Feeling

I’ve been grappling with the reality that my dreams of having kids may never come to fruition because of the current economic climate. After experiencing three layoffs in a short span, I’ve faced significant mental health challenges, which have led me to reevaluate my life choices. I was once hopeful about adopting if my career took a positive turn, but now I feel financially unprepared and emotionally drained. Finding a partner who shares my vision for the future feels nearly impossible in today’s job and dating markets. I’ve had to mourn the idea of not being able to support a child, both financially and emotionally, while also caring for my aging parents and worrying about their potential medical expenses. It’s disheartening to think that my bloodline might end with me, especially when I know there are many millennial women like me who desire to have children but are held back by economic instability. It’s a tough reality to face.

I'm approaching my one-year mark at my current job, and I've been feeling a mix of regret and gratitude since I started. I often think about the internship opportunity I passed up in Chicago, and while I'm thankful for the job, the burnout is real. I've been working non-stop since my freshman year of college and I'm just exhausted. The pay is decent for an entry-level position, and I appreciate being able to save money, but I really dislike my role and, honestly, I'm not very good at it either—my boss has pointed that out too. I initially planned to quit when I hit the one-year mark, but hearing about the tough job market has made me second-guess that decision. I know I sound privileged for even considering not working, but I have some savings that could last me about six months if things get tight. During what I call my 'unemployment era,' I want to explore life, possibly pick up a part-time gig, and try new things. On top of that, my company is going through a transition after being acquired by a global firm. We're moving to a bigger office soon, which sounds exciting, but my workload will remain the same, and I still don't enjoy what I'm doing. I'm torn between wanting to make a change for better work-life balance and the fear of the job market. I’d love to hear thoughts on my situation and what I should consider before making a decision.

I've been unemployed for a while now, and it's really taking a toll on my relationship. It feels like there's this unspoken expectation that I should always be busy, whether it's applying for jobs or networking. If I spend too much time on job applications, it seems to create tension because it looks like I'm not doing enough. It's frustrating trying to balance my job search with maintaining a healthy relationship, and I can see how it could lead to issues. I even saw someone mention getting dumped after a couple of months of unemployment, which honestly makes me worried about my own situation.

I recently got laid off from my role in tech support, and it's been a tough journey navigating the job market. I had initially enrolled in a coding bootcamp during a time when ChatGPT was just gaining traction. Back then, we were told there was a massive demand for tech talent, especially in cybersecurity, and that these bootcamps were the way to go. However, after my layoff, I've been reflecting on the promises made by those who promoted these bootcamps. It feels like they sold us a dream that hasn't materialized. Employers seem to be shirking their responsibility to hire people like us who invested time and money into training. It's frustrating to see so many of us struggling while companies continue to outsource and lay off staff. I can't help but wonder where those advocates of coding bootcamps are now. They made it sound so easy to break into tech, but the reality is much harsher. I just want to have a conversation with them about the current state of the job market and the expectations placed on workers.

I've been job hunting for the past 10 months with no success, and I'm starting to feel really discouraged. It seems like there aren't many opportunities in my field, and I'm seriously considering making a career change if things don't improve soon. I'm curious about what positions are actually being filled right now. I want to know what jobs people have been hired for in the last few months and what companies are actively looking for candidates instead of just cycling through applications and interviews without making any offers. If anyone has insights into where hiring managers are actually finding real candidates, I would really appreciate it.

I had an interview today for a position I was really excited about, but I made a rookie mistake and forgot to bring a paper copy of my resume. To make matters worse, it seems the hiring manager didn't have my resume on hand either, as he didn't receive it beforehand. Now I'm considering whether it would be a good idea to print a copy and bring it back to him. I'm worried it might come off as desperate or remind him of my blunder. I really want to make a good impression, but I also don’t want to seem like I’m overstepping by showing up again. I’m leaning towards just sending a follow-up email with my resume attached instead.

I recently went through a final round panel case study for a position I was really excited about. After the presentation, I received a positive email from the recruiter thanking me for my effort and mentioning that the panel was impressed. They said I would hear back by late Monday or Tuesday morning with an update. However, it's now well past Tuesday, and I haven't received any communication from them. I'm starting to feel like this might indicate they're not interested, but it's just so strange to be left hanging like this. Is this the new norm in job searches? I'm unsure how to proceed or if I should reach out for an update.

Today, I learned that Google is cutting 52 employees in Washington state. It's concerning to see such layoffs happening, especially since it seems like there have been a lot of re-organizations lately. I can't help but wonder what is going on in Washington that is leading to so many job cuts. It feels like the job market is getting tougher, and I hope those affected find new opportunities soon.

