Feeling

I've been anxiously waiting for a response from a company I interviewed with for 3.5 weeks now, and it's driving me a bit crazy. Here's the timeline of my application process: - June 8th: I submitted my application. - July 27th: I had my first interview, which I felt went well. During the interview, the HR representative mentioned they would get back to me by the end of that week, but I never heard back. - August 4th: I decided to send a follow-up email to check in. - August 5th: They replied, saying they were still finishing up first-round calls and would do their best to inform me after they debriefed with the team. Since then, I've been in limbo. I have two referrals within the company, and I even created a custom website to showcase more about myself and express my enthusiasm for the role, which they complimented. I know these efforts might not significantly impact their decision, but I thought it was worth a shot. I understand I shouldn't expect too much given the time that has passed, but this is one of my dream companies, and I'm feeling a bit lost. I'm considering sending another follow-up email soon, but I'm unsure if it's too soon.

I recently found out that my company is offering a Voluntary Separation Program (VSP), and I'm trying to weigh my options. If I choose to accept, I'd receive a lump sum payment that includes 4 months of salary, any unused PTO, and a prorated bonus. However, if I stay and eventually get laid off, the severance would only be 2 months of pay. I'm in a relatively stable situation since I'm married and can rely on my husband's health insurance. Financially, we would be okay with the VSP lump sum while I search for a new job. I've been feeling unfulfilled in my current role, and while I like the company's culture—it's laid-back, fully remote, and offers a good work-life balance—I'm also in the interview process for an internal position that excites me more. My main concerns are the potential impact of the VSP on internal hiring and the current job market, which seems to slow down towards the end of the year. I'm also unsure if I'd qualify for unemployment benefits if I voluntarily accept the VSP. Right now, I'm leaning towards taking the VSP to give myself some breathing room and focus on finding a role that truly fits me, rather than rushing into something just to have a job. However, the uncertainty of leaving a comfortable position is daunting. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has experience with voluntary separation packages.

I recently had an interview with the CEO at a company I'm hoping to join, and I'm trying to make sense of the process. In my past experiences with smaller startups, the CEO interview was always the final step. However, this time, I was told that I would be interviewing with my manager again and then with the CEO. When it came time to schedule the CEO interview, it turned out to be just me and the CEO, with my manager not included. I'm not sure what that means for my candidacy. During the interview, I asked about the next steps, and the CEO mentioned he would send AI-generated notes to my potential boss and HR, advising me to expect a follow-up. Unfortunately, we ran out of time, so I couldn't ask if there would be more interviews. Interestingly, I think I accidentally received the AI notes he mentioned. While they didn't provide a score or personal feedback, they did indicate that I met all the criteria they were looking for in a candidate. So far, I've filled out a detailed HR questionnaire, interviewed with the manager, and now had this conversation with the CEO. I'm left wondering what to expect next. Do you think there will be more rounds, or is this it? What are my chances of receiving an offer? I know it's hard to gauge without knowing my competition, but if they value AI as much as they say, I feel like the AI was on my side!

I recently went through a frustrating job application process with a family-run company that I really admired. I’m a 26-year-old multi-department manager at my current job, which has been quite toxic. I initially applied to this new company in June 2025 after hearing great things about them from mutual connections. I went through four lengthy interviews, a site visit, and had promising discussions about creating a new position just for me. However, after weeks of waiting, I was ghosted and eventually withdrew my application. They later hired someone else, which left me confused and disappointed. Fast forward to January 2026, I decided to give it another shot and reapplied. The enthusiasm during the interviews was palpable, and they even discussed multiple roles for me. They promised to get back to me soon, but once again, I was met with silence. After following up multiple times, they finally replied months later, stating they needed more time to ensure it was the right fit, but I never heard from them again. They ended up hiring two younger candidates, which made me question if my admission about needing some flexibility due to a health condition affected their decision. To add to the confusion, the company followed me on Instagram a few months later, which left me wondering if they still had interest in me. After a tough few months, I quit my current job in July but returned after the owner met most of my demands to stay. Now, I’m feeling trapped and uncertain about my future. The other company has reopened applications, and I’m contemplating reaching out to them for feedback on my background. I believe they could provide valuable insights, but I’m unsure if it’s appropriate to ask after everything that happened. I’m at a crossroads and really want to move forward in my career.

I just received my first job offer after graduating, and the job search has been tough since May. I finally got my EAD card for my initial OPT, and the position is remote. They offered me a salary of $70,000 with no bonuses, which is at the lower end of the posted range of $70,000 to $90,000. I was expecting to be on the lower side since it's an entry-level role, but I did mention to the director of finance that I ideally wanted $80,000, with some flexibility around $75,000 to $80,000. Now, I'm wondering if it's worth trying to negotiate the salary given the current job market and my recent grad status. I have two co-op experiences, but I don't have extensive professional experience, which makes me hesitant. My gut tells me there's no harm in asking for more, but I also know that negotiating can be tricky, especially as a recent grad.

