to bring me on board, which felt validating. Since starting, I've taken on new responsibilities and have had numerous opportunities to learn and grow within the organization. This experience has truly solidified my passion for social work, and I hope to make it my career. As I enter my final year of undergrad, I'm planning to continue in this role, even though it's unpaid. I appreciate the learning experience, despite some colleagues feeling guilty about the lack of compensation. I understand the organization is underfunded, but I'm concerned about the sustainability of this arrangement after graduation. I'm hopeful they will offer me a paid position eventually, though I'm trying to manage my expectations. I've recommended the volunteer-to-intern route to others interested in social work, as it has worked well for me. I'm curious about how far others have taken this path and whether recruiters will see my growth here as valuable if I don't end up with a job at this organization.

I just found out that my position as Manager on Duty at the gym/pool I’ve worked at for the past three years is being dissolved at the end of October. I’ve dedicated so much time and effort to this job, picking up extra tasks and staying late whenever needed. The members love me, and I’ve always been there to help anyone who needs it. Last Thursday, I was called into my boss's office, and the HR manager was there too. They informed me that my role would no longer exist, and I have two months to figure something out. They mentioned new positions would be opening, but apparently, I’m not qualified for them. It’s frustrating because I’ve been doing my best, and now I find out that myself and two other colleagues are being let go so management can redistribute our salaries for promotions. It feels like I’m being sacrificed for their gain. What’s even more disheartening is that the lifeguard staff, many of whom are teenagers, are planning to quit in solidarity with us. I truly liked my job and now I’m left to watch this place potentially fall apart while I search for a new opportunity. It’s a tough situation, and I wish it didn’t have to end this way.

Today, I received a call from a plumbing company after applying for a position. I'm 18, just out of high school, and I may have exaggerated my experience on my resume. I listed "contracting experience" with details that my school teacher helped me write, but the truth is, I haven't done any of that work in years. I forgot how to use basic tools and even how to hold a hammer properly. The hiring manager seemed impressed with my supposed experience and wants me to come in for an interview. He mentioned he’d send me the application online, but he really wants to meet in person. I'm feeling anxious because I know I can't fake my way through this. I don't want to show up and look clueless about basic plumbing tasks or tool usage. I’m considering my options, but I know I need to be honest about my skills before it backfires.

I've been actively submitting job applications since I decided to move to a smaller town in my state. For the past three years, I've worked for the largest insurer in my area, but now I'm facing a tough job market. I've applied to over 40 positions, and the results have been discouraging. Most of my applications seem to disappear into a black hole, sitting for 2-4 months without any updates, only to eventually receive a rejection. A few others have rejected me within just 1-2 business days. I did manage to secure one interview that I felt went really well, but unfortunately, I was informed afterward that they decided not to move forward with my application. I believe I am well qualified for the roles I'm applying for, and in some cases, even overqualified. I've tried using AI tools to tailor my resume and have also attempted networking, but it's challenging to connect with people in a new city where I don't know anyone. At this point, I'm considering applying for Amazon warehouse jobs or other manual labor positions just to make ends meet.

I was laid off 10 months ago and I feel completely lost and scared about my situation. With two years of experience under my belt, I've been applying to various jobs that match my skills, as well as some that are a bit of a stretch. I've managed to secure a good number of interviews, but unfortunately, no offers have come through yet. It's a frustrating and disheartening experience, and I feel stuck. I've been actively networking with people in the industry, sending out tailored cover letters, and preparing thoroughly for interviews, but nothing seems to be working. My financial situation is becoming increasingly dire; I’m living off my retirement savings and trying to manage my weekly grocery expenses while paying rent. I feel guilty for spending on groceries, but I refuse to eat just rice and beans—it would only make my mental state worse. I qualified for EBT, but I haven’t received any assistance in months, which adds to my anxiety. I worry constantly about my living situation, even though my rent is currently paid. The job market feels incredibly bleak, and I often feel like an imposter, doubting my skills and abilities, especially after a negative experience with my last manager who was fired after I reported her. My confidence is at an all-time low. I keep applying for jobs, but it feels like I’m not making any progress. I find myself venting to my friends, and I feel bad for burdening them with my struggles. I recently went out to pick up free pet supplies for my foster pets, and as I walked past restaurants, I longed to enjoy those experiences, but my financial constraints hold me back. I can't shake this feeling of failure for not being able to secure stable employment, and being neurodiverse adds another layer of humiliation. I just needed to vent and express how overwhelmed I feel. Thank you for listening.

I’m a 32-year-old with a degree in Public Relations and eight years of work experience that hasn’t really built my career. I graduated in 2017 and took a front desk job at a physician's office, thinking it would be temporary, but I ended up staying there for five years. I got comfortable and underpaid, and honestly, I was scared of rejection, which kept me from looking for other opportunities. In 2023, I moved to a second physician's office for a year and then landed an office manager role at a financial advisor firm with a $10k pay bump. Unfortunately, I was laid off a little over a year later and spent six months unemployed. Now, I’m back in a similar role at another advisory firm, but I find myself with a lot of downtime to reflect on my career path and how I feel behind. I realize I don’t have any specialized skills or a niche, just a degree that I never really utilized and a resume filled with administrative roles. I hear everyone talking about how brutal the job market is right now, and while I believe it, I can’t help but wonder if I’m just using that as an excuse to avoid taking action. If you were in my position, what would you do next?

I just learned that VideoAmp has laid off some of its staff as they shift focus towards AI technology. As someone who has been following the company closely, it's concerning to see how the rise of AI is impacting jobs in our industry. I'm currently assessing my own situation and considering my next steps in the job market.

I was recently laid off from my position at Citi while I was on vacation. I received a phone call that completely blindsided me. It was a tough moment, and I found myself reflecting on my identity and what this change means for me. I know that I need to focus on finding a new job to pay my bills, but it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss. The way it happened felt very impersonal and left me feeling unsettled. I'm trying to navigate this transition and figure out my next steps.

I am currently seeking to transition from my role as a Retail Operations Leader into Business Operations. With over 15 years of leadership and operations experience in retail and multi-unit environments, I've managed teams of over 40 employees and have been responsible for various aspects of operations, including training, process improvement, and performance management. I hold a B.S. in Computer Information Systems, but I'm not looking to dive into a technical IT role. I'm particularly interested in roles like Business Operations Manager or Operations Program Manager, but I've faced challenges getting employers to see my experience as applicable outside of retail. I'm eager to leverage my existing skills in a new industry and am open to onsite, hybrid, or remote opportunities. If anyone has advice, recommendations, or referrals for companies that hire for Business Operations roles, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm happy to share my resume privately as well.

I recently applied for a position at Aldi and was invited to a one-to-one assessment last week. However, I encountered a frustrating issue with their recruitment process. There were no available booking slots for the assessment, and I learned that my application would be automatically withdrawn if I didn't secure a slot. As of today, it shows that I have no events scheduled, which leads me to believe my application has indeed been withdrawn. I've reached out to the Aldi recruitment help team via email, but it's been quite some time without any response. I'm wondering if anyone knows how often booking slots open up, as I'm feeling quite stuck in this situation.