Feeling

Today, I was laid off from my tech job in Massachusetts, receiving a standard severance package of three months. The decision was made by my director, who had to choose one person from our team to let go due to business pressures, and unfortunately, I was the one selected. I can't help but feel frustrated since I have more tenure and stronger skills than some of my colleagues who were retained. I suspect that my neurodivergence played a role in this decision, as my performance reviews have included comments from my manager that seemed to relate to this aspect of my identity. It's documented in my HR profile, which makes me wonder if I have grounds to negotiate for a better severance package. I'm not looking to start a legal battle, but I want to ensure I receive a fair payout without jeopardizing the three months already offered. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had similar experiences negotiating severance under these circumstances. How did it go for you? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I just got fired again, and it's been a rough ride. As a college student, I've now lost two jobs in the last nine months. My first job was a part-time position in a small retail shop where the owner was quite aggressive. He had a gun on him all the time and would threaten us if we made mistakes. After two months, he decided I wasn't a good fit and let me go. My recent job was as a bartender, but I was fired after just two shifts. The pace was overwhelming for me, and I didn’t mesh well with the café manager. I do have a job related to my field of study, which is great, but the pay is low. I was hoping to find something in retail to earn more. I think my introverted nature makes it hard for me to learn quickly and perform well under pressure. Right now, I feel like a total loser and could really use some encouragement.

I'm currently on the hunt for a remote job due to some medical issues that make it difficult for me to work outside of the home. I've been applying to various positions, but it feels like most of the listings I come across are either scams or not legitimate. I'm feeling a bit lost on how to effectively search for and apply to remote jobs. If anyone has tips or resources that helped them find their remote positions, I would greatly appreciate it!

I recently received a job offer for $78,000, which is a significant increase from my current salary of $67,000. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I've noticed that the vacation time is considerably lower than what I currently enjoy. At my current job, I have 120 hours of vacation, but this new position only offers 80 hours, and it will be prorated for the year, meaning I might end up with even less than that. I'm contemplating whether I should negotiate for an additional $2,000 to compensate for the reduced vacation time. I have a feeling they might not be flexible on vacation days due to company policy, but I'm curious if it's worth asking for the extra salary. I’ve seen mixed advice online; some say to accept the offer as is since it’s still a substantial raise, while others suggest that negotiating is always a good idea. I want to make sure I approach this correctly.

I just got fired from my job at a local restaurant about three hours ago. The reason given was that I had a bad attitude, wasn't attending to customers, and was on my phone too much. However, after talking with my coworkers, they all agreed that I was always at my station, helping customers, and being friendly. I think the issue stemmed from a confrontation I had with a chef earlier today. I told him to keep his drink in the kitchen, and since then, he seemed to be looking for reasons to complain about me. Today was actually slow, and there weren't many customers, so it was tough to be proactive when there wasn't much work to do. I spent some time crying in the bathroom after hearing the news. A coworker mentioned that people had been discussing me and thought I might get a warning, but I was just fired outright. Now I'm left with medical bills to pay for serious health issues, and instead of focusing on that, I'm dealing with this sudden loss of income and the stress that comes with it.

I recently had an interview where the CEO personally endorsed me for a role at the company. I felt really positive about the interaction and was hopeful for a quick response. However, it's been a week since the interview, and I've heard nothing back. I'm starting to wonder if this is normal in the hiring process or if I should be concerned. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?

I recently received an email regarding a position I applied for at Broan-NuTone, and I'm feeling uncertain about its legitimacy. The email came from hr@broannutone.com, which raised some red flags for me since the company's official domain is broan-nutone.com. I usually have a good sense for spotting scams, but this one has me second-guessing. The email was quite lengthy, praising the company and detailing the role, which felt off. I’ve seen advice suggesting that legitimate opportunities always address candidates by name, and this email just referred to me as 'Candidate.' I'm considering reaching out directly to their HR department to verify if this is a genuine communication. In the meantime, I’m keeping track of all my job applications to ensure I can reference them if needed.

I recently experienced a quick and unexpected job transition. I (M26) was hired on the spot for a job at Company #1 after just one interview. It seemed like a decent opportunity at first, but shortly after, I received a call from Company #2 with a job offer that was significantly better in terms of pay, benefits, and overall work environment. After careful consideration, I decided to accept the offer from Company #2. When I informed my boss at Company #1 about my decision, she reacted negatively and told me that my time there was over, insisting that I leave immediately. This left me feeling uneasy, especially since I had only been there for a week and was concerned about not getting paid for that time. Looking back, I wonder if I dodged a red flag with Company #1. They hired me so quickly, which I've heard can be a warning sign in corporate roles. In contrast, Company #2 had a more structured interview process, which made me feel more secure about my decision. I’m curious to hear thoughts on whether I made the right choice or if I’m just trying to rationalize my feelings about the abrupt end at Company #1.

