Got a Job

After 15 long months of unemployment, I finally received a job offer that ticks all the boxes! I was laid off from my previous role and spent the last six months driving for Uber to make ends meet. The new position offers the right compensation, PTO, a 401k, and best of all, it's fully remote. However, I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The PTSD from being laid off is hitting hard. The job hunt was grueling, and the recruitment process for this new role has been bumpy, with long periods of silence from the recruiter and a confusing situation where I was initially considered for a higher-level position that was already filled internally. My background check cleared in no time, yet I still have to wait two weeks to start, even though they wanted me to begin immediately. To add to my unease, both the recruiter and hiring manager have Open To Work badges. While I'm thrilled to be getting back to work and starting to rebuild my life, I can't shake this feeling of skepticism. I find myself questioning if I'm stepping into a chaotic environment or if the team is on the verge of turnover. I worry about how quickly I can adapt back to a full-time role after such a long break. I know I need to shake off these negative thoughts before my start date, but I can't help but feel a bit jaded. Has anyone else experienced this kind of anxiety after receiving a job offer?

I recently received a verbal offer for a software engineering position at a mid-sized tech company. The hiring manager called me to discuss the details and expressed excitement about bringing me on board. However, it has been a week since that conversation, and I still haven't received the written offer. I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation and wondering if I should follow up or if this is a normal part of the process. Has anyone else experienced a similar delay after a verbal offer?

I recently received a job offer for a position in health tech, but they offered me the bottom of the salary range at $60K. I have over 3 years of experience and am already advanced in the main software they use, so I feel I deserve more. The salary range for the role is between $60K and $100K, and during the interviews, everyone mentioned that my skills align perfectly with the job requirements. I didn't provide my salary expectations during the interview process, which I think led to this low offer. The job posting indicated that they were looking for candidates with 0-2 years of experience, but I clearly exceed that. I’ve researched the market rates, and $60K is significantly below what others in my area are earning for similar roles. I ideally want to negotiate for around $86K, but I know that might be a stretch. The recruiter mentioned a target range of $60K to $70K, so I'm considering asking for $75K as a starting point. I feel like I should at least aim for $70K, but I’m worried about undervaluing myself. I just need to figure out how to frame my request effectively and make a strong case for the increase.

I recently accepted a job after being laid off, and I'm thrilled to share that it's at a much higher salary than I expected, with bonus opportunities and great potential for development. However, the role is in a new city, which means a long commute of about an hour and a half each way. Eventually, I would need to relocate, which would put me farther away from my family and friends. On the other hand, I've received another offer that's nearly $10k less in salary but has a much shorter commute of about an hour. This second role is with a reputable company that also offers strong growth potential and would allow me to move closer to my family and friends in the future. Both opportunities have their merits, and I'm genuinely excited about each path. The higher-paying role is not just about the money; it presents an exciting challenge with room for growth. The second option, while lower in salary, could help me build valuable skills and experiences that would enhance my résumé. I'm also still waiting to hear back from three other companies, which adds to the complexity of my decision. I'm grappling with whether to prioritize a higher salary now or to choose the role that keeps me closer to my support system, hoping that I can develop my skills further and pursue higher-paying opportunities down the line. This decision feels monumental and nerve-wracking, and I would appreciate any insights from others who have faced similar choices.

I recently received my first job offer at a sales agency, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. At 30 years old, I've had several jobs, but none that I truly considered a significant offer until now. This opportunity feels like a lucky break, especially given the current job market. However, I have some reservations. Firstly, I've never worked in sales before, and I need to get certified. I’m grateful that they recognized my potential and decided to give me a chance, but I’m also anxious about stepping into a new field. The salary is higher than anything I've earned before, but I’m questioning whether it’s actually a good offer or if I’m just perceiving it that way because I don’t have a clear understanding of my worth in the job market. I’m also grappling with the idea of turning down this offer. Given the tough job market, good pay, and the stability I’ve been seeking for a long time, it feels daunting to even consider saying no. I’m worried that I might be accepting it just because it’s my first serious job offer. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation with their first job offer. What did you do? Also, any advice on what questions to ask when I go in to sign the offer would be greatly appreciated, as I’ve never done this before and just been told 'you’re hired, go to HR' in the past.

I just received a full-time job offer for the MCS position! I'm really excited about this opportunity and can't wait to start this new chapter in my career. It's been a long journey, and I'm grateful for the support I've received along the way.

