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I have faced two layoffs in less than five years while working in the higher education sector. The first layoff occurred in 2022 at a for-profit university, which was attributed to the impacts of COVID-19. Most recently, I was laid off from a public state university just three weeks ago. These experiences have prompted me to rethink my career trajectory and consider opportunities outside of higher education. Although I am a certified teacher, I have no desire to return to full-time teaching. After trying my hand at substitute teaching for the past few weeks, I realized it’s not the right long-term fit for me. I'm now actively seeking a career pivot and have an interview lined up for a non-profit role on Monday, fingers crossed!

I recently faced a tough decision regarding my job situation. After working for a large healthcare organization for 2 and a half years on a contract that was set to expire in March 2027, I found myself without any benefits, vacation, or sick days—just my hourly wage plus a small vacation pay. I loved my role, but the lack of job security and the way the position was funded led me to seek other opportunities as I was starting to feel burnt out. I applied for several positions in my community and eventually secured a short 5-month contract with my municipality. This role offers health benefits after three months, which was a significant factor for me. Even if I only stay for the contract duration, I would still receive two months of benefits. I went through a lengthy interviewing and onboarding process for this position. Just as I started at the municipality, I received a job offer from a community legal aid provider. This position is a multi-year contract, offers paid time off, but lacks benefits. The legal aid job is very close to my dream job, while the municipality role is something I have experience in and can perform well. However, I have mobility limitations that make walking and standing for long periods painful. The municipality job requires a lot of physical activity, whereas the legal aid position would mostly be in an office setting. The pay for both jobs is similar, so that isn't a deciding factor. Additionally, there’s a possibility of going back to the healthcare organization in March on another contract, which complicates my decision further. My husband believes I should leave the municipality for the legal aid job, but I'm hesitant to burn any bridges professionally. The potential for a permanent position at the municipality is appealing. Now, I have to quickly decide whether to stay at the municipality until March, enjoying the benefits but with no job guarantees after that, or to leave for the legal aid provider, which offers job security for several years but no benefits. I would appreciate any neutral advice or input on this dilemma!

As a final-year Computer Science Engineering student graduating in 2027, I’m currently on the hunt for a software engineering role, specifically through off-campus applications in India. So far, I’ve applied to over 200 companies and completed more than 70 placement tests, but unfortunately, I haven’t landed any offers yet. I’m actively working on enhancing my skills and projects, but I’m eager to refine my approach rather than just applying indiscriminately. My tech stack includes languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, along with backend frameworks such as Spring Boot and REST APIs. I’m familiar with databases like MySQL and SQL, and I utilize tools like Docker, AWS, Linux, and Git/GitHub. Additionally, I have experience with AI/LLM APIs, the Gemini API, and workflow automation using n8n. I’ve worked on several projects, including a Spring Boot smart canteen and food ordering system, a Python-based AI job-tracking and automation system, and a placement management system. My primary focus is on backend and software engineering roles, but I’m open to other entry-level technical positions and willing to learn new technologies as needed. I would greatly appreciate any advice from experienced Software Development Engineers or anyone who has successfully secured off-campus jobs. What strategies helped you get your first opportunity, and what areas should I focus on improving? If anyone is open to reviewing my resume or GitHub profile, or if you know of any relevant openings or can refer me for a suitable role, I would be extremely grateful. I welcome honest feedback and constructive criticism as well. Thank you!

I recently attended a hiring event for a bookstore position that involved stocking and customer service. The interview went well, and I received a business card from the interviewer along with their email address. I've been pondering whether I should send a thank you email after the interview. I read various opinions online, and while some say it’s a good idea to express gratitude and reiterate my interest in the position, I'm unsure if it's necessary in this case. I want to make a good impression, but I’m also considering whether it might be more effective to ask additional questions about the job instead. I’d love to hear thoughts on whether sending a thank you email is beneficial or just a formality.

I completed two rounds of interviews for a remote research intern role at a small startup with less than 50 employees. It's been over a month since my last interview, and I haven't heard back from the recruiter. After waiting 15 days post-interview, I sent a follow-up email to the person who scheduled my interviews. They replied, saying they would check on my application status, but it's been a week since then, and I still haven't received any updates. As a senior year student, I'm actively applying for jobs, and just getting shortlisted feels like a big deal in this tough job market. The uncertainty is really stressful, especially since I saw a LinkedIn post about someone being selected for the same role just a few hours ago. I'm considering whether to reach out again or just move on. Any advice?

