Feeling

I've been working in my field for 11 years, but I'm feeling pretty burnt out. Since 2022, I've witnessed numerous layoffs, and I experienced one myself in 2023. I was a contractor for several years before landing my current role, which has been a decent gig, but I'm seriously considering a career change. I've seen a lot of posts on LinkedIn about positions being cut, and it’s making me rethink my path. I'm curious if anyone else has made a switch and when they realized it was time to move on. I want to know if changing careers is a good choice.

I recently experienced a tough job market after my company laid off almost everyone, and it really opened my eyes to how hiring works. During my time there, I noticed that most job openings were filled internally before they were even posted publicly. This meant that the majority of new hires were people who were already part of the company. It made me realize that networking is crucial; knowing someone in the company can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. I also observed that many promotions went to individuals who were more about being friends with decision-makers rather than having the right qualifications. This made me rethink my job search strategy. Instead of just sending out countless resumes, I plan to focus on companies I admire, even if they don’t have job listings. I’ll try to connect with current employees, perhaps by attending social events where they hang out. It’s a grim reality for external candidates, but I believe building relationships could be the key to finding a job.

I recently applied for a support worker position and received an email about the job offer, but I haven't been officially hired yet. I'm feeling a bit uneasy about the whole situation. Some comments I read suggested that the job posting had some concerning vibes, with one person even mentioning it seemed to give off 'racist pervert' vibes. I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid, but I'm definitely considering skipping this opportunity.

I recently faced a tough moment in my job search. I applied for a position that I was really excited about, and after what felt like a long wait, I finally received a reply. Unfortunately, it was a rejection. This one really hurt because I had high hopes for this role and felt that I was a great fit. I know many others are struggling too; I've seen comments from people who have been ghosted by dozens of applications without any feedback. It's disheartening, but I’m trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward in my search.

I'm currently navigating the job market after completing my PhD in History. I've realized that teaching isn't fulfilling for me, and the pay isn't sustainable long-term. I'm based in the Moselle region of France, near Luxembourg and Germany, and I'm looking for job opportunities across these areas. My language skills include Italian, French, English, and Spanish, and I'm working on my German. I feel a bit overwhelmed with my job search, especially since LinkedIn hasn't been helpful—it's filled with spam and vague posts. I'm open to various roles outside my academic background, including entry-level positions in administration, project support, customer service, sales, communications, and research assistance. Ideally, I'd like to work in NGOs, international organizations, or sectors that have a social impact, but I'm trying to keep my options broad. I'm seeking advice on the best job portals for Luxembourg and western Germany, as well as recruitment agencies or local networks that could assist me. Additionally, I would appreciate tips on how to present my PhD when applying for non-academic jobs and insights into roles where my multilingual abilities and research/writing skills would be valued. Any resources or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Today was incredibly challenging for me at my job. I work in a role that requires public speaking, and this week we had an all-staff day where I was supposed to present for 15 minutes about my role. I’ve struggled with severe public speaking anxiety for a long time, and I had communicated this to my manager weeks in advance, asking for a plan to help manage my anxiety during the presentation. Unfortunately, I didn't feel supported, and despite my repeated concerns, I was told I would be fine. On the day of the presentation, I felt physically ill—my throat was burning, my heart raced, and I was sweating. I was supposed to have a break before my presentation to talk to my manager about my panic attack, but they moved my presentation forward unexpectedly. I panicked and went to the back to inform the CEO, but I ended up having a full-blown panic attack and had to leave the room. My manager eventually found me and suggested I skip my presentation, but I was still in distress. She told me to go home, which I did, feeling completely defeated and sick. I’ve been thinking about the potential consequences of what happened, and I’m really worried about how my manager will react when she calls me tonight. I just hope that there won’t be any repercussions for something I communicated about in advance. It’s been such a rough day.