I was recently let go from my job after 4 and a half months, and I feel completely blindsided by it. At almost 34 years old, this is the first time I've ever been fired, and I had always received positive performance reviews in my previous roles. I thought everything was going well at this job, especially after I passed the exam for a license they paid for just a week ago. I genuinely believed my position was secure. However, yesterday I was called into my boss's office and told I was being terminated because I was deemed 'not a good fit.' This really hit me hard, as I was confident I hadn't made any mistakes or had performance issues. I kept to myself, focused on my work, and avoided the gossip and drama that seemed to permeate the office. I thought it was professional to stay out of the negative conversations my coworkers were having about the job. I didn't think being reserved and polite would lead to being fired, but it seems that my lack of social engagement was viewed negatively. I'm feeling really down about this because I liked the job and the benefits were excellent. I had envisioned myself growing with the company for years to come, and now I'm left feeling like I was let go for not fitting in socially, which is a tough pill to swallow.

I recently graduated high school and have been on the job hunt for about two weeks, applying to over 40 positions. I had a phone interview for a senior care/activity assistant role that I felt went really well, and the interviewer mentioned scheduling a second in-person interview soon. This job aligns with my long-term interests in healthcare, so I'm really hopeful about it. However, I also had an in-person interview for a delivery driver position at Blackjack Pizza, and they hired me on the spot. I'm set to start on Monday. I made it clear to them about the potential second interview for the senior care job, and they were fine with me missing work for that. My parents are concerned about me taking the delivery job and think I should wait for the senior care position, but I'm feeling anxious about the job search and don’t want to pass up a guaranteed position when I haven't officially secured the other one yet. Has anyone else taken a temporary job while waiting for a better opportunity? How did it turn out for you?

I just received a job offer for a business immigration paralegal position after 5 years of experience, and I'm really excited about it! I submitted my background check application last Thursday, and I was informed that it could take until the 1st to complete, which makes me a bit nervous. I wasn't worried until I found out they would be checking my credit report. Unfortunately, my credit just took a hit of 150 points due to missed student loan payments because I've been unemployed. Aside from that, my credit history has been spotless; I’ve never missed a credit card payment and my score was 760 until last week. Now I'm anxious about how this will affect my job offer, especially since I’m working remotely and not handling money directly. Is it common for employers to check credit in this way?

I recently completed a Python assessment for a job opportunity, and I honestly thought I had failed it. I was feeling really frustrated and angry about my performance. To my surprise, they offered me the position and even mentioned that they would pay me for the interview, which was essentially the coding test. This whole job hunting process has been so confusing, but it looks like I might have done better than I thought!

I recently started a new job in real estate marketing, but it's been a rough experience. During the interview, they met me at a coffee shop and seemed professional, but when I arrived, I was shocked to find the office was just a storage container. The workspace is cramped, and I'm sharing it with two other employees. Instead of the marketing role I expected, I'm stuck doing customer service calls, which is not what I signed up for. The software they use is outdated and incredibly difficult to navigate, making it impossible for me to assist customers effectively. I'm about to start my second week, and honestly, I dread going to work every day. The pay is just okay, and I know I could find a better position elsewhere that aligns more with my skills and degree. I'm seriously considering quitting, but I've never been in a situation like this before. Is it really acceptable to leave after just two weeks?

I recently signed an offer letter for a new role with a tentative start date of June 22. Since the 26th, my background check and employment verifications have been in progress. I had initially communicated to the recruiter that I would love some time off between jobs, and he assured me that this wouldn’t be a problem, even giving me an extra week. However, I didn’t anticipate the background check and verifications would take this long. Now it's the 30th, and if everything doesn’t wrap up by Monday the 1st, I might end up having to work into the week of the 15th, leaving me with only three days between jobs. I’m leaving my current employer because it has become completely unsustainable for my mental health, and I really wanted that time to process the transition. Both roles are remote, and I hoped to adjust and start the new job in a better headspace. My past employers were all small companies, and I’m worried that the background check might delay the process since they might struggle to contact my previous bosses, especially since one of the companies no longer exists. Now, I’m torn between two options: should I just go ahead and give my two weeks' notice, assuming everything will clear up by Friday? Or should I ask the recruiter if I can push back my start date by another week? I’m really anxious about messing up this opportunity, but I also feel that I need a break. I’ve heard horror stories about job transitions and I’ve been through unemployment before, so I’m really keen to avoid that again. I’m seeking advice on whether asking for an extension would look bad or if it would raise any flags if I say I want to wait until everything is cleared before giving my notice.

After sending out 850 applications, I finally landed a job at NVIDIA, and I want to share what changed in my approach. Initially, I was sending out about 30 tailored applications daily, but I was met with nothing but rejections, despite holding an Ivy League master's degree in engineering. I also tried reaching out to numerous recruiters on LinkedIn, but I received no responses. Then, I shifted my strategy to target hiring managers specifically for entry-level roles in my field. I invested in LinkedIn Premium and searched for positions that weren't on the first couple of pages of results, as those were often inundated with messages. I even gathered job titles and names from various publications and other search results. I reached out either through LinkedIn or, when possible, via email. I made sure to craft concise messages that would capture their attention. I started with a personal connection, referencing something specific about them, like their involvement in a project or their educational background. Then, I briefly highlighted my relevant skills and experience in one sentence, asking if they would be open to a chat. This approach yielded a response rate of about 10%, and half of those conversations led to interviews. Ultimately, this strategy helped me secure my dream job at NVIDIA. I learned that sometimes, there may not be a job posting available, but if a hiring manager likes you, they can create an opportunity. This method may not work for every industry, but the key takeaway is to connect with people in hiring positions rather than just recruiters. Once I realized this, my job search transformed significantly. Referrals didn't yield any results for me, but this direct approach made all the difference.