I got laid off on 10/15 after spending 7 years at my company. The day before, I received a meeting invite from my manager and HR for the start of my shift, which was a huge red flag. During that meeting, they informed me that my position was being eliminated due to the loss of a significant contract that affected our department's workload. It was tough to hear, especially since some of my coworkers were transferred to other teams while I was let go. I can't help but feel confused and hurt about why I was chosen, especially since I had a solid track record during my time there. As a mom of two, this job was ideal for my family. I felt comfortable and stable in my role, and now everything feels uncertain. I'm actively applying for new positions, but the thought of starting over is daunting. I'm particularly anxious about adapting to new expectations, like being required to have my camera on during meetings. While I'm grateful for the 7 weeks of severance pay they offered, it doesn't ease the stress of being unemployed. I'm trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward, but it's really challenging to navigate this situation, especially with kids relying on me.

I recently applied for a job that advertised a pay scale up to $235k, which caught my attention since I'm currently making $175k. I went through the first interview and when the topic of salary came up, I mentioned that I was looking for $195k. To my surprise, they said they could only match my current salary, with no room for negotiation beyond that. I was really taken aback because I thought the job posting was misleading. The recruiter even mentioned that they were struggling to find candidates for this skilled role. It just doesn't make sense to advertise a salary range that you can't actually offer.

I recently started my job search and came across an office assistant position that seemed straightforward to apply for. I have a background in clerical and receptionist work, so I submitted my resume through Indeed. A few hours later, I received an email from the company regarding the position, which raised some red flags for me. The job description didn't mention anything about cash handling or accounting, yet they requested a credit score check as part of the application process. It felt odd to me, especially since they wanted me to pay $30 for this check, which would supposedly be returned as a bonus later. I've never encountered a situation where an employer asked me to pay for a background check before even being considered for an interview. Additionally, the email was signed by someone named Paul, without a last name, which seemed unprofessional. I checked the company's official website, and they are indeed hiring for the same position, but there was no mention of a credit check there. This whole situation feels off, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm being too suspicious. I've seen comments suggesting this might be a scam, and I’m starting to agree. Legitimate companies typically conduct credit checks as part of the background check process after an offer is made, and they don’t charge applicants for it. I’m considering moving on from this opportunity, but I’d love to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences or advice.

I've been on the job hunt for a Senior Tech position this year, aiming for a salary of at least $85K. I've applied to numerous roles at large companies across various sectors like Legal, Consulting, and Tech. I've noticed that salary ranges can vary significantly, sometimes by as much as $50K. For instance, I've seen positions listed with a range from $75K to $100K, which puts the median at $87.5K. Recently, I received an offer and was informed that I was the top candidate. However, the offer was below the median salary. This has me questioning whether I should accept a salary lower than the median, especially since the company advertised a higher range. It seems counterintuitive to me that they would lowball their top choice. I'm curious if others have been in a similar situation. Did you accept a salary below the median, or did you negotiate for something higher? I believe it's important to advocate for oneself based on the value and experience I bring to the role.

I'm feeling really stressed about my current job situation at a small tech company where I've been working as a junior analyst for a few months. The workload has become overwhelming since a senior team member left, leaving just two of us on the team alongside our manager. Management decided to cut costs by not replacing the senior position and instead pushing for AI automation, which has only added to the chaos. I find myself handling a lot of responsibilities without a clear understanding of the overall team functions, as my manager seems disinterested in learning about our tasks. They often pass off mistakes from their half-hearted reviews back to us, which adds to my frustration. Despite my grievances, I've been told I might be fast-tracked for a promotion, which would mean taking on even more responsibilities. However, I want to leave this job behind. The anxiety and dread I feel daily are unbearable. Recently, my previous employer reached out about a new full-time position they are opening, and I expressed my interest. I'm just waiting for more details, but the timing feels terrible. I feel guilty about leaving my current team in a tough spot, as they would be left with only two people to manage everything. But honestly, I’m at a point where I would consider taking a significant pay cut just to escape this situation. I know I need to prioritize my health over this job, and I think I already know what I need to do. This is more of a vent than a request for advice.