I recently applied for unemployment benefits in New Jersey on August 2nd, but I'm feeling uncertain about my eligibility. The next day, they requested more information, and now it says, "You may not qualify to receive payments for your August 2, 2026 application." It lists various reasons why this could be the case. I suspect my lack of income this year, due to being out on workers' comp, is a factor. Last year, I earned $24,000, and the year before that, $23,000, both because I was recovering from surgery. My regular income was around $70,000 when I was working full-time. I’ve been advised to give it some time and not to worry too much about eligibility just yet, as my First Reporting Date is August 19th and I can't certify for benefits until then. I'm just trying to stay hopeful and patient as I wait for their review.

I was all set to start a new job in just three days, which would triple my income with base salary and bonuses. But then, I got an interview for another position that doesn’t require me to relocate. This new job pays less but seems like a better long-term fit for my career. The catch is that I’ll only hear back about the interview on Wednesday, and I’m starting the new job on Monday. I’m feeling really overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do. Should I just go ahead and start the new job, or wait to see if I get the other offer? I feel like I’m spiraling a bit trying to make this decision.

Today, I officially quit my retail job. I had already submitted my two weeks' notice a week ago, but during a conversation with one of my managers, I ended up being too honest about my dissatisfaction with the role. After what felt like an argument, my manager suggested I go home and we could discuss it further tomorrow. I took that as my cue and told him that if I was sent home, I wouldn’t be coming back. Now, I’m feeling a mix of relief and stress. My mom is worried that I made a huge mistake and that it was unprofessional of me to handle it this way. I wasn’t planning to quit today, but now that I have, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Plus, I have another job lined up, so I’m trying to focus on that. Did I do the wrong thing?

I recently found myself frustrated with the shift in my company's work policy. My role has transitioned from a hybrid model to a mandatory in-office setup, which has been challenging, especially on slower days when my tasks mainly involve answering emails and attending calls. These activities could easily be done from home, and I often find myself just waiting around, being 'on call' in the office. To cope, my team has been working in small audio privacy rooms, which I actually enjoy, as I tend to do my best work alone. However, now management wants us to work in a large open space to promote visible collaboration with other departments. This change has really upset me. It feels like I have to constantly pretend to be busy and I can't engage in any side projects on my computer because anyone could walk by and see what I'm doing. I pride myself on being highly productive and consistently exceed my targets, but this new setup seems to force everyone into a single working style that doesn’t suit my personal workflow. It’s making me seriously consider exploring other job opportunities where I can maintain my work autonomy.

I currently work for a company that has a toxic culture filled with harassment, nepotism, cronyism, favoritism, and poor management. I moved to a new state and took this job as it was the first opportunity that allowed me to transition. Initially, it seemed like a decent role, but over time, I realized how dysfunctional the environment was. During my training, I was paired with an older coworker who quickly turned from a mentor to a source of harassment. After a couple of weeks, he began gossiping about other employees and making my work life miserable. I tried to distance myself, but he only escalated his behavior, making my days increasingly difficult. Despite this, I decided to work harder than anyone else, putting in the equivalent of four people's worth of effort and taking on 60 hours a week. Unfortunately, this only fueled his harassment further. I attempted to apply for a higher position, feeling qualified with the right education and experience. However, when management found out I applied and didn't get the job, they expressed their relief in a way that felt hostile. It became clear that they preferred to hire based on friendships rather than qualifications. After five months of being punctual and dedicated, I've noticed that most of my coworkers are consistently late and fail to perform their duties properly. It's shocking how this company is still operational, given the blatant issues it faces. They even have a policy against having phones at work, which adds to the oppressive atmosphere. I've been actively applying for other jobs because this experience has been nothing short of a nightmare.

I’ve been on the job hunt lately and I’m feeling a bit lost when it comes to getting referrals. Everyone keeps saying that referrals are the best way to land interviews, but the problem is, I don’t know anyone at the companies I’m interested in. I've submitted several applications, but it feels like they just vanish into a black hole. I’m really curious about what strategies others are using to overcome this hurdle. It seems like if you don’t have connections, you’re at a significant disadvantage. I’d love to hear any tips or experiences that might help me navigate this situation.

I received a verbal job offer yesterday for a position that comes with a salary of $75K. The job description mentioned a compensation range of $70-80K, so I feel there’s some room for negotiation. The Hiring Manager has encouraged me to submit my requested compensation via email, and I’m considering asking for $78K since I hold a master’s degree and meet most of the qualifications they outlined. However, I’m feeling a bit anxious about this, especially given the current job market. I really like the benefits they offer and have been impressed with their professionalism throughout the process. I’m weighing the risks of potentially losing the offer against the benefit of negotiating for a slightly higher salary. Some advice I’ve received suggests that asking for just $3K more might not be worth the risk of losing the opportunity, especially if there are other candidates in the running. I’m also reminded that sometimes a lower salary with great benefits can be more valuable than a higher salary with poor benefits. I’m still contemplating my next steps and trying to gauge how much I really need this job.

