Feeling

I recently learned that my dad was laid off from Microsoft, and it happened quite quietly. I'm trying to understand if this is a common occurrence or if he just happened to be unlucky. I've heard that other companies, like Spotify, have also been laying off employees since 2024. It seems like layoffs are becoming more prevalent in the tech industry, and I'm concerned about what this means for job security moving forward. The comments I read suggest that many people feel the job market is changing drastically, with some arguing that AI is reducing the need for human workers altogether. It's a tough time for many, and I'm left wondering what the future holds.

I recently made the decision to reapply for my old job after leaving it a year ago due to salary issues. I had been working as a [specific role] at [Company Name], where I enjoyed the team and the work environment, but I felt undercompensated and sought a new opportunity that offered a 20% higher salary. I took the leap and joined a new company, but it turned out to be a mistake. In my current role, I'm overwhelmed with responsibilities that are far below my skill level, and I find myself doing a lot of administrative tasks rather than the engaging work I was hired for. I've even asked HR for additional support, but it seems like I'm stuck in a position that doesn't allow me to grow. After much consideration, I decided to go back to my old job, thinking that even if the pay wasn't ideal, my happiness and job satisfaction would outweigh the financial aspect. To my surprise, they offered me a salary that matches what I'm currently earning. This has left me questioning why they let me leave in the first place. I'm looking forward to hopefully returning and finding fulfillment in my work again.

I've been deep into my job search lately, applying to countless positions in my field. At first, I thought the more applications I sent out, the better my chances would be. I tailored my resume for each role, but after sending out dozens of applications with little to no response, I started to feel like I was just playing a numbers game. It became clear that I needed to change my strategy. I began to consider reaching out to my network for referrals instead of just relying on online applications. A friend of mine had success landing a great role through a referral, and it made me realize I should tap into my inner circle for potential leads. I'm now focusing on building connections and seeking advice from people who might help me get my foot in the door.

I recently had an interesting experience in my job search. I initially met with HR and then the hiring manager for a position I was really excited about. I was scheduled to meet with a potential coworker next, but I just found out that they decided to skip that step entirely and move me straight to the on-site interview. This is a bit surprising, especially since some of the team works remotely, but I would need to relocate if I receive an offer. I'm curious if this is a common practice and whether it's a positive sign for my candidacy. I've heard from others that skipping steps can indicate that they see me as a strong candidate and want to move quickly to secure me before I get other offers. I'm hopeful about this opportunity!

I recently experienced significant dissatisfaction with my working conditions at a company in Utah. My situation was far from just a simple dislike of the environment; I faced serious issues that affected my well-being and job security. I was denied overtime pay and essential employee benefits, which left me feeling undervalued. Additionally, I was pressured to return to work while I was seriously ill and contagious, which was incredibly concerning. To make matters worse, I was denied the employee position that was promised to me, and my hours were cut without a corresponding reduction in workload, leading to an overwhelming amount of work with less time to complete it. I was also misclassified as a contractor, yet I was still required to adhere to an employer-controlled in-office schedule. This misclassification shifted the financial risks and legal burdens onto me, which is not only unfair but also illegal. It’s frustrating to see my situation reduced to simply not liking the working conditions when the employer was clearly breaking the law.

I was recently laid off from my position in Austin, TX due to a reduction in force, and it was completely out of my control. The severance package offered to me is quite disappointing, and to make matters worse, the company is stating that I will not receive the bonus I earned, even though I was employed for the required period. I'm feeling frustrated and unsure about how to approach this situation. I'm considering my options for recourse and how to effectively negotiate my severance package. If anyone has advice on how to phrase my request or any strategies that might help, I would greatly appreciate it.

I was laid off from my job about a month ago and recently received a severance agreement. However, I haven't signed it yet because my former lead advised me to negotiate for a higher amount. I'm curious if anyone else has successfully asked for more severance and what their experience was like. I understand that severance isn't guaranteed, and I'm aware that I might not have much leverage since I'm already out of the company. Still, I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off on 28 August 2026 without any prior notice from my company. I have 4.5 years of experience as a fullstack developer, working primarily with dotnet, C#, Angular, and React. The reason given was a reduction in project workload. Now, I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps and would appreciate any advice or support as I navigate this challenging job market.

