Feeling

As a final-year Computer Science Engineering student graduating in 2027, I’m currently on the hunt for a software engineering role, specifically through off-campus applications in India. So far, I’ve applied to over 200 companies and completed more than 70 placement tests, but unfortunately, I haven’t landed any offers yet. I’m actively working on enhancing my skills and projects, but I’m eager to refine my approach rather than just applying indiscriminately. My tech stack includes languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, along with backend frameworks such as Spring Boot and REST APIs. I’m familiar with databases like MySQL and SQL, and I utilize tools like Docker, AWS, Linux, and Git/GitHub. Additionally, I have experience with AI/LLM APIs, the Gemini API, and workflow automation using n8n. I’ve worked on several projects, including a Spring Boot smart canteen and food ordering system, a Python-based AI job-tracking and automation system, and a placement management system. My primary focus is on backend and software engineering roles, but I’m open to other entry-level technical positions and willing to learn new technologies as needed. I would greatly appreciate any advice from experienced Software Development Engineers or anyone who has successfully secured off-campus jobs. What strategies helped you get your first opportunity, and what areas should I focus on improving? If anyone is open to reviewing my resume or GitHub profile, or if you know of any relevant openings or can refer me for a suitable role, I would be extremely grateful. I welcome honest feedback and constructive criticism as well. Thank you!

I recently attended a hiring event for a bookstore position that involved stocking and customer service. The interview went well, and I received a business card from the interviewer along with their email address. I've been pondering whether I should send a thank you email after the interview. I read various opinions online, and while some say it’s a good idea to express gratitude and reiterate my interest in the position, I'm unsure if it's necessary in this case. I want to make a good impression, but I’m also considering whether it might be more effective to ask additional questions about the job instead. I’d love to hear thoughts on whether sending a thank you email is beneficial or just a formality.

I recently started a new full-time job after years of unstable work, and it's been emotionally challenging. I was really excited to receive the offer, thinking my life was finally on the upswing. However, I transitioned into a technical field that is completely unfamiliar to me, coming from a humanities background with limited relevant experience. Now that I'm in the early stages of this role, I find myself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I've always been a confident person and a fast learner, but this situation is different. I haven't received much structured guidance, and I'm often left to figure things out on my own, which is tough when I don't even know where to start. My coworkers seem to be progressing much faster, and while I don't think they are necessarily smarter, they certainly have more experience in this field. Some of my colleagues have been kind and patient, for which I'm grateful, but I still feel like I'm lagging behind. It's confusing because I've never struggled like this before, and I worry about asking too many questions and becoming a burden. I hate the thought of frustrating others or holding them back. Socially, I haven't found my place yet. Many coworkers seem to have their own groups and support systems, while I'm still trying to fit in. No one has been unkind, but I often feel lonely. Adding to my anxiety are the upcoming evaluations and expectations that I don't feel prepared for. The uncertainty is daunting, especially since this job represents a chance for stability after years of financial insecurity. I was so hopeful when I got this opportunity, but now I'm terrified that I might not be good enough to keep it. I know it's early in my journey, but I've never faced such a setback before. I'm struggling to determine if I'm just inexperienced or genuinely not suited for this work. I've been feeling anxious, discouraged, and lonely lately, which is hard for someone who has always prided themselves on being independent and confident. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced something similar when switching careers. Have you ever gone from being a fast learner to feeling completely lost in a new field? Did things eventually improve? I'm not necessarily looking for career advice, but I could really use some encouragement or just someone to talk to.

I'm a 26-year-old with nearly 27 years of life experience and over 8 years of procurement experience gained while working overseas. Currently, I'm facing challenges finding a job in the UK. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has advice or tips that could help me navigate the job market here.

I'm currently facing a challenging situation at my job as a Senior Customer Success Manager at a SaaS company that is struggling to achieve hyper-growth. During my recent one-on-one with my manager, they hinted that senior leadership is considering placing me on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Although a final decision hasn't been made yet, it feels like it's only a matter of time. The new sales team has been blaming various roles, including mine, for their poor sales results, which seems to be influencing the leadership's perspective. I work in the Southern European market and live between Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain, but the company is headquartered in the US. My manager has assured me that they will advocate for me, but I need to demonstrate that the claims made by the sales team are unfounded. The mere mention of a PIP has me worried that the decision might already be leaning towards that direction. This is my first experience with something like this, and I’m in my early 40s, so it’s quite daunting. I’m concerned about the possibility of being fired and expect that any severance package offered would be minimal. I plan to negotiate for what I believe is fair, and I’m seeking advice on how to approach this. My contract includes stock options, and I’ve also been dealing with work-related stress that has affected my personal life, for which I’ve been seeing a therapist. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions on how to navigate this situation.

