Feeling

I graduated in 2021 with a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and I’m currently 25 years old. I've been trying to break into the IT sector, specifically as a Java backend developer, but I have no relevant work experience and I've hit a wall. Over the past year, I've applied to over 500 jobs and have even sought referrals and unpaid internships, but I’ve received almost no interview calls. Most of the time, I suspect my graduation year and career gap are causing my resume to be filtered out before it even gets seen. I considered pursuing further studies like CAT or GATE, but that would mean starting from scratch and by the time I finish, I'd be around 28, which doesn’t feel right for me. Right now, I’m weighing my options: 1. Give IT one last shot for the next couple of months and hope for the best. 2. Take a non-IT job in a BPO just to start earning and get some experience while I figure things out. 3. Return to my ECE roots and explore roles in networking, telecom, or embedded systems, even if it means starting with a low salary and upskilling on the job, possibly pursuing an M.Tech later. 4. I’ve been pressured by my coaching institute to consider faking experience for contract IT jobs, which many of my peers have done. I’m conflicted about this approach due to the risks involved. I see some of my friends from ECE thriving in fields like VLSI and semiconductors after pursuing their M.Tech, which makes me wonder if I should go back to core ECE. However, I’ve never really enjoyed most ECE subjects except for networking and communication. I’m looking for honest advice on what steps to take next.

I had an interview with McDonald's on a Sunday and was told I would hear back by Tuesday or Wednesday. When I didn't receive any updates, I called them on Friday. They informed me that the interviewer was off and suggested I call back on Sunday. I did, and they promised I would hear from them by Monday at the latest. Now, it's Thursday, and I'm still waiting for a response, which is frustrating. I'm considering my next steps and whether I should keep following up or move on to other job applications.

I recently faced a significant career shift after being laid off from my analytics role where I had spent nearly 10 years. Initially, the experience was overwhelming and stressful; I started applying for jobs immediately, but soon found that many companies were not willing to meet my current salary of ₹38 LPA. I realized that the job market has evolved, and employers are now looking for candidates with a broader skill set that includes AI, GenAI, Python, and machine learning, in addition to traditional analytics expertise. I had a few close calls with potential opportunities, even considering a pay cut to ₹34–35 LPA, but those offers never materialized. Just when I thought I was on my own, my current employer reached out and offered me a chance to withdraw my resignation and keep my job, albeit without the severance package I would have received otherwise. After some reflection, I decided to accept their offer, prioritizing job stability over a severance payout. This experience has taught me that I need to upskill significantly to remain competitive in the evolving job market. I'm now contemplating focusing on AI and GenAI skills while staying in my current role. I'm curious if others have faced similar decisions: would you have taken the severance and continued the job search, or would you have opted for job security while upskilling for future opportunities?

I recently found myself in a tough situation after working for a struggling company in Virginia for over six years. The last year has been particularly challenging, and I haven't received a full paycheck since the one covering March 23 to April 5, which was only paid out on June 30. My employer has been giving me some money off the books, but it averages out to about $3 an hour, which is not sustainable. I'm considering quitting my job, but I'm unsure if I would be eligible for unemployment benefits if I do. I have screenshots of my pay history from the Quickbooks app we use, which I believe could help my case. I don't want to hurt the company, but I really need a steady income while I figure out my next steps. Any advice on how to proceed?

