Got a Job

I just received a verbal offer today after a challenging job search, and I'm hopeful that a written offer will follow tomorrow. My journey started with a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my previous company, which was unexpected and vague in its feedback. Despite my efforts to improve, it became clear that I was unlikely to succeed, so I began applying for new jobs. I had my last working day confirmed about a month ago, and it felt like a layoff disguised as performance issues since the company handbook stated that severance is only provided for layoffs. During this time, I kept applying aggressively, using tools like ChatGPT to refine my resume to be ATS-friendly and creating multiple versions tailored for different roles. After submitting around 950-1000 applications over two months, I received callbacks from a few companies and went through several interviews. Ultimately, I got a verbal offer for a more senior position with a slight salary increase, but it comes with a 50-minute commute and is fully onsite, which is a big change from my previous remote setup. I know nothing is finalized until I sign the written offer, but I’m relieved that my unemployment may soon be over. This experience has been incredibly stressful, and it’s disheartening to see how many applications go unanswered. I learned that while some recommend a careful approach to job applications, sometimes a broader strategy is necessary, as many positions can disappear unexpectedly. I sincerely hope the job market improves soon.

I recently started working at a local catering and carryout company, where I've been for a little over two months. Initially, I really enjoyed the job; the customers were great, and my coworkers were awesome. However, the past month has been incredibly challenging. My boss has been yelling at me over minor issues and things that aren't even my fault. It's frustrating because he also yells at my manager, who is really cool and supportive. One of the biggest issues is the loneliness of the job. I run the entire store almost by myself, only getting about an hour of help from my manager before I'm left alone for 3-6 hours. During that time, I handle everything from cashiering and food prep to cleaning and restocking, all for just over $10 an hour after taxes. Today was particularly exhausting. I was supposed to learn how to open the store on a day we were closed, but instead of a quick one-hour training, my boss lectured us for five hours, which could have been much shorter if he let us work. My manager and I have both noticed how difficult our boss makes things, and we're just trying to get through it together. I'm actively applying to new jobs and plan to look for delivery driver positions when I turn 18. I'm even considering putting in my two weeks' notice early, which could risk my co-op in school, but I can't keep doing this. Hearing about my classmates' easier jobs makes me realize how tough my situation is.

I'm quitting my toxic job as a Client Coordinator on Wednesday, and I can't shake off the guilt about it. I work in a small office with just my boss and me, and while he often refers to me as his assistant, my responsibilities go far beyond that. I'm constantly caught in the middle of conflicts, like having to deny time-off requests from the service team, which shouldn't even be my job. My work hours stretch from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and even breaks are dictated by his whims. Sometimes he won't let me take a break at all if he's busy, and I find myself dreading his calls throughout the day. The micromanagement is overwhelming; he scrutinizes my work and is condescending when I make mistakes, while his own errors are brushed off. He once compared my value to that of a previous VA he had in the Philippines, which was incredibly demeaning, especially since I often work overtime and am flexible with my time. On top of that, I've overheard him making racist and homophobic comments, which makes me uncomfortable as a Black and gay woman. Despite all this, he can be personable and shares details about his life, which adds to my guilt about leaving. I recently accepted a new job that pays $25,000 more, offers benefits, and has a much healthier work environment. However, the timing is tricky because he just hired a new VA who starts tomorrow, and I'm supposed to train him. I'm planning to work through Wednesday and then inform my boss that it's my last day. Part of me feels I should give two weeks' notice to help him out, but I dread going back to work and feel anxious about the situation. I know he will be stressed, and I feel guilty for leaving him in a bind, but I also realize I've been prioritizing his needs over my own well-being for too long. How do I stop feeling guilty for choosing a better opportunity for myself?

I recently went through a lengthy interview process for an R&D Technician position at a company. I completed six interviews in total—three on-site and three virtual, which included two with HR representatives. After about two to three weeks of waiting, I received a verbal offer from the Head of HR, along with a start date. She mentioned that they were just waiting for the CEO to sign the offer letter. However, a week has passed and I still haven't received the official offer letter. This situation is incredibly frustrating, and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar.

I recently accepted a junior role at a startup and was excited when they invited me to attend a company-wide event at their overseas HQ during my first week. The trip is about a week long, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet my new colleagues. However, I ran into some issues with the travel arrangements. Two weeks before my start date, I reached out to the HR manager to discuss flight options, specifically a direct flight that was available for a reasonable fare. Unfortunately, after several follow-ups, I didn't hear back for eight days, and when she finally booked my flight, it was for a much longer journey with a long layover. I felt this was unreasonable, so I requested a change. The HR manager then went out of the office the next day, leaving me unable to get any clarification. I tried contacting another HR manager and the event coordinator, but they also didn't respond. Now, with my flight scheduled for tomorrow, I'm stuck with the long itinerary they booked. I had thought about asking if I could fly out a few days early to explore the city at my own expense, but I didn't want to seem like I was taking advantage of the situation. Now, I regret not asking because I’m facing this long flight anyway. I’m also considering whether it would be reasonable to ask about changing my return flight to a shorter option, but it would cost $300 and only offer a slight improvement. I’m worried about coming across as demanding, especially since this will be my fourth request. I’m feeling really frustrated with how this has been handled, and it’s added a lot of stress before I even start my new job.

