Feeling

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.

I work at a manufacturing company where I’ve been facing a tough situation. Over the past six months, 6 out of 10 people on my team have left, and now the remaining members, including myself, are struggling to keep up with the workload. I’ve been tasked with training all the new hires, which is a significant burden because it takes about 12 months for them to become fully self-sufficient. While I don’t mind training people, having to train four new employees at once has drastically increased my responsibilities. On top of that, our production demands have doubled, which means the workload has skyrocketed. I reached out to my manager for help back in April, expressing that I was overwhelmed, but the response was always the same: "just do what you can." Now, in September, I’m still dealing with the aftermath of this staffing crisis. Training is finally tapering off, but I’m left with a mountain of overdue tasks that are piling up on my desk, and it’s becoming soul-crushing. I’ve been actively searching for a new job for months, but the process has been disheartening. I’ve gone through several interviews and on-site meetings, only to receive rejections or, in some cases, no feedback at all. It feels like I’m falling deeper into despair with each passing day.

I’m feeling a bit anxious about reaching out to my former supervisor for a reference as I prepare to apply for a new job. It’s been a few months since I left, and even though I believe she liked my work and would be happy to help, I’m nervous about contacting her after this time. I’ve drafted a message saying, "Hey, long time no talk. How's everything been going over there?" but I just can’t bring myself to send it. I know I need her as a reference, and I’m trying to convince myself that it’s not a big deal. I’ve read some advice suggesting I could just ask directly without needing to catch up first, which makes sense. I’m hoping that by sharing this, I can sort through my feelings and gain some clarity. Any thoughts?

I was recently laid off from my position at Dell in Brazil, and it seems the layoffs are still ongoing. Just last week, I heard that around 4,000 employees were let go, and this week, it was our turn. I don't have the exact numbers, but I know that a significant number of my colleagues were affected—at least 40 of my close teammates. It appears that the cuts are not limited to senior staff; entry-level and mid-level employees are also being impacted. It's a tough situation, especially considering that Dell has just made it to the S&P 100. There are a lot of discussions about the company's direction and the ongoing layoffs globally.

I was laid off in July and have been facing significant issues with my ex-employer. They failed to complete the monetary verification for my unemployment insurance, which has left me unable to collect any benefits for the past two months. This has been incredibly frustrating, especially since I’ve been trying to get them to confirm my wages and work history. To make matters worse, I discovered today that my COBRA health insurance coverage was never activated because my ex-employer also neglected to file the necessary paperwork with the health insurance provider. Despite paying over $1,000 for this coverage, I found out that I don’t actually have any access to it. This is particularly concerning since I have a health condition that requires ongoing management. Now, I’m two months behind on unemployment payments and out over $1,000 for health coverage that I can’t use. I have documented all my interactions with the state, my insurance company, and my ex-employer, so I have proof of my payments and agreements. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has advice on how to navigate this situation. I’m considering contacting an attorney for help, so if anyone has recommendations, I’d appreciate it.

I recently interviewed for a position at a large, well-known company, and I was surprised by the casual dress code during the interview. I arrived dressed in business professional attire, as instructed, only to find my interviewer, who I later learned was my potential direct supervisor, wearing Victoria’s Secret pajamas and Crocs. Initially, I thought they were just front desk staff, but it turned out they were the one making hiring decisions. The interview itself was conducted in a meeting room with another casually dressed person, and it followed a STAR question format. I felt confident that I performed well, completing my answers and asking questions within about 20 minutes. However, it's now been two weeks without any response from them. Has anyone else experienced such a casual atmosphere in a formal interview setting?

I just got the job! 😭✈️ At 19, this feels surreal. I started at my current company when I turned 18, earning **$16/hr**. Within 6 months, I was promoted to Lead Ramp Agent at **$18/hr**, but after facing some tough management and realizing there was limited growth potential, I knew it was time to move on. After a lot of applications and waiting, I finally received the offer I was hoping for. I'm heading to Amazon Prime Air as a Ground Handler making **$27/hr**! Going from **$16/hr** at 18, to **$18/hr** as a Lead, and now **$27/hr** at 19 is something I'm really proud of. As a college student, I never imagined I'd be making this much. I know many are struggling to find jobs, getting rejected, or feeling ghosted. I've experienced that too. So for anyone still searching, keep applying and don't give up. It only takes one yes to change everything.

Today, I found myself reflecting on my current situation as a 38-year-old stay-at-home mom. With my partner leaving, I’m feeling lost and uncertain about my future. I’ve spent my entire adult life at home, and my only work experience has been running an in-home bakery for five years, which has since closed down. The reality of the job market is daunting; bakers in my area are earning around $12 per hour, which isn’t enough to support myself. I also struggle with fibromyalgia, making manual labor difficult, and my psych medications leave me feeling foggy, impacting my short-term memory. I’m on disability for bipolar disorder, but I know that won't cover my living expenses. I’m considering my options and trying to figure out what I can do next. I’ve received some advice about exploring different medications, looking into part-time retail work, or even driving for services like DoorDash or Uber. I’m also thinking about childcare roles, as I've heard that many parents return to work once their kids are older. It’s a tough time, and I’m trying to stay hopeful while navigating these challenges.

