Feeling

I have my first job interview coming up in 2 days at a Pizza Hut nearby. I've been applying for jobs since I turned 16 this year, but I've mostly received rejections or no responses at all. I'm really excited but also a bit nervous since this is my first interview. I'm looking for tips on how to prepare. I have a few specific questions: 1. What should I wear? 2. What should I bring? (I don't need a work permit in my state) 3. Do I need to ask the interviewer questions? I've heard that asking questions is important, like inquiring about who will be training me or what the expectations are. I want to show enthusiasm and make a good impression, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently 18 years old and working my first part-time job in retail. Unfortunately, I've received three write-ups for being short on my register, especially during my first few days when I was still learning the ropes. I suspect I might have undiagnosed ADHD, which contributes to my difficulty with focus and counting. Recently, I received another write-up for being short again, just barely over the limit. I'm really anxious about the possibility of getting fired, especially since I have another job interview lined up that I hope will work out. If I do get fired, I'm worried about how it will affect my future job prospects and interviews, particularly for part-time roles. I really need to keep earning money to cover my new car expenses and insurance. I've heard from others that I don't necessarily have to disclose being fired or even include that job on my resume, but I'm still feeling scared about the whole situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I just wrapped up my first week at a law firm as a receptionist, and I'm feeling a bit uncertain about whether this job will be a good fit for me. The office manager has a bit of a mean girl vibe, often questioning why people are chatting instead of working, which creates a tense atmosphere. My trainer seems to get short responses from her, and it makes me wonder about their dynamic. There are cameras around the office, even pointed at our desks, and the manager joked about watching us through them, which feels invasive. My trainer also mentioned that she doesn't like anyone being on their phones, adding to the pressure. The job itself seems straightforward, but once I finish my tasks, I'm left just sitting at my desk waiting for calls or clients, which feels unproductive. I also have to ask for coverage whenever I need to step away, which makes me uncomfortable, as I don't want to feel like I'm being timed for breaks. While they mentioned I could learn legal assistant work during the interview, it seems like they're currently interviewing for that role, so I'm unsure if I'll get any real legal work. Most of the staff is relatively new, which raises some red flags for me. I took this job because I was out of work and accepted $20/hr, but now I'm regretting not negotiating my salary given my three years of office experience. Plus, my commute is longer than I expected—40 minutes there and about an hour back. Overall, it seems like most employees are content, but I can't shake the feeling that I might be too picky. I'd appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I was let go from my job after just one week of working as a sales associate at a retail store. It was a surprising turn of events, and I felt a mix of confusion and disappointment. I had thought I was doing well, but apparently, it wasn't the right fit for the company. I’ve been reflecting on the experience and trying to figure out what went wrong. Some friends have reassured me that it might not have been my fault, which gives me a bit of comfort as I start looking for new opportunities.

I’m in a really tough situation after being injured on the job while working for a state government agency in Alabama. I had two back surgeries due to my injury, but the agency has been a nightmare in terms of support. They delayed my care and eventually cut off my healthcare, workers' comp, and all benefits. Four months later, they terminated my employment, claiming I failed to return to work. The problem is, my doctor never formally released me to go back because the state ended my care before I reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Now, I feel completely stuck. I’ve tried to get legal help, but no lawyers want to take on the case since the state is a sovereign entity. I could potentially sue individual board members, but they have the state’s resources backing them, making it a daunting task. I’m also facing challenges with finding new employment. It seems like I’m blacklisted from other state jobs, which means I can’t finish my years of service for retirement. I filed a complaint with the EEOC over six months ago, but they haven’t been very communicative or proactive. My biggest worry is the legal implications of taking a new job since I never received formal medical clearance. If I get hired and suffer another injury, I’m unsure how my previous situation would affect liability. I reached out to Vocational Rehab, but I suspect I’ll hit a dead end there as well. With my background in retail, management, and manual labor, I’m feeling pretty hopeless. Manual labor is out of the question after my surgeries, and retail jobs are dwindling. Management positions in my area are barely paying minimum wage. I feel like I’m trapped and don’t know what to do next. Should I just take any job and deal with the fallout later? Has anyone else experienced this kind of limbo after a workplace injury? I’d appreciate any advice or direction.

