Feeling

I'm currently a college student entering my fourth year this August. This summer, I decided to take a few classes to improve my GPA and prepare for actuarial exams. I've always worked, and last year I moved back in with my mom after living independently while juggling three jobs. I expected to easily find a summer job given my extensive experience in entry-level positions like cashiering, serving, and even managing a store. However, I've applied to hundreds of minimum wage jobs and haven't received a single interview. I've tried calling and visiting local businesses, but most just ask me to drop off a resume. This is frustrating because I've never had to go to so many places without getting any response. I’m available to work 30-40 hours a week now and up to 20 hours during the school year, which I’ve communicated in my applications. I’m starting to wonder if my experience is working against me, as I've read that employers might see candidates with too much experience as having higher expectations. I’ve never held a salaried position, so I’m confused about why I’m struggling to get interviews. If anyone has insights or advice on this situation, I would really appreciate it!

I had an interview for a position last Friday and the hiring manager assured me I would receive an email with the decision by 5:00 PM the following day. Now it's Saturday, and I haven't received anything. I'm starting to feel anxious about being ghosted. It seems pretty common for companies to not follow through on their promises to provide updates. I can't help but think that I probably didn't get the job or that they're still considering other candidates. Has anyone else experienced this? It's frustrating to be left in the dark after being told to expect a response.

I experienced a significant layoff on May 1st, and it was an emotional roller coaster for me. I had dedicated so much to the company, working 60-70 hours a week and taking on new responsibilities as we grew from a startup of 32 employees to over 400, only to face five rounds of layoffs, with the final blow coming from a merger. I felt crippling grief, depression, and anxiety, and honestly, I spent two weeks in bed trying to process it all. After that, I decided to tackle my job search by reworking my resume and cover letters for every application. It felt insane to review my resumes from the past 30 years, but I really needed to refine everything I had done since my layoff. In just the past 48 hours, I was amazed at how going through this process helped me understand my professional journey. I created a 'Single Source of Truth' resume, which wasn't meant for applications but rather to help me accurately build tailored cover letters and resumes for specific roles. Completing that document brought me to tears; it was the first time I felt I could clearly articulate my career progression. Taking a step back to analyze my job titles and experiences was challenging, but it was a necessary exercise that most people never undertake. Now, I'm just hoping for another interview opportunity!

I recently had a frustrating experience with a job scam that has left me feeling quite disheartened. As a student in India studying UX/UI design, I was excited when I was approached by an American company called New Leaf Custom Homes based in Dallas, TX. They promised to pay me $500 for some design work, which I completed diligently. However, when it came time for payment, the person I was communicating with suddenly blocked me. I thought it might be a misunderstanding, so I tried reaching out again using a different number, only to be blocked once more. It became clear that this was not a mistake. I'm really struggling to find stable work here, and I was counting on that money. I'm now looking for advice on what steps I can take to recover my $500. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I recently started interviewing for a new position, and the company has requested my salary slips for the past three months as part of their hiring process. However, I work at a small startup that only provides pay slips after I serve my notice period. I'm feeling anxious about this situation because I'm worried that the potential employer might reject my application simply because I can't provide the salary slips immediately. I know that other companies usually have these documents readily available through their HR portals, but mine does not. I'm considering whether I should ask my current employer if they can provide the slips earlier, but I'm not sure how to approach that. I've heard that in many places, companies are legally obligated to provide pay slips, so I'm wondering if this could be an issue. For now, I might consider providing bank statements that show regular payments from my employer, but I would need to black out any sensitive information. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.

I’m currently working as a courtesy clerk at Kroger, and I’m feeling really frustrated with my job situation. I’m only 16, and I’ve made it clear to my managers three times that I don’t want to work more than 30 hours a week. Despite that, they keep scheduling me for about 40 hours, which is really overwhelming. The management is terrible, and I’ve seen five new hires quit already, which says a lot about the work environment. I just want to have more freedom and not be tied down to such long shifts. I’m actively searching for other job opportunities, so if anyone has any recommendations, I’d really appreciate it!

I recently experienced a frustrating situation with my partial unemployment claim while working part-time in New York. I typically work about 14 hours a week, certifying that I worked between 11-16 hours, which counts as one full day in the unemployment system. However, this week I had to visit urgent care due to a viral throat infection, and my doctor advised me to take four days off to recover. My return date is set for Monday. When I went to certify my benefits this week, I entered 0 days worked instead of my usual 1, which triggered a 'break in claim' alert. The system seems to interpret this as me being let go or having quit my job, which is incredibly confusing since I’m still employed and just took a sick leave. Now, I’m faced with additional verification requirements and questions that don’t apply to my situation. The system is asking me to select a reason for no longer working with my employer, but I’m still employed! I don't understand why the unemployment system operates this way, as it feels like it assumes people can never miss work for legitimate reasons without it implying they've lost their job. It's frustrating to navigate this when all I need is to recover and return to work.