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job situation lately. Currently, I'm working a job that I got hired for almost immediately, which honestly reflects how desperate the place is for employees. I'm stuck working 10 to 13 hour days, five days a week, and I'm only making under $18 an hour. It's exhausting and unfulfilling. I've been searching for a new job for the past few months, but I haven't had much luck. I had an interview today, and I don't think it went well at all. The whole experience felt incredibly awkward; I felt like an alien trying to fit in and failing miserably. I know I can do the job, but I just can't seem to convince anyone of that. I've read some advice about practicing for interviews, and I think I need to start doing that. I also wonder if there are companies out there that focus more on skills rather than just trying to gauge if I'll fit in socially. It seems like a lot of interviews are more about personality and whether they think they can get along with you rather than your actual skills. It's disheartening, especially since I have autism, which makes the social aspects of interviews even more challenging for me. I just want to find a decent job where I can feel valued and not have to struggle so much just to be seen as capable.

I've been on the hunt for a work-from-home (WFH) job lately, primarily because I'm taking care of my child. It's been tough, especially since I've been unemployed for the past seven years while looking after a relative's kid. Now that they're in school, I thought it would be easier to find a job, but it hasn't been. My experience is limited to being a front desk assistant, where I mainly answered phone calls. I see so many people online claiming that you can easily land a WFH job without a degree or experience, and it gives me hope, but I'm starting to feel skeptical. My daily routine involves getting my child ready for school, picking them up, helping with homework, and getting them ready for bed. On top of that, my family works demanding hours, typically from 9 to 5 with overtime, which makes it even harder to find a flexible job that fits my schedule. I'm just trying to figure out how to make this work.

I'm coming to terms with the fact that it's time for me to move on from my job. I'm feeling really down about it and just need to vent. I have ADHD and had to stop my medication for a while due to medical reasons, which affected my performance at work. I've been trying to get accommodations but faced significant pushback from my employer. Yesterday, I had a grievance meeting with my union rep, HR, and my manager. It was a mixed bag. They are finally agreeing to some accommodations, which is a relief, but they are refusing to clear my record of past disciplinary incidents. I have accumulated quite a few, and it feels like I'm walking on thin ice—one more mistake and I could be out of a job. I'm still disputing the past incidents and need to gather more documentation before we meet again, but I'm starting to question if it's worth the effort. After work, I updated my resume and sent out a couple of applications, but it felt bittersweet. I really loved this job and my coworkers; I thought I had found my forever job. I know those are rare these days, but I genuinely believed I had found a great fit. Now, I'm not sure I can find anything comparable, but I feel like I have no choice but to try. I don't know if 'grief' is the right term, but it's how I feel. After eight years of dedicated work, I feel hurt and angry that it seems to mean nothing now. Even if I manage to resolve the issues, I don't know if I can move past how I've been treated. I've been crying and losing sleep over this, and I'm just exhausted.

I’m 21 years old and recently found myself in a bit of a job-hopping situation that’s got me feeling insecure. I got engaged a few months ago and moved out of my parents’ house last year, relocating to a new state. I was really interested in police work, so I became a 911 dispatcher. However, after just 4 months, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me at all. I left without another job lined up and took a position in senior caregiving. I worked there for 6 months, but the hours were brutal—60 hours a week with back-to-back overnights. It left me sleep-deprived and struggling to take care of myself. Then I decided to switch gears and pursue a role as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) after hearing good things about it from my fiancé’s friend. I interviewed and was promised stable hours and benefits, but after 3 months, I found myself barely making ends meet on $1,800 a month. They kept me at 20-30 hours a week, which just wasn’t sustainable. So, I went back to my old caregiving job. Now, I’m worried about how my family will perceive my job changes. They’ve already asked about my current work, and I feel like I’m going to be judged for not sticking with ABA. I know I’ll be moving again in 4 months for my fiancé’s school, so this caregiving job might be temporary, but I still feel insecure about having three jobs in one year. Is it normal to go through this at my age? Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now. I've been through seven layoffs this year, and it feels like I'm constantly on the edge. Currently, I'm dealing with a lot: my mom is in the hospital, it's my daughter's birthday today, and my car needs maintenance. I just can't catch a break. I missed my car payment, and now it's affecting my credit. The same goes for my credit card and electric bill; if I miss those, I'm left in the dark. I worked last Saturday, but I wasn't compensated for overtime or given my shift differential, which is frustrating. I've thought about going to HR, but I'm worried about retaliation from my boss. I've raised these issues before, and it feels like I'm being overlooked while others are getting overtime. Honestly, I'm exhausted. I feel like I'm putting in so much effort, but I'm just getting taken advantage of. On top of everything, I'm dealing with court issues and personal struggles. It's hard not to feel like giving up. I just want to find a way to make things better for myself and my family.

