Feeling

I recently reviewed my job search efforts over the past year, and the results were pretty discouraging. I applied to a total of 773 positions, and here's how it broke down: 648 of those applications received no response at all, which is about 84%. I faced 115 outright rejections, making up roughly 15% of my applications. In the end, I only secured 9 interviews, which translates to about a 1% interview rate. I even had one recruiter reach out to me, but they ghosted before we could have a conversation. I'm left wondering if this is a normal experience for job seekers right now or if I might be doing something wrong. For context, I've been applying across various platforms, but I'm curious if focusing on specific companies or tailoring my applications more could yield better results. I've heard from others that a 3-5% interview rate is more typical, so I'm feeling a bit lost and would appreciate any insights from those who have navigated the job market recently.

I was informed this month that my entire department is being terminated due to restructuring. I've been working in RCM quality analysis for a healthcare company for over 20 years, but only a year in my current role. As I navigate this situation, I've applied for another internal position and have an interview scheduled for tomorrow. I'm unsure if I would still be eligible for my severance if I get the new position but decide to turn it down. My official last day is June 26th, but I won’t receive my severance package documentation until after that date. Additionally, I'm considering a career change and planning to go back to school for the necessary coursework, but that process will take some time due to various factors.

I'm currently facing a tough decision at my job with a large nationwide company. Recently, 95% of us received emails about a "Voluntary Separation Program" aimed at encouraging employees to resign before potential involuntary layoffs occur. I'm really torn about whether to take the severance package or stick it out. The severance pay amounts to about 6 months of my net income, and they will cover COBRA payments for 5 months, leaving me only responsible for my normal monthly premium. The separation date is set for around September 1, 2026. I've been unhappy in my role for a few years now, and while the idea of change is daunting, I'm also aware that I might lose my job anyway, potentially without any severance. The company is struggling financially and with the rise of AI, I feel that layoffs could be imminent. Taking the severance package seems like a no-brainer, especially with the current economic climate making job security feel precarious. It would provide some financial cushion for the next six months, which is crucial since my husband and I would struggle if either of us were to be laid off. I'm reaching out for advice on whether I should take the severance or try to ride it out a bit longer. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off from my position and have been presented with a severance agreement that offers only one month of pay. However, there's a clause that requires me to provide indefinite cooperation with the company for any legal matters that may arise. I'm unsure if this is a standard practice or if I should be concerned about signing it. HR has made it clear that the severance terms are non-negotiable. I'm seeking advice on whether it's common to have such a clause in a severance agreement and if I should proceed with signing it.

I've been self-employed since 2020 after my last employee role, but I'm starting to worry about how this looks on my resume. I list myself as self-employed, but I make very little money and have been searching for a job for two years. I feel like recruiters might view my self-employment negatively, thinking I couldn't find a 'real' job. When I mention my business in interviews, I can see the disappointment on their faces, which is disheartening. I wonder if I should even include my business on my resume or if it would be better to leave it off completely. I also had some irrelevant retail jobs in the past six years that I chose not to list, and I'm unsure if that will come back to haunt me. So far, interviewers haven't brought it up, but I'm anxious about how my self-employment is perceived.

Today was a rough day at work. I’ve been feeling the strain of my job, which often requires me to work 10-hour shifts without any official breaks. I finally managed to get my boss to adjust my schedule so I can leave by 5 or 5:30, but the lack of mandated breaks in my state means I often find myself working straight through, only able to grab a quick snack or heat up lunch on my feet. While the physical activity has somewhat helped my fibromyalgia, the mental toll is becoming harder to manage. I often feel tunnel vision and burnout, especially with the constant pressure from management to meet tight deadlines. Today, I made a significant mistake, and while I want to take accountability for it, I can’t help but wonder if the lack of breaks is impacting my performance. I really enjoy many aspects of my job, but I’m starting to question if I want to be in a role that offers no breaks for the next 25 years. Should I consider looking for a less stressful job, even if it means fewer hours and less pay? I’m venting a bit here, but I’m also seeking advice on whether I should start sending out my resume.

I was laid off from my job while I was 7 months pregnant, and since then, I've been actively searching for a new position. Finding interviews was challenging, especially with the timing of my due date. I just gave birth a week ago and I'm diving back into the job hunt. I've reached out to all my connections, but I'm hoping to expand my network here. If anyone has tips on companies that are hiring, internal referrals, or any advice, I would really appreciate it!