I recently joined a start-up focused on providing corporate food solutions, but after just a month, I'm seriously considering leaving. I got into this position through a friend's recommendation, but they ended up resigning just three weeks after I started due to the chaotic work environment. This is my first experience in a start-up, and I realize now that I should have done more research beforehand. The business concept seems flawed for the local market. In Asia, food delivery and catering services are already well-established, so I don't see what unique value our platform brings to the table. My responsibilities are constantly shifting; one week I'm cleaning systems, the next I'm handling vendor sales, and soon I'll be managing corporate client relationships. It's hard to develop any specific skills when I'm being pulled in so many directions. I'm planning to attend a national job fair to explore new opportunities. I'm weighing whether to leave this job now to focus on upskilling in supply chain procurement and management, or to stick it out for the paycheck. Fortunately, I have enough savings to cover my rent for three months, and my parents are willing to help with some living expenses. I'm open to any advice or perspectives on this situation.

I’m thrilled to share that I finally landed my first "adult" job after graduating! At 24, I’ve been on a serious job hunt since January, and it’s been quite a journey. I had previously taken a job I didn’t really want in September 2025, but I applied to my current company at the end of March and went through an extensive process. I had over six interviews, met with seven different team members and management, and even had to navigate a challenging background check due to my old boss stating I wasn’t eligible for rehire. Thankfully, I was able to explain my situation. This new role offers a significant pay increase of $10/hr, which is a huge relief considering I’ve been dealing with mounting medical bills from a tough year health-wise. I’ve been going to the ER without insurance, so this job’s benefits are a game changer. I finally have weekends off, normal working hours, paid time off, sick leave, and, most importantly, 100% employer-covered health insurance. It feels like I’m stepping into a real career instead of just being the front desk or retail girl, which has been hard since I want to utilize my skills and degree. I’m exhausted and currently broke, but I know that will change soon. Just a little while ago, I was on the verge of giving up, and my mental health was suffering alongside my financial struggles. The thought of getting covered for antidepressant meds and therapy is incredibly uplifting. Wishing the best of luck to everyone else on their job search!

I’ve been reflecting on the current job market, particularly in the research and higher education sectors where I work. While things feel a bit shaky, I’m noticing that there are still job openings, albeit with a lot of competition. Living in a large city with numerous universities helps, but it’s still a struggle to secure a position. From what I gather, the tech industry is facing significant challenges, especially for recent graduates who are finding it tough to land jobs. Marketing seems to be another tough area, with reports of hundreds of applicants for openings that are posted for just a few hours. In my field, it’s more common to see around 50 applicants daily for new roles based on LinkedIn stats and conversations with hiring managers. Conversely, I’ve heard that healthcare remains relatively stable, which is reassuring for my friend working in that sector. However, another friend who is a primary school teacher is experiencing difficulties; their school has had to cut some paraprofessional positions, which is surprising given the usual demand for teachers. It seems that in our region, there’s an oversupply of teachers and not enough funding to support them. I’m curious to hear how others in different sectors are faring, especially those in social sciences and higher education.

I recently interviewed for what I considered my dream job at a tech company as a software engineer. I made it all the way to the final interview, but unfortunately, I didn't get hired. I flubbed a couple of answers, and I suspect I was outperformed by a stronger candidate. It's tough to accept this loss, especially since I feel like this opportunity may not come around again. I do have another position lined up, but it's hard to feel excited about it when I've just experienced such a disappointment. I'm trying to remind myself that this might be a blessing in disguise and that something better could be out there for me.

I recently learned about a friend, Don, who worked for a small family-owned business in Minnesota for nearly 10 years. He was a lead worker with a company credit card and had keys to everything, never facing any discipline during his time there. However, the work environment turned hostile due to the manager's son, Dick, who has always been aggressive and disrespectful towards Don. Recently, during a shift, Dick yelled and cursed at Don in front of customers and even threw a box at him. Feeling unsafe, Don decided to leave for the day and informed the manager. Unfortunately, the manager did nothing to address the situation. Later that night, Don received a text from the manager firing him for walking off the job. Don applied for unemployment but was denied, as it was deemed misconduct for leaving without permission. He has since filed an appeal and has a hearing scheduled. I find it troubling that the manager allowed such a hostile environment to persist without intervening, raising questions about how Don's actions to protect himself could be considered misconduct. I'm trying to understand if I'm missing something in this situation.