I just had a really eye-opening experience with HR at my company, and it left me feeling pretty disheartened. My small team recently lost a key member, which has made our workload much heavier. I thought HR was coming in to check on us, but instead, he spent the entire time lecturing me about how Gen Z feels entitled to money and that we should just take on more work without any extra compensation. I understand the concept of hard work paying off eventually, but his tone felt personally directed at my generation. When I expressed that I was feeling overwhelmed, he dismissed my feelings, suggesting that losing one person should be viewed as an opportunity to take on more responsibilities and learn. He even showed me a graph of what makes an 'A player' and told me to create a roadmap for improvement. To top it off, he said that my manager and the sales director didn't have great things to say about our team, implying that we aren't irreplaceable. He concluded with what he called 'million dollar advice.' I was honestly shocked and ended up crying in the bathroom afterward. It made me realize that I need to shift from a passive job search to an active one. I'm new to the corporate world, and I'm questioning if I misinterpreted the situation. A coworker seemed unfazed by the meeting, but I can't shake the feeling that this environment is toxic. I just needed to vent and process my emotions.

I recently had a strange interview for a position at a tech startup. The interview process was quite unconventional, and I'm left feeling uncertain about whether I should accept an offer if it comes through. The questions were offbeat, and the overall vibe of the company felt different from what I expected. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of taking the job, considering the potential for growth and the company culture. Any advice on how to approach this decision would be appreciated!

I recently went through a challenging eight days of job searching after being laid off from my role in finance. I was really worried about how I was going to secure my next paycheck. Fortunately, I applied for a position out of curiosity and was pleasantly surprised to receive an offer just a week later after two interviews, including one with the CEO. It felt like minimal effort compared to what I had anticipated, especially given the intense atmosphere in the job market right now. I often see discussions about how difficult it can be for mid-level professionals, especially if they lack certain skills or are looking for specific conditions like remote work. However, my experience has shown me that if you have decent soft skills and are open to opportunities, it might not be as hard as it seems. I’m relieved to have found a new role, but I know that many others are still struggling, and I empathize with them.

I haven't had a job for about two years due to my struggles with depression and mental health. Thankfully, my family has been supportive financially, but now that I'm in the slow process of moving countries, my wife and I could really use some extra income. I'm considering pushing myself to find a job again. I've been looking at positions in fields I've worked in before, mainly retail and coffee shops or bakeries. There's a job opening at a bakery where I used to work, which is conveniently close to my home. The only catch is that it requires 12-hour shifts. I've worked long hours before, and it took a toll on my mental health, but I remember this bakery being a more relaxed environment compared to my previous job. Plus, I wouldn't have to deal with a long commute like I did before. I'm torn about whether to apply for this position. I feel like I might be able to handle it mentally, but I'm concerned about my physical stamina since I haven't been active or worked in a while. I'm worried that I might embarrass myself if I can't keep up and have to quit shortly after starting. Is it worth applying for this job, or should I hold off until I feel more prepared?

I got laid off unexpectedly on a Tuesday along with the rest of my team. The next morning, I decided to take a break from the stress and went to an art gallery. It felt necessary to decompress and surround myself with something beautiful during such a chaotic time. I realized I needed to focus on my mental health before diving back into the job search.

Today, I spent the day trying to resolve a mistake with my unemployment benefits that has kept me from receiving payments for the last two weeks. I've been calling the Department of Labor (DOL) non-stop, around 130 times a day, but every time I try, the line is busy. It's incredibly frustrating. I heard from some sources that reaching out to the Government Office could help expedite the process. They might be able to connect me directly to an agent without the endless hold times. I’m considering giving it a try, but I’m not sure if it still works like it used to. Some people mentioned they got through in as little as five minutes, while others waited over an hour. I’m hoping to get this sorted out soon.

I've been in the job market for a couple of years now, and I've noticed a troubling trend with ghosting during the hiring process. Most of my interviews and meetings with recruiters end without any follow-up. I usually ask when I can expect to hear back, typically within three days, but about 75% of the time, I don't receive any response. I always send a thank-you email after each interview and follow up a week later if I haven't heard back, but it rarely leads to anything. Recently, I went through three rounds of interviews with a company via a recruiting firm. They even told me I was the top candidate and wanted to meet with me the next day, but then I never heard back at all. It feels like they don’t see candidates as people, and I can’t help but wonder if this has gotten worse over time. Did companies used to at least send an email to let you know you didn’t get the job, or has it always been this way?

I recently completed two interviews for a licensed CSR/sales position with a State Farm agency. The agency owner mentioned that she's ready to extend an offer, but she wants me to meet with the team first to ensure I'm a good fit. I see this as a positive sign, as it shows she values her team's input. Since the agency is in another state, this meeting will be conducted over Zoom. She described it more as a casual 'get to know you' session rather than a formal interview. I'm a bit nervous since I've never participated in a meeting like this before, and I'm not sure how many team members will be present, but I know it's a small agency. I'm looking for any tips or insights from others who have gone through a similar experience.

