Feeling

I was laid off in January 2025 and managed to secure a contract position in July, but that ended in December. After that, I worked in retail until May of this year, when my hours were cut and I was laid off again. Now I'm back to being unemployed. This time, I've decided to broaden my job search beyond my home state, and I'm finally starting to get responses! I know that relocating might be necessary, so I plan to use my unemployment benefits to cover an Airbnb if needed. Thankfully, I have a small savings to help out as well. I wanted to share my experience to encourage anyone who might be feeling hopeless in their job search. Sometimes, all it takes is to expand your horizons. It's uncomfortable for me to look outside my state, but the thought of being homeless is even more daunting. Plus, I've always wanted to explore different parts of the country, so I'm viewing this as an opportunity. At 26, I feel like now is the perfect time to take this leap. Wishing everyone the best of luck in their job searches!

I recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, and I'm feeling really lost. It's been tough because all my classmates have secured jobs, and I'm the only one left without an offer. Since May 8, 2026, I've applied to over 300 positions and only managed to land about 5 interviews, but none of them turned into job offers. I can't help but feel like a failure. To make matters worse, I never really wanted to pursue engineering; I chose it for the financial security it supposedly offers, but now I feel trapped in a field I despise. The pressure from my Indian family and friends is overwhelming, as they express disappointment in my situation. I'm dealing with a mix of career pivot anxiety and unemployment anxiety, and it's all becoming too much. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced something similar or has any advice on how to navigate this challenging time.

It's been a year since I was laid off from my role as a product manager at a well-respected company, and the pain still lingers. I had a promising career trajectory, and my product was well-loved by customers, friends, and family. After the layoff, I managed to find a new position at a startup, but it's not the same. The product here feels like a grift, and I often find myself longing for the validation and excitement I had before. I avoid LinkedIn because seeing my former colleagues thrive only amplifies my feelings of inadequacy. I struggle to explain my current job to friends without feeling embarrassed. I question whether this sadness and fear of missing out will ever fade, and I wish I could simply appreciate having a job again.

I currently have four jobs, but I'm at a point where I need to let one go. Back in April, I went through a tough breakup that really hit me hard. To cope, I took on more work, and before I knew it, I was juggling four different roles. My schedule is intense, working seven days a week from around 11 AM to between midnight and 2 AM. While I initially thrived on the chaos, I'm starting to feel the burnout creeping in. One of my jobs is particularly corporate and has been a source of stress, despite my efforts to make things easier there. I know this job is disposable for me, but I've built some meaningful connections and the work isn't terrible. However, I can feel the pressure mounting, and I'm questioning whether I should wait until I'm pushed out or take the initiative to quit. I reached out to my manager about my situation, but the response was pretty much, 'Sorry, but you signed up for this.' At 30 years old, I've gained a new perspective and I’m realizing that I don’t want to sacrifice my well-being for a company that doesn’t value my time. I'm at a crossroads and need to decide whether to ride it out or take control and quit before it gets worse.

I recently graduated high school in May 2026 and have been actively applying for jobs in Bakersfield, California since then. Despite my efforts, I haven't had much luck landing a position yet. With August here, I'm wondering if it's a good time to continue applying or if I should wait until September when more positions might open up as people leave for school. I've mostly focused on entry-level roles in retail and food service, and while I've had a few interviews, none have resulted in a job offer. I'm looking for advice from anyone familiar with the hiring landscape in Bakersfield or who has been in a similar situation. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I've been unemployed since October of last year, and I'm feeling completely lost. I've had a few interviews, but they often throw me unexpected questions that leave me speechless. As someone on the autism spectrum, conversations are already challenging for me, and interviews amplify that stress. I've faced rejection from places that supposedly hire anyone, which only adds to my frustration. I also have a messed up ankle and an inoperable hernia, so physical jobs are off the table. Without a degree or specialized skills, I feel like my options are limited. I've tried remote work, but it proved too stressful and unstable. I've worked in healthcare, hospitality, retail, and even as a janitor, but I've been rejected by every factory I've applied to. Most of my past jobs ended with me being fired for not meeting expectations, which makes me feel like I'm being punished for just existing. My sisters have suggested applying for disability, but I dread the thought of living in enforced poverty while waiting for approval. I feel like I'm constantly begging for someone to give me a chance, yet I hear people say "nobody wants to work" when I'm desperately trying to find employment. I've been in vocational rehab since the start of the year, but it feels like a waste of time. They just sit me down to search for job listings, which I could do myself. I'm at rock bottom right now, struggling with suicidal thoughts daily. The last decade has felt like a downward spiral, and I just want to find a way to earn a living, but it feels impossible.