I’m excited to share that after a challenging 15-month job hunt, I finally landed a job this week! It's a 12-month contract position, which comes with a decrease in pay, security, and responsibility compared to what I was hoping for, but I’m grateful to be working in my field again. This job search was particularly unique for me as I recently switched countries and this is only my second corporate role after being a high school teacher and a small business owner. Throughout my search since 2023, I applied to about 150 jobs, which was a bit tricky since I was also managing a move and taking care of my two small kids. I noticed a pattern in my job applications: every time I was asked to complete a business case and give a presentation, I received an offer. I had one offer in 2023 that was rescinded because I misinterpreted their expectations, but I accepted another offer in 2024 and just got this latest one last week. I realized that recruiters rarely ask for business cases, and often I get filtered out before I even reach that stage. Over the past three years, I’ve revamped my resume from scratch about ten times, and this year I created a strong project portfolio using Gamma. Additionally, I was fortunate to get some free career advice in Montreal, which helped me simplify my resume and tailor it for each job application, rather than just the cover letter. I think these adjustments made a significant difference. Interestingly, I had four recruiters reach out to me via LinkedIn InMail in the same week, which is unusual since I typically only hear from one a year. One of those recruiters was for the job I accepted. Although I was initially expecting a salaried role, I’m just relieved to have secured something in my field after such a long search.

I’m excited to share that after a challenging 15-month job hunt, I finally landed a job this week! While it comes with a decrease in pay, security, and responsibility, I’m grateful to be back in my field. This job search was particularly complex as it followed my move to a new country and was my second corporate position after transitioning from being a high school teacher and a small business owner. During this time, I applied to around 150 positions, balancing my search with settling in and taking care of my two small kids. I noticed a pattern in my applications: every time I was asked to complete a business case and give a presentation (which happened three times), I received an offer. I had one offer rescinded in 2023 due to a misunderstanding about my business closure expectations, but I accepted another in 2024, and just last week, I received this new offer. I’ve spent the last three years completely overhauling my resume multiple times, and this year I created a project portfolio using Gamma, which I believe helped me stand out. I also took advantage of free career advising in Montreal, which was invaluable. The advisor helped me simplify my resume and encouraged me to customize it for each job application, not just the cover letter. It seems those changes made a significant difference. Interestingly, I had four recruiters reach out to me on LinkedIn in the same week, which is quite unusual for me. One of them was for the job I accepted. I initially expected a salaried role, but I’m just happy to have found something. Here’s to new beginnings!

I’m currently feeling extremely frustrated and exhausted in my role as a sales coordinator at two hotels owned by the same company. I started this job in December 2025 after leaving a previous position I loved due to a toxic boss. Initially, this new job seemed perfect for my career growth, but that quickly changed about three months in. Now, eight months later, I feel stuck and disillusioned. The company is poorly managed, and the leadership at our properties is unpleasant, which creates a stressful environment. I was promised a path to becoming a sales manager within six months, but that hasn’t even been mentioned since I started. Honestly, I’ve lost interest in that goal because of how bad things have become. I like my direct report, but the stress is palpable, and I’m overwhelmed with tasks. I’m constantly receiving reminder emails about minor tasks that I can’t get to because I’m too busy with everything else. I feel like I have no way to advocate for myself or relieve this pressure. To cope, I’ve started applying to at least three new jobs each day, even considering roles outside my current field. I’m beginning to ignore the reminder emails about tasks that don’t really matter and focusing on the bigger picture. If I get fired, I’m okay with it; I’d rather collect unemployment while I search for a new opportunity than continue in this toxic environment.

I’ve been job hunting for about six months now, and it’s been incredibly frustrating. I have 8 years of experience in my field, which is well above the 3 years required for many positions I’ve applied for. Despite this, I keep receiving automated emails saying I wasn’t selected for roles, only to see those same job postings remain active for weeks. It’s disheartening to see companies continue to source candidates while I feel completely overlooked. I’ve tried everything: resume coaching, interview coaching, tailoring my resume for each position, and even writing personalized cover letters. Yet, nothing seems to work. It feels like the job market is rigged, and if you don’t have an inside connection, your chances are slim. Five years ago, I could find a job within two weeks, but now I’m struggling to even get a response. I don’t understand how the news can claim the job market is thriving when my experience suggests otherwise. It’s starting to take a toll on my mental health, and I feel lost in this process.

I recently received a job offer for a position that I am really excited about, but I'm feeling anxious about an issue that has come up regarding my background check. The company reached out to me based on an older version of my resume that I submitted a few months ago, which accurately listed my last employer but did not include a short-term job I took after that. I worked at this short-term job for just over two months before resigning, and I didn't include it on my resume because I was worried it could hurt my chances during the interview process. Now that I'm waiting for the background check paperwork, I'm unsure how to handle the situation. I didn't mention the short-term job during my interviews, and I'm concerned that it might come up during the background check, especially since it does appear on my TWN report. I'm debating whether I should reach out to the recruiter to ask what kind of background check they will be conducting or if I should just wait and see what happens. I'm worried that not disclosing this job could jeopardize my offer, but at the same time, it was such a brief position. I really want this job, and I'm hoping for some advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation.