Feeling

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?

Today was a significant turning point in my career. My team lead called me into a meeting and informed me that my role was being eliminated due to a shift in direction for the project team. I had been dreading this moment for months, as I had been stuck on a disorganized project for five long months, where deadlines were constantly changing and everyone was pointing fingers at each other. I had been quietly searching for new opportunities and, just a month ago, I accepted a job offer from another company that pays significantly more and offers work that genuinely interests me. I had planned to give my notice this Friday to keep things professional, but fate had other plans. When my team lead delivered the news, I calmly told him that it was fine because I had already accepted another job and was going to resign on Friday. His reaction was priceless; he seemed taken aback and momentarily speechless. Then he awkwardly asked if I was planning to give proper notice, despite just informing me that my role was ending in two days. I packed up my desk that afternoon, feeling an immense sense of relief and lightness as I walked out. It felt like the best Wednesday of my life. I’m grateful to have secured a better opportunity before this layoff, and I can’t help but feel that everything worked out perfectly.

I recently had an in-person interview with a recruiter who seemed pleased with my performance. However, they've asked me to provide references before we can proceed with working together. The challenge is that I don't have any recent references to offer. I don't participate in volunteer work, and the last teacher or coach I spoke to was years ago. I attempted to reach out to them for assistance, but I haven't received a response. I'm feeling anxious about potentially losing this opportunity due to the lack of references. I'm considering my next steps and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation.

I did not receive any response from Devfied.

I did not receive any response from Enabling Systems.

I recently learned that Elastic, where I work, is planning to lay off hundreds of employees as part of a shift in strategy due to AI advancements. This news has been quite unsettling, as it seems the company is trying to align itself with market expectations while making these cuts. It feels like the focus is more on impressing investors than on the impact this will have on our team and the work we do.

I recently graduated nursing school and took a job as a Registered Nurse with a large company in Canada. However, I've found the work environment to be quite risky for my license, with insufficient clinical support and a heavy workload. Many staff members have already left due to the collapsing healthcare situation, and I’m concerned about being overwhelmed and facing potential lawsuits early in my career. I moved away from my family for this job, but I really want to relocate back to be closer to them. I've only been in this role for about six months, but I have certifications and skills that I believe are marketable. My main concern is whether it would be viewed negatively by potential employers if I change jobs and provinces so soon. I know there are better working conditions and pay in my home province, and I’m considering applying for those positions. I’m looking for advice on how to approach my job search. Should I focus on working with recruiters again, or should I apply widely to jobs in my specialty? My primary goal is to relocate, so I’m open to various opportunities. I’d appreciate any resources or guidance on this process.