I recently found myself in a tough spot after leaving my job at a local tech company in late July for a new opportunity that promised a bit more pay and a shorter commute. I was really close with my coworkers at my previous job, and the work environment was laid back, but I felt compelled to make the switch. However, after just two weeks at the new job, I realized it was a terrible fit and decided to quit. Now, I’m struggling to find something new and am considering asking my old employer if I can come back. They still have my position listed on job boards, so I’m wondering if I should just reapply or reach out directly. I know I need to swallow my pride, but I’m unsure how to approach this situation since I didn’t get a response from my old manager when I informed them I wouldn’t be returning. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did it go for you?

I quit my job today. I felt overwhelmed and realized I just didn't have what it takes to keep up with my coworkers. I kept making mistakes and ultimately decided it was best for me to step away. When I got home to share the news with my father, he surprisingly already knew I had quit, even though he was asleep. It made me wonder if he didn't believe in me or something.

I completed two rounds of interviews for a remote research intern role at a small startup with less than 50 employees. It's been over a month since my last interview, and I haven't heard back from the recruiter. After waiting 15 days post-interview, I sent a follow-up email to the person who scheduled my interviews. They replied, saying they would check on my application status, but it's been a week since then, and I still haven't received any updates. As a senior year student, I'm actively applying for jobs, and just getting shortlisted feels like a big deal in this tough job market. The uncertainty is really stressful, especially since I saw a LinkedIn post about someone being selected for the same role just a few hours ago. I'm considering whether to reach out again or just move on. Any advice?

I recently had a conversation with a recruiter regarding a potential role at a medical spa that may become available soon. The recruiter expressed genuine interest in my background and mentioned that they are looking for someone to start between early to late December. She is currently discussing details with HR and plans to follow up with me next week. The position offers a pay range of $45 to $50 per hour, plus bonuses, which I indicated I would be comfortable with depending on the benefits package. I have a few questions on my mind: 1. Should I inform her about any other interviews I have, even if I haven't received an offer yet? 2. If I receive an offer in the range of $45 to $46, what strategies can I use to negotiate closer to the $50 mark? 3. Is there a possibility for them to expedite the hiring process, and how can I express my interest without coming off as pushy? I appreciate any advice on navigating this situation.

I recently received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) just 1.5 months into my role as a graphic designer and photo editor at a small company. I was completely blindsided by this news and have been feeling overwhelmed and emotional since the meeting. The reasons cited for the PIP were vague, including poor time management, failure to adhere to brand guidelines, and communication issues. I didn’t realize how serious a PIP could be until I started researching it after my meeting, and it left me feeling embarrassed and scared about my job security. I signed the PIP agreement without fully understanding what I was doing, and now I’m questioning my abilities and whether I’m a bad fit for this role. I’ve been trying to gather feedback from my supervisors, but it’s been mostly positive, which adds to my confusion. Before this job, I was laid off from another graphic design position due to financial issues within the company, and I really don’t want to face unemployment again. I’m feeling a mix of imposter syndrome and fear about what my family and friends would think if I were to get fired. I’m exhausted from the emotional toll this has taken on me, and I’m unsure of what steps to take next.

I recently received a job offer that has me torn. I currently work in a construction-related role, earning about $110K a year, with a fantastic work-life balance of only 20-30 hours a week. I live in a very high cost of living area, where I have a strong social network and plenty of time to enjoy my hobbies. I’m in my early 30s, single, and have saved around $350K for retirement without owning property or having kids. The new offer is quite tempting, as it comes with a salary of $240K a year and a company truck, but it requires me to relocate to a remote area and work 50-60 hours a week. They mentioned that I could take two months off each year, but I wouldn’t be paid during that time. I shared this news with my friends, and they seemed sad about my potential move. I wasn’t actively looking for a new job; a friend reached out to me because there’s a huge demand for my skills right now. I’m grappling with whether to take this offer, as it would mean sacrificing my current lifestyle, which I genuinely love, for a significant pay increase but at the cost of my free time and social life. What would you do in my situation?

I was contacted by a recruiter from Charlie Health regarding a remote inside sales position. Initially, I thought it might be a scam and ignored the message. However, the recruiter followed up, prompting me to schedule a meeting for today. After doing some research, I confirmed that the company is legitimate, but I realized that the inside sales role didn't seem like a good fit for me. I couldn't find any information about the specific position, which raised some red flags. Ultimately, I decided to cancel the meeting because I had a bad feeling about it. I'm curious if anyone else has interviewed for this role, as the pay seemed decent and they weren't asking for extensive sales experience.

