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It's been a year since I was laid off from my position in the biotech industry at a big pharma company, which happened in early August 2025. This was actually my third layoff from that company, and the mental toll of being out of my field is really weighing on me. I feel frustrated and humiliated that I can't even land low-paying entry-level jobs despite having years of experience. I’ve been applying to everything I can find, but the responses have been disheartening. Currently, I spend my days gardening, working out, and hiking to keep myself occupied. Financially, I'm okay, but I've put my life on hold since the layoff. I don't date or travel anymore, and I'm starting to consider other career paths, like trades or going back to school, but it's tough to know what will lead to a stable future. I’ve also noticed that friends in different industries, like business and computer science, are struggling to find work too. I'm reaching out for advice or to hear similar stories from others who have been in my situation.

I interviewed with a startup about a month ago and after a week and a half of waiting, I followed up and they expressed that they liked me and would update me on next steps. I didn’t hear back until I mentioned I had received another job offer but was still interested in them. We had a chat today that lasted around 20-25 minutes where we discussed salary expectations, remote work, and my availability. At the end of the conversation, the employer said something that left me feeling uncertain. They mentioned, "Just a word of encouragement from me, if we decide not to move forward with you, I’d encourage you to keep applying because we’re expanding." They promised to get back to me this Thursday after discussing things with the founder on Wednesday. I’m feeling a mix of hope and confusion; the conversation seemed positive, but I’m unsure about the implications of their words.

I recently turned 14 and have been trying to find a job in my small town, which has about 60,000 residents. It's been really challenging. I've applied to several fast food places, but there are only a handful that are willing to hire someone my age. So far, I've managed to secure four interviews at three different McDonald's locations and Culver's, where I even used a friend as a reference. Unfortunately, none of them offered me a position. I feel like the interviews went well, but it seems like the hiring process is so automated now that it's hard to get a real response. I’ve also tried applying to five other places, but their websites are buggy, and I can't even set up an interview. I wish they still accepted paper applications; it would make things a lot easier. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Freelance work is not something I want to pursue unless I have to. I'm open to any suggestions or advice on how to navigate this job search as a teenager.

I recently went through a job application process where I was one of two candidates shortlisted for a position. The company verbally offered me the role at the end of July, but they needed to conduct background checks first. After completing those checks, I was informed about a delay due to their migration to a new ATS system, which is apparently causing a holdup in issuing employment contracts. I’m now in a bit of a bind because I’ve accepted another job offer, but I would prefer to work for this company if they can finalize things soon. I’ve been trying to get an idea of how long these ATS migrations typically take, but the recruiter I’m in contact with doesn’t seem to have any concrete information. She’s focused on my potential start date, which I can’t provide until I receive the formal offer letter and contract.

I was laid off for the second time in two years, and it's been a rough journey. I'm a 56-year-old white male with a decade of experience in NYC, but I lost my job during a COVID re-organization. After that, I took a pay cut and relocated to Atlanta, where I worked for three years until my company was acquired by a private equity firm. They decided to let me go in favor of younger, cheaper employees, despite previously encouraging me to train new hires. It felt like a cowardly move. I managed to find a new job that offered a better work-life balance, but I had to take another slight pay cut. The company didn't subsidize my wife's health insurance, which took a significant chunk out of my paycheck. Things were looking up; I even had my own office with my name on the door. However, about a month ago, we hired a new person for HR who turned out to be an efficiency consultant. My boss set up 1-on-1 meetings, and I sensed something was off. We had been missing our goals, and one of our brands had to close down. Last Wednesday, at 8:30 am, I received a text from my boss about a meeting scheduled for 9:30. When I joined, the HR consultant was already there, and I knew I was in trouble. Since I had only been with the company for a year, I was offered just three weeks of severance and insurance until the end of the month. Now, I'm panicking. We're living paycheck to paycheck, and our credit cards are nearly maxed out. Even if I find a new job tomorrow, the hiring process could take weeks, and I've read stories of people being out of work for months. I'm looking for any advice or encouraging words.

