Feeling

I recently completed a final round interview for a position and was contacted by the HR department to fill out a background check shortly after. I submitted the necessary information, but I still haven't received an official offer yet. The timeline is stressing me out because I need to find a new place to live in my current city in less than two weeks if I don't get this job. I've communicated my situation to the company, and they seemed understanding. I'm just anxious about the possibility of being rejected after the background check, as I've heard mixed experiences from others. I'm trying to figure out when to follow up with HR, especially since many people are out of the office this Friday. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.

I’m feeling pretty lost right now in my career journey. I graduated with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Computer Science two years ago, but I’ve had no luck landing a job in the tech industry. Despite having a decent GPA, I’ve been ghosted or rejected from every application I’ve submitted. Currently, I’m working full-time as a barista just to make ends meet. This Fall, I’m going back to school for another master’s degree, this time in Analytics, in hopes of improving my prospects. I plan to pursue an internship while studying, although I’m not quite sure how I’ll manage that yet. I’m reaching out for advice on how to transition back into tech as a software engineer or data analyst, especially with my resume mostly filled with academic projects and no real-world experience. I know I could have tried harder to secure a job after graduation, and I feel a bit ashamed about it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I’m currently working in a corporate HR outsourcing company, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed about my job situation. Over the past few months, my performance has been declining, and my manager has already warned me that my upcoming performance review won’t be good. I know I’m lacking some of the basic competencies expected for my role, and there’s a real chance I could get fired. What’s really bothering me isn’t just the possibility of losing my job, but the fear of what my coworkers will think. I’ve struggled with mental health issues for a long time, and criticism or judgment really affects me. I don’t even particularly like this job; it doesn’t pay well, and the company is moving towards replacing many roles with AI. I had actually planned to leave in a couple of months to go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, so I’m not too concerned about the job itself. However, the thought of being fired makes me feel ashamed. I dread the idea of having that conversation, of walking out and knowing everyone will see me as a failure. This fear has made me feel trapped, and at times, it has led to self-harming behaviors. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has felt this way—more scared of the shame and judgment from others than the actual job loss. It’s a tough place to be.

I've been working as a manager at a retail store for the past four years, and honestly, I'm really unhappy with how things are going. The company has changed direction a lot, and I feel disrespected, especially since I've been the longest-tenured employee at my location. I've started to feel like I might get pushed out or even fired for no good reason, despite always being on time and doing my job well. Since the beginning of the year, I've been applying for new jobs and finally landed an interview with a company that seems to align with my values. The only downside is that it comes with a potential $40,000 pay cut. My mom is really concerned about this decision, telling me I'm going backwards in life. I understand her worries, especially since I live at home and have a car payment of $715 a month, which is my only major expense aside from student loans while I finish my degree in computer science. I see this new job as a way to escape the negativity of my current workplace and to bridge the gap until I can transition into my new career. However, the tension with my mom has made things difficult, and we aren't really speaking at the moment. I just want to find a place where I feel respected and valued.

I graduated from a small liberal arts college in May with a BA in History, and I'm currently struggling to find any employment. It's been a month since graduation, and despite applying for full-time, part-time, and even temporary positions, I've faced rejection after rejection. I'm based in West-Central Illinois and feel like I'm running out of options. My work experience is limited to a few tuition hours at a thrift store, janitorial work during breaks, and lot work at Home Depot. I'm starting to panic about my financial situation and the looming student loans. I'm really unsure about what steps to take next and feeling quite hopeless.

I just finished my interview for the marketing position at a tech startup, and I'm thrilled to share that I've completed the background checks and have officially signed the offer! It's been a long process, but I'm excited to start this new chapter in my career.

I recently applied for a job that I felt I was overqualified for, but given the current job market, I decided to go for it. I had what I thought was a great interview with the team, but then I was asked to complete a skills assignment, which I found frustrating since my resume should have already showcased my qualifications. The assignment was given a 10-day deadline, which seemed excessive compared to typical hiring processes. When I finally opened it, I realized it was far more complex than I anticipated. It required extensive research and multiple documents to produce a quality response, and it didn’t even align with the job description responsibilities. I completed enough of the assignment to demonstrate my capabilities but held back my best ideas intentionally. After everyone submitted their assignments, the company canceled the position altogether. This experience left me feeling uneasy. It felt like the company might have been collecting free ideas under the pretense of a hiring process, which is disheartening, especially coming from a reputable organization. Am I the only one who finds this concerning?

I have been working in front of house/customer service roles for the past 10 years, and I'm excited to share that I have a position lined up in my dream career starting at the end of this year. However, I'm currently feeling extremely frustrated with my job and want to quit right now. I still have two months to go, and I'm looking for temporary job options that don't involve heavy customer service, are easy to obtain, and can be left without much hassle. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions for jobs that fit this criteria.

