Feeling

Today, I found myself reflecting on my job search strategies, particularly regarding how I present my work experience. At 54 years old, I've made the decision to scrub my LinkedIn profile of any jobs older than the last ten years. This approach seems necessary to combat ageism in the hiring process. I only include older roles when applying for positions at the Department of Defense, where I have relevant experience from my past jobs. I'm wrestling with whether I should also limit the experiences I share during interviews to just the last decade or two. I mean, when they see me in person, my age is pretty apparent, so is it worth trying to hide it? On the bright side, I often get mistaken for being younger, which has led to some awkward moments, like when people assume my adult daughter is my partner. I've read mixed advice from others in similar situations. Some suggest that for senior roles, it's essential to list 10-15 years of experience, while others recommend focusing on the last 2-5 years for entry-level positions. It seems that the industry and specific company expectations can vary widely. I also considered the advice of a career coach I consulted after being laid off two and a half years ago. They suggested omitting anything older than 5-7 years, even for senior positions, as the skills required have likely changed. It's a tricky balance to strike, and I want to present myself as the best candidate without falling into age-related biases.

I recently received a job offer from Vue Cinema, but it comes with an exclusivity contract. I'm feeling a bit uncertain about this because it limits my ability to take on other work. I've been reading some advice online, and many people suggest that I shouldn't worry too much about it. They say it's my legal right to work multiple jobs if I want to, and that Vue Cinema shouldn't have a say in where else I work. Some even mentioned that if they find out I have another job, the worst they can do is fire me, which they can do at any time anyway. I'm still considering my options and trying to weigh the pros and cons of accepting the offer with these restrictions.

I recently learned about layoffs at Truist, and it’s disheartening news. I'm particularly concerned about the impact in South Carolina, especially within the IT department. I’ve been trying to gather information on how many employees were affected, but details seem scarce. The comments I’ve seen suggest that this might be part of a larger trend among banks to reduce their workforce. It feels like we’re entering a tough phase for job security in the financial sector.

I have a final interview tomorrow for an Operations Executive role at a small company in London, but I'm feeling a bit uneasy about the whole process. Communication has mostly been through LinkedIn, and I had to chase for basic details like the interview address. The co-founder finally confirmed that the interview will last about an hour and include a case study, but I only found out about the case study the day before. I don’t even own a laptop, but he mentioned he has a spare I can use. While I understand that small companies may lack dedicated HR resources, having to follow up for information has made me question the organization of the recruitment process. To add to my concerns, I found some negative reviews on Glassdoor mentioning issues like micromanagement and unclear expectations. Although I know these are just individual experiences, they have definitely made me more hesitant. The role itself seems interesting, but I'm torn between attending the interview and withdrawing to avoid a long trip for something that feels increasingly uncertain. I also have no idea about the salary or working conditions. Am I overthinking this, or would you share my concerns? Would you still go to the interview?

