Got a Job

I’m starting a new job as a preschool teacher at a different center this Tuesday, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. After working at my previous center for eight years, the thought of starting over at the bottom is daunting. What really worries me is the fear of going back to being unemployed; job searching is incredibly tough, especially since there aren’t many opportunities in my field around here. I know that feeling anxious about a new role is normal, but I can’t help but feel scared. I just want to do well and not have to face the job market again.

I recently graduated with my master's degree and had been struggling to find a job for about three months. I finally accepted an entry-level position at a hospital, which I was set to start soon. However, I just received a much better job offer that pays almost four times what the hospital position does. I'm currently in the onboarding process for the new job, but I feel guilty about having to back out of the hospital position, especially since the interviewer was really nice and I was supposed to help with a new unit they were opening. I formally accepted the hospital job through their portal and signed the necessary documents, but now I'm unsure about the consequences of quitting before I even start. I need to notify the hospital's HR and the director that I won't be able to continue with the onboarding process. I haven't received any official documentation from the new job yet, but they are working on it as my orientation is in just five days. I'm worried about burning bridges with the hospital and whether this will affect my future job prospects there, even though I haven't officially started. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

I was laid off just three months before I could finally clear my debt. I work in the software field and, fortunately, I found another job after the layoff, but the journey has been quite challenging. When I first graduated, I landed a decent job in a tier 1 city, determined to make it on my own without relying on my parents. Initially, I struggled to find my footing and went through a phase of uncertainty, worried about being let go due to overhiring and restructuring within the company. I felt lost and like a failure, but I pushed myself to work hard, learning from those in senior positions. Eventually, I found my place in a team and started to excel, even taking on extra responsibilities when my manager left. I was promoted and recognized for my performance, which made me feel like I was finally fitting in. However, despite my hard work and dedication, I was unexpectedly laid off in December, even though I was one of the top performers in my region. This led me to accept a position at a smaller company with a more challenging role. Unfortunately, I faced personal challenges at home with my parents' health, which added to my anxiety and ultimately led me to leave that job. After spending two months back home, I returned to the city and began job hunting. I encountered several opportunities that seemed promising, but they fell through for reasons I still don't understand. It was a tough time, and I was worried about my growing credit card debt and personal loans. A friend suggested I explore job applications beyond LinkedIn, which led me to a new opportunity where I performed well in the interview and got hired. Now, I'm working hard to manage my responsibilities and slowly pay off my debts. I’m feeling a bit more stable, but I know the next few months will be tough as the market shifts. My goal is to clear all my debts before my birthday next year, and although I'm still feeling the weight of my situation, I finally feel like I'm getting back on track.

I recently started a new job that I was really excited about, as it required a master's degree and a lot of experience in administrative work. However, I quickly discovered that I was bait-and-switched. Instead of the role I was hired for, I’m now being forced to work in the community five days a week, which is something I specifically asked about during the interview process. I made it clear that I had been burned out by that type of work before and didn't want to do it again on a daily basis. Now, I'm basically functioning as a community support professional, completely removed from the job duties I was promised. My supervisor even expressed her regret that HR misled me about the position. It's incredibly frustrating to feel like employers can get away with this kind of behavior. I'm now faced with the reality of needing to find another job, likely at a lower pay, because I was not given honest information upfront. It feels like employers have all the power, and it’s disheartening to see how easily they can change the terms of employment after hiring someone. I’m planning to start my job search again, but it’s just so disappointing.

I started a new job three weeks ago, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed with anxiety about it. Before this, I worked at a company where the environment turned toxic, and although my manager and I didn’t get along well, I had a great bond with my colleagues. Leaving them was tough, and I realized I stayed longer than I should have because of those friendships. Eventually, we all agreed it was time to move on, but I was worried about finding a job that suited me since I didn’t have much experience. I accepted a position that seemed good for my CV, even though I wasn’t sure it was the right fit. After signing the contract, I started feeling anxious and panicked about my decision. I thought things might improve once I started, but now, three weeks in, I still don’t feel like I fit in with my new colleagues. They are nice, but I miss the connection I had with my old coworkers. I know building relationships takes time, but I feel really isolated. The job itself is challenging, and I often feel like I’m expected to know things I’ve forgotten. At my previous job, I was confident and understood everything, but now I feel lost and that heightens my anxiety. I keep questioning my abilities and whether I made the wrong choice. Almost every day, I dread going back to work, but I don’t have other job options right now, which makes me feel trapped. I keep comparing this new role to my old one, and while I know no job is perfect, this one just feels off. I’m overwhelmed and could really use some advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Should I give it more time or start looking for something else, even without another job lined up? How do I know if I’m just adjusting or if this job truly isn’t right for me?