I got laid off on 10/15 after spending 7 years at my company. The day before, I received a meeting invite from my manager and HR for the start of my shift, which was a huge red flag. During that meeting, they informed me that my position was being eliminated due to the loss of a significant contract that affected our department's workload. It was tough to hear, especially since some of my coworkers were transferred to other teams while I was let go. I can't help but feel confused and hurt about why I was chosen, especially since I had a solid track record during my time there. As a mom of two, this job was ideal for my family. I felt comfortable and stable in my role, and now everything feels uncertain. I'm actively applying for new positions, but the thought of starting over is daunting. I'm particularly anxious about adapting to new expectations, like being required to have my camera on during meetings. While I'm grateful for the 7 weeks of severance pay they offered, it doesn't ease the stress of being unemployed. I'm trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward, but it's really challenging to navigate this situation, especially with kids relying on me.

Today was a tough day at work as my manager was laid off. He had been with the company for over 10 years, and now it's just the two of us left on our accounting team. He mentioned that the layoff was due to his performance, which surprised me because he always completed his tasks, even if he wasn't very vocal. I’m feeling uncertain about my own job security now and asked him if I should be worried. He encouraged me to stay strong and hang in there. Given the current economic climate, I’m contemplating whether I should start looking for other opportunities. It’s a bit daunting being in such a small team after a significant change like this.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation after being a D-suite executive for several years. Despite my extensive experience and leadership roles, I am currently unable to pass a background check due to some past issues. This has left me feeling uncertain about my career prospects and what types of roles I can pursue moving forward. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation and find job opportunities that might be available to someone with my background.

I recently faced a tough setback in my job search after being rejected for two positions within just two weeks. The first rejection caught me off guard because I felt the final interview went really well with all three interviewers. I tried not to dwell on it too much since I had another opportunity lined up that I preferred. The second interview process was frustratingly lengthy. I went through multiple stages, including an employment check, an office visit, and providing references. Throughout the process, I maintained regular communication with the recruiter, who seemed supportive and responsive. However, after all that effort, I received a rejection email from a no-reply address, stating they chose someone else who better fit their needs. What made it worse was that someone internally had congratulated me after the reference check, indicating I was a strong candidate. The recruiter had also reassured me that my application was moving forward. Yet, just 48 hours later, I got the generic rejection email. I’m feeling really disheartened. It’s frustrating to jump through so many hoops for a role that pays only $20/hr, and to receive no feedback on why I wasn’t selected feels unjust. I reached out to the recruiter for clarification, but I haven’t heard back. To add insult to injury, I noticed they reposted the same job under a different title the same day I got the rejection. It’s disheartening to navigate this job market.

I recently found myself in a really tough situation. I graduated with a computer science degree in 2025, but despite having two software engineering internships on my resume, I haven't been able to land a job. I was living with my parents, but after a year of being unemployed, they kicked me out. Now, I'm homeless, with $27,000 in student loan debt and no savings to my name. I was working part-time as a barista making $16 an hour, but I had to leave that job when I lost my housing. I'm in a city where rent is over $2,000 for a tiny space, and it just didn't make sense to stay. My loans have defaulted, and I don't even have an active phone number anymore. It's been a struggle just trying to get by. I feel lost and have been scavenging for plastic bottles just to make ends meet. I recently had my bike stolen while I was sleeping outside, which made things even worse. Right now, I'm sitting on a bench near a Starbucks, feeling completely defeated and lacking any confidence in myself. I don't know what to do next. I feel like my life is at a standstill, and I'm overwhelmed by it all.

I recently started receiving negative feedback at my job, but I'm struggling to understand the reasons behind it. My role involves managing workflows, and the feedback has been vague, leaving me confused about how to improve. I've decided to take a proactive approach by asking my supervisor for specific examples of where I went wrong. I plan to request a meeting to discuss one particular instance in detail, focusing on what I should have checked and the expected response. I believe this will help me learn and avoid similar issues in the future.

I recently faced a challenging situation as my partner lost her job as a W-2 employee at a hair salon in Illinois. She filed for unemployment benefits and is now in the process of transitioning to work as a 1099 independent contractor. She's scheduled to meet with a different salon on Monday to discuss renting a space. I'm trying to figure out how this change might affect her unemployment status. If she starts working as an independent contractor soon after filing, will she still be eligible for unemployment benefits? Should she cancel her claim before she begins working under her own name, or is there a way for her to receive partial benefits while transitioning? I’ve heard that she needs to report any earnings, including tips, in the week they are earned, but this whole process feels a bit overwhelming.

I recently faced a challenging situation where I received a job offer that was later revoked due to a background check issue stemming from a past termination. The company informed me that while I am not prohibited from applying for future positions, the results of the background screening would be considered in any subsequent applications. This leaves me wondering if I should attempt to reapply at a later date or if this is a dead end for my chances with them. I’ve seen mixed advice online, with some suggesting I should just move on, while others recommend asking if there’s any way to address the background check results for future consideration. Has anyone else been in a similar situation or have insights on how to navigate this?