I've been actively applying for senior software engineering roles for the past six weeks, but it feels like I'm just shouting into a void. Despite having a strong background with 8 years of experience and having successfully shipped significant projects, I'm finding that I'm getting ghosted before even reaching the human review stage. I can clear technical screens when I get to them, but the issue lies in not even getting that far. I suspect something is happening between my application submission and the recruiter actually reviewing my materials—whether it's due to ATS filters, keyword mismatches, or just the sheer volume of applications. This black hole isn't new, but it feels particularly pronounced lately, and I can't help but wonder if it's just me or a broader trend in the job market. I'm curious if others at the senior individual contributor level are experiencing the same challenges. Are referrals now a necessity for getting traction in applications, or do cold applications still yield results for senior roles? I'm trying to figure out if the landscape has shifted so much that applying cold is mostly a waste of time in 2025, or if there are specific strategies that have worked for others.

I’ve learned some tough lessons during my job search that I wish I had known earlier. One key takeaway is to not take any job too seriously. I used to pour my heart and soul into every position, but I realized that it’s important to maintain a balance between contributing to the company and taking care of my mental health. This mindset has helped me avoid the frustration of frequently changing jobs. Another lesson is to never leave a job without having something lined up. I made that mistake once, and it led to unnecessary stress. Additionally, I’ve learned to always leave on good terms, no matter the circumstances. It’s crucial for maintaining professional relationships. I also discovered that if a company is repeatedly advertising for the same position, it might indicate high turnover or internal issues. It's a red flag that I wish I had paid more attention to in the past. When asked about why I left my previous employer, I learned that HR isn't really interested in the details. They just want to see if I can handle the question with discretion. My blunt honesty about a toxic work environment didn’t help my case, and I realized I should have approached it differently. Another hard lesson was getting too attached to a job I was interviewing for. After investing so much time in research and interviews, it was disheartening to be rejected after the final round. Now, I make sure to keep applying to other jobs, no matter how promising the current opportunity seems. Lastly, I’ve come to terms with the fact that the job market is quite challenging right now. I also learned not to jump at the first job offer, even after a long search. I accepted a position that didn’t meet my salary expectations, which taught me the importance of knowing my worth and being patient. Networking is another area where I’ve seen younger professionals struggle. The pandemic has shifted many interactions online, and I believe it’s essential to cultivate genuine business relationships. As someone who hires and manages onboarding, I can tell you that knowing someone often trumps a resume. These experiences have shaped my approach to job hunting, and I hope sharing them can help others avoid similar pitfalls.

I'm currently working as an assistant manager at a convenience store, earning $16.50 an hour with around 40 to 43 hours a week. While I have a decent routine and two days off, I've been feeling drained from covering extra shifts due to unreliable coworkers. Recently, I was offered a job at a local mechanic shop, which is in a field I actually enjoy and have experience in. The pay would increase to between $17 and $18 an hour, plus a flat rate that we haven't discussed yet. The new job also offers either part-time or full-time hours, and I already have my own tools and the necessary skills. The commute would remain the same, and I believe I'd have a more consistent schedule. I'm torn about whether to make the switch since I don't dislike my current job, but I do look forward to the work at the mechanic shop. I'm seeking advice on whether I should take the leap into a role that aligns more with my interests.

I’ve been experiencing a sudden cut in my hours at work, and it’s really unsettling. For the second week in a row, I’ve been scheduled to have four consecutive days off. I’m feeling scared and upset because I’ve invested so much into this job. I often push through nausea during my shifts because I don’t have time to eat in the mornings, and my knees are already in bad shape from the work. I know there could be various reasons for this scheduling change, and I’m aware that I should probably just ask management about it. However, they are nearly impossible to communicate with. They always say we can talk after my shift, but once I clock out, I can’t find them to discuss my concerns. Calling them is even worse; I end up waiting over an hour just to reach anyone. I’m particularly anxious because of some issues my co-workers and I have been having with a new hire, which I’ve detailed in my profile. I suspect that the reduced hours might be a way to keep me away from that situation. While I appreciate the attempt to make my work life easier, I’ve also expressed my willingness to train on the register to help with the Sunday rush, as I’ve done that at my previous job. I’m at a loss about what to do next. I’ve always tried to take advice from my dad and co-workers on how to improve, and I really can’t afford to lose this job right now.

