Feeling

I'm a Senior Product Designer with 7–8 years of experience, currently based in LA. I previously worked as a Lead Product Designer, focusing on e-commerce mobile apps and complex cross-platform experiences for well-known consumer retail brands and gaming companies. Recently, I was in a contract role that was supposed to convert to full-time, but due to a sudden company-wide layoff, I was let go without any severance. Now, I'm picking up small part-time projects to make ends meet, but I'm urgently seeking a stable full-time position. I've been actively tailoring my resume for specific roles using AI tools to ensure alignment with job descriptions. I've also revamped my portfolio and received critical feedback from senior colleagues. I've been preparing thoroughly for interviews and have reached final rounds, but unfortunately faced a rejection at the last minute. My outreach to recruiters mostly leads to 1–2 month contract roles, and many have mentioned how tough the current tech and design market is. I've built products using Claude Code, v0, and Lovable in my previous roles. Despite taking all the right steps, I feel stuck and burned out by the job search process. Passing final rounds only to hit a wall is really affecting my anxiety and motivation. I'm reaching out to anyone who has successfully landed a job after a layoff. I would appreciate any insights on transitioning to mid-to-senior roles, particularly what small shifts in case studies or presentation styles have made a difference for you. Also, in the competitive e-commerce/mobile space, what specific metrics or stories are hiring managers currently valuing? Any honest feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently working as a case manager at a healthcare company, and I've been in this role for about four weeks now. The job pays well and offers good insurance, but I'm really struggling with the nature of the work. Most of my day is spent doing paperwork, and the only time I interact with clients is to request specific documents. This isn't what I envisioned when I pursued my degree in psychology and social work; I wanted to be directly involved in helping people with their mental health. I find myself dreading going to work each day, as I sit at my desk waiting for documents and writing letters. I'm also not comfortable making the ten phone calls a day that are required, as I prefer face-to-face interactions. On top of that, I don't feel a connection with my coworkers, who seem to have different priorities than helping others. I often eat alone outside, which adds to my feeling of loneliness. I'm considering whether I should start looking for a new job that allows for more direct mental health care involvement. However, the thought of going through the job search process—resumes, interviews, and all that—is overwhelming, especially since this is my first job after graduating. I'm torn between staying in a stable position that pays well and pursuing my passion for direct client interaction.

I have my first interview tomorrow at a convenience store, and I’m feeling really nervous about it. My previous job experience was very straightforward — they hired everyone on the spot, which makes my resume look a bit bare for this role. I’m not sure what to expect during the interview, especially since I tend to struggle with trick questions due to my autism. I’ve read some advice like answering the questions directly, staying focused, and leaving my phone behind, but I’m still anxious. I hope I can manage to present myself well.

I had an interview with a recruiter from a reputable company last week, and she connected me with the hiring manager for a second interview. We scheduled a time, but since then, I haven't heard anything from the hiring manager. I followed up with the recruiter, who said she would check in with the hiring manager, but I'm still waiting for an email about the phone interview. It's been frustrating, and I'm starting to wonder how long I should wait before moving on. I've already sent two emails, and I'm hesitant to reach out again because I don't want to come off as desperate. I'm considering applying to other jobs while I wait, but I really hoped this opportunity would work out.

I recently applied for a job and unfortunately didn't get it because the company couldn't verify my previous employment. I had provided my tax forms as proof, but the company I worked for closed down about six years ago after the owner passed away. I was upfront about this during the interview process, but it seems that wasn't enough for them. I'm feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what to do next since I can't provide a reference from that job. I'm considering reaching out to former coworkers on LinkedIn or trying to contact my old boss's email, but it's frustrating how picky companies can be, especially with the job market being so tough right now.

I'm preparing for an interview tomorrow morning, and I can't shake the anxiety that's been building up inside me. I have general anxiety, which means that while most people get nervous, I feel like my body is gearing up for battle. It's overwhelming. Last summer, I took a part-time job that turned out to be a nightmare. The management was harsh and unsupportive, and I often found myself on my feet for 10 hours a day. I ended up quitting after a particularly bad incident where a customer yelled at me, and I broke down in tears in front of everyone. Since then, I've been struggling with anxiety about jobs in general. The thought of making a mistake paralyzes me. My sister works at the place I'm interviewing for and recommended me, but I know it's not the most reputable place, and they only need someone temporarily for a few weeks. I'm trying to stay calm by reminding myself that it's just a short-term gig before college starts, and it's not a highly social job. I do go to counseling, but progress feels slow. I was so excited to start working before, and now I'm just scared to even begin again. I'm hoping for some advice on how to manage this anxiety right now.

I recently interviewed for a NICU New Grad Nurse Residency position, and during the interview, I got really nervous and ended up only mentioning that I had experience feeding babies. However, I have a lot more relevant experience that I completely blanked on. Now, I'm wondering if I should send a thank you email that includes the additional information I forgot to mention. I really want this job as it's my dream role, but I'm worried that sending the email might come off as desperate. I’ve seen advice suggesting that sending a follow-up is a good idea, as it shows my interest and helps clarify my qualifications. I’m leaning towards sending it, but I want to make sure I do it right.

