Feeling

I’m thrilled to share that after 414 days of unemployment and sending out over 700 applications, I finally landed a job! I’m 27 years old and my new role is as a Gardener, which is quite a shift from my previous experience in Civil Engineering, City Planning, and 3D Art. I’ve spent 10 years in the workforce, with 7 of those years in my previous fields. I had been struggling financially and was down to my last savings when I received a fantastic offer to work as a Landscaping Gardener. The company is great—they’ll provide training, transportation from home to work, and even allow me to utilize my 3D modeling and design skills along with my drone operation experience. I lost my last job due to the impact of AI on the creative industry, which has been tough, especially with the sudden need to relocate after an electrical house fire caused by my landlord's neglect. I barely managed to escape with my pets, and with winter approaching, I was worried about finding work. To anyone else in a similar situation, don’t lose hope! Keep reaching out to potential employers, network through unions or associations in your field, and consider switching industries. Your skills and experiences are always valuable, no matter the field. Wishing everyone the best of luck!

This week, I made a rash decision to leave my remote job at a SaaS company due to ongoing payment delays for an invoice I submitted three months ago. Although I had sent subsequent invoices that were paid on time, the delay on this particular one really stressed me out. The company has been transitioning from a pure product focus to a hybrid model of agency and product, which contributed to my sleepless nights. When the payment issue reached a boiling point, I decided to rage quit. They didn’t offer me a raise, but they did suggest some time off, acknowledging my burnout. However, I felt that I needed a more significant change. When I communicated my decision to leave, they only gave me a brief notice period of 10 days. I’m now aware that the job market is tough, but I felt it was time for a fresh start. I’m curious to know if anyone else has experienced something similar and managed to recover or find a new job afterward.

I recently applied to over 30 jobs and finally landed two interviews. The first interview was with a company I'll refer to as T. It was just okay; I didn't feel I performed my best, but it wasn't a disaster either. The main draw for me is that T is only a 15-minute walk from my home, which is very convenient. The second interview was with a company I'll call P, an Indian fintech firm that operates in a highly regulated space. I felt much more confident during this interview, and they have already indicated that they want to move me to the next round. However, the downside is that P is located about 30 kilometers from my home and requires a five-day work-from-office setup. I've completed one round of interviews with both companies, and P also has an additional assessment. I've also applied to several other companies that I consider dream opportunities, but I haven't heard back from any of them yet. I'm at a crossroads and would love to hear your thoughts on what I should do next.

I recently faced a stressful situation regarding my husband's job offer from a large company. He was laid off at the end of May 2026 but received severance pay through July. In an attempt to showcase his experience, I suggested he list July on his resume instead of May, thinking it would reflect four full years of work. However, he correctly stated May as his end date on his official application and background check forms. When a third-party screening company reached out about the date discrepancy, he clarified that May was the correct date. They acknowledged his explanation, but I can't shake off my worry that this two-month difference could jeopardize his offer. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I'm anxious about whether this mistake could lead to the offer being rescinded, despite the application being accurate.

I recently learned that my contract as a Software Developer in the Netherlands won't be renewed. I've been here for about a year and have 2.5 years of experience in the field. During a meeting, my manager expressed that I hadn't met their expectations, citing my slow project completion and my tendency to ask too many questions. This news hit me hard, especially given the current job market, which seems to favor candidates who speak Dutch. I'm actively learning the language and have even obtained my A1 diploma, but I know I still have a long way to go. My contract is set to end in December, but the company has offered me a 2-month extension under certain conditions. They also mentioned providing 3 months of outplacement support valued at over 2000€, but there's a clause that concerns me. It states that if I don't remain actively engaged in my duties during the extension period, I may have to reimburse the company for the outplacement support costs. I feel this clause is unfair, especially if I find another job before the extension ends. I appreciate the extra time to search for a new role, but I don't want to be penalized financially if I decide to leave early. I'm considering proposing a 2-week notice period instead of the current 1-month requirement, with no penalties if I secure a new position. I'm unsure if this is a reasonable request or if I'm asking for too much. I'm also worried about how rejecting the extension might impact my unemployment benefits. I'm reaching out for advice on whether I should negotiate these conditions, accept the extension as it is, or explore other options. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself in a frustrating job search situation after being laid off. I have about two years of experience in purchasing and retail buying, and I'm currently finishing my bachelor's degree in supply chain, set to graduate next year. While I've gained hands-on experience in manufacturing and retail, and learned various ERP and SAP systems, I feel stuck in a limbo between being 'too experienced' and 'not experienced enough.' It's been challenging to find my next opportunity. Some job postings indicate that I have too much experience for the role, while others require more years of experience and a completed degree. I thought gaining relevant work experience while finishing my studies would help, but it seems to have complicated things instead. I can't even apply for internships because recruiters tell me I have actual experience, which limits my options for gaining more. Even when I do get interviews, I often face the same issue. I might have a great initial screening where the recruiter expresses that I'm a good fit and discusses next steps, but then I hear nothing afterward. No updates, no rejection emails—just silence. It's disheartening to receive positive feedback only to be left in the dark. Recruiter outreach has been equally confusing. Some reach out about positions that have nothing to do with my background or career goals, while others contact me about relevant roles, but then stop responding when I express interest. I can handle rejection, but the lack of communication is exhausting. It leaves me uncertain about whether I need to improve something or if the situation has changed on their end. Has anyone else experienced this type of frustration with around two years of experience, especially while still in school? I'm looking for advice on how to move forward.