I had the worst interview experience for an executive marketing assistant role recently. I traveled over an hour by bus and train to get to the employer's office, only to be met with complete disrespect. The marketing manager asked me if I had any certifications, and when I said no, he literally did a thumbs down and made a fart noise before walking away from me. To make matters worse, I could hear him talking negatively about me to one of his employees in his glass office right behind me. It was incredibly rude and unprofessional. It really makes me question how much employers actually care about candidates.

I am currently searching for remote job opportunities that pay at least $23 an hour. After 19 years as a hair stylist, I had to close my shop due to ongoing health issues. I have three years of experience in retail and grocery, a couple of years as a nanny, and I've also worked with DoorDash for a couple of years. Unfortunately, my health has severely impacted my life, and I have lost almost everything over the past six years. The job I currently hold pays minimum wage, which I took out of desperation, but it has only worsened my financial situation. I've been applying for jobs for a year and a half now without receiving a single interview. I am facing eviction, my car is in disrepair, and the stress from my health issues is overwhelming. I urgently need a better-paying job, so any recommendations or support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am currently in the final stretch of completing my bachelor's degree in business administration, with my last course wrapping up on July 6th. I've started my job search, but I'm facing a challenge in presenting my qualifications since I don't officially have my degree yet. My advisor has assured me they can help me provide proof of my impending graduation to potential employers, which is a relief. My main goal is to land an entry-level position that allows me to work with data and learn about operations. However, I've been inundated with job offers from companies that I refer to as 'DevilCorp,' which I’m trying to avoid. Despite my efforts to filter these out, they seem to be everywhere in my search results. Since June 7, I've applied to nearly 300 positions across various platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. I even took the initiative to drive around my nearest city, about 40 minutes away, to jot down the names of companies I passed by that might have openings. I'm also seeking advice on how to improve my résumé and what specific keywords or roles I should target that align with my degree while steering clear of undesirable companies.

I was laid off unexpectedly after just 5 months at my job due to a merger. It hit me hard because I relied on that stability to manage my finances and plan for my future. Now, I'm facing the stress of job hunting again, which is daunting, especially as I think about my goals, like starting a family at 31. I could really use some encouragement during this tough time.

I was recently let go from my role as the first full-time hire at a small AI/data consultancy after just 5 months. The founders informed me that they don’t have enough client work in the pipeline to keep me on, and it wasn’t due to my performance. They had high hopes for growth when they hired me, but unfortunately, the business didn’t expand as planned. They are providing me with pay through July, covering my accrued holiday, and offering interview support. They also mentioned the possibility of working with me on a contract basis in the future if they secure more projects. During my time there, I gained experience in AI/data engineering projects, backend integrations, solution design, and client-facing work. Prior to this, I worked in operations, where I improved an AI chatbot and automated data workflows. Now, I'm seeking advice on how to position this short stint on my CV and in interviews. Should I continue applying to startups, or focus on more established companies? Also, what should I prioritize over the next month while I'm still being compensated? I’m disappointed but trying to make the best of the situation and would appreciate any insights from those who have faced similar challenges.