I recently landed a job that I feel completely unqualified for, and I could really use some advice. A few months back, I was unexpectedly laid off, which was a tough blow especially since I had just moved and bought a car for my previous role. My savings weren't in great shape, so I had to act fast to get back into the job market. I ended up using some questionable tactics to make my resume stand out. I tweaked my employment history and used some clever language to get past AI screening. I even changed my Associates degree to a Bachelors, thinking my 12 years of experience wouldn’t be enough for the AI to consider. After sending out countless applications, I faced a lot of silence—49 out of 50 applications went unanswered. Eventually, I got an interview for an engineering position at a financial institution. It was a three-part interview process, and I prepared extensively, even though I was nervous about my actual skills. Surprisingly, the interviews turned out to be more conversational than I expected, and I managed to answer some technical questions that aligned with my prepared notes. To my shock, I received a job offer that same day with a pay scale higher than anything I've seen before, and it's fully remote! However, it's a contract-to-hire position for three months, which makes me anxious about being found out. I've completed my first week, and it’s becoming clear why they chose me; the project I'm working on is related to a past role, but I definitely exaggerated my involvement in that project. Right now, I feel like my confidence is only at 30%. I'm worried that my lack of actual experience will catch up with me, especially since I’m surrounded by very smart colleagues. Should I keep relying on my ability to improvise and study hard, or should I continue applying for other jobs? I genuinely believe this could be a dream job, but the stress of keeping up is overwhelming.

I started a new job as a legal assistant at a law firm on September 8th, but I've been hit with a financial crisis. I accepted the role in August, but right after, my SUV, which I relied on for rideshare driving, broke down. I had to spend my second rent payment on repairs, leaving me unable to earn money through Lyft/Uber during the crucial transition period. I managed to pay off my past due rent balance to the FLEX rent app, but I received a rejection email because I missed the September 15th payment deadline, which means I can no longer use their service. To make matters worse, I received a 60-day eviction notice and applied for rental assistance for September. My landlord has allowed me to pay October's rent late due to my new job, but I'm also two months behind on my car payments due to ongoing car issues. My new job pays $50K, which is promising, but my first paycheck will only cover the first five days of work. I can't drive for rideshare during the week because I need to get enough sleep to perform well at my new job. I can only drive on weekends, but I'm struggling to catch up on my finances for August and September. I'm feeling overwhelmed and need advice on how to manage my mental health while dealing with this financial crisis. I can't afford to lose my new job.

I recently accepted a new job offer, which is $18K less than my current salary. I’ve been searching for a job since I passed a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) a few months ago. Back in April, I was hired into a tech-support role for a medical software company after being laid off for almost six months due to an acquisition and restructuring. I started with three other new hires, but by June, three of us, including myself, were placed on PIPs during our onboarding. The onboarding process was inadequate, and while I could see why the others were struggling, I was performing well. The public feedback system was harsh; every mistake was highlighted in a public channel, which created a lot of anxiety for me. The feedback was often unreasonable and delivered in a rude manner. I found myself having panic attacks due to the stress of being publicly criticized. After passing an informal review, I was suddenly criticized for taking too long to respond to a ticket, despite being told to slow down previously. My supervisor supported my manager's decision to place me on a PIP after I returned from a vacation, which was a huge blow. I managed to pass the PIP with flying colors after three weeks, but the environment remained toxic. Two of my colleagues were fired shortly after I returned from vacation, and I suspect my manager has a personal issue with me. I’ve learned to stay under the radar since then. Although I’m diagnosed with ADHD and possibly autistic, I feel like my manager grouped me with the others unfairly. Taking a pay cut is tough, but the job market is challenging right now. I’m moving to a smaller company that seems to have a better culture and is independently financed, especially since my current company announced another acquisition. During my interviews, they expressed that they think their clients will love me, and I might even have to travel for onboarding, which wasn’t in the job description. I believe I’m making the right choice, but I could use some reassurance. I’ve read that passing a PIP is a significant achievement, yet I still worry about job security given the recent acquisition.

I was hired 3 months ago as a digital forensics examiner, focusing on mobile device extractions like phones and tablets. This role was meant for internal candidates only and followed civil service rules. Before this, I was a tenured crime scene investigator, where I ranked #1. The new unit I joined is smaller, with only 10 people compared to my previous unit's 24. Initially, I was given a training plan that seemed promising, and I communicated my eagerness to learn quickly. The training was expected to take around 6 months, but I was ahead of schedule by the second month and requested to accelerate my training to help with the overwhelming case load. They agreed, but then my trainer got tied up with a major case, leaving me to self-study for about a month. At the end of this self-study period, I received a performance review that was shocking. Every category that had previously been rated as Satisfactory was now marked as Needs Improvement. They claimed I was often "off topic" and cited my reading of tech-related news as a negative. They also mentioned that I appeared unenthusiastic and unfriendly, even accusing me of throwing a phone at a detective, which they later retracted to just being too quick in setting it down. I expressed my frustration about being unable to prove my commitment without actual work to do, and they suggested I could use the time to show my desire to be there, despite the lack of tasks. To counter this, I've started keeping a log of all the small tasks I do, like assisting detectives and maintaining equipment, but I feel like I'm being set up to fail. It’s disheartening because all I want is to contribute and work effectively.