I work in maintenance at a McDonald's in South Florida, but I'm relocating back to Peoria, IL, where I used to live. The main reason for this move is the high cost of living here. I'm planning to quit my job in a rather unconventional way. On Wednesday, I'm going to work through about half of my shift, and when the manager on duty hands me my paycheck, I'm going to casually slip out the back door. My plan is to walk across the street, cash my check, and then hop on a Greyhound bus to my new destination. I don't intend to list this job as a reference because of how poorly I've been treated. Honestly, I'm curious to see the manager's reaction when they realize I've just vanished, especially since I'm the only maintenance person they have. I just want to make sure my money is secure, so I'll be depositing the rest into my Truist account once I cash the check. I know this isn't the most professional way to leave a job, but after my experience here, I feel justified in doing it.

I've been unemployed for the past three years since I was 16, living in the UK. My job search has been incredibly challenging, and despite my efforts, I haven't had any luck finding work. I have tailored my CV for entry-level positions, but my only experience is a week in a hotel, which I had to do as part of my secondary school requirements. I dropped out of sixth form and never completed my A-levels, which has made my situation even tougher. I've applied to over a thousand jobs, called various places, and even gone in person, but nothing has worked out. I struggle with confidence and haven't considered internships or volunteering, but I realize that might be my last chance to gain some experience. I'm not interested in going back to sixth form or attending university, even though I did well in my GCSEs, achieving 7 grades at levels 5-6 (Cs and Bs). It's frustrating to feel stuck and unable to leverage my potential.

I'm currently in a tough spot after my entire department was eliminated earlier this year at my company, which forced me into a sales role. They promised a full year of salary while I trained, but the situation has been dire. The company isn't performing well, and every sales rep is struggling due to a lack of leads, relying on AI-generated outreach. Soon, I'll be switched to a commission-only structure, and I've heard from a colleague that they're already $20k in debt due to the draw system. I need to escape this job as soon as possible. I've been actively interviewing for months but haven't had much luck until recently. I applied to a large retail big box chain out of desperation and got hired on the spot, but it's part-time with low pay and grunt work. The employees were pretty candid about the poor morale and high turnover, which doesn't sound appealing at all. Currently, I'm in the interview process with another company that aligns much better with my skills. I had a recruiter screen that led to a second interview, and today, the hiring manager expressed interest in scheduling a final interview with stakeholders. While nothing is guaranteed, I feel optimistic about my chances. The retail job wants me to start this coming Monday, and I'm torn. Part of me thinks I should take it since I've been job hunting for so long with little success, but I really don't want to accept a position I might hate and then leave shortly after if I get a better offer from the other company. I'm looking for advice on what to do next.

I was recently let go from my new job as a payroll administrator after just a few days. I had just transitioned from being a sixth-year high school teacher, primarily because I was looking for a role that offered more flexibility to care for my 18-month-old child. Unfortunately, during my first week, my child came down with a fever, and after a visit to the ER, I needed to take a day off to care for him. I asked my manager for this time off, but when I returned to work, I was informed that I was being let go for not being a good fit due to my absence. This experience has left me questioning the job market and whether it's common for companies to have such rigid expectations, especially for new hires. I feel frustrated and confused about how to navigate this new landscape, especially after being in the education system for so long. Has anyone else faced a similar situation?

I recently had a positive onsite interview for a bioinformatics position at a major hospital in NYC. During the interview, I met with eight faculty members, including the department chair, and the conversations felt very collaborative. Some of the faculty even spoke in terms of 'when you start' rather than 'if,' which made me feel optimistic. However, it's been about two weeks since the interview, and I've received no updates. I sent a polite follow-up to HR a week ago and reached out to the hiring manager two days ago, but still no response. Before the onsite, they were very responsive, so this sudden silence is puzzling. I'm starting to wonder if I'm being ghosted or if this is just typical for academic hiring processes. I appreciate any insights on whether this kind of delay is normal.

I recently applied for a position at a tech company and went through several rounds of interviews. I felt confident about my performance, but ultimately received a rejection email. It was disappointing, and what frustrated me even more was the lack of feedback on why I wasn't selected. I really wish companies would provide candidates with some insight into their decision-making process. It would help us understand our weaknesses and improve for future applications.

