Feeling

I accepted a part-time position as a Clinique Beauty Advisor at Belk about 2 to 3 weeks ago. I completed all the onboarding paperwork, including tax forms and direct deposit, and even received an official offer letter. However, since then, I've heard nothing regarding my start date. I've tried emailing and calling, but the manager has been out of town. I even went to the store in person, where they mentioned a possible mistake with the date on my offer letter and assured me that the manager would return on Monday. Yet, Monday came and went with no updates. I've reached out again via email and phone, but still no response. I'm starting to feel like I might have been ghosted after being hired. It's frustrating because they have all my information, yet no one can provide clarity on when I should start. I'm wondering if this is typical behavior in retail hiring or if I should start looking for other opportunities.

I had a phone interview with an in-house recruiter for a position that seemed like a perfect fit for me. The pay, duties, and location all aligned well with what I was looking for. During the interview, I highlighted my extensive customer-facing experience and expressed my desire to leverage that to benefit their product and customers. The process was supposed to involve a video interview with the hiring manager, a take-home Excel assignment, and an on-site final round with the team. However, I just received a rejection email stating that, despite being impressed with my qualifications, they decided not to move forward with my application. I'm feeling pretty down about it since getting interviews has been tough, and I had high hopes for this opportunity. The rejection email thanked me for my time and effort in learning about the company, but it still stings to be turned down after what I thought was a good conversation.

I am currently a math co-op student at TMU and I'm looking for ways to enhance my CV without taking on part-time work that doesn't align with my career goals. My resume already includes skills in Power BI, Excel, C++, HTML/CSS, and I have experience from high school CS team projects as well as my time in Air Cadets. Despite sending out 200 applications in my second year, I didn't secure any interviews, which has been quite discouraging. I'm now in my third year and eager to improve my chances of landing a job. I've also been searching for part-time tutoring positions and even had an offer from Kumon, but unfortunately, it fell through just a week after the interview. I'm seeking advice on projects or activities I can undertake to make my resume more appealing to potential employers.

I’ve been job hunting for about six months now, and I've sent out over 250 applications. While I know that’s not a huge number, I’ve been picking up contract work to keep myself afloat in the meantime. Today was particularly tough as I received multiple rejection emails all at once—five in total—from different companies that I had applied to at various times. This isn’t the first time this has happened; it’s actually the fourth time I’ve experienced a bulk of rejections coming in on the same day. It’s strange because some of these applications were submitted weeks or even months apart. I can understand the pattern when it aligns with the start of a month, but today felt random. I can't help but wonder if there’s a larger trend at play, perhaps related to the economy or business cycles, especially since these bulk rejection days account for nearly a third of my total rejections, which currently stands at around 55.

I recently interviewed for a part-time position at a local car wash, which, to be honest, feels like bottom-of-the-barrel work for $13 an hour. I really need a second job, so I went for it. I had two interviews with the same guy, thinking he was the one making the hiring decision. After the second interview, he called to say I was chosen (yay!), but I still needed to interview with the 'manager.' I was pretty frustrated at that point. I agreed to another interview, and the mystery manager told me to wear a nice shirt and be well-groomed, which I already was. When I arrived at the car wash, I was surprised to find out that I would be having a Zoom meeting instead of an in-person interview. I could have done this from home! They didn't pay me for these interviews, and I was asked some ridiculous questions like 'sell me on your favorite movie' and 'where do you see yourself in 5 years?' It was all very aggravating. Despite my frustrations, I accepted the job, but I’m keeping my expectations low and they’re definitely on a short leash for me.

I recently experienced a serious issue while job searching. While applying for positions online, I fell victim to a hacking attempt that compromised my computer. It was a wake-up call about the importance of cybersecurity during this process. I had to take immediate action to secure my devices and change my passwords. I want to warn others to be cautious and ensure their online safety while looking for jobs.