I was laid off about a month ago from Goldman Sachs, where I worked as a Software Engineer. Since then, I've been actively searching for new opportunities, but the job market has proven to be more challenging than I anticipated. I have around 2 years of experience in software engineering, having also worked at Citi. My expertise lies in backend development, distributed systems, automation, and data platforms. I'm proficient in Java, Spring Boot, Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, Angular, and cloud-native development. I'm currently looking for Software Engineer or Backend Engineer roles with 0-3 years of experience and would greatly appreciate any leads, referrals, or advice. I'm open to opportunities in product companies, fintech, startups, and enterprise software. If anyone has any suggestions or knows of openings, please feel free to DM me, and I can share my resume.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with my job search right now. I've faced so many rejections lately, and it's really taking a toll on my mental health. I don't know how to cope with this constant feeling of hopelessness. I'm reaching out for advice on how to handle the emotional impact of job searching, especially since I've been struggling with it for a while now.

I'm feeling really lost at 26 with my degree in mechanical engineering that seems to hold little value. I graduated with a 2:2 from a decent university, but my journey has been far from straightforward. I struggled with mental health issues that led me to drop out of a master's program and take a long break at home, where I've been for over a year now. I have no paid work experience, but I've done quite a bit of volunteering, including roles as a hiking leader and conservation leader at university. Despite my efforts, I feel like I have nothing attractive to offer potential employers. I don't drive, I'm out of shape, and I worry that my degree is essentially worthless now. I'm currently with NHS Step On, but I'm having a hard time finding opportunities. I'm considering starting in retail or admin, or maybe even looking into apprenticeships, but I still feel drawn to engineering and conservation. It's frustrating not knowing where to turn next, and I could really use some advice on how to move forward.

I took a career break three years ago from my role as a mechanical designer to fully immerse myself in studying data analytics. I dedicated around 10 hours a day to learning technologies like Python, SQL, and n8n. I had enough savings to support myself initially, but after a year of intense study, I started applying for jobs and attending interviews. As my finances began to dwindle, I took on temporary jobs in bartending and warehouse work to make ends meet. Unfortunately, the AI boom significantly impacted the job market, leading to a reduction in junior positions, and I struggled to find a role in data analytics for over a year. Now, I've decided to return to mechanical design and I'm currently trying to figure out the best way to explain this career gap on my CV.

I was recently let go from my job as a pizza delivery worker after I reported some of my coworkers for stealing. The whole situation was frustrating and felt really unfair. The delivery system at my workplace was poorly designed, where we would receive orders on paper chits, deliver the pizzas, and then drop the chits into a box with our initials on it. At the end of the shift, the boss would count the chits to calculate our earnings. The problem was that my coworkers were pocketing cash from orders and not submitting the corresponding chits, which made it look like they were making less money. I was honest and submitted all my chits, which resulted in me having the highest commission. This didn't sit well with the boss, who thought I was taking too many deliveries and being unfair to the others. I tried to bring the issue to the boss's attention, suggesting he change the system to prevent theft, but instead, he told my coworkers that I accused them of stealing. The next shift, after I delivered 18 pizzas, I was shocked to find that I only had 2 chits while the others had nearly 20. I realized they must have thrown away my chits. When I confronted them, they turned the blame on me, and the boss ended up firing me. At least I walked away with about $400 in cash from the deliveries I made, but the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth.

I had an interview at the YMCA on May 10 for a part-time position, which I was really excited about because I loved the environment and the mission of the gym. After the interview, the hiring manager rushed me to send over my references that same day, which made me a bit uncomfortable as I wanted to check with my contacts first. Nevertheless, I sent them over. She mentioned she would call my references the following day, but that didn’t happen. As the weeks went by, my references were left waiting, and I found myself emailing her multiple times for updates. It took her a while to finally reach out, and when she did, it was after I had already accepted another retail job out of concern for my finances. Four days after I accepted the retail position, I received a text from her saying not to leave her and that she was still working on things. I expressed my continued interest, but there was still no formal offer. Eventually, I got an email with a 'conditional offer letter' that stated I was expected to work 0 hours a week, with hours varying based on the department's needs. This feels very insecure to me, especially since I need at least 15-20 hours of work weekly. The whole process has been frustrating, and I'm unsure if I should just forget about this opportunity or hold on to it. It’s a part-time job at the YMCA, not some corporate gig, so I’m really questioning the reliability of this offer.

I have a quick call scheduled with a hiring manager I reached out to on LinkedIn after they accepted my connection request. I found them through a job description and decided to cold-text them, which I know is a bit unconventional. They agreed to a quick chat, but I’m feeling really nervous about it. I’m used to traditional interviews, so this feels different and a bit awkward to me. I’ve tried reaching out like this a few times before, and it often gets uncomfortable when I run out of things to say. I want to make a good impression and not just feel like I’m selling my CV. I plan to start with a brief introduction and ask about the team and what they’re looking for, but I’m unsure of what else to discuss. I’ve read that it’s important to be genuinely curious and to keep the conversation flowing rather than just going through a list of questions. I’m also worried about how to wrap up the call without coming off as pushy. I really want this job, but the nerves are definitely kicking in. If anyone has tips on how to handle this type of conversation, especially how to end it on a good note, I would appreciate it!