Today, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding my career path at my current company, where I work as an engineer. A few months ago, I applied for an internal lateral role that promised more variety than my current position, which has felt increasingly unfulfilling. I recently received a call from a recruiter who informed me that the hiring manager is interested in interviewing me, but there are some significant caveats: they can't offer a pay raise, and any potential promotion would likely take a couple of years. My primary goal has always been to increase my income, and I feel that I could realistically achieve a promotion in my current team within the next year, although that’s not guaranteed. Adding to the stress, I'm about to go on holiday for a month, and the recruiter is pushing for a quick interview, which feels rushed. They also advised me to inform my current manager once the interview is scheduled, but I’m hesitant since I’ve only been working with them for a short time and haven’t had a chance to establish a solid rapport. To complicate matters further, I was transferred to this new team alongside a coworker with whom I've had negative experiences in the past. Although they seem to have improved somewhat, I still find it challenging to work with them, especially since we are currently collaborating on a project together. I'm seriously considering withdrawing from the interview process altogether because I feel uncertain about the whole situation. I wonder if it would be wiser to keep my options open and go through with the interview, even if I have doubts. If I choose to withdraw, I can avoid the awkward conversation with my manager, but if I proceed with the interview and don’t get the position, I worry about how that might affect my standing with them. I’m reaching out for advice on whether I should go ahead with the interview or if withdrawing is the better option. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I recently resigned from my apprenticeship role in industrial automation software at a large multinational company in Germany after experiencing a toxic work environment, particularly due to my manager's inappropriate behavior. I had reported this to HR, but the situation only worsened, and I felt increasingly isolated, especially when sent on business trips alone, contrary to my contract that required a tutor to accompany me. After I decided to look for new opportunities, I was informed by HR that my manager would be fired, but nothing was mentioned about my situation. Shortly after, I submitted my resignation. This led to a flurry of communication from my department head, HR, and colleagues, all urging me to reconsider and offering a counteroffer, emphasizing my importance to the team and the critical nature of my projects. Despite the tempting offer, I am concerned about the company's financial instability, as around 15 people from my department have left recently without receiving counteroffers. The new company I am considering is offering a 40% salary increase, which makes me question my worth at my current job. While the prospect of my manager being replaced by someone I get along with is appealing, I can't shake the feeling that the company's desperation to keep me might indicate deeper issues. I want to leave on good terms and keep the door open for future opportunities, but I'm torn about whether to hear out the counteroffer or move on to a more stable position. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off last summer from my dream job in the publishing industry after just a year and a half. It took me years to finally break into this field, and I loved every moment of it. Since then, I've been applying to other positions in publishing, but I haven't had any luck. If I want to get back into the industry, it seems like I'd have to move to New York and compete for entry-level roles again, which feels daunting given the current instability in publishing. I've been struggling with a sense of purpose since losing my job. I put so much effort into achieving my dream, and now that it's over, I feel heartbroken. It's been a little over a year, and I’m unsure how to move forward. I'm considering going back to school for something different, but I feel conflicted. I'm about to turn 29, and I wonder if it's too late to pivot to a more stable career. I’d appreciate any advice on whether I should keep trying to get back into publishing or explore other options.

I'm currently navigating a tough situation with my career in accounting. After being out of work for three years due to medical issues, I've accumulated around $25,000 in credit card debt and am considering filing for personal bankruptcy. This has raised concerns about how this might affect my job prospects in accounting or similar white-collar roles. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and about 2-3 years of experience, mostly in accounts payable and administrative roles at small to medium companies. My credit history has always been good, and I've never faced bankruptcy before, so this is all new territory for me. I'm hoping to get back into a full-time accounting position once my health improves, but I'm unsure how declaring bankruptcy would impact my chances. Would it help to explain to potential employers that my financial situation is a result of medical issues? I'm particularly interested in entry-level roles in private, non-profit, or government sectors to continue building my career, but I'm also open to freelance bookkeeping opportunities if they arise. I just want to ensure I can advance my career without overly ambitious goals, like aiming for a CFO position.

I was laid off in March and have been searching for a new job since then. Recently, I reached the final stage of the hiring process with a company and received an offer. However, I'm now anxious about the background check. On my resume, I indicated that I am still employed at my previous company, but when I filled out the background check form, I provided the correct start and end dates. I'm worried that this discrepancy might be a deal breaker. I wonder what HR will focus on in the report from the third-party company. I’ve heard that even a small inconsistency could raise red flags, especially since it’s been about 6-7 months since my layoff.

I recently landed a new job in a similar field after being laid off from my previous position about six months ago. The previous role was a significant step up in terms of pay and responsibilities, but it ended abruptly due to layoffs, which was quite stressful. After many interviews and applications, I finally secured a new position that offers slightly better pay but requires more hands-on work. Despite the positive aspects, I can't shake off the anxiety from my last experience. Having spent 5-6 years in my previous career, the sudden change has left me feeling unsettled. I often find myself comparing my tenure to others who have longer, more stable careers, and I feel a sense of envy. I'm eager to prove myself in this new role and establish a long tenure again. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? How did you manage to bounce back and regain your confidence?