Today, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. As a student who's been tutoring for $11 an hour, I was eager for a better opportunity. After applying to numerous jobs, I landed interviews with Starbucks, which seemed promising due to the better pay. However, after not hearing back for two weeks, I accepted a receptionist position at a gym and attended one training session there. Just when I thought Starbucks had ghosted me, they called the very next day with an offer for a job that pays more and is much closer to my home. Now, I'm torn about whether to leave the gym position after just one day. I have friends who are interested in working at the gym, and I'm considering giving the manager their contact information. I want to make the best decision for my future, but I feel guilty about leaving so soon.

I recently finished online high school and I'm feeling completely lost about my next steps. At 18, I really need to start making money, but every time I apply for jobs at places like Publix, Walmart, or fast food chains, I keep hitting dead ends. It's discouraging because I genuinely want to work, but my lack of experience seems to be a major barrier. Transportation is another huge issue for me. There's only one car in my household, which makes it difficult to get to jobs that might work for me. I've been trying to find positions that fit my situation, but it feels like everything is either not hiring, has hours that don't align with my availability, or I just get rejected. I would love to find a remote job, but I'm unsure where to look or what I could realistically do without experience. I'm introverted, so positions that require constant phone calls might not suit me. I think I would do better with tasks like typing, data entry, or organizing. I'm not expecting anyone to hand me a job, but I really need advice on where to start. If you have experience working remotely, found your first job with little to no experience, or know of legitimate job opportunities, I would greatly appreciate any guidance. I just want to start earning my own money and find a path forward.

I'm currently a college student in my final year and I'm on the hunt for a job to help cover my expenses. Unfortunately, I don't have a car, which limits my options to jobs within walking distance. I have a few years of experience in front desk and guest services, including roles in hotels, retail, and even a law office reception. I also have some admin experience during tax season and I'm certified in Microsoft Office. One of my main challenges is a previous hip injury from an accident, which means I need to avoid jobs that require standing for long periods. I'm looking for something that allows for a mix of sitting and light movement, like front desk, reception, or customer service roles. My availability is flexible right now, so scheduling won't be an issue. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate my job search with these constraints, especially regarding how to address my standing limitation without it being a red flag. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a US citizen who has spent most of my life living abroad, and I’m currently trying to relocate back to the US for work. I've been applying to various jobs, clearly stating my willingness to move immediately, but I’m starting to wonder if my applications are even being reviewed. I’ve heard that some US recruiters might discard applications from candidates living outside the country, viewing them as potential fraud. This has me feeling really anxious about my job search. I know there are many opportunities in the US for my field, but I’m concerned that my applications might not even be opened. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation. Are there any strategies I can use to improve my chances of getting noticed? Also, I’m considering reaching out to friends or family in the US to see if I could stay with them temporarily while I search for a job.

I came across a discussion about long-term unemployment and it got me reflecting on my own experience. I was laid off from my role as a project manager at a pharmaceutical company in Quebec about a year ago. Since then, I've been struggling to find a new job. It feels like I'm overqualified for entry-level positions in biotech, yet underqualified for roles that require specific technical expertise. Most project manager positions seem to ask for at least five years of experience, which is tough since I have four years but lack the technical knowledge they want. It's been a frustrating journey, and I'm starting to wonder how long this will last.

I've been actively applying for jobs lately and it's been quite a frustrating experience. I've tried using various tools like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ATS portals, along with resume optimization tools. While these resources do help to some extent, the overall process still feels incredibly messy and overwhelming. There are so many job listings out there, and each application seems to require a different approach. The ATS forms are repetitive, which adds to the frustration, and I find myself tweaking my resume for every single application. On top of that, keeping track of all my applications feels like a full-time job in itself. I spend more time managing the application process than actually applying for positions. I'm curious to know what others find most frustrating about their job search right now.