I recently accepted a credit manager position with a major company after feeling stuck in my current role at a small tech firm where I've worked for six years. My responsibilities have expanded over time, but I realized that focusing solely on sales order processing has left me bored and wanting more from my career. The new role offers a significant pay increase, a better pension match, and the flexibility of remote work. However, just yesterday, my manager proposed a counter offer for me to stay and take on a project manager role, which involves overseeing projects for a new AI accountancy package. They are willing to match the salary and benefits of the new position, which makes the decision more complicated. I'm meeting with the MD tomorrow to discuss this opportunity further, but I'm feeling torn. The familiarity of my current workplace and the shorter commute are appealing, but I want to ensure that I won't be involved in sales or upselling, which I want to avoid. I could really use some unbiased advice on how to approach this meeting and what questions I should ask.

I work in finance/IT and I've had a rough time since I joined my current company in 2025. I made a mistake taking this job, and it has been a source of constant misery for me. Back in 2023, I was offered a full-time position with the US government, contracted to a large tech company. At the time, I was working at a large brokerage and was worried about potential layoffs, so I applied for the new role. I gave my notice with about three weeks to spare because my coworkers and management felt like family to me. On my last day at the brokerage, I received a call from the program manager saying that the role had been canceled. I was shocked and told him that I wouldn't just leave without a job lined up. I reached out to my manager, who tried to retract my notice, but it was too late since they had offered the role to a contractor. After that, I was fortunate to make connections in the industry and picked up a contract job about nine days later, although it came with a pay cut and uncertainty. I bounced between contracts until I finally secured a full-time position two weeks ago, which comes with a $25k pay raise. However, my current job is incredibly stressful and is taking a toll on my mental health and personal relationships. I’m not learning anything new, and the lack of support from management is frustrating. I’ve decided that I won’t be giving two weeks' notice this time around. I feel guilty about leaving my team in a tough spot, but I have to prioritize my own well-being. I worry that they might cancel the role at the last minute, and I can't afford to risk that. It's a tough decision, but I feel like I have to look out for myself.

This week has been a whirlwind after I found myself in redundancy purgatory at my job. On Tuesday at 10:15 am, I was approached by the HR lady, who looked more clammy and awkward than usual. She asked me to join her in the meeting room, and I instantly knew what that meant. I mentally prepared myself for the worst as I followed her in. Inside the tiny room, the acting CEO was already waiting. Her first words were, "Sorry, Dug." I sat down, and she handed me a printed page, explaining that due to a downturn, the board had decided to make some roles redundant, including mine. I couldn’t believe it. Just a week earlier, I had received a 5-year service award and a letter praising my work. Now, here I was, being told my role was targeted for redundancy. The acting CEO assured me it was no reflection on my performance, but it felt hollow. When she offered to have someone help me collect my things, I declined and insisted I could do it myself. I returned to my desk, cleared out my belongings without looking back, and left a small pink Amethyst crystal on my keyboard as a parting gift. As I walked out, one of my team members, who I later realized had been involved in my downfall, offered to see me out. I shot him a glare and declined. And just like that, I was out. This week has been a lot to process, and I’m still figuring out what’s next.

I had a meeting with HR yesterday, and they informed me that my contract will end in 9 days. They stated that my position is being eliminated due to departmental restructuring and that it wasn't performance-related. I requested written confirmation of this decision, and they promised to send the documents later. However, shortly after the meeting, I received an email from HR with a resignation letter template, asking me to submit it as if I was leaving voluntarily for "personal reasons." I responded firmly, stating that I would not resign since the company is the one ending my employment. HR insisted that the resignation letter was for "administrative convenience" and wouldn't impact me. When I pressed about how it might affect my unemployment benefits or final pay, they dodged the question, saying they couldn't give legal advice. They also hinted that refusing to sign could delay my exit paperwork, which felt like a threat. My manager later reached out to me privately, mentioning that HR had asked other contractors to do the same thing in the past. I've been keeping all communications and have asked HR to confirm in writing that my contract is ending at their request, but they keep reminding me to submit the resignation letter instead. I'm really concerned about the implications of signing something that misrepresents my situation. Is this a common tactic in HR, and do they have any legitimate reason for needing a resignation letter when they’ve already decided to terminate my contract?