I'm feeling really frustrated with the job market as a recent graduate. I've put in a ton of effort to prepare myself for this moment. Over the past few years, I've become quite skilled in competitive programming, achieving over 2350+ on LeetCode, becoming a Codeforces Expert, and earning a 6★ on CodeChef. I've also tackled over 1300 data structures and algorithms problems and learned a variety of technologies including JavaScript, React, Node.js, Express, MongoDB, SQL, Git, and C++. I've even built full-stack projects to showcase my abilities. Despite all this preparation, the hardest part has been actually landing interviews. I've spent months applying through various channels like company portals, LinkedIn, job boards, and even leveraging referrals, but most of my applications go unanswered. A few that do get a response often end in rejection before I even get a chance to speak with anyone. I’m not expecting companies to hire me solely based on my coding skills; I just find it disheartening that all my hard work hasn’t translated into any interview opportunities. I’m really curious to hear from hiring managers and other recent graduates about what they think has changed in the hiring landscape. Has competitive programming lost its appeal for freshers? Do projects, internships, and referrals hold more weight now? Or is the job market just so saturated that even qualified candidates are getting overlooked? It feels like something is genuinely broken in this job market.

Today was a tough day. After seven years with Marriott Vacation Club, I was unexpectedly laid off during a meeting. It felt surreal as they delivered the news without any prior warning or explanation. I've dedicated so much to this role, consistently performing at a high level, and it’s hard to accept that my contributions didn’t seem to matter in the end. I’ve noticed that the company has been focusing on hiring customer service representatives in Mexico for the past five years, but I never imagined they would let us go so abruptly. It’s a harsh reality to face, and I’m left feeling frustrated and disheartened.

I've been actively searching for new job opportunities for a few months now, and I've been having a lot of conversations with others in my field about how tough the job market seems to be. It feels like we're either underqualified or overqualified for the roles we're interested in, and sometimes I come across job postings that seem to be more about attracting preferred candidates rather than genuinely hiring. This has led me to wonder if the market is actually fine, and maybe the issue lies with me personally. I really want to reflect on my own approach and hold myself accountable, but I can't shake the feeling that many of us are facing real challenges in this job market. Some friends who work in recruiting have shared that the number of applications for positions has skyrocketed, which adds to my concern. I'm trying to figure out if it's just me or if the struggles we're experiencing are valid.

I recently moved to Los Angeles about two months ago and have been on the hunt for a part-time job since I'm a student. After a few weeks of searching, I finally landed a job today after completing a three-day trial shift. However, I'm not thrilled about this position as it's not what I ideally want to do. I have two interviews lined up for roles that I actually find appealing, but I'm worried that if I reject this current offer, the other companies might ghost me again, leaving me without any job at all. My parents suggested that I should accept this current position and quit later if I get a better offer. I'm just concerned about how it would look to my employer if I only work there for about 15 days before quitting. Will they even let me leave that quickly?