I recently graduated with my master's degree in aerospace engineering in June and have been actively searching for a job in the U.S. for about a year now. I have a background as a flight science engineer at a UAV company in my home country, where I worked for three years. Given the current job market, especially for international students like myself, I accepted a remote position with my previous company, which has allowed me to have some income while I search for opportunities here. However, the hours are minimal, and the pay only covers my rent. After graduation, I faced challenges finding a job in the aerospace sector due to the limited availability of positions, particularly those related to the Department of Defense. I’ve applied to various companies, but many have changed their hiring policies, making it difficult for international students to secure roles. My experience is quite specific to aerospace, including aircraft design, stability and control analysis, and flight testing, which complicates my ability to pivot to other industries like robotics. Recently, my home country company, which has now become a leading UAV firm, offered me a position back home. The salary is decent compared to other aerospace roles in my country, but it’s still not enough to support a family or buy a house. Moreover, I worry about the limited growth potential in that market, especially since my expertise doesn’t align with the standards needed for manned aircraft, which has been my dream since I was 18. As I weigh my options, I’m torn between accepting the offer and returning home or risking it by continuing my job search in the U.S. for the next 90 days. I’m anxious about the possibility of not finding a job here and losing the opportunity to work with a top company back home. Any advice on how to approach this decision would be greatly appreciated.

I recently faced a frustrating situation while job hunting. After graduating with my bachelor's in Media in December 2024, I found myself stuck in a job search rut, submitting hundreds of applications without landing a single interview in my field. Most of the roles I was considered for were mundane jobs outside my area of expertise. In July, I applied for an overnight security position that involved driving around parking lots, offering $19.50/hr. I had a great phone interview and was hired on the spot. However, the hiring process included a lengthy background check, which I thought would be routine. To my shock, I received the results stating that I didn't pass due to my driving record, claiming I didn't have a driver's license. I've been driving since I was 15, with no traffic violations and only two accidents that weren't my fault. It didn't add up. After multiple calls, I discovered that the background check only showed my temporary license from when I renewed it last fall. I sent a photocopy of my valid driver's license to both the security company and the background check firm, but they insisted it wasn't sufficient. Frustrated, I went to the DMV and paid $20 for a document confirming my valid driver's license. I filed a dispute regarding the background check, but now I'm left waiting for a decision, with no start date in sight. It's been a month and a half since I was told I was hired, and I'm still battling this issue. I'll keep everyone updated on what happens next.

I'm currently looking for seasonal work and came across the Aritzia Concierge position. However, I've been reading a lot of negative experiences from people who have worked there, which is making me hesitant. The commute is about 2 hours by bus, and I'm really trying to save some money before the holidays, so I'm considering it despite the concerns. I've applied to several jobs closer to home, but I'm not having much luck. I also feel like this role could potentially be done from home, so I'm confused about why it's required to be at the distribution center. It's frustrating to navigate the job market right now.

I have my second interview coming up for a role at Independent Graphics as a customer service representative and print estimator. In this position, I would be assisting with print orders and pricing. I bring 10 years of customer service experience and 2 years of relevant work from a small print shop, which I believe will be beneficial. Since it's been over a decade since my last second interview, I'm feeling a bit anxious about what to expect. I'm looking for advice on the types of questions I should prepare for to make a good impression. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off on August 8, 2025, marking the second time I've faced this in just three years. It's been a tough journey, and I've been unemployed for over a year now. I've applied to 700 jobs, with the latest application being the 700th today. Throughout this process, I've had 20 interviews, but unfortunately, 8 of those didn't get past HR. I've faced 14 rejections, 5 ghosted me, and one role I was pursuing was withdrawn after I had gone through 5 interviews with the firm. Networking has been a struggle; everyone knows I'm unemployed, and it's hard to keep pushing forward. I received 3 months of severance from my last job, but I've exhausted my unemployment insurance. Now, I'm relying on my investments to pay my mortgage, and I'm starting to worry about the possibility of having to sell my home and move. All I want is a job that aligns with my experience, but the search has been incredibly disheartening. I really hate this situation.

I interviewed for a civilian position with a police department in Texas on May 28th. After a long wait, I received a call back on July 31st to move forward in the hiring process. I began my background check, fingerprints, and drug test/physical on August 7th. I was informed that I should expect to hear back within 1-2 weeks. Now, I'm feeling a bit anxious as I still haven't received any updates, and there's only a week left in the timeframe they provided. I'm wondering if this is a good sign or if I should be concerned that I haven't been contacted yet. I'm curious about others' experiences in similar situations.