I've been unemployed for the past six months and have been actively applying for jobs. Recently, I had a virtual interview for one position when I received a call about another job I had applied for. I called back right after the interview, but I only got to leave a voicemail. Now, it’s the end of the workday, and I haven't heard back yet. I'm starting to wonder if this is a common situation or if there's something wrong on my end. Should I call again tomorrow morning, or would that come off as too desperate? I’m just feeling a bit anxious about the whole process.

I recently found myself in a tough spot while looking for a summer job after returning home from college. After three weeks of searching with no luck, I finally received an interview offer for a part-time position at a chain restaurant. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it would help cover my expenses. At the same time, I reached out to my old camp job where I used to work, and they got back to me as well. They mentioned that their schedule is full for the next three and a half weeks, but I could fill in for shifts if any of the counselors called out. After that period, they would consider adding me to the schedule. Now, I'm feeling conflicted about whether to go through with the interview at the restaurant. I don’t want to waste their time if I end up leaving after just a few weeks, but I’m also worried about not having a consistent income during that time, especially since I need to pay for my tuition at my private school on the East Coast. My schedule is tight with summer classes from 7 AM to 2 PM, leaving me only available to work nights until July 31st. My dad thinks I should definitely go for the interview, but I’m hesitant. I’m curious about what others think—should I take the interview or hold off?

I recently experienced a layoff from my job where I had bought into the "we are family" narrative during the interview process. Everyone emphasized how great the people were and how supportive the environment felt, so I was genuinely excited to join. However, when I was laid off unexpectedly, that sense of family vanished in an instant. It made me realize that the concept was just a facade meant to create a false sense of security while pushing us to work harder. Now, I find myself questioning how to evaluate potential employers in the future. Besides the usual factors like job satisfaction and compensation, what metrics can I use to ensure I'm not falling for the same trap again? I’ve seen suggestions like looking at turnover rates, understanding the career paths of employees, and asking specific questions about the organization’s history with layoffs. It’s clear that I need to be more discerning and focus on concrete indicators rather than just vibes or catchphrases. This experience has taught me to prioritize my career options more thoughtfully and to always have a backup plan in place. The reality is that companies are not families; they are businesses, and it’s crucial to approach them with that mindset.

Today I experienced a frustrating situation regarding my job search. After going through three rounds of interviews for a part-time contract position at a company, I received an offer via email the day after my final interview. I was excited about the opportunity, especially since it was my first job after graduating from university. However, I took a couple of days to review the contract, and over the weekend, I received an email stating that they were rescinding the offer because I hadn't signed it promptly. They interpreted my delay in responding as a lack of interest, even though I had been punctual and engaged throughout the interview process. This decision baffled me, as it seems unreasonable to take back an offer without any prior communication or warning. I thought it was standard practice for employers to allow some time for candidates to review contracts and follow up if there were any concerns. It felt particularly harsh given that I was just starting out in my career. Reflecting on this, I can't help but feel disappointed and confused. Was I wrong to take my time to make sure I understood the contract? It feels like I dodged a bullet, but I can't shake the feeling that this situation was handled poorly by the employer.

I recently applied for a Solution Engineer role at a top-tier enterprise SaaS company for the LATAM territory. This is my second time going through their hiring process; the first was about seven months ago for a different position, where I made it to the final stages but ultimately didn't get the offer. In this current process, I applied through an employee referral in late April and had a recruiter screen in early May, followed by a hiring manager interview in mid-May. I then participated in a panel interview with the hiring manager, a skip-level manager, and a Principal Solutions Engineer in early June. They mentioned I would receive tentative feedback by mid-June, with the process closing by the end of the month. What’s been bothering me is the mixed signals I’m getting. The panel interview felt positive, and they even ran over time, indicating a good discussion. They mentioned that a 15-minute chat with the VP is usually the next step, which I took as a good sign. However, I received a cryptic message from my reference wishing me luck, which added to my confusion. On the downside, they never asked about my notice period, start date, or if I’m interviewing elsewhere, which is unusual compared to my first experience with them where they asked all these logistical questions early on. Additionally, communication from the recruiter has been sparse, and it’s now been over five business days since their promised feedback date. I’m left wondering if the lack of logistical questions and the silence past their timeline means I’m being considered as a backup candidate while they negotiate with someone else. Or is this just typical end-of-quarter chaos? I’d appreciate any insights on these signals.