I’m 26 and currently looking for work after being laid off from my tech job earlier this year. I was making $60k a year, but the company wasn't profitable, leading to mass layoffs. I live in an at-will state, so I was let go without much warning. Thankfully, I still have a part-time job where I can pick up shifts, which helps a bit financially. My daily routine consists of applying for jobs in the mornings, running errands in the afternoons, and going to bed early like I did during my 9-5. I’ve reached out to former professors and managers for feedback on my strengths, which seem to be my friendliness and reliability. However, my parents are worried about my finances since they’re nearing retirement and we still have an $80k mortgage. I’m trying to secure at least $1,000 in take-home pay, so I’ve been applying to part-time jobs that pay $15 or more while also targeting full-time positions. I’ve noticed that job applications can be competitive, with over 100 applicants for some roles on LinkedIn. I feel a bit lost since my experience is mostly in retail and one tech role. I’ve signed up for a job fair and am exploring freelance or gig work options, but I’m unsure if that’s the right path. I’m also hesitant about driving jobs due to my anxiety and medication side effects. Overall, I’m trying to stay positive and keep my options open, but I’m feeling the pressure to find something soon.

I recently went through a lengthy application process for an Automation Software Engineer position at a large company, which lasted about two months. I had two technical interviews with the hiring manager that went really well, and we had great chemistry. I made it clear that I was open to business travel, but only for short and occasional trips, and they seemed fine with that. Yesterday, my recruiter reached out to say that the company wanted to consider other candidates before making a final decision. She reassured me that she hadn’t found anyone with better skills than mine and asked me to wait a few days. I thought that was reasonable. However, today I noticed that the same job ad was reposted on LinkedIn as 'Promoted', and it was eerily similar to my profile. They even included a line about travel that matched my exact boundaries. It feels like they are using my feedback to attract someone else while keeping me on the hook. I’m planning to address this with them on Monday, but I'm really unsure how to interpret this situation. Is it normal for companies to sponsor ads while they’re still in the decision-making process? I feel like I’m being used as a backup plan.

I’ve been struggling to find a full-time job since returning to the US after spending 10 years abroad. I’ve been unemployed since March 2025 and despite having a degree from a top university, I feel like my work experience overseas is a major hurdle. I’ve mostly worked as a copywriter and currently have a portfolio, but I’m worried that my international experience is being viewed negatively by recruiters. To keep myself active, I’m doing pro bono work with a nonprofit to enhance the design section of my portfolio. However, the only positions I’ve been able to secure lately are seasonal, thanks to a former connection I had before moving abroad. I also realize that I have virtually no professional network here, which makes things even tougher. I’m feeling quite desperate and would appreciate any advice or tips from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. It seems like the gap in my US work history is a significant issue, and I’m looking for ways to frame my international experience as an asset rather than a drawback.

I've been on the job hunt for about 3.5 years since graduating, and it's been a tough road. I worked as a hotel supervisor for two years, but I eventually burned out and left that role. Since then, I've been interviewing at various places, hoping to land a decent job, but I've faced numerous rejections despite having recommendations from higher-ups. It's really starting to feel pointless, and I can't shake the feeling that something about my approach or vibe is off. I've heard the advice to keep trying, but after the eighth rejection, it just doesn't resonate anymore. It’s disheartening to see my friends thriving in their careers while I struggle to even secure an entry-level position. I’ve thought about going back to a front desk job, but I really disliked that role, and I doubt it would lead me to the career I want. I’m open to different opportunities, but I want to make sure I'm not being taken advantage of by a boss. It's a frustrating place to be.

I recently got laid off and I'm looking to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. I found a weekday hiking group that meets on Mondays in the Bay Area, specifically this upcoming Monday at Sweeney Ridge in San Bruno. The hike is a 4.8-mile loop with a 702 ft elevation gain, which sounds like a great way to clear my head and meet new people. I'm planning to join them at 10:30 am. It's comforting to know there are others out there navigating this transition.

I was recently laid off and lost my insurance unexpectedly, which has left me feeling really lost. I'm planning to email my psychiatrist to discuss how to safely taper off my medications and inquire about the costs of appointments and meds, as I might have to pay out of pocket now. This is my first experience being uninsured, and I’m feeling overwhelmed. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions for additional questions I should ask my psychiatrist. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off in June, and my husband's clinic closed around the same time. Unfortunately, he didn't ask the right questions regarding his insurance and thought it would continue through July. It turns out it was canceled at the end of June when the clinic shut down. He just started a new job last week, but we found out that we won't be eligible for his insurance until October 1. I'm really frustrated because I had asked him multiple times for clarity on this issue. He had two job offers, and I'm angry that he didn't choose the other one, which would have provided coverage. Now, we're faced with some tough choices: we can either pay $1800 for COBRA from the closed clinic, opt for a $1400 cheap Bronze plan from Healthcare.gov, or try to find a knowledgeable broker who can help us get interim coverage. With my layoff and his new job, we’ve gone from two incomes to one, and the thought of paying that $1800 is daunting. Plus, Florida unemployment is only about $300 a week before taxes, which doesn’t even cover that amount. We also made too much money earlier this year to qualify for discounts, and I'm stressed about upcoming tax bills and other financial obligations. Any advice or recommendations for brokers in Florida would be greatly appreciated.