I've been working on a federal contract for the past four years, and while I've enjoyed my time there and done some meaningful work, I started to feel uneasy last year when our contract was nearly not renewed. To prepare for the worst, I began searching for new opportunities across various industries. I updated my resume, utilized AI tools, researched potential employers, and explored job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. Despite my efforts, I received no responses to my applications. As months went by, I tried different tactics, including posting about my job search and reaching out for advice, but still nothing came of it. I decided to take a break in June to gain some perspective, but just ten days ago, I learned that our contract wouldn't be renewed, giving me about 30 days to find a new job. Now, I’m looking for opportunities more openly, but I feel stuck. I have 20 years of experience as a military officer, an MBA, Six Sigma black belt, and PMP certification, along with expertise in project management, process improvement, AI integration, and logistics. Despite all my qualifications, I can't seem to get any traction in this job market. It's frustrating to feel like I've done everything right and still be met with silence. I just want to understand why this is happening and how I can improve my chances. I know I'm not alone in this struggle, but the pressure is mounting, and I want to make sense of it all.

I recently faced a series of frustrating experiences in my job search. I received an email thanking me for interviewing with a company, but I had never actually interviewed with them. It left me confused and wondering how they could have mixed that up. Additionally, I was ghosted by another company after a real interview, which was disheartening. When I decided to reapply, they finally informed me that they had chosen another candidate. I also had an interview scheduled for Friday, but it was canceled because they said another candidate was further along in the process. It baffled me that they would allow me to choose that date if they weren't planning to move forward with my interview. On top of all this, I had to appeal a decision regarding my unemployment benefits because a representative misinterpreted what I was saying during our conversation. Overall, this job search journey has been quite disheartening.

I just completed my first day at a law firm, and I’m already questioning whether I should quit. The firm turned out to be a collection of individual lawyer offices, which was not what I expected. My commute is about an hour each way, requiring me to wake up at 5:30 AM to catch the 6:15 train, followed by a bus ride, just to arrive by 8 AM. I’m doing billing, filling the on-site café, and other tasks until 5 PM, which means I don’t get home until at least 7 PM. While the benefits are decent, I’m young and don’t really need them right now. I was given a laptop but have no desk to use it or store my belongings, as they told me I wouldn’t have a dedicated space. Communication has been poor, even during the interview process. I was excited about working at a law firm, thinking it would be a valuable experience for law school, especially since I’m interested in family law. However, I’ve learned that I won’t actually be working with attorneys as I thought; instead, I’ll just be forwarding emails and sending out mail, which is disappointing. Now, I’m realizing that the long commute and the loss of sleep, gym time, therapy, and LSAT study time may not be worth it. I even have another job offer that’s closer to home, and I’m seriously reconsidering my options. I know I should have been more cautious, but I was convinced by the interview. To make matters worse, a coworker just used a slur in the office. I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next.

Ich arbeite seit über 5 Jahren bei einem der größten IT-Unternehmen in Deutschland und habe das Gefühl, dass ich zu den Mitarbeitern gehöre, die aufgrund der aktuellen Stellenabbau-Welle entlassen werden sollen – und das ohne Abfindung. In den letzten Monaten gab es keine Gehaltserhöhung, und meine Vergütung wurde sogar stillschweigend reduziert. Plötzlich bekomme ich negatives Feedback, ohne dass mir konkrete Beispiele genannt werden. Alte, längst geklärte Vorfälle werden wieder hervorgeholt und als aktuelle Probleme dargestellt. Die Anweisungen meiner Vorgesetzten sind widersprüchlich, und ich fühle mich zunehmend isoliert, als würde man mich bewusst außen vor lassen. Ich habe mittlerweile einen Burnout diagnostiziert bekommen und kämpfe mit zunehmenden Angstzuständen, was sich auch finanziell bemerkbar macht. Ich habe beschlossen, nicht zu kündigen, ohne eine faire Abfindung zu erhalten, und habe einen Anwalt eingeschaltet, um alles zu dokumentieren. Ich frage mich, ob jemand von euch ähnliche Erfahrungen in einem großen Konzern gemacht hat und wie ihr das durchgestanden habt, ohne selbst zu kündigen. Habt ihr am Ende eine angemessene Abfindung erhalten? Ich bin für jeden Rat dankbar.

I recently went through a challenging job search after being laid off from my role as a senior executive assistant. The application process felt brutal, and I found the mental aspect to be the toughest part. After taking a short break post-layoff, I dove into my job search, focusing on positions like program manager and director of operations. I made sure to tailor each cover letter individually, opting not to use AI for that part, but I did rely heavily on AI for interview preparation. I created a Sankey diagram to visualize my job application journey, and I hope sharing this will inspire others who are also navigating the job market. Good luck to everyone!

Today I walked out of my job as a direct care support staff at a facility that supports individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. I had been hoping to stay for a few more years, but things took a turn for the worse this Monday. While I was working with my client on a production job, a co-worker called out to him, ignoring my response that we were fine where we were. After I firmly reiterated that we were working, my manager called me into her office to discuss a complaint from that co-worker about my attitude. I insisted she review the video footage, as I felt the situation was being misrepresented. Despite having a witness who backed me up, my manager cited past complaints without specifics and seemed more focused on reprimanding me than addressing the issue. After a heated discussion, I realized I was in a hostile work environment and decided to leave immediately, thanking them for the opportunity.