Today was supposed to be a big day for me as I had a final round interview for a federal job that I was really excited about. Unfortunately, I woke up at 1:30 AM feeling extremely ill and have been stuck in the bathroom ever since. I suspect it might be food poisoning from poultry I had yesterday, as I feel worse than when I had pneumonia in the past. Feeling desperate for a job in my field, I had to make the tough decision to email the interviewer around 6:30 AM to explain my situation and request a reschedule. I offered to be available at any time next week, but I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment and embarrassment for having to back out. This job could have been a significant step towards regaining some normalcy in my life, and now I’m left worrying if they’ll think I’m lying or if they’ll even consider rescheduling. I just hope they understand that I did the right thing by not attending the interview while feeling this way.

I have an interview this afternoon for a new position, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about how to explain my reason for leaving my current job. I've only been at my current company for less than six months, and I suspect they'll ask why I'm looking to move on. Typically, I say I'm seeking a better opportunity, but that might imply I'm also likely to leave the new job for something else in the future. The truth is, I'm leaving because the work environment is incredibly toxic, and it's impacting my mental health. I don't think it's wise to mention that during the interview, though. I'm hoping to find a way to frame my reason for leaving in a more positive light without bashing my current employer.

I recently learned that a well-known car company in the UK is offering voluntary redundancy packages, and my partner is considering this option. However, there are some uncertainties about the implications of taking voluntary redundancy, particularly regarding eligibility for universal credit while searching for a new job and assistance with rental costs. I’m reaching out for advice on this matter, as any insights would be greatly appreciated. From what I've gathered, it seems that my partner can still qualify for universal credit, although the lump sum from the redundancy might affect it temporarily. It feels like a challenging time to be looking for a job.

I recently found myself in a tough spot at my retail job, feeling like I might get fired soon. To prepare for the worst, I started looking for new opportunities in my area. I came across two clerical positions—one at a law firm and another at an accounting office—that didn't seem to require any specific experience or a college degree. This was a bit surprising to me, as I thought most office jobs would have stricter requirements. Despite not having any formal education or experience in bookkeeping, I'm considering applying. My background in retail has given me transferable skills like customer service, cash handling, and communication, which I believe could be valuable in an office setting. However, I’m hesitant because it feels like a long shot given the current job market. I’ve seen some advice suggesting that I should just go for it, as the worst that could happen is they ignore my application. I’m really torn about whether to take the leap and apply, or if I should keep searching for something more aligned with my experience.

I just got laid off from my position as a Senior Consultant at a boutique consulting firm, which was founded by directors from ZS and Frost & Sullivan. I graduated with my MBA from IIM S in 2023 and was excited to start my career. However, everything changed when I received an unexpected invite to a review meeting with my manager, the Director, and the MD. During the meeting, I was informed that due to bottom line reductions, my position was being eliminated. This news hit me hard, especially with my wedding coming up in November. I had chosen to stay at this firm rather than pursue opportunities at larger companies for a few reasons: the workload was manageable, I had to take time off to care for a family member battling cancer, and everyone advised me to stay put until after my marriage. Now, I feel like my life is in shambles. I'm not telling anyone about my layoff yet, as I don't want to add stress to my parents, who are already dealing with health issues, or my fiancé, especially since her family has been skeptical about our marriage. I've applied to around 100 positions in management consulting, but I know this is a tough time for hiring in the industry. It's been weighing heavily on me, and I felt the need to share my situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been on the job hunt for a couple of months now, trying to transition from a role in data analysis to data science. I thought the shift wouldn't be too challenging since the fields are closely related, but the process has been frustrating and feels like a never-ending side quest with little reward. To make the experience feel more productive, I decided to turn it into a small data project to gather insights about the job search process. I created a short Google Form to collect feedback on what others struggle with during their job searches. It only takes about three minutes to fill out and is completely anonymous. I'm really interested in hearing what drives people crazy in their own job hunts and plan to share the findings once I gather enough responses.

After being laid off over a year ago, I've sent out 675 applications in my job search journey. The results have been quite revealing: 246 rejections, 276 cold ghostings, and 18 deep ghostings. It seems like the most common outcome isn't even rejection anymore, but rather getting no response at all. On a brighter note, I've managed to reach the interview or final stages multiple times, which indicates that my efforts are not entirely in vain. I'm curious if anyone else in the North American IT job market is experiencing similar outcomes in their application pipelines.