I recently finished a year in graduate school focused on English and education, but I had to leave due to reduced funding and student loans. Now, at 30, I'm back living with my parents in a very rural town with limited job options. After over six weeks of searching, I've accepted a part-time job at McDonald's, which is frustrating given my $60,000+ student loan debt and my background in education. I've never worked remotely before, and in my hometown, people say remote work isn't real. However, remote work seems like a solution to my problems, especially with winter approaching and high gas prices. I'm unsure where to start looking for legitimate remote jobs, how to ensure they're safe, and whether my noisy home environment would even allow me to work effectively. I'm feeling lost and desperate for guidance on how to navigate this situation.

I recently left my job after three years, where I felt really valued and had a great manager. The main reason for my departure was the low pay, which didn't reflect my contributions. I started a new position in the same field, hoping for better compensation. However, just a week in, I'm already feeling regret. The workload is intense, with expectations to work extra hours to meet tight deadlines, and I'm being asked to prepare presentations without any proper training. I found out that the previous two people in this role left due to stress, and my new manager has a reputation for being toxic, having received warnings due to high turnover rates. The environment is also quite isolating; I used to thrive in an open office with colleagues around for support, but now I'm stuck in a closed space alone, which feels really lonely. I'm constantly thinking about work, even during weekends, and the anxiety is overwhelming. I'm questioning whether I made a mistake by leaving my previous job. I'm torn between giving this new role more time to see if it improves or starting to look for other opportunities. I really need advice on how to disconnect from work when it feels like it's consuming my thoughts.

I finally landed a job after being unemployed for nearly a year, and I owe a big part of it to a friend's support. Despite holding a master’s degree and having 15 years of experience in my field, I struggled to find a position. It was frustrating to go through numerous applications and interviews without success. I used to feel uncomfortable asking friends for help during my job search, thinking it undermined my efforts. But after a year of searching, I was willing to do whatever it took. My friend's husband submitted my resume directly to the hiring manager and gave a strong recommendation about my work ethic, which made all the difference. This experience taught me the importance of reaching out to friends, not just those in my industry. I had been stubbornly relying on traditional job searching methods, but sometimes you need to broaden your approach. I wish everyone luck in their job search; it’s a tough market out there!

I received an email offer for a position at a clinic and accepted it, but now I'm stuck in this frustrating waiting game. They mentioned training on September 23rd, but I haven't heard back since I accepted the offer. I don't want to bother the hiring manager who interviewed me, but I'm feeling anxious about the whole situation. Earlier this week, a former coworker reached out about an open position at her clinic on September 14th, and I quickly sent in my resume. I got an auto-reply because the hiring manager is on maternity leave, but she responded on Tuesday to schedule a phone interview for Thursday morning. I felt good about the interview, and she said she'd let me know by the end of the day. Later that evening, I received the offer and accepted it the next morning. Today, Saturday (September 19th), I emailed again to confirm everything is finalized before I put in my two weeks' notice at my current job, which I need to do by September 20th at the latest. I expressed my eagerness to start on October 4th and mentioned my availability for the training sessions. However, I got the same auto-reply again. I really want this opportunity, but I'm worried about resigning from my current job without a solid confirmation. The clinic is trying to fill the position quickly, and I don't want to miss out, but I also don't want to jump the gun. I just wish I could get a quick confirmation by Sunday so I can move forward.

I recently received a job offer that initially seemed fantastic and filled me with excitement. However, as I dug deeper into the details, I discovered that the benefits package was quite lacking. They only offered to cover 50% of a bronze health plan, which would end up costing me around $2,500 a month for coverage that isn’t even that great. This has thrown me into a state of anxiety because I absolutely despise my current job and am desperate to leave, but the numbers just don’t add up. I'm not very good with change or dealing with the unknown, so this decision is weighing heavily on me.