I was laid off this morning for the second time after just 9 months at my new job in marketing. I'm feeling really down about it. After losing my first job at a marketing agency back in July 2025, I was thrilled to land a new position at another agency in October 2025, where I was doing similar work but with a better salary. The team was amazing, and I felt like I was making great contributions, especially after receiving positive feedback in my recent performance review. However, today at 9:30 AM, I was unexpectedly pulled into a meeting with HR and my two direct bosses. In just four minutes, I was informed that I was laid off, with no clear explanation given. I feel completely blindsided and overwhelmed with sadness and fear. I think I might be the only one laid off, which makes it even harder to process. The job market seems really tough right now, and I'm scared about having to search for a new job again so soon. I have a supportive network of family and friends, but right now, I just want to take a break and focus on my hobbies for the rest of the day. I know I need to get back out there eventually, but it's hard to shake off this feeling of uncertainty. Thanks for reading.

I had an interview today for a position I'm really excited about, but now I'm facing a challenge. They want to do an oral mouth swab drug test next Monday, and I'm worried because I smoke daily—about 3-4 times a day using a small bong. I smoked this morning before the interview to calm my nerves, which now feels like a mistake. I'm trying to figure out if I can stop smoking now and still pass the test in six days. I've read that mouth swab tests have a shorter detection window than urine tests, but I'm still anxious. I've heard mixed advice from friends and online, with some saying if I can abstain for a few days, I might be okay. I'm considering drinking hibiscus tea and using mouthwash to help, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently unemployed and have been actively applying for jobs, ensuring my resume is posted on various job sites, including my state's workforce site. Recently, I received an email from a recruiter at Bettson Group regarding a remote job opportunity. However, I am feeling skeptical about it because everything seems too good to be true, especially since they reached out to me without any prior contact. The email mentioned my resume from the workforce site, but I still have doubts about the legitimacy of the offer. I'm curious if anyone else has had experience with Bettson Group or if they think this could be a scam.

After my recent layoff from a customer success role at a B2B software company, I realized that my first instinct was to jump onto LinkedIn and start applying for every job I could find. However, I took a step back and decided to follow a more structured approach to protect myself and my future opportunities. First, I gathered all the important documents I had access to, including my offer letter, separation agreement, severance terms, and any relevant performance reviews. I made sure to note down critical dates, such as my last working day, when my benefits would end, and deadlines for severance and unemployment eligibility. I also reminded myself not to rush into signing the severance agreement without fully understanding it. I read it once, set it aside, and then reviewed it again to ensure I wasn't missing anything that could affect my future, like non-compete clauses or unpaid wages. As soon as I could, I filed for unemployment benefits, knowing that any delays could cost me valuable time and resources. To manage my finances during this transition, I created a 30-day cash map to outline my essential expenses and identify areas where I could cut back. I reached out to a couple of former colleagues to ask if they would be comfortable serving as references while our relationships were still fresh. Additionally, I crafted a clear target sentence for my job search to help narrow down my focus: "I am looking for customer success roles at B2B software companies where my support and onboarding experience is useful." Instead of creating multiple tailored resumes right away, I focused on building a solid base resume first, which I could then adjust for specific roles. I learned that while the job search is important, the first day after a layoff is crucial for ensuring I don't lose options or make hasty decisions.

I was laid off today from my first design job just a little over a month after graduating college. I had been really enjoying my role, where I was responsible for creating all of the marketing and advertising assets for the company. My performance reviews were consistently positive, so this news came as a shock. The company recently hired someone with more experience, and they decided they didn't have enough work for me anymore since he could handle everything I was doing. I live in New York City and can manage my rent until the end of August, but I'm feeling a bit lost about what to do next. My plan is to update my portfolio and start applying for jobs, but I could really use some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially right after graduation. If anyone has suggestions on how to navigate this unexpected layoff or tips on job searching, I would greatly appreciate it!

I’ve been feeling incredibly discouraged lately about my job search. I live in a high cost of living city and have been out of work for nearly a year after being laid off from my engineering role. Despite having a diverse background and experience in tech, I’ve sent out over 1000 tailored resumes and have recently started applying for non-tech jobs like retail and customer service, which I used to do. Unfortunately, I’m getting little to no response, and even after interviews, I often get ghosted. I’ve had a few positive experiences, like a test shift at a production line where I performed well, but I still haven’t heard back about a hiring decision. It’s frustrating because I feel like I could get hired much faster if I were an inexperienced college student rather than someone in my early 30s with a varied background. I’ve been trying to network, but the connections I’ve made haven’t led to much. The only job opportunity that came up was with someone I’m dating, which I’m hesitant about due to the potential complications. I feel stuck because my experience doesn’t seem to fit neatly into either tech or non-tech roles, and I’m losing my savings as I continue to search for work. I’ve considered going back to school, but it feels like a long shot at this point, especially since I’d need strong letters of recommendation that I’m struggling to obtain. I know I need to keep pushing forward, but it’s hard to stay motivated when I feel so fundamentally flawed in the eyes of potential employers.