I was recently terminated from my position as a manager at a grocery store in California. The termination notice I received outlined several issues, including ongoing coaching on professional communication and collaboration, as well as multiple written warnings for my lack of professionalism and engagement. My performance reviews indicated that I did not meet expectations, and despite feedback, I failed to show sustained improvement. Now, I'm trying to figure out what to put as the reason for my termination when applying for unemployment. Should I list it as poor performance, or is there a better option? I'm not proud of the situation, but I want to be honest while also ensuring I have a chance at receiving benefits.

I'm currently facing a layoff and I'm really concerned about the job market here in California. I've heard from others that it's quite tough right now, and I can't help but feel anxious about finding a new position. Some people have mentioned that it's the worst job market they've seen in over a decade, which is really disheartening. I'm considering my options, including possibly relocating if things don't improve in the next six months to a year. I've noticed that getting interviews is challenging, and there seem to be a lot of 'ghost jobs' out there, making the search even more frustrating.

I have faced a challenging journey in my career due to a string of toxic jobs and battling Lyme disease. I once had a job I planned to retire from, where I was quite successful after receiving a promotion. However, my office was in a basement that had been flooding for years, and as someone with severe allergies to mold and allergic asthma, this environment was detrimental to my health. I spent nearly a year on steroids just to breathe, but ultimately, I realized that my health was more important than the job. During that time, I was unaware that I had Lyme disease, which made me even sicker. It took years for doctors to diagnose me properly, and I was eventually treated after a heart monitor led me to a cardiologist. In those difficult years, I tried to maintain employment, but most positions demanded 150% of my time, which I couldn't manage. Living in a small town around 2019, remote jobs in my field were scarce, so I had to take whatever I could find. Fast forward to 2023, I finally found a remote job that I held for three years, but I was recently laid off due to restructuring. Now I’m left wondering if I should omit those short-term jobs from my resume, as they represent a really tough period in my life. I don't want to be judged for those experiences, especially since I did my best to survive as a single person relying solely on myself. Any advice would be appreciated.

I’ve been struggling in the job market lately, and it feels like I’m going through hell. Every interview seems like a test of my endurance, and I often leave feeling exhausted and frustrated. It’s as if the interviewers prefer to see me suffer rather than engage in a positive conversation. I’m losing hope with each passing day. Over the past two years, I’ve developed crippling anxiety and suicidal ideation, which makes this process even harder. I just want to find a job that allows me to support myself and eventually be with the love of my life, but right now, it feels impossible. I could really use some support and advice during this tough time.

I’m preparing for my upcoming job loss in December and bracing myself for a potential 3-6 month job search. I’ve been reading about how to explain long unemployment gaps during interviews, especially since I might be out of work for a while. I’m curious about what others have said when they faced similar situations. Some people mentioned being honest about the tough job market and highlighting any side projects or certifications they worked on during their time off. Others suggested framing the gap positively, like saying I took time off to care for a family member or to focus on personal growth. I want to be ready with a solid explanation that reflects my situation without dwelling on the negative. It seems like having a good answer is crucial, especially in this competitive job landscape.

I'm currently working part-time as a seasonal employee, but my hours are really inconsistent, which has been tough. I have an interview tomorrow for a new position that offers more stable hours and better pay. The company is aware of my current job situation, and I'm planning to let them know that if they offer me a part-time or full-time role, it would be my priority. I'm a bit unsure about how to handle my current job if I get an offer. Should I inform them that I'm interviewing elsewhere, or should I wait until I have a solid offer before saying anything? I've heard mixed advice on this, but I want to make sure I navigate it correctly. Any tips would be appreciated!