I was hired for a position at a well-known company in the UK just three weeks ago, at the end of August 2026. Unfortunately, I received the news in mid-September that I was being made redundant due to the closure of the store I was working at. I inquired about the possibility of transferring to another role within the company or if they had considered other positions at the location, but the responses were vague and unhelpful. They advised us not to discuss the situation among ourselves and to wait for the managers and supervisors to return from their holidays before seeking any clarification. As I navigate this unexpected redundancy, I'm looking for guidance. I’m reading through the company's website for advice on redundancy, but I can't find anything specific regarding protections for employees with less than a month of employment. The redundancy period they’ve offered me to work is actually longer than my employment duration, which is quite frustrating. I left my previous job for this opportunity, and now that position has been filled, leaving me feeling trapped. I have several questions on my mind: Is there any law that protects me in this situation? What laws protect the company? Could this redundancy be considered unfair, or even an ethics violation? I’m also curious if anyone else has faced a similar experience. This situation has left me feeling hopeless, especially since it took me six months to find this job. I was only working one day a week at my last job due to reduced hours, which prompted my move. I’m struggling with negative thoughts and am just trying to hold onto the hope that something will come up during my redundancy period. I’m also taking care of my mental health by seeing my GP.

I recently got hired at a small metal fabrication and CNC machining company through a temp agency. I'm 24 and have skills in welding, forklift operation, assembly, and testing, so I felt confident going into the interview. They advertised the position at $20 per hour, and during the interview, I mentioned that I expected at least $21 per hour. To my surprise, they quickly agreed to that rate. However, after doing some research, I found out that the starting pay for this position is actually $24 per hour. I feel like I might have lowballed myself during the negotiation, especially since I got nervous and didn't ask about their starting rates while touring the facility. Now, I’m set to start in just two days, and I’m unsure how to approach this situation. Should I bring it up with them after I start, or is there a better way to handle it? I really want to make sure I'm being compensated fairly.

I recently started a part-time retail job three weeks ago while still working my full-time 9-5 job during the week. I took this retail position to boost my savings, but I'm realizing that working seven days a week is taking a toll on my mental health and my relationships. I've been sick twice in this short time, and it's clear that this schedule isn't sustainable for me. Although I like the job and the people I work with, I feel overwhelmed and anxious about the idea of quitting. One of my old coworkers, who is now my manager, went out of his way to help me get this position, and I feel guilty about potentially wasting his time. I know I don’t need this second job financially since I can manage on my current salary while still saving a bit each month. My anxiety disorder is making the thought of having this conversation with my manager even more daunting. Logically, I know quitting a part-time job isn’t a huge deal, but my anxiety amplifies the situation, making it feel like a major offense. I’m torn between wanting to keep this job out of loyalty and recognizing that my well-being is more important. I’m reaching out for advice on how to approach this conversation without spiraling into anxiety.

Three months ago, I found myself in a tough spot after being laid off from my first job post-grad, where I had worked for 10 months. The suddenness of it all left me confused, sad, and angry. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me. For two months, I prayed for new opportunities while endlessly scrolling through job boards. I reached out to every contact I had, trying to leverage my network, but nothing seemed to work. The financial stress was overwhelming, and I was on the verge of giving up. Then, everything changed when I finally received a job offer after three long months of searching. I was ecstatic but also fearful that it might slip away. This new position not only came with an 18% pay increase but was also 90% remote and in the media field, allowing me to utilize my degree that cost me $60,000. I just completed my first week at this new job, and I can confidently say that the team, the culture, and my bosses are a significant improvement compared to my previous job. My mental health is also much better now. If you're feeling hopeless, I want to share my story as a sign that things can and do get better.

I recently started a new job at a grocery store, and I can't express how much happier I am now. My previous job had really taken a toll on my mental health; I felt lost, unmotivated, and even gained a lot of weight. For a while, I lost touch with my usual charisma and social skills. But after just two months in this new role, I feel like I've turned a corner. Working alongside my peers, who are all around my age, has been refreshing. My manager is laid back, and even on the most mundane days, something funny happens that brightens the atmosphere. While I still feel some dread about going to work after school, it’s a completely different experience now. Instead of facing a stressful environment, I’m met with a supportive and enjoyable one. I’m even starting to lose weight and rediscover the joy in simple things. This job is exactly what I needed.

I recently started working at Burlington in Indiana, with my onboarding on August 14. During the interview and onboarding, we discussed my availability and transportation, and everything seemed fine. I was hired for a back room position but was reassigned to the sales floor because the manager had concerns about new hires not returning after one shift. I agreed to this change with the understanding that I would have about two shifts a week. However, after my onboarding shift, I checked the scheduling app repeatedly and found that I was not scheduled for any shifts. On September 6, the manager called to inform me that all daytime sales floor positions were filled. She offered me three options: stay in my position with minimal shifts, change my availability to late-night hours which I can't do, or switch to a daytime cashier role. I chose the cashier position and communicated this decision to the manager on September 9 and again on September 14. Unfortunately, I still haven't been scheduled for any shifts in the last two weeks of September. The concern now is that Burlington has a policy of automatic termination after six weeks of no pay, which is coming up soon. I haven't been terminated for any reason; I've been available, but the manager simply hasn't scheduled me. I'm wondering about my chances of qualifying for unemployment benefits to help cover my bills while I continue to search for other jobs, as I've been applying elsewhere but haven't had any luck yet.