I was laid off from a Fortune 500 consulting firm in March, and since then, I've been actively interviewing for new roles. I've made it to the final rounds with three different companies, but unfortunately, I haven't received any offers yet. To navigate the employment gap on my resume, I've been listing my last position as my current job to avoid potential discrimination and to improve my chances of getting through ATS screening. I've received mixed advice from friends and family about whether to keep it that way or to update my resume to reflect that my employment ended in March. Part of me thinks that if I do get to the background check stage, I could always clarify my actual employment dates then. However, I'm also considering being more transparent and updating my resume to show the end date. Some people suggested that I could list freelance consulting or even a ‘stay-at-home dad’ role during this time, but I’m unsure about that approach. I’ve noticed that having an end date on my last job has led to solid referrals from colleagues who wanted to help me out, so I'm leaning towards honesty. I’m curious about what the best approach would be in this situation.

Today marks my first day of job hunting after being laid off from my tech position. I spent the entire day applying to around 20 jobs, from 9 AM to 5 PM. In a moment of desperation, I even submitted an application to be a train conductor. It feels like such a low number of applications, especially with everything I’ve been reading about the job market potentially being tough until 2026. Honestly, it’s pretty depressing and I’m feeling scared about the future. I just bought my first home last year, and the thought of defaulting on my mortgage is terrifying. I’m not even sure if I should consider selling it as soon as possible. This is the first time I’ve had to search for a job under such pressure, and the stress is really getting to me; I feel like I'm developing an ulcer. I’m struggling to understand how others cope with this situation for weeks or even months. How do people manage to keep their homes during such uncertain times?

I recently applied for an internal position at my current company where I've been working as an Assembly Technician for about six months. My Line Lead and Supervisor encouraged me to go for a Salaried Trainer position, which I was excited about. I went through an initial screening with the hiring manager, followed by a full day of five different interviews and a presentation. After that, my recruiter reached out to give me an update. They mentioned that the Training Manager wants to schedule a 45-minute in-person meeting with me to discuss the processes I support and provide feedback on my presentation. I'm a bit anxious about whether this meeting is an additional interview or if it could be a precursor to a denial. I’m hoping for the best, but I’m trying to read between the lines. I appreciate any insights or experiences others might have had in similar situations!

I recently received a job offer that feels almost too good to be true, and I'm grappling with whether or not to accept it. For the past 7 years, I've been working as a controls technician in automation controls for a large manufacturer. While I generally enjoy my job, the management isn't great, and opportunities for career advancement are limited. It often feels like it's more about who you know rather than what you know. Currently, I earn $39.59 per hour, which translates to about $82,300 annually without overtime, although I've made close to $100k in some years with overtime. I'm married, and my wife makes about $21 per hour. We recently welcomed a baby into our family, and we live in a low cost of living area where I own a house with a manageable mortgage. I also have an emergency fund of about $50k, so I'm not too worried about short-term financial issues. The new job opportunity is as an Engineer at a data center, with an initial salary offer of $175k per year and a potential bonus of up to 15% of that salary. I initially negotiated from their starting offer of $150k, and they agreed to the higher amount. The catch is that the data center is about 50 miles away, and while I’m not particularly fond of data centers or AI, the financial benefits are substantial. If I take this job, my wife could stay home with our child, and our household income would increase by about $25k a year, even after factoring in the high insurance costs of around $1200 a month for a family plan. I've toured the facility, and it seems impressive; everyone I met was friendly and spoke positively about their experiences. However, I'm concerned about the volatility of the industry. The facility is rapidly expanding and appears to have significant hiring power, likely due to its remote location making it hard to attract talent. I'm torn about whether to take this leap. Many people around me think I would be foolish to turn down such an offer, but that very thought gives me pause. I'm seeking advice on how to weigh these factors.

Today was a tough day for my family. My wife, who has always been a dedicated employee and has won numerous awards for her performance, was informed by her employer that they would not be honoring her contract. This news came just after we moved across the country for her new job with a European company that was excited to have her on board. They even created a contract that promised full-time employment once we settled on the East Coast. We made the difficult decision to leave our idyllic home, where we enjoyed beautiful sunsets by the lake and a great community. Our kids were thrilled about the move, planning their new rooms and looking forward to nearby parks. However, just after we signed our lease, her boss called to say they felt she wasn't 'dedicated enough' to the mission, which was shocking given her work ethic and the positive feedback she had received. To make matters worse, she hasn’t been paid for the nearly three months she worked as a contractor. The company has a 60-day invoice policy, but my wife had drafted it for 30 days, and they still missed their deadlines. Now, we are scrambling to breach our lease, stay with family, and explain to our kids that we won’t have our own place for a while. This situation has been incredibly stressful, and I feel a deep sense of anger towards the company and the labor laws that allow such treatment.

I recently applied for a position that seemed like a perfect match for my skills and experience. I was really excited about the opportunity, but I found out that a colleague from another department got the job instead. What’s frustrating is that he didn’t have any similar experience or roles that aligned with the job description. I’m struggling to understand how the decision was made and why he was chosen over me. It feels really disheartening.