Today, I had a phone call for a cleaning job that I initially thought I could handle. I spoke with the lady on the other end and everything seemed fine, but once we hung up, I felt overwhelmed and wanted to cry. It wasn't a panic or anxiety attack, but all my negative thoughts started flooding in at once. I was supposed to send my CV in response to her text, but I felt like a coward and didn't follow through. This is the second time I've experienced this kind of shutdown after a job call. I've been avoiding other calls as well, missing out on opportunities because of this overwhelming feeling.

I have been on unemployment for about a month after being laid off from my job in Ohio. Recently, my lawyer received two checks from my former employer as part of a discrimination settlement. One check is for "Compensatory Damages" and falls under a 1099-MISC box 3, while the other is a W-2 payment that doesn't specify its purpose, just stating that I wouldn't have received it without the settlement agreement. I'm trying to figure out if I need to claim the W-2 check as income for my unemployment benefits, since it isn't clearly labeled as wages. I've received some advice that the 1099 is for punitive damages and not deductible, but I'm still unsure about the W-2. I wonder if there are any allocation dates for the W-2 payment, as that could affect how it's treated for unemployment purposes.

I'm currently navigating a tough decision regarding job offers. I'm based in the UK and have been dreaming of becoming a barista for quite some time. Unfortunately, the job market for baristas in my area is quite poor, so I broadened my search to include retail positions. I applied for a sales job, which was the first one I came across, and to my surprise, I was offered the position. However, I had also recently completed a trial shift at a cafe that I really like and am eagerly waiting to hear back about that opportunity on Monday. The sales job is not ideal for me; it involves long hours on my feet, traveling up to nine hours a day, and the pay is entirely commission-based, meaning I won’t earn anything unless I make sales. The reviews for the company on Indeed are also quite negative. I'm supposed to sign the paperwork for the sales job on Tuesday, but my heart is set on the cafe job, even though it pays less. I feel guilty about potentially having to cancel the sales job at the last minute, especially since I’ve never had a job before and this is all new to me. I'm really hoping to get good news from the cafe soon so I can make a more informed decision.

I'm currently exploring a new career path as a barista, which I've always been passionate about. My short-term goal is to work in a coffee shop because I love the atmosphere, the smell of coffee, and of course, I really enjoy both drinking and preparing it. I'm a French man and have been considering working abroad, with London being my dream city. However, I'm concerned about the visa situation for non-skilled workers and whether a barista's wage would be sufficient to live there. Brussels is my second choice since it seems more affordable and accessible due to the EU. I appreciate the international vibe there. Berlin is also on my list, but my German skills are lacking, which could be a significant hurdle. Still, I'm intrigued by the city's energy and would be willing to learn the language. Lastly, Amsterdam looks lovely, but I have no experience with the city or the language. I want to know if these cities are good for coffee culture and if I can find a job quickly. The challenge is that I have minimal experience in this field, having only worked a few months as a kitchen hand in New Zealand, where I made smoothies and milkshakes. My background is in cinema studies, and I’m unsure if I should even mention my master's degree on my CV since it feels irrelevant. I'm thinking of starting as a waiter or a versatile employee while expressing my interest in becoming a barista. Does that sound like a good plan? For my job search, I plan to prepare tailored CVs and cover letters for coffee shops in a city, dedicating a Thursday to hand them out, and possibly emailing them as well. I would love to hear your thoughts on my approach!

After facing two layoffs in less than 20 months, I finally landed the job I wanted! I was laid off in July 2024 due to a fire in my plant's furnace, and then again at the end of March this year because of restructuring at a different factory. They cut my specific shift, and I was one of ten people laid off out of 300. However, I just received the call that I've been offered a position at the company I wanted most, earning $32/hour with excellent benefits. A friend I had previously helped get a job at the company I was laid off from was instrumental in helping me secure this even better role at a different location. I wanted to share my experience because it shows that sometimes there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels like things are bleak.