Feeling

I am currently enrolled in school in New York and I'm trying to navigate the process of receiving unemployment benefits while studying. I want to ensure that I meet all the requirements and don’t jeopardize my eligibility. I’ve been researching the rules specific to my state, but I would appreciate any advice or personal experiences from others who have successfully managed to balance school and unemployment benefits. It's a bit overwhelming, and I want to make sure I’m doing everything right.

I recently learned that my department at my current job in Texas might be facing layoffs. I've only been with this company for about a month, and I’m concerned about whether I would qualify for unemployment benefits if I do get laid off. Before this job, I was employed for three years at a different company, but the guidelines on the Texas Workforce Commission website are a bit confusing. I’m hoping to clarify if my previous employment would help my eligibility for benefits.

I recently accepted a job offer and am currently going through the background check process. Everything was going smoothly until I hit a snag regarding a freelance gig I did a few years back. I included this freelance position in my employment history, but the third-party background check company couldn't verify it because I forgot to mention that I was never officially employed by that company. I had listed the dates of this gig as September 2023 through August 2024, but I’m starting to doubt my memory about the 2024 part. I was also juggling a restaurant job during that hectic time, which makes it all a bit blurry. Now, the new company has asked for tax documents to verify my employment, and while I found my 2023 tax docs, I can't locate any for 2024. I vaguely recall that my work slowed down in 2024, but I thought I still did some tasks for them. I'm worried that not being able to provide proof for this freelance position might jeopardize my job offer. I have over 10 years of solid employment history that has been verified, so I'm hoping this eight-month gap won't be a deal breaker. I would really appreciate any advice from those in recruiting or HR on how to navigate this situation.

I recently applied for a job that advertised a pay scale up to $235k, which caught my attention since I'm currently making $175k. I went through the first interview and when the topic of salary came up, I mentioned that I was looking for $195k. To my surprise, they said they could only match my current salary, with no room for negotiation beyond that. I was really taken aback because I thought the job posting was misleading. The recruiter even mentioned that they were struggling to find candidates for this skilled role. It just doesn't make sense to advertise a salary range that you can't actually offer.

I recently started my job search and came across an office assistant position that seemed straightforward to apply for. I have a background in clerical and receptionist work, so I submitted my resume through Indeed. A few hours later, I received an email from the company regarding the position, which raised some red flags for me. The job description didn't mention anything about cash handling or accounting, yet they requested a credit score check as part of the application process. It felt odd to me, especially since they wanted me to pay $30 for this check, which would supposedly be returned as a bonus later. I've never encountered a situation where an employer asked me to pay for a background check before even being considered for an interview. Additionally, the email was signed by someone named Paul, without a last name, which seemed unprofessional. I checked the company's official website, and they are indeed hiring for the same position, but there was no mention of a credit check there. This whole situation feels off, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm being too suspicious. I've seen comments suggesting this might be a scam, and I’m starting to agree. Legitimate companies typically conduct credit checks as part of the background check process after an offer is made, and they don’t charge applicants for it. I’m considering moving on from this opportunity, but I’d love to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences or advice.

I recently faced a setback after being rejected by Google following my phone screen interview. It’s been almost a year since I completed my PhD, and I’m struggling to find a job in my field. This experience has left me feeling completely lost and worthless, questioning my skills and future prospects.

I recently wrote a piece titled "The Fragile Truth Behind Every Career" to process my feelings after being laid off earlier this year. My intention is to share my experience in hopes that it might resonate with someone else going through a similar situation. I didn't include any paywalls or seek followers; I just wanted to express my thoughts authentically. I wrote and edited the entire piece myself, without any AI assistance. You can read it [here](https://dinospimoni.substack.com/p/the-flimsy-promise-behind-every-career?r=1btm9g).

I'm currently working as an L1 Service Desk technician in an entry-level IT role, and I've been in this position for about 1.5 years. However, my actual responsibilities go far beyond typical service desk tasks. I manage production servers, oversee high-stakes projects, and handle change and transformation engagements, all while dealing with stakeholder interactions. Despite the good pay and benefits, I've lost the passion I once had for helping others. I used to enjoy resolving issues and achieving positive outcomes, but now I dread going to work. My workload is overwhelming, and even my managers acknowledge that we are understaffed. I've been promised leadership opportunities, but lately, I've felt detached and apathetic due to the sheer volume of work. I'm considering applying for other L1 support roles in my area, which pay slightly less but might offer a better work-life balance. I'm conflicted about wanting to step back, but I'm exhausted and tired of pretending to be happy in my current role.