I recently accepted a part-time retail position at a local mall after months of struggling to find work. The manager wants to have a quick in-person interview, and I'm excited but also anxious about my situation. I'm due in a few months and plan to go on maternity leave at the end of December. My husband and I haven't decided if I'll return to work after that. Since this job will only be for about four months, I'm torn about whether to disclose my pregnancy to the manager. I haven't mentioned it yet, but it's becoming harder to hide as my bump is noticeable and bending down is getting challenging. Should I be upfront about my temporary status, or is it better to keep it to myself until closer to my leave? I can work through the holiday season, but after Christmas, I won’t be able to continue. I've read that mentioning my pregnancy might affect my hours or scheduling, and I really need the income right now. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I completed an assessment for an entry-level digital marketing and social media position I applied for in the construction and real estate industry. I've already had two interviews, and they sent me this assessment to complete before a potential third interview. The request caught me off guard, especially since it was due today. The assessment required me to perform a competitive analysis, including a SWOT analysis of two competitors' social media channels, and to identify opportunities and strategic recommendations for their current social media strategy. I also had to create two social media posts that fit their brand, complete with copy and creative concepts. While I understand that assessments can be part of the hiring process, this felt excessive and like free labor. I have a portfolio and examples of my previous work that could demonstrate my skills, so I’m unsure why they wouldn’t just ask me about my ideas in the interview. I feel like this type of analysis is something I would typically do after being hired, not during the application process. Now I’m debating whether to just throw something together quickly or withdraw from the application altogether. Is this a normal practice, or should I see it as a red flag?

Today, I experienced my first layoff at 31 years old. I was let go from my job, and I'm still processing the shock of it all. As I prepare to look for a new position, I'm faced with a decision regarding my 401(k). Should I roll it over after I receive my final PTO check, or should I cash it out and apply for unemployment? I'm leaning towards rolling it over, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this unexpected transition.

Today, I reached a low point in my job search journey. After over 12 years in a specific industry, I've made the tough decision to change careers entirely. I've been pursuing something I'm passionate about, and I've even obtained certifications to support my transition. However, the reality is hitting hard. I applied for a position today and was once again turned down because they chose a candidate with more experience. This isn't the first time; just a few months ago, I lost out to someone who had fewer certifications but more professional experience. It's incredibly frustrating to feel stuck and to wonder how I can advance in this new field without the opportunity to prove myself. I'm really hoping to connect with others who have successfully changed careers later in life and can share some encouraging stories or advice.

I'm currently searching for a remote job and feeling quite overwhelmed. I'm open to global opportunities and would appreciate any leads or advice. It's been tough navigating the job market lately, and I'm eager to find a position that suits my skills. If anyone has suggestions or knows of openings, please let me know!

I applied to two Target locations on July 30, looking for a second job to work after my main job. One location rejected me quickly, but the other sent me a video interview, which I completed. After a week of silence, I called HR, and the representative told me to be patient and that she would check on my application. I followed up again the next week, and she mentioned there was an issue with my availability since I have another job. She said they might still work with my schedule depending on the hiring manager's decision and promised to email me with an update. Another week has passed, and I still haven’t heard anything. I've made it a routine to call the HR lady every Wednesday after her lunch break, and I haven’t missed a call in August. My hope lies in the fact that the rejected location changed my status to "No longer considered," while the location I interviewed for still shows "In progress." I’m torn between wanting to keep following up and wondering if I should just move on. Should I call again this Wednesday or take the hint and search elsewhere? Does "In progress" mean I still have a chance, or can Target leave applications like that even if they’re no longer considering someone?