After 14 years in the workforce, I recently faced a layoff and have been struggling to find a new job for over 4 months now. It's really starting to take a toll on my mental health. I've been applying to numerous positions, but the lack of responses has been disheartening. I realize I've made a few wrong career choices in the past, which might be affecting my current job search. Most of my applications seem to disappear into a void, and it’s exhausting. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced a similar situation later in their careers and what strategies helped them during that tough time.

I was laid off in August and since then, I've submitted 38 applications for back-end office roles at the Director+ level in NYC. So far, I've only managed to secure 3 interviews, but unfortunately, none of them led to offers. I'm starting to feel like I'm up against a lot of competition from candidates using AI to tailor their applications, or maybe I'm just making excuses for my lack of success. In the meantime, I'm taking certifications and trying to learn more about AI to improve my chances. My biggest concern is that November and December are typically slow months for hiring, which adds to my anxiety. I recently saw a post from someone who was laid off just two weeks ago and has already sent out 6 applications without receiving any responses, which makes me feel a bit better knowing I'm not alone in this struggle.

I’ve been laid off a few times in my career, and it’s never easy. My first layoff hit me hard, but over time, I’ve learned to take it in stride, especially when I think about the pay I was receiving for the workload. Today, I was reflecting on the disparity in how we treat employees who leave voluntarily versus those who are laid off. Recently, a senior executive at my current company decided to leave, and the farewell was a grand affair. The email announcing his departure was filled with accolades, and we even had a celebration with food and drinks to honor his decade-long contributions. Everyone was in high spirits, wishing him well on his new journey. In contrast, I recall a vice president at my previous job who was laid off. I had spoken to him that morning about a project, but by the afternoon, I found out he was gone—security had escorted him out. There was no farewell, no acknowledgment of his years of service, just silence. It struck me how differently we treat these situations. If the senior executive had been laid off instead of choosing to leave, I doubt we would have celebrated him at all. It’s ironic to think that the contributions of those laid off are often overlooked just because of the circumstances of their departure. It feels like a huge disconnect in how we value people based on the timing of their exit rather than their actual contributions.

I’m 23 years old and have been unemployed for the past 8 months. I worked in landscaping for a year and a half but got fired because I faced bullying from my coworkers and the boss, which really hurt my confidence. Now, I’m feeling lost about my future. I’ve been contemplating becoming a chaplain because I have a strong connection to Jesus and have had some mystical experiences during prayer, but I’m not fond of church dogma and I know it requires a lot of study, which I find challenging since I tend to procrastinate. I’m also not interested in returning to landscaping as the work environment was toxic, with everyone around me smoking and not taking their jobs seriously. Social anxiety has been a significant hurdle for me, making it difficult to engage in conversations and connect with others. It feels like a heavy burden that I’ve carried for years. I see friends my age starting families and businesses, which adds to my feelings of inadequacy. I’m really unsure about my next steps and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I was terminated earlier this week after a change in management at my company. It's really baffling because my previous manager was always pleased with my performance, but the new manager had a completely different perspective. I had been putting in extra hours, often staying up late to tackle additional tasks and projects on top of my regular workload, yet I was let go for 'not meeting expectations.' It just doesn't add up. It's frustrating to see how new management often wants to clear the board to bring in their own people and start fresh. I'm still processing this whole situation.

I was laid off for the first time last week at 24 years old. I've been working from home in the healthcare sector since 2023, which was my first significant job after starting my career at 18. Back in May or June, my company laid off three higher-paid employees, and they assured us that those of us on lower pay scales were safe from layoffs. So, I felt secure. However, last Friday, just as I returned from lunch, I received a call from our director with HR present. They informed me that my position was being eliminated. I was shocked as they immediately revoked my access and asked me to return my equipment right after the call. They classified it as a "two-week notice," but I was told that the last two weeks would be administrative leave. I’ll receive six weeks of severance, but I won’t see any payment until 30 days after my separation. There were 24 of us affected by this layoff, and the union wasn’t notified until we were, which has led to an emergency meeting scheduled for tomorrow. I’m feeling lost and uncertain about what comes next.