I'm a 23-year-old woman and a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications Broadcast and Production. Unfortunately, my college experience has left me feeling underprepared for the job market. I chose this major after being discouraged from pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian, and while I thought I could pivot to film, the program didn't equip me with the necessary skills for a competitive field. I learned some basics of videography and drone work, but it’s just not enough to stand out among freelancers with far more experience. Currently, I'm struggling to find a job because I feel under-skilled. The market is saturated, and even if I improve my editing skills, I worry about the lack of opportunities. I have Narcolepsy Type 2, which means I can't handle physically demanding jobs, and mentioning my condition often leads to being overlooked by hiring managers. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Are there jobs I can pursue with my degree that I haven't considered? My last internship was a nightmare, so I'm hesitant about marketing, though that might have just been a bad experience. I'd love to hear any advice on career paths I can take without going back to school, as I can't afford it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I’m feeling really stuck in my job search and could use some guidance on what positions I should realistically be looking for given my background and current situation. I’m a single mother in my early 30s raising two-year-old twins on my own in South Carolina. My partner passed away last year, so I don’t have anyone to help with childcare or emergencies, which makes my need for a stable job even more pressing. Currently, my children receive a childcare scholarship that will end in October, and since the state has paused new applications, I’m anxious to find stable employment before I potentially lose affordable childcare. Ideally, I’m looking for a remote job, but I’m also open to hybrid or quiet office positions as long as the schedule is predictable and the pay is sufficient to cover childcare costs. I can’t accept jobs with unpredictable shifts or strict attendance policies that penalize me for my kids being sick. I have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an associate degree in General Studies. My work experience includes high-volume data entry, billing, HR assistance, customer service, and handling confidential information. I’ve worked on tasks like reviewing records, correcting discrepancies, and maintaining audit-ready documentation. I also have certifications in background screening, compliance, cybersecurity, and data analytics, among others. I’m looking for structured work with clear procedures, a predictable Monday to Friday schedule, and minimal direct interaction with the public. I’ve applied for various roles in compliance, HR support, data entry, and healthcare administration, but I keep facing automated rejections or positions that require more experience than I have. I’m not expecting an easy job just because of my situation; I’m willing to learn and prove myself. I just want something sustainable that won’t jeopardize my job when my kids need me. I’d really appreciate any advice on less-obvious job titles, industries, or organizations that might be a good fit for me.

Today was a turning point for me at my job as a customer service representative at a local retail store. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately due to being understaffed and trying to pick up the slack for my coworkers. I've always been the cheerful one, but I sense some tension with a colleague who seems frustrated with my energy. It’s been tough, especially with a manager who has made some questionable scheduling decisions that have led to a chaotic work environment. Today was particularly hectic. We were slammed with customers, and I had a Dungeons and Dragons game planned for later in the day. I had communicated my need to leave early multiple times, but when the time came, my manager wouldn't let me go, claiming it would be considered job abandonment. I felt trapped and frustrated, especially since I had been trying to be accommodating and help out the team. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to leave anyway, knowing it might cost me my job. I ended up calling various departments for help, but no one was available. In the end, I returned to my work area, feeling defeated. I told a regular customer that today might be my last day. I left work at 3:45 PM, still feeling the weight of the situation. Despite the chaos, I had an amazing time at my D&D game later, which reminded me of the joy I can still find outside of work. I’m still processing everything, but I feel like I might have reached my breaking point at this job.

I was laid off two months ago and recently received my first job offer for a Node.js backend developer position with a salary of 38 LPA. While this seems like a step up from my last CTC of 32 LPA in Noida, I'm feeling uncertain about a few aspects. The company plans to deduct 12% for provident fund on my basic salary and gratuity, which is making me hesitate. Additionally, the job requires me to relocate to Powai, Mumbai. I don't have any EMIs and live a low-maintenance lifestyle, so financially I could manage. However, I'm torn about whether to accept this offer or wait for potentially better opportunities. The company operates in the insurance domain and uses the same tech stack I’m familiar with, but I find myself a bit bored with it. The discomfort of being unemployed is weighing on me, and I'm struggling to make a decision. Should I take this offer and keep looking for something better, or hold out for a different opportunity?

Today marks Day 2 of my layoff from my position, and I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. My coworker has been reaching out, asking me to send her some files that she could easily access herself, as both she and her husband have the necessary permissions. My official termination letter states that my last day is August 31st, but the CEO graciously allowed me to take the entire month off with full pay. I’m unsure if I should respond to her requests or just ignore them. Part of me thinks I could simply say that I can’t log in anymore, but I also feel like it’s not my responsibility to help her out at this point. I ultimately decided to tell her no. It feels good to set boundaries during this transition.