I recently found a full-time job after a year of searching, but I lost it within just 24 hours. Since graduating in 2020, I've been working as a writer and editor, initially creating content for major gaming websites before transitioning into the SaaS sector. Unfortunately, the job market took a downturn around 2024-2025, leading to the loss of most of my clients. By the end of last year, I was struggling financially and had to rely on my parents for support. Despite these challenges, I managed to earn a master's degree in behavioral sciences while freelancing. I attempted to apply for UX and research roles but had no luck. To enhance my qualifications, I completed several certifications and am on track to practice as a mental health counselor soon. However, the reality is that many people in my country cannot afford therapy, which makes it difficult for practitioners to charge what they deserve. Last week, I was thrilled when an agency contacted me for a scriptwriting role with a major gaming channel, writing scripts for one of my favorite games. I was overjoyed and celebrated with my family and friends. To top it off, I had also published a book I had been working on. It felt like a dream come true to have both a new job and a book launch in the same week. The CEO of the company informed me that they would be testing my work for two weeks, requiring 10-11 hours a day, six days a week, with a pay of around $420 a month. While this is a decent amount in my country, I was desperate for any opportunity. I dedicated an entire day to my first assignment, only to be told that my work "clearly looked like it was written by AI" without any further explanation. It was humiliating to be accused of using AI as a writer who prides themselves on originality. I tried to explain that I didn't use AI and acknowledged their concerns, promising to ensure my next assignment would not have that 'AI feel.' However, I received no response after that. Now, I'm back to being unemployed, feeling lost and heartbroken about my future as I approach my 30th birthday. This isn't how I envisioned my life turning out. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my story. Thank you.

I’ve been feeling a deep sense of despair about my job search, and it seems to consume about 85% of my time. Despite having over 15 years of experience and a strong resume, I find myself struggling to land a job. I’m intelligent, energetic, and analytical, yet my applications seem to go unnoticed. I tailor my resume and write cover letters, applying for positions even 2-3 levels below my previous role, but I still receive zero responses. I’ve reached out to my connections, but their help hasn’t led to any tangible opportunities. It feels like everyone is searching for the perfect candidate, and I’m stuck in a long line for positions that seem to be filled before I even apply. In the past, job searching was challenging but yielded results, and now it feels like an endless cycle of rejection. I’m trying to navigate this despair day by day, and I’m curious how others cope. I’ve found a few things that help me: 1. **Exercise**: I practice yoga twice a day, focusing on strength and flexibility. I also make sure to go on long hikes, which helps me release tension and feel alive. The physical activity gives me a sense of achievement and a moment of peace. 2. **Treats**: I used to find comfort in chocolate or berry pies, but that’s not working for me anymore. I guess my optimism has waned as time goes on. 3. **Family Support**: I often call my mom, who lives overseas. She’s supportive and reminds me that I’m valued beyond my job title or experience. My husband is also unemployed, which adds to the pressure. He’s been searching for three years, and I know he’s feeling the weight of my situation too. At the end of the day, I find solace on my yoga mat with my cat by my side, checking emails for a response from my mom about the cat pictures I sent her. In those moments, I feel accepted and valid, even amidst the chaos of my job search. I’m looking for ways to find my comfort zone and regain a sense of Zen in this challenging time.

I've been navigating the job application process and recently noticed that some roles I applied for are being re-listed with recent posting dates, even though my status still shows "application in review." This has left me in a bit of a bind since I can't reapply through the career portal while still under consideration. To tackle this, I decided to take the initiative and emailed the hiring managers at two different companies regarding these re-listed positions. One of them replied, letting me know that my email had been forwarded, which was encouraging. I wouldn't have reached out if I had received a rejection, but it feels unfair that if a job is reposted, I shouldn't have the opportunity to express my continued interest. I understand that there’s a prevailing culture that discourages candidates from advocating for themselves beyond the ATS systems, but I believe that these systems often overlook qualified candidates. If a role is reposted, I think it's only fair that previous applicants, as well as new ones, should have the chance to apply again.

After nearly two years of searching for a job, I finally received an offer after submitting over 800 applications. I started applying in January 2026, focusing primarily on remote positions, but by the end of March, I noticed that opportunities in that area were dwindling. I paused my applications for a few months, but in June 2026, I broadened my search to include remote, hybrid, and both in-state and out-of-state positions. It's been a challenging journey, and I can confidently say this is the worst job market I've ever experienced. While I have an offer now, I'm still interviewing for a few other roles just to keep my options open.