I recently lost my job as a C++ system developer and Scrum Master at Ericsson after more than five years of service. The company announced layoffs affecting around 1,600 employees, and I was one of the unfortunate ones. Since then, I've been on the job hunt, but it's been a much tougher journey than I anticipated. The most challenging aspect isn't just the rejections; it's the sheer lack of job opportunities available. I check job listings daily, hoping to find something relevant, but most days, there's nothing that fits my skill set. It feels like my career is on hold, and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to move forward because there are simply no roles to pursue. I've reached out to several consulting firms, and while they appreciate my profile, they often tell me they can't hire me due to a lack of available assignments. It’s disheartening to see others with more experience getting hired while I struggle to even get a foot in the door. It makes me feel like companies prioritize years of experience over actual skills and capabilities. I dedicated years to my education and built a solid career, believing that hard work and continuous learning would lead to a stable future. Now, I'm left questioning if this industry is the right fit for me. I love coding, but after months of a stagnant job market, I'm starting to doubt my place in it. The uncertainty is overwhelming. I worry about finances, my future, and how long I can sustain this if things don't change. It’s painful to feel like my life is on pause, especially when I had hopes of starting to date and maybe building a family one day. Those dreams seem more distant now, and it’s hard to plan a future when I don’t even know if I’ll have a job. I never thought I would feel this lost after all the effort I put into my education and career. I feel like I did everything right, yet here I am. I just needed a space to express my feelings. Thank you for listening.

I was laid off from my job right after getting married in December 2022, which was a tough time for me. However, I started my new position in January 2023, and I've been navigating the ups and downs of the economy ever since. Recently, during our quarterly meeting, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my company is doing quite well despite the current economic instability. It’s been a rollercoaster with some months being incredibly slow and others being extremely busy, but I’m grateful to be in a stable place now. After experiencing a layoff due to a selfish CEO, I tend to stay on guard, but it’s reassuring to see our company thriving right now.

I've been on the job hunt lately and I've noticed some interesting trends in the application process. First off, I've seen that the email confirmations I receive after applying no longer reassure me that the company will update me regardless of whether I'm accepted or not. Now, they only mention that they will inform me if my application is declined. It’s kind of funny, considering we already knew that many recruiters aren't actually reading resumes. It just feels like a more blatant acknowledgment of the situation. Additionally, I've noticed an increased emphasis on identifying as Hispanic/Latino in the application forms. Given the current climate, I can't say I'm surprised, but it feels a bit unsettling. It seems like these demographic questions about race, gender, and sexuality might be used against applicants instead of promoting equal opportunity. It's a strange time to be job searching.

I recently transitioned from a global marketing agency to a smaller agency in an in-house marketing role, and I’m finding it quite challenging. The lack of defined processes has been tough to adapt to, especially since I report directly to the CEO, who is currently focused on rebranding and restructuring the business. I’ve noticed a lot of resistance from the existing team, and I feel like I’ve inadvertently become part of that tension. People keep telling me to be patient, but the uncertainty and chaos are really affecting my confidence. I didn’t leave my previous agency by choice; we were all made redundant, so this move came during an already difficult transition. I’m based in the UAE and would love to hear from anyone who has made a similar shift from a structured environment to a smaller company or startup. How did you handle the chaos? How long did it take for things to feel normal? And how did you maintain your confidence during the adjustment?

I’ve been facing a frustrating situation with my LinkedIn account. Recently, it got temporarily restricted, and to regain access, I need to verify my identity using a government-issued ID. I tried to do this, but the identity verification provider, Persona, is stuck in a deadlock with Russian users like me. They simply won’t verify IDs from my country, which leaves me in a bind. LinkedIn keeps telling me to verify my identity, but Persona won’t allow me to do so because they don’t recognize Russian documents. This has created a vicious cycle: LinkedIn won’t unlock my account without verification, and Persona won’t verify my ID. I’ve reached out to support, but all I get are generic responses that don’t help resolve the issue. I’ve invested years into building my professional profile on LinkedIn—connections, recommendations, projects, and job applications—only to be locked out due to an impossible verification process. I’ve seen others online experiencing the same issue, and it seems like there’s no clear path to recovery. I’m not looking for special treatment, just a workable solution. If LinkedIn requires identity verification, there should be a way for users like me to complete it realistically. It’s incredibly frustrating to be told to verify my identity when the system itself won’t let me do it. I’m hoping to hear from anyone else who has faced this issue and whether they found a way to recover their accounts.