I have been job searching for the past six months, submitting around 230 applications, and I feel completely defeated. Despite having a few positions under consideration, none have materialized into offers yet. I've been actively networking at events, trying to make connections, but it feels like nothing is working out. My parents are disappointed in my progress, and I can’t help but feel the pressure. I spend my days applying for jobs without any breaks, and it’s consuming my thoughts, even invading my dreams. I’m at a loss for what to do next and just want this struggle to end. I really hope someone will give me a chance soon.

I just quit my job, effective immediately, at a corporate place I started working at in May. This was my first time quitting a job like this, but I couldn't handle it anymore. The environment felt like a soul-sucking nightmare, where making money was prioritized over genuine care for employees. I was overwhelmed with extra tasks while my manager barely did their part, relying on me and another colleague to pick up the slack. Thankfully, I received an offer to return to a previous job where I worked part-time, and now I'll be transitioning to full-time while also training for a managerial position. I'm also preparing for my LPN program in the Spring, and I feel like new opportunities are opening up for me. It feels incredibly freeing!

I'm in my late 20s and currently facing challenges in my job search. I graduated high school and briefly attended art college, but had to drop out due to financial issues. I later obtained a certificate in App Development, mainly for personal projects, from a community college. My work experience includes computer repair and using industrial machinery, with a strong passion for soldering and PCB design, which I've been doing for about 16 years. I'm open to a desk job as long as it aligns with my skills. I've also considered fields like networking, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work, as I have some experience in household plumbing and networking. However, I'm unsure if I can secure an internship in those areas without attending trade school first. I'm ideally looking for a stable career, but my current living situation requires me to find a job that pays better than minimum wage (around $13 per hour). I'm now starting to explore positions that offer $20+ per hour, even if they come with significant challenges, to help me save money for a safer living situation.

I recently faced a tough situation after being fired from a landscaping job in the Netherlands. I worked there for just a week, and when I informed my employer that I needed to fly back home for a braces appointment, they let me go. They promised to pay me €500 for the hours I worked, but things took a turn when I didn't receive my payment as expected. Initially, they told me I would get paid six weeks after my usual pay schedule, which is on Tuesdays. After waiting for six weeks, they asked me to fill out some documents that I hadn't completed during my employment. I know I should have taken more care with that, but I complied without hesitation. Now, two days after submitting those documents, I reached out again to inquire about my payment, but they opened my message without responding. I'm feeling anxious about whether I will actually receive the money they owe me. I moved abroad for this job and was on the brink of homelessness after being fired. I'm planning to follow up with them again, possibly on Monday or after Tuesday, but I'm starting to worry that they might refuse to pay me altogether. As an Irish citizen, I'm unsure of my next steps if they do refuse. What should I do? Who can I contact for help in this situation?

I recently had to quit my job at a large company in Wisconsin due to some serious issues with working conditions and legal concerns. My role involved scheduling appointments for clients, but the company made it impossible to take breaks, even for basic needs like water and bathroom breaks. I went over a month without any proper breaks, and they often scheduled me for long hours without allowing me to eat or drink during my shifts. This led to significant health issues, including rapid weight loss, and my doctor advised me to consider quitting. Additionally, I was instructed to ignore legal disclosures while assisting clients with credit card applications and other services, which felt unethical and risky. After facing harassment from clients due to my unique name being used in public-facing emails, I felt unsafe and overwhelmed. I also lost my health insurance benefits, making it difficult to afford necessary medications. Before quitting, I thought I had another job lined up, but after multiple interviews and promises of hiring, the start date kept getting pushed back. Now, I'm left without a job and struggling with unemployment claims, as the system indicates unreported work that doesn’t exist. I’m considering seeking legal advice but am unsure where to start, especially since I can't afford a lawyer. It's been a tough situation, and I’m still trying to figure out my next steps.