I recently went through a challenging experience at my dream job as a Senior Project Coordinator at a well-known entertainment tech company. Initially, everything was great—I had a supportive manager, received positive performance reviews, and even got a bonus and a raise within my first year. However, things took a turn when upper management changed my manager, and the role evolved into something more akin to a Program Manager position, which I struggled to adapt to. Despite my hard work, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) after a difficult conversation with my new manager. This was devastating for me, as this company has been a lifelong dream. I worked tirelessly, often putting in 12 to 16-hour days, trying to meet the expectations laid out for me. Unfortunately, I faced a slip-up during this time, which led to a confrontation that left me feeling hopeless. Just when I was at my lowest, a recruiter from a subsidiary company reached out about a position that seemed much more aligned with my skills. I applied immediately. Fast forward a couple of months, I managed to pass the PIP, and my contributions were acknowledged as valuable. However, the toll on my mental and physical health was significant. I’m now on medication for anxiety and sleep issues, and I even had to see a cardiologist due to high blood pressure concerns. Currently, I’m in the final round of interviews for the new position at the subsidiary company, which has been promising. The role is less stressful, and while the starting salary is similar to my current one at $95k, it has the potential to go up to $180k. I feel torn because I have a deep attachment to my current company's work, but the PIP experience has left me anxious and wary of my boss. I’m leaning towards accepting the new job if offered, but I’m seeking perspectives on whether it’s the right move. This journey has taught me a lot, but at a high cost to my well-being.

I'm 20 years old and currently living in Japan. I've been on the job hunt for a while now and have faced rejection from about 120 companies. It's been really disheartening, and I'm starting to wonder if there's something fundamentally wrong with me that makes me unworthy of being hired or trained. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insights or different perspectives on this situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently on the job hunt for tanker driving roles in the San Gabriel Valley. I have nearly four years of driving experience and just recently obtained my double/triples, tanker, and hazmat endorsements. However, I'm struggling to find companies willing to hire me since I lack experience specifically in doubles and tankers. I applied to MJ Tanker Lines but unfortunately got turned down. I've also submitted applications to Airgas for a bulk driver position and Elite Fuel Lines. I'm looking for any recommendations for companies that are willing to hire and provide training for someone in my situation, ideally with overtime opportunities after 8 hours.

In July 2026, I was laid off from my Software Engineer role and began my job search journey. Initially, I focused on preparing for coding interviews using LeetCode. I started with the Blind 75 and NeetCode 150 lists, revising them multiple times to recognize patterns. I struggled to concentrate on the LeetCode platform, often jumping to solutions too quickly, so I opted to practice with pen and paper instead. I didn't apply for jobs during this time. By August, I shifted my focus to system design, utilizing resources from HelloInterview.com and watching various YouTube videos. I began conducting mock interviews using ChatGPT's voice mode, which helped me get into the flow of interviews, although I found it necessary to ask for a rating to get constructive feedback. I also continued practicing coding problems on LeetCode and compiled my interview experience in a STAR format using Google Docs. I started applying for jobs, primarily looking at postings from the last 24 hours on Indeed and Glassdoor, while occasionally using LinkedIn. Unfortunately, I faced 4-6 phone-screen rejections. In September, I had my first onsite interview and quickly learned that scheduling multiple onsites in a week was overwhelming. By October, my efforts paid off, and I received offers from Datadog and Crusoe. Throughout this process, I learned several key lessons: - It's more effective to look at solutions for a significant number of problems early on to grasp patterns rather than trying to solve everything independently. - Moving quickly to onsite interviews is crucial to gaining experience and increasing my chances of success. - Familiarizing myself with frequently asked questions can significantly improve my performance in interviews. - Consistent preparation across all companies is more beneficial than tailoring my study material too specifically for one. - I aimed to apply for 3-4 new jobs daily, as the job market was quite competitive. In terms of strategy, I maintained a one-page resume that I updated weekly to keep it fresh for ATS systems. My study schedule involved 3-4 hours in the morning and another 2-3 hours in the afternoon, with a power nap in between to recharge. I used site-blocker plugins to minimize distractions and invested in paid resources instead of creating my own materials, prioritizing landing a job. It was a long journey, but I found that consistency ultimately led to success.