Today I received a rejection email for a job I applied to recently, and I'm feeling quite confused and bothered by it. I've been actively applying for various positions, some of which I had forgotten about. The email seemed to suggest that I should consider taking a job search class, which made me feel like they were implying I must be applying for jobs I'm not qualified for. I didn’t even make it to the interview stage, so it’s frustrating to think they might think I'm terrible at job searching. I can't help but wonder if I'm overthinking this rejection. Has anyone else experienced something similar? It feels like a strange way to handle a rejection.

I’m feeling really anxious about my summer job situation. As a college student, I’ve been applying for jobs since the spring semester, but I still haven't secured anything. Now that summer is well underway, I’m worried that if I do manage to get a job, the onboarding process will take so long that I’ll miss out on most of the summer. I rely on summer aid from school, but I was hoping to earn some extra money on top of that. It’s frustrating to think that my summer might be a total bust without a job.

I graduated with a physics degree in 2025, complete with research experience and publications. However, after applying to numerous tech, physics, and engineering jobs for a full year without success, I found myself stuck in an insurance sales role that I absolutely despise. I took the job out of necessity, knowing it wouldn't fulfill me, and now I’m feeling the consequences. Fast forward to today, and I'm miserable. My days are filled with anger and frustration because I feel like I'm wasting my potential and the knowledge I gained during my studies. The job barely requires any math skills, and I’m mentally under-stimulated, which is driving me to the brink. I dread the constant negativity from customers who yell and hang up on me. I need a solid plan to transition back into a physics or tech-related field, but going back to school is not an option for me. I feel lost, especially with my nearly year-long unemployment history. I’m hoping to find some guidance on how to re-enter the job market in a more fulfilling role.

I've been struggling to find an entry-level job for what feels like an eternity. The job market is brutal right now, and I'm really frustrated with the common advice I keep hearing, like "just network" or "stay positive." It's not that simple. Not everyone has connections or a support system to rely on. I've applied to hundreds of jobs, and the constant rejections are taking a toll on my mental health. I've tried everything—rewriting my résumé, optimizing it for ATS, using AI tools, and even hiring professionals to help me. I've customized every application, but it feels like I'm hitting a wall. The hiring process has become so convoluted, with endless forms to fill out and assessments to take. It's exhausting. I've even reached out to hiring managers directly, but most of the time, I get no response or I'm told they're still reviewing applications, only to be rejected later. It's disheartening to see that even entry-level positions are becoming nearly impossible to secure. I’ve been rejected from places that used to be easier to get into, like fast-food restaurants and retail jobs. I understand that networking can help some people, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. The reality is that many of us are doing everything we can, and yet the job market remains incredibly difficult. It feels like companies are looking for the perfect candidate who can start immediately and accept the lowest pay, without wanting to invest in training anyone. I'm genuinely happy for those who find jobs through connections, but I wish people would recognize that not everyone has that advantage.

I recently accepted a job at a large hospital as a healthcare worker, earning $25/hour with great benefits. However, I've been struggling with the commute, which is about 35 miles from my home. Initially, I thought the drive would be manageable, but the traffic has been much worse than I anticipated, often taking up to 1.5 hours each way. With my 12-hour shifts, I find myself spending nearly 15 hours away from home on workdays, which is really affecting my mental health and overall quality of life. While the job itself is decent and my manager has been incredibly supportive, I'm seriously considering resigning after just three months due to the toll the commute is taking on me. I'm torn because I don't want to seem unreasonable or ungrateful, but I also need to prioritize my well-being. I’m seeking advice on how to approach this situation and whether it would be wise to look for another job before making any decisions.