I recently learned that my position at my company is being eliminated due to financial difficulties. On August 25, I was informed that my team was next on the chopping block, and by September 1, everyone except for me and a couple of others will be laid off. I was offered another role at the same pay, but it required me to work in the office full-time. Since I had already planned to relocate an hour and a half away next month, I had to decline that offer. The next day, they rescinded the offer and pushed my termination date to next month, suggesting I help clean up the work left behind. Interestingly, they mentioned the possibility of a remote position for me, but they wouldn’t have details until the end of September. The HR representative hinted that they really want me to stay, which makes me wonder if there’s room to negotiate a higher pay rate if they do offer me something. However, I’m unsure if they are just trying to keep me around to finish up the work or if they genuinely want to retain me. Given the company’s financial situation, I’m nervous about asking for more money. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and whether I should start looking for new opportunities.

I was laid off from my insurance sales position on August 20 and jumped right into my job search. I reached out to my references to ensure they were ready to support me, and two of them referred me to a position at an agency about 20 minutes from my home. I emailed the agent with my resume, completed an assessment, and had a great in-person interview on Friday. During the interview, I was caught off guard when asked about my salary expectations. I hadn’t seen the job listing since I hadn’t formally applied yet, but I knew similar roles were offering between $40k and $60k. I aimed for the higher end and said $55k-$60k, hoping not to price myself out without knowing the actual salary range. After the interview, I sent a thank you email and asked if there was a formal application to complete. On Saturday night, I received an email from the agent saying she would present me with an offer on Monday. I was thrilled but also noticed a potential red flag about work-life balance since she emailed me at midnight. This morning, I looked up the job posting and discovered the base salary is actually $85,000. I realized I had undervalued myself by $25,000-$30,000. Now I’m anxious that she might offer me around $60k when the role is clearly worth much more. I’m seeking advice on how to renegotiate for a salary that reflects the true value of the position.

I am currently seeking job search advice as I look for opportunities in the administrative and customer service industry in Portland, OR. My last contract ended in May 2026, and since then, I have been actively applying to various positions. I've averaged about two interviews a week over the past four months, but I haven't secured a job yet. At 49 years old, I'm eager for any recommendations or leads on where to look for jobs in this field. Thank you!

I recently applied to a fintech company on a Sunday night, sending out around 30 applications that weekend. However, I made a pretty big mistake in my cover letter. I accidentally addressed it to their competitor in the first line and then mentioned my excitement about the competitor's recent Series B in the third paragraph. I realized this blunder at 2am and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, lying still in bed and cringing at my mistake. To my surprise, they emailed me on Thursday. The recruiter opened with a comment about my enthusiasm for the competitor, saying they'd take it as market research. I have a phone screen scheduled for Tuesday. I'm not sure if the recruiter found it amusing or if they just don’t read these applications closely. It’s a bit of a learning moment for me, realizing that maybe not everyone pays attention to every detail. Has anyone else managed to get through a broken application process?

I’ve been feeling really anxious at work lately. My company recently brought in a new team member to our System Engineering team, and I can’t shake the feeling that they might be grooming her to take my place. I’ve been with the company for about two years, consistently hitting my billable hours and rarely taking PTO, yet I still feel this nagging worry that I’m on the chopping block. I know I’m not at the Senior level yet, and I understand that it takes time to get there, but my mind keeps spiraling into thoughts of insecurity. I’ve never received any negative feedback, and my manager has never indicated any issues with my performance, but the introduction of this new person has triggered my anxiety. I think my past experiences, especially my PTSD from being a veteran, are amplifying these feelings. I just want to do my job well and provide for my family without the constant worry of being let go. The thought of losing my job, especially with the current economic climate, is terrifying. I’m just trying to navigate these feelings and find a way to focus on my work without this weight on my chest.

I've been working at a wedding venue for three years, and everything was going well until recently. I used to work two days a week, around four hours on slow days and up to ten hours during events. In June, I took on another job, which led me to reduce my hours at the venue to just one day a week. My last scheduled shift was on July 8th, right before my vacation. After returning in early August, I expected to see a new schedule, but when I asked, I found out I wasn’t on it for that week. I didn’t follow up the next week, assuming the same would happen, and now it’s been over a month without any work from them. I can't shake the feeling that they might be trying to let me go quietly since I've already reduced my hours. At this point, I'd prefer to be officially laid off rather than left hanging. I'm considering filing for unemployment but I'm unsure if I qualify since I chose to work fewer hours. Should I reach out to my manager for confirmation about my employment status? Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.