I have a growing concern that my manager at my current job is trying to set me up for termination. I've noticed some changes in their behavior towards me, including increased scrutiny of my work and a lack of support during projects. This has left me feeling anxious and uncertain about my position. I'm considering my options and thinking about how to address this situation before it escalates further.

I recently interviewed with BCForward for a project tester role and received an offer from a major bank in my area. The interview process involved a Teams meeting with two managers, one of whom has a LinkedIn profile with a bio and work history, but no picture, which made me a bit skeptical. The pay is decent, but given the current job market, I’m feeling uncertain about what’s real and what’s not. So far, I've only accepted the offer and haven't taken any further steps. I did receive onboarding paperwork through estaff365, which is a good sign, but I'm still a bit anxious about the whole situation.

I'm currently working a 4-hour contract at a small retail store, but I usually get enough overtime to average about 15 hours a week. I really love my job there. Recently, I interviewed at another store hoping to juggle two part-time jobs, which is common among my coworkers. However, they informed me that I couldn't work both jobs, but they offered me a full-time contract with 30-35 hours a week instead. On one hand, I know I should probably accept the full-time offer since it would provide a significant increase in income, which would help me move out and live independently at 21. But on the other hand, I adore my current job and the thought of leaving it makes me really sad. I also want to mention that I’m autistic, and my depression has been worsening lately. My current job is already exhausting me, and the idea of working even more hours in a store I don’t care about as much is overwhelming. I feel a lot of shame about possibly not being able to handle a 'normal' full-time job, especially since I worry about disappointing my family. I know the financial benefits are appealing, but I’m really torn about what to do.

I just had my first job interview ever! I'm 20 years old and a recent graduate with a degree in acting. I knew the job market would be tough, especially in the arts, so I've been exploring alternatives. I decided to apply to a language school to teach kids, leveraging my fluency in English while living in a non-English speaking country. I thought it would be a great opportunity to use my artistic skills to create a fun and engaging learning environment. The interview is this week, and while I'm really excited, I'm also quite nervous. I genuinely want to do well because I would love this job. I've been seeking advice on how to prepare, and I've received some great tips, like maintaining a positive attitude, being personable, and clearly communicating my passion for teaching despite my limited experience. I’m focusing on how to showcase my strong recommendations and my ability to create engaging lessons. I also need to ensure my background check is clear and that my social media presence is private. It’s a lot to think about, but I’m determined to make a good impression!

I’m feeling really frustrated and angry about my job search. I’m 28 and have been unemployed for over a year, which is driving me crazy. My background is in international development and political science, and I hold both a BA and an MA in those fields. I had an interview for an NGO on July 30th and was told I would hear back by the following Tuesday. When I didn’t receive a response, I followed up the next Thursday, but still nothing. Last week, I called and the recruiter seemed surprised to hear from me, which made me think they hadn’t received my previous emails. They mentioned that the HR manager was on vacation but would be back that week and promised to update me by the end of the week. Now, it’s been over two weeks since that call and I still haven’t heard anything. I’m feeling really depressed and angry about the lack of communication. I just wish they would let me know if I didn’t get the job instead of keeping me in limbo. It’s frustrating to see my peers advancing while I feel stuck, especially with the year coming to an end. This situation is just really tough.

I recently got laid off from my role in marketing communications, and I'm feeling the pressure to adapt my skills to the current landscape dominated by AI. I'm reaching out to see what others in the communications field are focusing on to stay relevant. It seems like many traditional marcom tasks are being automated, and I'm concerned that my existing skill set might not be enough anymore. I'm eager for any advice or recommendations on what new skills I should be learning to keep up with the changes. Thanks in advance for your insights!

I've been working since 2019 and have held two jobs so far. My first job was in retail, where I spent three years but left due to some damaging rumors that prevented me from changing departments. Leaving was the right choice, as I moved to my current position, which started at $17/hour full-time and has now increased to over $20/hour. I've been in this role for over three years, and for the past two years, I've been a department lead. Recently, I've felt like I'm under constant scrutiny, which is a new and uncomfortable experience for me. There's a team member whose performance declined significantly after their probation period ended, leading to numerous issues that I've raised with my manager nine months ago, but nothing has changed. This situation has worsened to the point where I recently took two weeks off just to recharge, yet the problems persist. Additionally, I've been written up for playing music at my desk, something I've done without issues for over three years, and now I'm not allowed to discuss my reasons for taking a day off. Everything feels overwhelming, and I'm starting to question whether I should be looking for a new job. I've worked hard to turn the department around, but despite my efforts, some team members still struggle with their tasks, and my manager lacks understanding of our department. It's becoming increasingly unhealthy for me to stay in this environment, but I also worry about my lack of formal education and the risks of being unemployed. I'm trying to figure out if I'm overthinking things or if I've already entered a toxic workplace.