I'm currently a student midwife in my final year studying in London, but my family is back in Wales. As part of my course, I have to complete 22-23 weeks of placement, which adds up to around 2400 hours over three years. Classes wrapped up around April-May, and now I'm in my last placement block until September. The challenge is that while most students head home for summer, I have to stay for my placement, but my university accommodation expects everyone to vacate by early August. This has been a struggle for the past few years, but this time I can't afford to pay for summer accommodation using my student finance like I did previously. My placement schedule is demanding, with 3-4 days a week, totaling 34.5-46 hours, and I often find myself waking up at 5 am and getting back to my dorm by 9:30 pm. I've been actively searching for jobs for nearly four years now, using various websites and apps, and even visiting stores and restaurants in person to hand out my CV. Just yesterday, I called over 40 stores to inquire about job openings, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck. Finding a job that fits around my placement hours is incredibly tough, and the job market feels very competitive. I do have family in London, but none of them can accommodate me until November when I graduate. My teacher mentioned that I might need an additional six weeks of placements to meet my qualification requirements, which adds to my stress about housing. My roommates are looking for a place together, but I'm the only one without a job, making it hard to contribute to bills. I've asked them to keep an eye out for job openings at their workplaces. When I'm not at placement, writing essays, or attending classes, I'm searching for work. I'm feeling overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice or leads on job opportunities in London. Thank you.

I've been struggling with my employment for a while now, having been fired from 13 jobs since 2018. My first job was a part-time gig that lasted two years, but even that ended poorly. I can't seem to shake the feeling that I am the common denominator in this situation. I live with my mom and help out around the house, but I feel like a burden because I can't contribute financially. I've been in therapy for years, but I still find myself getting defensive and lashing out at work, which leads to being let go time and again. I recently applied for state assistance to help with my mental health challenges, but my case was denied, leaving me feeling even more hopeless. I know I need to change my approach, possibly find a new therapist, and explore different job types, like trades or construction, where emotions might be more accepted. It's tough, and I feel like I'm letting down my family and myself.

I just read about eBay's upcoming layoffs, which are set to affect 639 employees in the U.S. in 2026. It's surprising to see this news, especially since the company is also planning to hire 429 H-1B visa workers during the same timeframe. This situation raises a lot of questions about their workforce strategy. Many people are speculating about the implications of laying off current employees while simultaneously seeking new talent from abroad. It feels like a classic case of companies prioritizing cheaper labor over their existing workforce. I'm curious to see how this will unfold and what it means for those of us in the job market.

I'm facing another layoff soon, which will make it my second one within a year. I'm really struggling to cope with the uncertainty and stress that comes with this situation. To manage my mental health, I plan to focus on exercising regularly for the first few months to regain my physical health. I also intend to limit my job search to specific times to avoid burnout and will be eating on a budget to save money. I'm curious about what routines have worked for others in similar situations, as I could use some guidance on how to navigate this challenging time.

On June 16, 2026, I experienced a layoff from Robinhood, where I worked in a marketing role. The company provided a translation of their layoff rationale, which was surprisingly clear and straightforward compared to the usual corporate jargon. I found it refreshing and thought it could set a new standard for transparency in corporate communications during layoffs. It sparked some interesting discussions among my colleagues about the need for more honesty in these situations, and I even considered creating a LinkedIn account to share these translations for others to benefit from.

I work as a mid-level manager at a large company, and recently we received a company-wide email offering voluntary separation packages. The email also mentioned that layoffs would occur if not enough employees opted for the voluntary separation. I'm in a bit of a dilemma because I want to stay with the company, but I'm concerned about the possibility of being laid off if I reject the offer. I'm trying to figure out if the severance I would receive if I chose to stay would be the same as the voluntary separation amount. Additionally, I'm curious if the company already has a list of who they plan to lay off. The decision on whether to accept the voluntary separation is due by the beginning of July, and it feels like there’s a lot of pressure. I can't help but wonder if my choice to stay or go will influence their decisions on layoffs. It feels a bit like psychological warfare. I've heard from others that companies often have a 'shadow list' of employees they plan to cut, and that voluntary packages are usually better than involuntary ones. I’m considering my options carefully, especially given the current job market. I want to make the best decision for my future.

I recently graduated with a BA and MA from Ivy League schools in the humanities, finishing my master's in 2025. During grad school, I juggled multiple part-time jobs and applied to nearly 200 positions after graduation, but only received three offers. The best one was a $65k role at a nonprofit in New York, which I accepted and have been doing well in. However, I'm feeling the urge to pivot into a different field where I can earn more and utilize a broader range of my skills. I'm concerned that my experience in the nonprofit sector might limit my options for future opportunities. Despite my strong academic performance with GPAs over 3.75, I can't help but wonder what I might have done wrong in my job search. I'm reaching out for advice on how to make this transition successfully.