I recently started a new job at a local business, but after just a month, I was given a two-week ultimatum to prove myself or face termination. The owners, including the general manager who is the owner's daughter, pulled me into a meeting and expressed their dissatisfaction with my performance. They claimed I lacked the 'fire and hunger' they expect, which left me confused since I believe I am doing my job as trained. The training I received was inadequate; my supervisor was on vacation for three weeks, and I was trained by another new hire who wasn't fully equipped to teach me. I haven't even completed the state-mandated sexual harassment training yet. The owners seem to favor the other reps who go out of their way to please them, such as running errands for them during lunch and volunteering for tasks that seem more about personal loyalty than job performance. I have a good rapport with some regular customers, including a local police chief, and I joked with him in a way that the owners found inappropriate. They also criticized my need for clarification on complex invoices, which I think is reasonable for someone still learning the ropes. I feel like I'm being held to a different standard compared to my coworkers, who often use their phones for personal matters while I was reprimanded for checking an emergency text. I'm really struggling with this situation and questioning if I'm overreacting or if this is a toxic work environment.

After 8 months of job hunting and submitting 847 applications, I finally received a job offer today, and I can hardly believe it. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster filled with 31 interviews and countless rejection emails. I actually cried—like, really ugly cried—in my car after getting the news. I want to share what changed in my approach because I know how discouraging this process can be. Around month 5, I decided to try something different. Instead of just applying through job portals, I started reaching out directly to people at companies I was interested in. I sent personalized emails to hiring managers and department heads, explaining why I wanted to connect, without attaching my resume. The response rate was incredible compared to the silence I’d experienced on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. In just 3 weeks, I managed to book 6 conversations, and one of those led to a referral, which then turned into an interview and ultimately this job offer I accepted this morning. For anyone currently struggling in their job search, please know it’s not a reflection of your worth. The system is tough, but there are ways to navigate around it.

I recently had an interview for a position at a manufacturing company after a long gap in my employment. I had previously posted about my concerns regarding how to address this gap without resorting to dishonesty. During the interview, I was asked only two questions: why I applied for the job and what hobbies I have. After that, the interviewer gave me a tour of the facility, and I engaged by asking questions related to my past experiences and even made some jokes to lighten the mood. I felt the interview went well, and I was just informed that I got the job! I'm relieved and excited to start this new chapter.

I recently took a job as a pizza delivery driver, just a temporary gig for the summer while I looked for something better. The manager was upfront about the limited hours and responsibilities, which I accepted because finding work has been tough. However, just two days in, he informed me that he would be going on a two-week vacation and expected me to manage the place in his absence. This was never part of the deal, and I feel completely blindsided. I'm now responsible for running the operation, working long hours with no written schedule, and under immense pressure to perform perfectly. I feel guilty about wanting to quit, but this isn't what I signed up for. I'm torn between my obligation to help him out and my frustration with how I've been treated. Should I just walk away?

I recently accepted a new position at a company that promised me close to full-time hours, which made me excited to leave my previous full-time job. However, once I started, I discovered that they had only scheduled me for a mere 4 hours twice a week, claiming that was all part-timers received. Feeling misled, I reached out to my old job, and they welcomed me back immediately. Now, I’m juggling both jobs for a couple of weeks while I plan to put in my two weeks' notice at the new job. It feels awkward since the team at the new place is genuinely nice, but I can’t ignore the fact that they weren’t honest about the hours. I hope going back to my old job works out well and that I won’t face any issues after returning.

I was laid off from my finance job two years ago, which was a tough transition for me. Instead of trying to find another position in finance, I decided to take a leap and enrolled in an apprenticeship program at an HVAC company. After completing the program, I recently landed a new job that pays me twice what I was making in finance. Looking back, I feel like I should have pursued this path from the start instead of going to college.

I recently signed on to a new contract job and I'm excited about the company I'll be working for, as they have been really great so far. However, I've been having a frustrating experience with the recruitment agency that helped me land the position. Since I accepted the job, their communication has been terrible during the onboarding process. They often don't answer my phone calls, are slow to respond to emails, and at times, I feel completely ghosted. I'm wondering if this is a common issue others have faced and if anyone has tips on how to handle it. I'm based in Canada.