I started a new job late last year and was really excited about it, especially coming from a position that didn't offer any PTO. I was thrilled to finally have paid time off and benefits. However, I've recently been feeling quite restricted by our PTO policy. I accrue about 18 days of PTO each year and get paid holidays off, but we can only select two Mondays and two Fridays off throughout the year. This has made planning for trips and attending anime conventions, which usually fall on weekends, really challenging. I was hoping to use my PTO to travel, but now I'm realizing that many of my desired trips won't fit into the allowed days. It's disheartening because I've put a lot of effort into my role, and now I feel like I have to sacrifice some of my biggest priorities. Given that my current position pays significantly more than what I could find elsewhere, I'm weighing the option of leaving. However, I'm worried that if I accept another job, I might end up in a similar situation with restrictive PTO policies. I'm not sure how to navigate this—I'm still new to the job market and want to approach it respectfully and mindfully. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently learned that I might be facing a layoff at my tech company. A new leader started about a week ago, and I suspect they're reviewing my position, especially since I have a well-paid role with a good title. To complicate matters, I'm also pregnant—just about 9 weeks along. I'm feeling anxious about the timing of everything, as I wouldn't have employment when the baby arrives, and finding a new job right now seems daunting. I'm torn about whether to inform HR about my pregnancy. Initially, I planned to wait until at least 13 weeks to say anything, but I'm wondering if being open about it might offer some protection. However, I’ve heard that disclosing this could actually backfire, making them view me as a potential liability due to maternity leave and childcare responsibilities. I've also read that in the US, protections for pregnant employees during large layoffs are minimal, which adds to my stress. I appreciate any advice or insights from those who have been in similar situations.

Today marks a significant milestone for me as I started my new job after being unemployed for almost exactly a month. I was laid off from my previous company on July 20th, and it was a challenging time for me. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support during my job search journey. I created a Sankey chart to visualize my job search stats, which I hope might be helpful for others in a similar situation. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a new position so quickly, and I recognize that my hard work played a role, but luck was also on my side when a company decided to take an interest in me. For those of you who are still job hunting, I understand how scary and difficult it can be, especially when the timeline for finding a new role is uncertain. Please keep pushing through and submitting those applications, even when it feels discouraging. I'm here to help if anyone has questions or needs advice. We’re all in this together.

I recently rescinded my resignation at my job in the news industry. I signed a contract two years ago with a well-known company in a major market, but it has been a challenging experience. My schedule has been miserable, with three different start times each week initially, and then I was moved to all overnight shifts, working from 11 PM to 7 AM five nights a week. During this time, I faced personal tragedy when my younger brother passed away unexpectedly. My request for extended leave was denied, and I had to use all my vacation time to support my family. Additionally, my requests for vacation were often ignored, leaving me to find out I was still scheduled without any notification. I had expressed my desire to move to a better shift multiple times, but it fell on deaf ears. Recently, they hired two new employees for the dayside role I had been wanting, and I was told they wished they had known about my interest. I was ready to quit when my contract ended, but on the same day I submitted my resignation, I took it back. I felt trapped by a kind of corporate Stockholm syndrome and the fear of not having another job lined up. My mental and physical health have taken a toll; I'm only 27, my hair is falling out, and I rarely see my partner. I've been applying for jobs like crazy, but nothing has come through yet. I’m struggling to decide what’s worse: staying in a job that’s damaging my health or quitting without a safety net.

I recently moved to a new area and have been on the hunt for a job, but it's been incredibly frustrating. I've applied to nearly every place in town, made countless phone calls, and every time I hear that they'll get back to me, but they never do. I dress well for interviews, have the qualifications and experience needed for the jobs, and I have no criminal record. It's disheartening to think that maybe my appearance is a factor, but I can't help but feel that the job market is just broken. People keep saying that no one wants to work, but it feels like no one is willing to hire anyone either. It's so frustrating not even to get a rejection; at least that would provide some closure. I wonder how these businesses manage to stay open when they have hiring signs everywhere but aren't following through. It seems like you need to apply to hundreds of places just to land one interview. I really hope the job market improves soon, especially here in the Pittsburgh area.

I started a new job just three days ago after a nine-month job search. The company reached out to me and hired me quickly, which made me a bit suspicious given my past layoffs. The pay is decent and the company is small, but the disorganization is driving me up the wall. While the team is competent, their knowledge seems to be stuck in their heads. We share a single drive account that is a mess, making it incredibly difficult for me to find the data I need for my research. I've spent 45 minutes just searching for basic information, and the lack of onboarding has left me feeling overwhelmed. I was given assignments without any guidance, and every time I ask for help, it feels like I uncover even more things I don't understand. I have insurance and support from my husband, but I'm really questioning if it's worth staying in a job that's this chaotic. I've always thrived in structured environments, and this experience is unlike anything I've faced before.

Feeling really overwhelmed right now. I'm a 21-year-old female and since March, I've been on the job hunt, applying to around 100 positions and attending several interviews. I've been putting in the effort to learn data analysis and have been working on projects to improve my skills, especially in Python. Despite all my hard work, I haven't landed a job yet, and it's starting to take a toll on me. I received my provisional certificate in May, but the unemployment has been really tough on my mental health and my family. I just wish I could contribute more and make things easier for us. It's frustrating and I’m honestly at a loss for what to do next. I just need a break from all this stress.