I’m 27 years old and feeling quite lost in my career. I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in marketing, and I’ve been working in email marketing for the past three years at a fashion brand. Despite my education and experience, I’m still making minimum wage, which is becoming a significant concern for me. I’m living with financial support from my parents and feel stuck in my current role with no clear path for advancement. My responsibilities have become repetitive, and I don’t have anyone above me to mentor me in more advanced marketing techniques. I’m starting to apply for jobs, but I’m getting very few responses, likely due to my experience being concentrated at one company and focused mainly on email marketing. I’m eager to learn and grow, but I want to make sure I’m investing my time in the right skills. I’m considering several paths for the next year: 1. **Paid Media / Performance Marketing**: I think this could complement my email marketing experience, but I lack hands-on experience in this area. I’m curious if I can self-teach and build a portfolio through personal projects. 2. **E-commerce / Shopify**: Given my current role in a fashion brand, I wonder if diving deeper into e-commerce could be beneficial. I’m interested in learning Shopify, analytics, and customer journey optimization to potentially transition into roles like e-commerce specialist or manager. 3. **CRM / Lifecycle / Retention Marketing**: Since I’m already familiar with Klaviyo and email marketing, I’m considering honing my skills in CRM strategy and retention marketing to position myself for roles like CRM Manager. This feels like a direct path from my current experience, but I’m unsure about the career progression in this field. I’m open to suggestions on which direction might be the most effective for my career growth.

I recently found myself in a situation where I am considering reapplying for a job that I previously turned down. About a year ago, I was offered a position that I was genuinely excited about, but I ultimately declined due to the salary being lower than I was comfortable with at the time. I was also in discussions for a promotion at my current job, which made me hesitant to make a move. During the negotiation process, the hiring manager was supportive and even tried to advocate for a higher salary, but HR was unable to accommodate that request. We parted ways on good terms, and I’ve kept in touch with the hiring manager through LinkedIn, where we’ve had friendly interactions over the past year. Now, my circumstances have changed. My current employer has undergone layoffs and leadership changes, leading to a lot of turnover in my team. I’m not as happy in my role anymore, and my anticipated promotion has been delayed indefinitely due to these layoffs. Recently, I noticed that the same position I had previously declined has reopened, with a few changes in the reporting structure and an increase in the salary band due to a new collective agreement. I reached out to the former hiring manager to inquire about the changes and whether I could reapply. She responded positively, encouraging me to apply and mentioned that she had already informed the hiring committee of my interest. As I prepare to submit my application, I’m curious about how hiring managers view candidates who have previously declined an offer. Would they see this as a red flag, or does the fact that the hiring manager is supportive of my reapplication make it a non-issue?

I recently came across a job posting by a professor at my university for Research Assistants, a position I’m very interested in. I’ve taken his class before and had several conversations with him, so I feel a connection. I applied through the university's career portal as instructed, but I’m contemplating whether it would be appropriate to email him directly to express my enthusiasm for the role. I have relevant experience and a genuine passion for research, and I want him to know that. However, I’m worried that reaching out might seem like I’m trying to bypass the application process. I’ve drafted an email but haven’t sent it yet because I’m unsure if it’s crossing a line. I appreciate any advice on whether this approach is acceptable or if I should stick to the formal application process.

I recently had an interesting experience with a job application. Initially, I applied for a position at a tech company and received a straightforward rejection without even getting an interview. A couple of months later, I noticed the same job was open again, so I decided to apply once more. To my surprise, this time I not only got an interview but also received an offer for the position. I'm left wondering what this means. Is it normal to get hired after being rejected previously? Some friends suggested that maybe the company lowered their standards or that I was simply a better fit the second time around. I can't help but think that timing played a huge role in this. It seems like sometimes it's just about having your application land on the right desk at the right moment.

I recently applied for six jobs and managed to get interviews for four of them—three were phone interviews and one was in person. Unfortunately, only one company got back to me, but they want me to work at a location that I didn't apply for, which is a 45-minute drive away. I have over a year of experience in babysitting, online sales, customer service, and retail, as well as teaching kids. Ideally, I’m looking for something closer to home due to the heavy traffic in my area, or at least a hybrid or remote position if possible. It seems like having a bachelor's degree isn't enough in today's job market where experience is prioritized. I'm still doing babysitting and online sales, which is going well, but I’d love to find a full-time job to keep myself occupied. I'm considering roles like school front desk or after-school coordinator, daycare admin, tutoring center admin, or customer support for local businesses. For the job that wants me to commute, I’d only consider it if the pay and hours make the long drive worthwhile.

