Feeling

As a recent graduate living in one of the most expensive cities in America, I’ve been struggling to find stable employment. Despite years of working minimum wage jobs, I currently earn $50,000 a year, which feels inadequate given my circumstances. Over the past two years, I've faced underemployment and have accumulated ten months of unemployment, which has severely impacted my finances. I can't afford a car, and my rent payments are a constant source of stress. My credit score has taken a hit as a result. I often think about my peers who graduated around the same time and are making between $60,000 to $80,000; they are truly fortunate compared to my situation.

I'm 24 years old and graduated two years ago. I started my first job in 2024, but after just 8 months, I realized it wasn't the right career path for me and left. Following a 3-month period of unemployment, I found a job that aligned more closely with my career goals. Unfortunately, after 4 months, the work environment became toxic, which severely impacted my mental health. I made the tough decision to quit and have been unemployed for about 8 months since then. Recently, I accepted a new job out of desperation, though I know it's not the ideal position for me. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate my current situation and what steps I should take next. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I recently applied for a hybrid position that required me to work two days in the office and three days from home. After going through a phone interview and a Teams interview, I received an offer two weeks later. However, the offer letter included a webcam policy during remote hours but did not provide the actual details of that policy for me to review. I did some research and found that the company requires live webcam streaming during remote hours, which was not mentioned in the job description or during the interviews. I reached out to the company for clarification and requested the full webcam policy before making my decision. They called me back and informed me that they couldn’t share the full policy because I wasn’t an employee yet and there were client restrictions preventing them from doing so. They explained that their monitoring system is meant to protect sensitive information and prevent theft, which felt very invasive to me, especially since I have another person working from home. Now, I’m in a dilemma. If I decide not to accept this job offer and inform IDES that I refused work due to the lack of transparency regarding the working conditions, will I lose my unemployment benefits? I’m really unsure about how this will be viewed by IDES and what my options are.

I'm 18 and recently dropped out of sixth form after just one month. Since then, I've been struggling to find a job and have applied to over 600 positions, but I got a bit lazy and haven't been proactive lately. I'm realizing that I need to turn things around and explore my options. I'm considering whether volunteering would be beneficial, if I should reach out to companies for internships, or if pursuing an apprenticeship could be a good route—though I’m not interested in trade jobs or the army. I know I’m still young, and I want to make the right choices before it's too late.

I recently resigned from a role at an educational consultancy in a small city in Pakistan, and it has taken me months to process the experience. Initially, I thought my professionalism and strong work ethic would shield me from the toxic corporate culture I had heard about. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I found myself dealing with scope creep, manipulation, and a complete lack of structure or trust. Responsibilities kept piling on without acknowledgment or compensation, and I felt the pressure of constant surveillance rather than support. The physical conditions were alarming; there was no drinking water available, and the ventilation was so poor that it affected our health. I was eventually doing the work of multiple departments, and when results suffered, the blame fell on us instead of the lack of infrastructure. Communication was often abusive, designed to belittle rather than clarify. After witnessing this toxic environment and experiencing humiliation alongside a fellow new hire, I decided to confront the issues directly and handed in my resignation during my probation period. What followed was a stressful ordeal, including demands to return my earned salary and threats of legal action. It was shocking to discover that employees were asked to submit blank signed security cheques as a condition of employment, which I now understand is a serious violation. This experience has taught me that if something feels wrong at work, it is not a reflection of personal failure. Professionalism and hard work do not protect against a toxic environment, and leaving such a situation is a sign of clarity, not defeat. I hope by sharing my story, I can help others recognize and navigate similar challenges.

I recently experienced a layoff from my position as a marketing specialist at a tech startup. I'm currently contemplating whether to keep my LinkedIn profile displaying my previous job or to switch it to 'Open to Work.' I want to present myself in the best light to potential employers, but I'm unsure if showing my last role is beneficial or if I should be more transparent about my job search status. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated!