I'm currently in a tough spot as an international student on OPT, working as an intern at my company. I've been here for three months and I'm eligible for STEM OPT, which gives me some options moving forward. I have two potential scenarios that I'm weighing. In the first scenario, I might receive an internal referral for a full-time role at my company while also having the chance for my internship to convert to a full-time position. If that happens, I would likely prefer to stay with my current team since it aligns better with my studies and I genuinely enjoy the work. However, I'm concerned about how to gracefully decline the internal referral if I choose to stay with my team, especially since my mentor is involved in that process. I want to maintain goodwill and not jeopardize our relationship. In the second scenario, if I get the internal offer but my internship is only extended and not converted, I face a dilemma. Extended interns aren't eligible for H-1B sponsorship, which could mean missing out on this year's lottery. The referred role might offer sponsorship, but it’s not closely aligned with my career goals. So, I’m stuck between the need for visa sponsorship and pursuing work that I am passionate about. I have a few questions I’m hoping to get advice on: 1. Is it appropriate to discuss the referred role while waiting for my current team's decision? Should I inform my mentor or hiring manager about this potential offer? 2. If you were in my shoes with the second scenario, which option would you choose? Does having STEM OPT give me an advantage in this situation? 3. Has anyone successfully leveraged an internal offer to encourage their manager to convert their internship or provide sponsorship? How did you approach that conversation? 4. If I decide to take the sponsored role, how realistic is it to transfer back to a team like my current one after a year or two? No decisions have been made yet, but I want to make the best choice given my limited time in the U.S. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started a new role as a technician in the aviation industry, but I'm feeling increasingly uneasy about my situation. I've been in this position for less than 90 days and have around 19 years of experience, yet my current pay is significantly below the market standard, especially considering the cost of living and the nature of the job. My employer is not well-regarded in the aviation cargo sector, which adds to my concerns. Over the past month, I've noticed some troubling signs. The tasks I'm assigned are very basic and don't align with my expertise, and I often find myself sitting idle while newer employees are given more complex responsibilities. There was even an incident where I believe I was set up to fail on a task, which resulted in me receiving a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). This was frustrating because I had to report an error that wasn't my fault, stemming from my unfamiliarity with company policies and my lead's failure to check my training records. Additionally, I feel quite isolated from my coworkers. While I'm naturally introverted and don't seek social interactions, I maintain professionalism in my work relationships. Despite this, I seem to be receiving the cold shoulder from everyone, which makes me wonder if I'm being quietly pushed out. Given these circumstances, I'm feeling stressed about my situation, especially with the mediocre pay and the overall work environment. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this and whether I should consider looking for other opportunities.

I was laid off from a big tech company in May 2026, and it hit me hard emotionally. I had noticed some signs that things were shaky, but I never expected to wake up one day and find myself jobless. It's been a brutal five months since then, and I’m still in the job hunt. I've applied to numerous positions and even made it to the final stages of a few recruitment processes, but I haven't received any offers yet. Each time I open LinkedIn, I see posts from others celebrating their new jobs, and it just makes me feel worse. The constant comparison is draining, and I can't shake the feeling of worthlessness. I know I need to keep pushing through, but it’s tough to stay motivated when it feels like nothing is working out.

I'm currently feeling stuck in my job as a marketing associate at a mid-sized tech company. I've been unhappy for a while now, mainly due to being underpaid and having a difficult relationship with my boss. I've started interviewing for new positions, but I've hit a snag at the reference check stage. Potential employers want to contact my current employer for a reference, but I know my boss will not give me a positive review. He’s not the type to fire me, but I can sense he won't support my move to another company either. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation without jeopardizing my chances of landing a new job.

I was let go from my job just 5 months after starting, and it was my first experience with a layoff. Last month, I learned that the company was being bought out, but they assured us that there was no need to worry about job security. However, when I returned from a pre-approved vacation, I found an email stating that I “wasn’t selected” to continue with the new company, effective immediately. It was shocking, especially since the email came from someone I barely knew, and my direct supervisor was unaware of my termination until I handed in my things. They claimed it wasn’t based on my performance, but it’s hard not to take it personally since it’s my first time losing a job. I had already started applying for new positions, anticipating the company’s decline, but now I feel overwhelmed and doubt my qualifications for roles that pay as well as my previous job. I’m feeling lost and would appreciate any advice or encouragement.

I've been struggling to find a job ever since I graduated with my university degree. I'm currently in the EU and even though I'm pursuing a master's to get my medical license, it requires several additional courses that will take years to complete. I've had a few interviews, but none have led to an actual job offer. I'm feeling really frustrated and exhausted by this job search process. Recently, I've even considered the idea of going to fight in Ukraine, thinking that at least I would have some form of employment and a salary there. It's a tough situation, and I'm genuinely tired of the uncertainty.

I was working as a project manager at a financial institution on a 6-month contract that was supposed to end in early January. Today, I received the unfortunate news that my contract is being terminated earlier than expected, this month, due to budget constraints. I'm feeling quite down about it, as I had plans and dreams for the remaining two months of my contract. Now, I only have two weeks left to wrap things up.

I'm currently struggling to find a job that pays a livable wage. I'm 29 years old and have a background in artistic skills, particularly in murals and social media management. Unfortunately, I don't have a degree due to health issues, which has made my job search even more challenging. Despite my efforts to supplement my income by taking on bartending gigs, I still find it hard to make enough money to move out and become financially independent. I'm feeling quite lost and unsure about what steps to take next in my career.