I graduated in 2025 and I'm currently struggling to find a job or internship in Hyderabad. It's been really tough, and I'm feeling quite desperate for any opportunities that might be available. I have been actively searching but haven't had any luck so far. I would appreciate any recommendations or advice on how to improve my chances. I did have a brief stint in a role, but it only lasted a month, which I know raises questions about my experience. I'm eager to prove my skills and dedication as an aerospace engineer, where I have trained in building, maintaining, and inspecting aircraft and rockets. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

After six months of searching, I finally received and accepted a job offer! I've been on the hunt since February, submitting around 300 applications. I went through four rounds of interviews for a fully remote position, with the final interview being with the VP on July 29. I didn't get any updates on the timeline, so I reached out to the recruiter on August 4. The next day, I was thrilled to hear that the team wanted to extend an offer to me. I'm really excited about this new opportunity, especially because of the amazing benefits they offer. They have an open PTO policy, and the average employee takes about 25 days off each year. On top of that, there are 14 paid public holidays, 4 floating holidays, and I get one Friday off every month dedicated to mental health wellness. That adds up to a total of 55 days of paid time off per year! Plus, they cover the full cost of employee health insurance and provide a $200 monthly stipend for work-from-home expenses.

I’ve been applying for jobs in the FMLA and leave of absence field for the past five years, and I’m feeling really frustrated. I meet the qualifications for several positions, even applying directly on company websites, but I hardly hear back. I did get one callback after a pre-interview where they told me I was perfectly qualified, but nothing came of it. I’m starting to wonder if I’m being seen as overqualified. It seems like the job market is incredibly competitive right now. I’ve heard from others that even if you’re qualified, there are so many applicants with even more experience and education. I feel like my resume might not be making it past the initial filters, especially with AI screening. I’m considering getting a professional to review it and maybe reaching out to hiring managers directly. It’s disheartening to think that I’m just one qualified candidate among thousands, and the wage suppression isn’t helping either. I just want to find a role where my skills are valued.

I’ve been on the job hunt for a while now, and I’m feeling incredibly frustrated with my niche experience. It’s 2026, and while I know many are struggling with submitting countless applications only to face ghosting or generic rejections, I wish that was my main issue. I’ve found myself in a very specialized area where there are hardly any job openings. The few positions available are in an adjacent field where my skills could easily transfer, but the competition is fierce. Everyone else in that area is also looking for work, and they have direct experience, which makes it nearly impossible for me to stand out. I’ve spent days searching and only found a couple of jobs where I meet over 50% of the required qualifications. The catch is that the experience needed often requires being in a job to gain it, which I can’t do on my own. I’ve tried to broaden my search criteria, looking at different pay grades, locations, and even other fields where my skills might be applicable, but I keep running into the same wall. There are so many candidates with the exact experience that I just don’t measure up. This post is more of a rant than anything else. I still believe I can find work, and I’m planning to side hustle in the meantime, but I know it’s going to take a lot more effort in tailoring my CV, choosing my words carefully, and relying on luck compared to the average candidate. It’s a really disheartening feeling.

I received a message from a recruiter named Kimberly Argentieri, who claims to be the Founder & Co-Owner of AKA Search Group. She reached out to me via LinkedIn regarding a Senior QA Lead position in Canada, offering a salary range of $120K–$170K CAD, which is remote with occasional travel to Toronto. I found it unusual because I never applied to this company. What raised my suspicions is that she contacted me from a Gmail address instead of her official company email. When I asked her to communicate through her official @akasearchgroup.com email, she dodged the question and mentioned that the search is confidential. Now, she's requesting my resume and some screening information. To verify her legitimacy, I reached out to the company directly, but I haven't received any response yet. I'm really unsure about this situation and would appreciate any insights from others who might have dealt with AKA Search Group or Kimberly Argentieri. Are there any red flags I should be cautious of?