I've been reflecting on my recent layoff from my role at a tech company and the support I've received since then. I've noticed that many people are struggling with similar feelings of uncertainty and frustration, especially with the increasing impact of AI on job roles. I'm reaching out to gather insights on what kind of support has been most beneficial for those who have been laid off. For me, I'm particularly interested in understanding whether resources like resume assistance, interview preparation, job leads, career coaching, emotional support, or networking have made a significant difference. I've found that many available resources feel quite automated and generic, but I believe that real human support can be invaluable during this challenging time. From what I've heard, a former colleague who was laid off earlier this year mentioned that investing in a career coach was a game changer for him. They helped him figure out his next steps, and he’s now thriving in a new role in a completely different field. It really made me think about what I wish I had when I first faced my layoff. I’d love to hear from others about their experiences and what kind of support they found most helpful.

I'm considering a job opportunity with a major tech company that could significantly boost my salary from the high five figures to six figures. The catch is that the position requires me to work overnight shifts on-site in a high-pressure environment, with my days off being Monday and Tuesday. The pay increase is at least $30k negotiable, but I would have to adjust my lifestyle significantly. Currently, I have a comfortable 9-5 job that I excel at, with optional remote work, a short commute, and a $25 lunch stipend. I'm also stepping back into an industry I've been away from for a year, which adds to my uncertainty. My partner is not thrilled about the potential changes to our lifestyle, including less time together and more meals alone. Financially, I'm in a good place with no debt, a partner who earns more than I do, and savings that cover six times my current salary across various accounts. I'm torn between the allure of a prestigious role and the comfort of my current job. What would you do in my situation?

I currently work at a job that pays me $11 an hour, but I'm also juggling college and other responsibilities. While living with my mother helps me save money, I'm worried that my pay might be cut soon due to some family issues. This could force me to quit and search for another job, which is daunting given my current financial goals like saving for a car or an apartment. The challenge is that I struggle with severe mental health issues, including depression and mood swings, which I can't afford to get treated. Some days I feel okay, but on others, I can't even get out of bed. This instability makes it hard for me to keep a job, especially if it's one that I dislike. I once quit a higher-paying job because I couldn't handle the environment after a confrontation with a coworker. I want to find a job that I can stick with, but I'm worried about being upfront about my mental health during the hiring process. I have limited experience, mostly in customer service, which I really don't enjoy. I'm looking for advice on how to find a job that won't exacerbate my mental health struggles and that I can actually tolerate. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off last week at 26 years old, and I have a master's degree. Currently, I'm living at home with my parents, which provides some security, but I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps. I'm torn between taking a job outside my field, like waitressing or administrative work, or holding out for something in my area of expertise. I want to be employed, but I also worry about taking a position that won't contribute to my career growth. I've heard that being employed can make it easier to find a job, and I'm considering filing for unemployment right away. I know I need to update my resume and start applying to jobs related to my degree, but I'm also open to temporary work to keep some income coming in while I search for the right opportunity. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I had an interview last week for a position and received a job offer shortly after. They called me on Thursday to discuss my wage and approximate orientation dates, which made me feel confident about starting the new role. However, today I received an email from Indeed stating that I was not selected by the employer, even though I haven't heard anything directly from the company that offered me the job. I'm left wondering if they've changed their mind and this email is how I'm finding out. I'm planning to call them on Monday to clarify the situation, as it might just be an administrative issue with the status on Indeed.

I had a really strange interview experience recently that left me feeling confused and a bit shaken. I applied for a position at a company that seemed normal, and I had a pleasant email exchange with the director before the interview. However, once I joined the Zoom call, things took a turn. There were three people on the call: the director and two female team members. One of the team members had a judgmental look right from the start, but I tried to brush it off as just her demeanor. However, when she started speaking, it became clear that she was aggressive and confrontational. It felt like she was treating me as if I were her enemy, and I couldn't understand why. During the introductions, she monopolized the time with a lengthy explanation of her background, while the others kept their introductions brief. Then she made a comment about the company's growth and how picky they are with hiring, which felt like an unnecessary pressure tactic right off the bat. I was caught off guard and didn't know how to respond. When I shared my enthusiasm for my current job, she shot back with, "So why are you looking for other jobs?" It felt like she was challenging my motives in a way that was both confrontational and confusing. I tried to explain my reasons for wanting to move to a smaller team, but she pressed further, asking me what I didn't like about large teams. At one point, she asked if I had any videography experience, despite me having already answered that earlier in the interview. It was clear she wasn't actively listening. Then, she made a strange comment about my remote work situation, asking how I felt about the hybrid schedule, which was already stated in the job posting. It felt like she was asking me a question that was completely unnecessary and poorly worded. The interview took another odd turn when she randomly asked if I was planning to pursue a PhD, which was completely out of the blue and had no relevance to the position. Overall, the whole experience felt surreal, and I couldn't shake the feeling that she had it out for me from the beginning. The other two team members seemed uncomfortable as well, which added to the awkwardness of the situation. Has anyone else experienced something similar during an interview?