I've been on a frustrating job search since I was let go from my seasonal retail position at the beginning of 2023. Finding a new job, especially at the entry level, has turned into a long and exhausting process. I've applied to numerous retail jobs, but I either never hear back or receive rejection letters shortly after applying. My situation worsened when I started attending community college. I was hoping to find a work-study job, but many of the positions were left vacant without any notice, leaving me in the dark. Now that I've completed my studies, I'm even more frustrated trying to navigate the job market on my own. I tried using LinkedIn, but I found their platform overwhelming and unhelpful, so I switched to Indeed. However, my experience there has been just as discouraging. I’m specifically looking for jobs related to photography, which is what I studied in graphic arts and digital photography, but most of the listings are for unrelated fields like health care, fast food, or trades. Living in Memphis, Tennessee, which is dominated by medical districts and warehouses, makes this search even more challenging. The job options are limited, and I feel stuck in a city that doesn't cater to my career aspirations. I did find a couple of leads, but one was closed before I could apply, and another rejected me after a phone interview. Indeed's platform doesn't help either; it’s hard to find jobs that are actively hiring or that respond quickly to applications. I often find listings that are outside of Memphis, which adds to the frustration. It feels like the job market has become overly strict and competitive, making it incredibly difficult for someone like me to get a foot in the door for a job I actually want. Each day brings more annoyance and disappointment.

I recently faced a tough situation at my job at the hotel pool deck where I've been working for two summers. About a month ago, one of my managers approached me and expressed interest in promoting me to a supervisor role, saying he thought I would be a great fit. I was excited and accepted the idea since it came with more responsibility and higher pay, which I felt I was already handling in many ways. However, after that conversation, I didn't hear anything further. I hesitated to follow up because this is my first job, and I didn’t want to seem pushy. A little while later, I found out that another employee, who had only been there for about a month, was promoted to the supervisor position. While she is nice and does well with guests, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I’ve been taking on many supervisor-like responsibilities, such as training new employees, leading guest activities, and helping my coworkers with their tasks. Recently, I trained two new hires even though the supervisor was present, and the new girls even joked about me being the boss. I enjoy these leadership roles and feel that I’m already doing the work without the official title or pay. I'm considering approaching a higher-level manager to discuss the supervisor position, explaining that I was previously told I was being recommended and that I’m interested in leadership opportunities. I plan to avoid criticizing the person who got promoted and just seek clarification on my status. The only thing holding me back is that I’m leaving for college in about six weeks, and my mom thinks I shouldn’t bring it up since I won’t be around much longer. I’m torn between advocating for myself and letting it go. What would you do in my situation?

I recently left my barista job at a local café for a new position at a different coffee shop that offered $13 an hour, working around 20-24 hours a week. Initially, the job seemed fine — the pace was slow, and I enjoyed interacting with my regular customers. However, my coworkers were a major downside; they often left messes for me to clean, arrived late, and generally didn’t pull their weight. Frustrated with the environment, I started looking for other opportunities. I had an interview lined up, but I missed the email notification and lost that chance. Feeling disheartened, I decided to reach out to a small business I liked, where the owner was always friendly. Luckily, they were hiring, but the pay was only $11 an hour for about 15 hours a week. While the work environment is pleasant, I’m now earning less and struggling to save for things I wanted. I can’t help but feel like I made a huge mistake by leaving my previous job. I keep thinking that maybe I should have taken more time to consider my options before making the switch. On the bright side, I know that there will be better opportunities in the future, but right now, I feel like I really messed up.

I've been struggling with my job search for the past week and decided to take a different approach. I started tailoring my resume to match the job descriptions exactly, even if it means exaggerating my experience. For instance, if a job posting specifies a backend developer role with certain technologies, I modify my resume to reflect that I'm a perfect match. I use ChatGPT to help format my resume and align my experience with the job requirements. My goal was to at least get some interviews, even if I had to 'fake it' a bit. Unfortunately, despite this effort, I've still faced nothing but rejections. It's frustrating, and I can't figure out why I'm not getting any traction. The only parts of my resume that are completely truthful are the names of the companies I've worked for and my college, as I believe lying about those would be a mistake.