I recently applied for a mechanic position at Carvana's mega center in Houston, specifically for the brake and tire technician role. I was really excited when I got an interview invite, but the whole hiring process turned out to be a nightmare. It started with an AI-driven phone screen, which I thought was fine at first. However, when I tried to set up a date and time for the interview through another AI link, it didn't work at all. I decided to take matters into my own hands and began researching the process. I made numerous calls to the recruiting hotline, but all I got were disconnected numbers and no real help. I even reached out via chat, only to be sent into a loop of unresponsive emails and dead-end phone numbers. To make matters worse, when I called the Houston location directly, the HR representative had no idea about the hiring process or who I should talk to. It was incredibly frustrating. What I thought was my dream job quickly turned into a nightmare. It feels like the company values AI over human interaction, which is really disappointing.

I recently found myself navigating the Florida unemployment appeals process after my claim was denied. It was a frustrating experience, and I wanted to share some advice for anyone else going through this. First, make sure to gather all necessary documentation, including your work history and any correspondence from the unemployment office. I found it helpful to write a clear and concise appeal letter outlining why I believe my claim should be approved. Additionally, I reached out to local resources and support groups for guidance, which provided valuable insights. If you're in a similar situation, don't hesitate to seek help and stay persistent.

I am a 41-year-old man with a degree in communications and a minor in computer science from UC Davis. I also hold a Google Data Analytics certificate. Unfortunately, I'm currently living in a minivan due to my financial situation, which has become increasingly dire. I have health issues, including multiple broken bones in my feet, making manual labor impossible for me. I've been actively searching for a job, applying to over 3,000 positions and attending various networking events, even shaking hands with influential figures and handing them my resume. Despite my efforts, including conversations with high-profile individuals, I feel stuck. A CEO I met told me he was replacing American workers with cheaper foreign labor, and I was offered a wage lower than what someone makes at McDonald's. I've done everything I can think of to improve my circumstances, yet I still can't find stable employment. I grew up in affluent areas and have connections to influential people, but that hasn't translated into job opportunities for me. I feel like there is a systemic issue at play that keeps people like me from escaping poverty. With my current situation, I am desperate for advice on how to find a sustainable position before my circumstances worsen. I need to find a way out quickly, as I fear what the future holds if I remain in this position.

I was laid off in March from my role as a product manager for banking applications. It was an especially tough time as I had just returned from my father's funeral when management informed me of the layoff due to budget cuts. I've been working in this field for many years, and while my wife and I are managing financially, I’m actually enjoying the break to recover from my grief and take some time for myself. However, my family is making this situation more difficult. I confided in my mother about my job loss, and at first, she was understanding. But recently, she has become overly anxious about my job situation, even after I reassured her that I have enough savings to last for over a year. She ended up telling my elder brother, who has been calling me non-stop asking if I've found a new job yet. This has added a lot of pressure on me, especially since my brother has a tendency to compare our financial situations in a way that feels condescending. Things escalated when my mother's blood pressure spiked, and my brother blamed my job situation for it. This has left me feeling frustrated and disappointed, especially since I had asked my mother to keep my situation private. I’m starting to resent sharing my personal struggles with her, especially since my brother seems to use it against me. I’m at a loss for how to handle this moving forward. I would appreciate any advice on setting boundaries with my family and managing their expectations while I navigate this challenging time.

I'm currently in a frustrating situation at my job where my salary has been reduced by 30%, and my work hours have increased significantly. I'm working remotely in a village, which adds to the stress. Recently, I've been called for an interview in my hometown, where I believe I have a strong chance of getting the job. I submitted my resignation letter two days ago, with my last working day set for August 21. However, a senior colleague is refusing to grant me a 3-day leave to attend the interview because he has prior commitments. This has been incredibly frustrating, especially since I've explained my situation to him. I'm considering just leaving for the interview regardless of his decision, but I'm concerned about the legal implications of leaving without formal approval. It feels unfair to be held back during my final days at this job.

I recently had an interview for a new job with the HR department of a company and was also shortlisted for another position with the hiring manager. During our communication, the manager asked when I was available for an interview and requested that I create a Teams meeting for it. This struck me as unusual since I've never been asked to set up a meeting for a job interview before; it's typically the employer's responsibility. I'm starting to feel uneasy about the work culture at this company. Am I overreacting to consider rejecting this opportunity based on that request?