I was recently terminated from my role as a digital pathology scanning technician, and I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps. I have an associate degree in accounting, but my career took a turn when I started working in a laboratory. My primary responsibilities involved scanning medical glass slides into a digital format using specialized equipment and ensuring they were assigned to the appropriate pathologists. I also handled sorting and archiving these slides for easy retrieval. With nearly 9 years of experience in this field, I also managed general office tasks and facilitated inter-department communication, including some computer troubleshooting. Although I have a solid understanding of lab operations, I haven't worked directly in accessioning or as a lab assistant. I'm eager to continue my career as a digital pathology technician, but opportunities in this emerging field are limited. I'm currently considering how to pivot my skill set effectively. On a positive note, I recently had a phone interview with a laboratory that's hiring for an accessioning position, and they seemed impressed with my lab knowledge.

I've been feeling really down about my job situation lately. I've been with my current company for almost 11 years, and while I love my boss and team, the last year and a half has been tough. I was pushed into a new role that lacks clarity, and my bonus this year was only about 5% of what it could have been. To top it off, there are no merit increases or promotions in sight for the rest of the year. As a single parent, the financial strain is real, especially after going through a divorce two years ago. I've been actively searching for a new role and have applied to around 100 positions, all of which I feel qualified for. Recently, I finally got a screening interview for a role that seemed promising, but after following up, I learned that I was told I failed an assessment I never even received. It was incredibly frustrating to hear that the company decided to pursue other candidates. This whole experience has turned me into a cynical and angry person, which is not who I want to be. I'm trying to set better work boundaries, like not checking emails after hours, but I can't shake this feeling of bitterness. I know I should be grateful to be employed, but it's hard to stay positive when everything feels so bleak.

I recently received an email from American Express informing me that they are conducting a review of my account, which could lead to a reduction in my credit limit. This news hit me hard, especially given the current economic climate. I'm a 35-year-old male, and while I'm grateful to have a job, it simply doesn't pay enough to meet my needs. I've been actively applying for better-paying positions as well as part-time jobs to help supplement my income, but unfortunately, I've faced a string of rejections. It's becoming increasingly demoralizing, and I'm feeling the weight of adulting more than ever.

I recently graduated from high school and I'm currently 18 years old, living in Australia. I have some unpaid internship experience in governance and corporate settings, and I currently work as a fast food server while also tutoring. On top of that, I’m leading the creation of a startup. I’m studying politics, commerce, and economics, and I have a guaranteed pathway to law school. My academic performance has been decent, with a few scholarships, although I did experience a dip in my grades due to burnout. The main issue I’m facing is my current job at the fast food restaurant. The environment is toxic, with micromanagement and arbitrary firings, which has made my anxiety worse. I’ve been applying for jobs for over a year now, hoping to leave this position, but I’ve had no luck. My career mentor has been referring me to corporate jobs, but I keep getting rejected by HR. I’ve applied for various roles including Christmas casual positions in retail and fast food, receptionist roles in law firms, admin assistant roles, youth committee positions, entry-level parliament jobs, and even government jobs, but I haven’t received any positive responses. I even asked my internship if they could offer me a position before I left, but they opted for a more experienced candidate instead. I’m feeling quite lost and frustrated in this job market. I plan to start applying for new jobs from November 1, after my exams, and I’m working on my cover letters and resumes with advice from my university, job-seeking platforms, and my mentor. I’m really looking for guidance on what types of jobs I should be applying for next.

In August, I was laid off from a company where I had dedicated over six years of my career. It all happened unexpectedly while I was on a short vacation; a colleague reached out to tell me he couldn't find me on Slack. When I checked my phone, I was shocked to see that all my access had been revoked, accompanied by a brief email explaining the situation. Initially, I felt confident in my skills and thought finding a new job would be a breeze, despite being aware of the challenging job market. However, I quickly realized just how tough things are. Since then, I've applied to numerous positions but have yet to receive a single positive response, which has left me feeling lost and unsure of what I might be doing wrong. On top of that, my previous company had started integrating AI into our workflows, which I wasn't particularly fond of. Now, I feel like my technical skills have become a bit rusty, so I'm putting in the effort to polish them up while also trying to adapt to a job market that seems to be rapidly evolving due to AI. Honestly, this entire job search process has turned out to be more exhausting than my actual job was.

I recently submitted about 30 job applications over the last couple of weeks, but unfortunately, I haven't received any responses yet. It's quite frustrating, especially since I applied to two different positions at the same company just a couple of days ago. I have a solid amount of experience, so I'm not sure why I'm facing such challenges in getting noticed. This is the first time I've encountered this level of difficulty in my job search, and it's really starting to get to me.