I was recently laid off from a fintech company after just 6 months due to what they called "team realignment." Initially, I felt devastated as this was my first experience with a layoff. However, I quickly decided to take proactive steps to get back on my feet. First, I updated my LinkedIn profile and even signed up for a free trial of LinkedIn Premium. This turned out to be beneficial as several recruiters reached out to me through the platform. In fact, I landed my new job thanks to a recruiter who contacted me directly. Next, I made sure my resume was current and included relevant keywords. I learned that many companies use AI tools to screen resumes, so I took the time to ensure mine would pass through those filters. I even used ChatGPT to help enhance my resume with the right keywords. Lastly, I focused on my mental health. I didn’t rush into the job search; instead, I took some time to relax and recharge. I went for walks, spent quality time with friends and family, and allowed myself to enjoy some much-needed downtime. I want to share this experience to give hope to others who might be going through a similar situation. It's definitely possible to find a new job after a layoff, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Today, I had a meeting with the CEO, CTO, and my manager that turned out to be a termination discussion. I've been with the company for three years, but my manager has been a source of stress for the last year. During the meeting, the CEO explained that they wanted to terminate my position to save costs, despite the company being stable. He mentioned that shareholders were pushing for cost reductions, but I couldn't help but feel like I was being used as a scapegoat. The CTO seemed uncomfortable, which gave me some hope that he didn't fully agree with the decision. I asked why it was only me being let go, and the CEO claimed it was to avoid spreading panic, stating that 20% of the workforce would be affected. I found it hard to believe that I was the only one targeted, especially since they said my termination wasn't related to performance. I felt a mix of relief and frustration. On one hand, I won't have to deal with my bullying manager anymore, but on the other hand, I dedicated so much time and effort to appease him and contribute to the company. I’m now left wondering if I was laid off or fired, especially considering the worker protection laws in Germany. I told them I would think about how to proceed, but I’m leaning towards rejecting their offer.

I just got fired from my role as a marketing strategist, and my contract is ending in two weeks. I've been working full-time for the last 5-6 months, giving it my all, but the company decided to let me go, citing my salary as too high and claiming they could replace me with an intern. They also mentioned performance issues, but I know I was doing well overall, despite a couple of tough weeks. I had been planning to start my own venture eventually, and now that I'm fired, I feel it's time to pursue that. I'm considering several options: 1. Start my own agency and freelance in social media marketing, leveraging my 4+ years of experience, even though I'm not a fan of social media. 2. Help others build their personal brands, something I've done before but struggled with; I know I'm good at it and enjoy it, but I'm unsure which platform to focus on. 3. Look for another job, but I'm hesitant about getting stuck in a similar situation again. 4. Pursue copywriting, which I'm passionate about but have failed at in the past. I want to commit to this for the next few years. 5. Launch a consulting business, using my marketing expertise to advise others. 6. Take a break for a few weeks to regroup and figure things out. I want to avoid making any emotional decisions and instead focus on practical options. I appreciate any advice on how to move forward. Thanks to everyone who reads this and offers their thoughts!

I was laid off from my job last month, and now my former employer is asking me to change my personal financial and tax setup to correct a payroll mistake they made. This isn’t the first time they’ve messed up; previously, they accidentally overpaid me by a month, and I promptly returned the extra funds. Now, they’ve credited money into my provident fund account and want me to refund it. I explained that this situation is different since the money is tied up in my provident fund and I can’t just transfer it back like before. I requested a written explanation of the process instead of discussing it over the phone. However, they suggested that the only feasible way to return the funds without incurring a financial penalty would be for me to change my personal tax and financial status. They framed it as a benefit to me, but it feels frustrating. Instead of acknowledging their payroll error, the conversation turned to how I should adjust my financial setup. I understand they want their money back, and I don’t intend to keep what isn’t mine, but I shouldn’t have to navigate personal financial decisions because of their mistake, especially after being laid off. Has anyone else experienced something similar after leaving a company? How did you handle it?

I recently reached out to a former co-worker from my time in engineering, hoping to connect and potentially have her speak to a women in engineering club I'm involved with. I sent her a LinkedIn connection request without any additional message, just to keep it casual. Unfortunately, she declined my request but did take a moment to view my profile. This isn't the first time I've experienced this kind of cold response; another colleague from the same company did something similar. It’s disheartening to see how some ex-co-workers react after layoffs. It feels like there's this unspoken taboo around the topic, and those who remain often act as if we’ve been erased from their memory. I’ve noticed a pattern where they seem to distance themselves, possibly out of fear of being associated with someone who was laid off. It’s a harsh reality, but I’m trying to focus on my studies and move forward.