I received a message from a local store about a cashier position I had applied for over a year ago. They reached out asking if I was still interested, which felt strange since I was their first applicant but they took so long to contact me. I confirmed my interest and asked for details like schedule and pay. They responded saying they were conducting a second interview with a group of candidates and asked when I could come in. I'm starting school in a month, and I'm worried about the timeline since I don't want to get stuck in another long hiring process. I’ve had bad experiences in the past with employers, so I’m feeling hesitant. I have the second interview scheduled for tomorrow at noon, and I'm considering whether to go or cancel based on advice from others. I plan to ask about the pay and how quickly they need someone to start to avoid wasting my time.

I'm a senior studying Electrical Engineering and I've been struggling to land a full-time role after graduation, especially since I don't have any industry internship experience. I've applied to countless internships but have only had five interviews, and I'm still waiting to hear back from them. For the past several months, I've been involved in research with a professor in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on ultrafast optics and plasma physics for 2D materials. I initially wanted to apply for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), but my GPA is relatively low, which makes me doubt my chances of getting into one. I've been networking with engineers at various companies, and one of them is giving me a referral for a spacecraft company. However, I've heard some negative things about their work culture, specifically a demanding 9-9-6 schedule, which makes me hesitant, especially since I plan to pursue a PhD in EE or Applied Physics eventually. I'm also contemplating taking a 1-2 year gap after graduation before starting my PhD. I'm planning to attend the Quantum Career Fair at Stanford later this year to seek job opportunities that align more with my interests, as my school's career fair mostly features construction and biomedical companies, which don't relate to my field. I'm feeling a lot of imposter syndrome seeing my peers secure internships while I feel stuck without industry experience. As graduation approaches, I'm increasingly anxious about finding a full-time job. I'm worried about ending up in a financially unstable situation if I can't secure a position soon. I know my research experience is valuable, especially for academia and national labs, but I'm uncertain how it will be perceived by industry recruiters. Given the current job market, I'm trying to figure out a backup plan. Should I focus on applying to grad school, national labs, and research-oriented roles? Should I consider taking the spacecraft job despite the concerns about the work culture? Or would it be wiser to delay my graduation by a semester to gain more experience? I want to make the best decision for my final year without panicking and jeopardizing my future.

I got laid off from my first real job on July 31, and it's been a tough experience. I always knew layoffs were a possibility, but actually going through it is a whole different story. Now, I'm actively searching for work-from-home jobs, applying to as many as I can and hoping for a positive response. I'm feeling really torn between two options: continue looking for remote work or consider moving to Manila to find a job there. The thought of going to Manila is daunting, especially since I'm an introvert with anxiety about interacting with new people. Just the idea of navigating the city, attending interviews, and meeting recruiters feels overwhelming. Plus, living in Manila is expensive, and I worry about the costs of travel and daily expenses without any guarantee of landing a job. Right now, I'm stuck applying online, refreshing job postings, and sending out applications, hoping someone will give me a chance. It's frustrating because I thought I would have more stability after graduating and starting my first job, but now I'm back to square one, questioning my next steps. Some days, it feels like everyone else is moving forward while I'm falling behind. I know I need to push through my introversion and anxiety to find a job, but it can be exhausting. I just needed to share my feelings and see if anyone else has been in a similar situation, especially looking for remote work in the Philippines after a layoff. I really want to get back on my feet.

I started volunteering at a primary school earlier this year in February, hoping to gain experience for teaching assistant roles. I initially volunteered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I enjoyed it so much that I added Fridays and participated in school events whenever needed. After four months, a paid teaching assistant position opened up, and I was excited to apply. I felt I did well in the interview, despite being anxious. The head of the school called me later that day to say I had interviewed amazingly and that I had made a positive impact on the school. However, they decided to hire a parent who had been volunteering, citing their 'more experience.' I was told I would be kept in mind for future openings. Fast forward to the end of term, when another teaching assistant resigned. I kept checking the school's website for new job postings but was confused when I found out that a new position had opened up and was filled without any notice to me. It feels disheartening because I dedicated so much time and effort, and while I appreciate the positive feedback, it seems like actions speak louder than words. I really thought my commitment would lead to a job opportunity, but it hasn't. I'm feeling quite frustrated and emotional about the whole situation.