I’m currently facing a really tough situation at my job that’s affecting my mental health significantly. I work in an entry-level position, and the environment has become toxic. My boss often yells and curses at me, and there’s a lot of gossip among coworkers. I even left work early today without telling my boss because I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I recently bought a house, and now I’m regretting that decision because the stress from work is overwhelming. Just last Thursday, I sat in my car for two hours crying before I could bring myself to go inside. There’s this coworker who I thought was a friend, but she’s been talking behind my back and spreading lies about my work ethic. I’ve been working hard, often putting in overtime, yet she’s claimed that I’m slow and inefficient. I tried to distance myself from her by working in another room, which my boss had approved, but now it seems like that’s backfired on me. When I reported her behavior to my boss and HR, it didn’t go well. My boss got furious, saying I was wasting her time and that I shouldn’t have gone to HR. Now I feel like I’m being targeted, especially since HR pulled in the girls I reported for questioning. I’m scared they’re plotting against me and that I could get fired. Everyone around me, including my therapist and boyfriend, is telling me to quit, but I’ve written a resignation letter and haven’t sent it yet. I feel trapped because of my new house and financial responsibilities. I’m really struggling with my mental health, dealing with major depressive disorder and severe anxiety, and I feel like I’m stuck in this job that’s making everything worse. I’m reaching out for advice on what to do next. Should I just leave this job despite my financial situation, or is there a way to navigate this toxic environment?

I've been on the job hunt for a Senior Tech position this year, aiming for a salary of at least $85K. I've applied to numerous roles at large companies across various sectors like Legal, Consulting, and Tech. I've noticed that salary ranges can vary significantly, sometimes by as much as $50K. For instance, I've seen positions listed with a range from $75K to $100K, which puts the median at $87.5K. Recently, I received an offer and was informed that I was the top candidate. However, the offer was below the median salary. This has me questioning whether I should accept a salary lower than the median, especially since the company advertised a higher range. It seems counterintuitive to me that they would lowball their top choice. I'm curious if others have been in a similar situation. Did you accept a salary below the median, or did you negotiate for something higher? I believe it's important to advocate for oneself based on the value and experience I bring to the role.

I'm feeling really stressed about my current job situation at a small tech company where I've been working as a junior analyst for a few months. The workload has become overwhelming since a senior team member left, leaving just two of us on the team alongside our manager. Management decided to cut costs by not replacing the senior position and instead pushing for AI automation, which has only added to the chaos. I find myself handling a lot of responsibilities without a clear understanding of the overall team functions, as my manager seems disinterested in learning about our tasks. They often pass off mistakes from their half-hearted reviews back to us, which adds to my frustration. Despite my grievances, I've been told I might be fast-tracked for a promotion, which would mean taking on even more responsibilities. However, I want to leave this job behind. The anxiety and dread I feel daily are unbearable. Recently, my previous employer reached out about a new full-time position they are opening, and I expressed my interest. I'm just waiting for more details, but the timing feels terrible. I feel guilty about leaving my current team in a tough spot, as they would be left with only two people to manage everything. But honestly, I’m at a point where I would consider taking a significant pay cut just to escape this situation. I know I need to prioritize my health over this job, and I think I already know what I need to do. This is more of a vent than a request for advice.

I recently found a full-time job after a year of searching, but I lost it within just 24 hours. Since graduating in 2020, I've been working as a writer and editor, initially creating content for major gaming websites before transitioning into the SaaS sector. Unfortunately, the job market took a downturn around 2024-2025, leading to the loss of most of my clients. By the end of last year, I was struggling financially and had to rely on my parents for support. Despite these challenges, I managed to earn a master's degree in behavioral sciences while freelancing. I attempted to apply for UX and research roles but had no luck. To enhance my qualifications, I completed several certifications and am on track to practice as a mental health counselor soon. However, the reality is that many people in my country cannot afford therapy, which makes it difficult for practitioners to charge what they deserve. Last week, I was thrilled when an agency contacted me for a scriptwriting role with a major gaming channel, writing scripts for one of my favorite games. I was overjoyed and celebrated with my family and friends. To top it off, I had also published a book I had been working on. It felt like a dream come true to have both a new job and a book launch in the same week. The CEO of the company informed me that they would be testing my work for two weeks, requiring 10-11 hours a day, six days a week, with a pay of around $420 a month. While this is a decent amount in my country, I was desperate for any opportunity. I dedicated an entire day to my first assignment, only to be told that my work "clearly looked like it was written by AI" without any further explanation. It was humiliating to be accused of using AI as a writer who prides themselves on originality. I tried to explain that I didn't use AI and acknowledged their concerns, promising to ensure my next assignment would not have that 'AI feel.' However, I received no response after that. Now, I'm back to being unemployed, feeling lost and heartbroken about my future as I approach my 30th birthday. This isn't how I envisioned my life turning out. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my story. Thank you.