I've been struggling with my job search this summer. Despite applying to several positions and attending a few interviews, I haven't had any luck getting hired. Last week, I went to a job fair for a new grocery store that was opening up. I handed in my resume and discussed my experience, and they mentioned they would call me back. However, when the week went by without a call, I decided to follow up. I called them twice, and finally, they told me to come in on Saturday at 10 AM to meet with the hiring manager. I arrived on Saturday and waited for 45 minutes, only to be told that they were not hiring anymore and that they were already full. I was really frustrated, especially after being made to wait so long. It's disheartening because I've had multiple interviews, but no one seems willing to hire me, and I can't help but feel that my disability is a factor in this. I'm feeling pretty down about the whole situation and just wish things would turn around for me and everyone else in a similar position.

I'm currently struggling to find a part-time job in the DFW area. My schedule is a bit unconventional, as I work a compressed shift from Thursday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm. I've applied to numerous places but have had no luck so far. During interviews, employers keep emphasizing the need for 'open availability,' which is frustrating because I’m willing to work on my off days. It feels like there's a lack of flexibility compared to the past when companies were more accommodating. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else is experiencing similar challenges or has any advice on finding part-time work with a non-traditional schedule.

I recently received an email through my university account about a supposed remote job offering $350 a week. It seemed too good to be true, so I filled out a Google form but avoided sharing any personal information. I have a strong suspicion it's a scam, especially since I’m about to start my grad program and really need a legitimate job to help pay for my master's degree. After sharing my concerns, the feedback from others confirmed my doubts, pointing out red flags like the request for deposits and the use of the word "kindly." I’ve already blocked the number and deleted the emails, but I’m wondering what else I can do to prevent further scams from this person. I appreciate the support from everyone who responded; it really helped me feel less alone in this situation!

I’m currently navigating a tough job market and feeling quite frustrated. I have a background in warehouse management for a year, followed by ten years as a district manager in retail, and two years as a store manager, all within the adult/smoke shop retail industry. I'm starting to wonder if my experience in this niche sector is actually hurting my job prospects. I keep telling myself that hiring managers should recognize my skills and experience, but I can’t shake the feeling that the nature of my previous work might make some employers hesitant to consider me. Living in the Bible Belt doesn’t help either, as I know there are certain biases against the adult industry. While my confident side believes that if I’m being overlooked due to prejudices, then I wouldn’t want to work for those companies anyway, my unemployed side is feeling the pressure to find a job before my savings and unemployment benefits run out. I’ve been applying to various positions, but I’m starting to doubt if my background is holding me back.

I recently applied for a job and was surprised to be asked to do a "test drive" via webcam right after submitting my application. I wasn't familiar with this process and found it a bit unusual, as I've never had to do anything on camera as part of a job application before. I'm wondering if this is a common practice now, especially with the rise of AI in hiring, or if it might be a red flag for the company. I'm trying to navigate this new territory, so any insights would be appreciated!

I was laid off recently from my role as a clinical research professional due to redundancy, which has left me feeling exhausted after experiencing unemployment for the third time. My original plan was to transition into a contractor role while moving to Spain in July with my partner, but now I find myself without a job and no offers lined up. I'm determined to make this move happen and continue learning Spanish in the meantime. With US/EU citizenship, I have no work restrictions, and I'm actively looking for opportunities in clinical project management or clinical trial management. I'm reaching out for help—if anyone has a referral that could lead to a job offer, I'd be more than willing to compensate for it. The job search process has been draining, with countless tailored applications and interviews that often lead to rejection. If you know of any companies hiring in Europe or Spain, or if someone is open to contracting a Spanish resident, please let me know. I appreciate any support, and as a token of gratitude, here’s a picture of my dog who keeps me motivated during this tough time.

I recently quit my retail job impulsively and have been on the hunt for another entry-level position for what feels like forever. The job market is really taking a toll on me. I spend hours each day sifting through job descriptions, only to find that the salary and benefits listed often don't apply to hourly workers like me. It’s frustrating to put my information out there, only to get ghosted or feel like my data is just being sold off. When I do manage to land an interview, it’s even worse. I get so anxious preparing and commuting, only to find myself in a group interview where I feel overshadowed by more outgoing candidates. As an undergraduate student, I’m struggling to find a decent job that fits my schedule since I can’t work full-time. It’s disheartening that I can’t even secure internships in my field due to lack of experience and availability. Finding a job that respects me and my time seems impossible.

I recently had a job offer rescinded just two days before I was supposed to start. The position was in NYC and offered a great salary, but I sensed some toxicity from the bosses during the interview process. I've been unemployed for a year after being laid off last year, so I really needed this opportunity. The offer was pulled because I mentioned that I would be commuting from Philly for a month or two while I searched for an apartment in NYC. I was upfront about it because they asked me to fill out W2 forms for onboarding, and I didn't want to mislead them. Now, I'm back on the job hunt and have several interviews lined up in NYC, which is promising since the pay is better than what I can find in Philly. However, I'm conflicted about whether to disclose my temporary Philly residency to potential employers. In the past, when I mentioned my situation, one employer lost interest, which makes me hesitant to be honest this time around. I have a friend in NYC who has offered to let me use her address for the W2 until I secure my own place, which could help me navigate this situation. I'm torn between telling the truth and risking another job offer or bending the truth to improve my chances. I really need the money and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this.

I recently landed my first job after two years of searching, and while I'm excited, I'm also feeling a bit uneasy. I’m working part-time and earning $10 an hour, which is below the legal minimum wage of $17. Despite this, I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn new skills. However, a family friend warned me that my boss has a history of not paying employees, which made me question the situation. During my first week, I only made $100 because I had to leave early and the three days of training were unpaid. When I mentioned to my boss that I couldn't make it on payday, he agreed to give me the money next paycheck. This week, I earned $140, so I expected to receive $240 for the two weeks, but he only paid me $100. He explained that employees get paid for the previous week’s work, which I wasn’t informed about prior to being hired. Now I'm torn because my mom and partner think I might be getting scammed, and they suggest I quit. They believe that if I were to be fired unexpectedly, I wouldn't get paid for the work I did that week. I'm feeling grateful for the job and the skills I'm learning, but I'm also confused and worried about the pay situation. Are they overreacting, or is there something I should be concerned about?

I've been applying for non-academic jobs after earning my PhD in biology, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck landing interviews. I've come across advice suggesting that education should always be placed at the bottom of a resume, and I'm trying to understand if this is a universal rule or if it varies by field. I'm feeling a bit lost in the job search process, especially since I haven't secured a single interview yet. One commenter mentioned that they prioritize skills and work experience at the top of their resume, which led to four interviews in just a month. I'm considering revising my approach based on this feedback.

I've been noticing a lot of posts about layoffs happening across various companies, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. I'm a fresher and wondering if anyone else is still employed or if everyone is facing the same situation. If you have any advice on what to do next or how to navigate this job market, I would really appreciate it!

I recently applied for several internships and now I'm in the waiting phase, hoping to hear back soon. I'm curious about how long I should expect to wait for an interview call after submitting my applications. I've read that it can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on the company's hiring cycle. I’m feeling a bit anxious about the silence, and I wonder if there’s a way to know if my resume has been rejected. I've heard that many companies don’t respond at all if they decide not to move forward, which can be frustrating. I plan to wait about two weeks before sending a follow-up email to check on the status of my applications.

I'm currently in the process of evaluating a potential opportunity with Artane Partners, an investment firm based in Ireland and Dubai. I've completed two rounds of interviews so far: the first was a recorded video submission, and the second was a live video call on Google Meet. Both experiences felt professional and gave me a good impression of the company. However, I'm feeling a bit cautious now because they've requested my LinkedIn credentials for onboarding, which seems suspicious to me. Additionally, they haven't provided a specific address in Dubai, which raises more red flags. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has experience working with Artane Partners or has gone through a similar onboarding process. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently had a conversation with a friend who was laid off about two months ago from a startup that merged with another company. He had been actively searching for a new job and was receiving interview calls, but unfortunately, he faced rejections in the first or second rounds without any clear feedback. The most common response he received was simply that he wasn't the 'right fit,' which left him feeling frustrated and confused. During an interview on June 17th, he was asked about the reason for his layoff, and he honestly didn't have a solid explanation to provide. The CTO interviewing him acknowledged that he had the necessary skills but expressed a lack of trust due to the layoff, implying there must have been performance issues. This experience highlighted a side of layoffs that often goes unspoken: regardless of the circumstances surrounding a layoff, many employers view laid-off candidates with skepticism. It seems that no one takes into account that sometimes roles are eliminated for reasons beyond an individual's control, especially in the unpredictable startup environment.