I’ve been feeling a deep sense of despair about my job search, and it seems to consume about 85% of my time. Despite having over 15 years of experience and a strong resume, I find myself struggling to land a job. I’m intelligent, energetic, and analytical, yet my applications seem to go unnoticed. I tailor my resume and write cover letters, applying for positions even 2-3 levels below my previous role, but I still receive zero responses. I’ve reached out to my connections, but their help hasn’t led to any tangible opportunities. It feels like everyone is searching for the perfect candidate, and I’m stuck in a long line for positions that seem to be filled before I even apply. In the past, job searching was challenging but yielded results, and now it feels like an endless cycle of rejection. I’m trying to navigate this despair day by day, and I’m curious how others cope. I’ve found a few things that help me: 1. **Exercise**: I practice yoga twice a day, focusing on strength and flexibility. I also make sure to go on long hikes, which helps me release tension and feel alive. The physical activity gives me a sense of achievement and a moment of peace. 2. **Treats**: I used to find comfort in chocolate or berry pies, but that’s not working for me anymore. I guess my optimism has waned as time goes on. 3. **Family Support**: I often call my mom, who lives overseas. She’s supportive and reminds me that I’m valued beyond my job title or experience. My husband is also unemployed, which adds to the pressure. He’s been searching for three years, and I know he’s feeling the weight of my situation too. At the end of the day, I find solace on my yoga mat with my cat by my side, checking emails for a response from my mom about the cat pictures I sent her. In those moments, I feel accepted and valid, even amidst the chaos of my job search. I’m looking for ways to find my comfort zone and regain a sense of Zen in this challenging time.

I recently had a technical case interview for a software engineering position at a tech company. I felt confident about my performance during the interview, as I was able to effectively demonstrate my problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. However, it has now been over two weeks since the interview, and I haven't heard anything back from the company. I've followed up with the recruiter, but I haven't received any response. It's frustrating to feel ghosted after putting in so much effort, and I'm starting to lose hope about this opportunity.

I've been navigating the job application process and recently noticed that some roles I applied for are being re-listed with recent posting dates, even though my status still shows "application in review." This has left me in a bit of a bind since I can't reapply through the career portal while still under consideration. To tackle this, I decided to take the initiative and emailed the hiring managers at two different companies regarding these re-listed positions. One of them replied, letting me know that my email had been forwarded, which was encouraging. I wouldn't have reached out if I had received a rejection, but it feels unfair that if a job is reposted, I shouldn't have the opportunity to express my continued interest. I understand that there’s a prevailing culture that discourages candidates from advocating for themselves beyond the ATS systems, but I believe that these systems often overlook qualified candidates. If a role is reposted, I think it's only fair that previous applicants, as well as new ones, should have the chance to apply again.

After nearly two years of searching for a job, I finally received an offer after submitting over 800 applications. I started applying in January 2026, focusing primarily on remote positions, but by the end of March, I noticed that opportunities in that area were dwindling. I paused my applications for a few months, but in June 2026, I broadened my search to include remote, hybrid, and both in-state and out-of-state positions. It's been a challenging journey, and I can confidently say this is the worst job market I've ever experienced. While I have an offer now, I'm still interviewing for a few other roles just to keep my options open.

I recently went through my first salary negotiation for a job offer. I countered their initial offer of $75,000 with a request for $80,000, as they really need someone to backfill a role due to a company reorganization. The call felt a bit awkward; they started with the good news about the offer, but I had some unanswered questions from my first interview with someone who wasn't involved in the hiring process. I paused the conversation to ask about PTO and the on-call responsibilities, especially since the facility has a service contract that requires a quick response. I framed my salary request around the fact that there was a significant reduction in PTO, which I'm now second-guessing as a strategy. Regardless, I'm just waiting to see what they come back with.

I have an interview today for an office assistant position, but I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should even go. I just noticed in the job posting that they require math skills, including fractions, percentages, and some accounting knowledge. Honestly, I'm not great at math, and I'm worried that I won't meet their expectations. However, I've received some advice suggesting that it's still worth attending the interview for the experience, even if I don't feel fully prepared. I guess I could brush up on my skills using some online resources or tools, but I'm still hesitant. Should I just go for it?

I was recently terminated from my role as a digital pathology scanning technician, and I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps. I have an associate degree in accounting, but my career took a turn when I started working in a laboratory. My primary responsibilities involved scanning medical glass slides into a digital format using specialized equipment and ensuring they were assigned to the appropriate pathologists. I also handled sorting and archiving these slides for easy retrieval. With nearly 9 years of experience in this field, I also managed general office tasks and facilitated inter-department communication, including some computer troubleshooting. Although I have a solid understanding of lab operations, I haven't worked directly in accessioning or as a lab assistant. I'm eager to continue my career as a digital pathology technician, but opportunities in this emerging field are limited. I'm currently considering how to pivot my skill set effectively. On a positive note, I recently had a phone interview with a laboratory that's hiring for an accessioning position, and they seemed impressed with my lab knowledge.

I recently got laid off and found a great way to cope with the situation. I joined a weekday hiking group in the Bay Area, California, specifically for those navigating layoffs or job transitions. This Monday, October 19, we're meeting at Marin Headlands in Mill Valley for a hike. It's a 5.2-mile loop with a 1049 ft elevation gain, and it’s a perfect chance to clear my head and connect with others in similar situations. The group typically splits into smaller teams based on hiking pace, which helps keep things organized on the trail. We chose Mondays for our hikes since trail traffic is low, making it easier to accommodate everyone. Although hiking is our main activity, the community also engages in co-working sessions, job search support, and casual meetups like coffee hangs and bike rides. It’s a supportive environment, and I’m looking forward to meeting new people and sharing experiences. I hope to see some of you there!