I got the job!!! After a long 10 months of applying and facing numerous rejections, I’m thrilled to share that I accepted a new job offer. I’m transitioning from retail management to an administrative role in manufacturing. Throughout this journey, I applied for 53 positions, which led to one intake, one interview, and ultimately one job offer. I knew that if I could just get to the interview stage, I would have a strong chance. The role I accepted is exactly what I was looking for, with great pay and significant growth potential. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career!

I wanted to share a quick update on my job situation. A couple of months ago, I made the decision to leave my old employer without having a new job lined up. I was a bit nervous about it, but it turns out it was the right choice for me. Surprisingly, my old company is still doing okay and even found a good replacement for my role, for which I provided a solid handover. However, I've heard that they continue to make the same mistakes and employee satisfaction has actually declined since I left. On a positive note, despite the tough job market, I managed to secure two strong job offers within just over two months of a relaxed job search. I chose the one that offered better benefits and seemed to have a more manageable team dynamic. I still have a few weeks before I start my new role, so I'm taking some time off to recharge before diving back into work. For anyone considering a change, I encourage you to start looking for something new instead of just complaining about your current situation. You don't have to quit right away like I did, but exploring options can lead to better opportunities.

I want to share my journey after being laid off unexpectedly at the end of April 2026. I was fortunate to receive three months of pay and benefits according to my contract, but I started job hunting immediately and faced a long stretch of silence. It became quite stressful, especially since I am the main breadwinner in my family. My husband and I made some tough decisions to cut back on expenses, like canceling our home phone and cable, and adjusting our energy usage to save money. I work in a niche industry where everyone is somewhat connected, and although I had planned to move away from my previous line of work, I decided to apply for roles in that area since they typically pay well. I was initially hesitant, but after some reflection and prayer, I accepted that I might need to go back to that field. To my surprise, I received a full-time job offer that included benefits and a pension, and it paid almost the same as my previous job! I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I wanted to share this because I know how tough it can be. If I can find hope and a job after such a challenging time, I truly believe others can too. Don't lose hope and consider unconventional paths if you need to!

I started a new job just a few days ago, and I'm seriously considering quitting already. I had been looking forward to this position for months, but from Day 1, I felt like I wouldn't last more than three months here. It's a small team, and I found out that my predecessor left abruptly during a busy time, which has made me feel guilty about even thinking of leaving so soon. They had invested in my onboarding, including a drug test and fingerprinting, which adds to my hesitation. However, I can't shake the feeling that this job is not right for me. Within an hour of starting, I felt a deep sense of dread. I find myself panicking before work, unable to eat or sleep the night before. Even during my weekends, I'm preoccupied with thoughts about the job. I'm bracing myself for passive-aggressive comments from coworkers, and it's affecting my mental health. I thought it might just be nerves, but this feels different. I usually embrace new beginnings, but this experience has been overwhelming. I'm wondering if it's justified to pull the plug so soon. I'm open to any advice or thoughts on how to handle this situation.

After 14 months of searching, I am thrilled to share that I have finally secured a new job at the age of 61. My journey has been incredibly challenging, especially after being laid off from a large non-profit where I worked for 21 years as a healthcare clinician and administrator. I was put on a performance improvement plan and faced intense harassment, which was emotionally and physically draining. I refused to quit, and ultimately my department was eliminated, leading to my severance and unemployment benefits. During my year of healing, I applied to hundreds of jobs but received no responses, which left me feeling hopeless. However, a former coworker reached out to me out of the blue and mentioned a job at her new company that seemed perfect for my skills. I applied and went through a smooth interview process, where I felt a strong connection with the interviewers. They appreciated my extensive experience and the fact that I had stayed with my previous employer for so long. I was invited to meet with team members for further discussions, and I received positive feedback from HR shortly after. The company values human review in their hiring process, which I believe helped my application stand out. I am excited to start this fully remote position and look forward to this new chapter in my career.

I recently received a job offer from my former boss who has started a new firm. Currently, I work in the legal field in Canada, earning $88,000 a year plus around $2,000 in bonuses, along with decent benefits and time off. The new position would pay $95,000 with similar benefits and bonuses, but I’m feeling conflicted about making the switch. As a solo parent without any family support, job security is my top priority. While I’m comfortable and happy at my current firm, the extra $8,000 to $10,000 is tempting. However, I worry about the stability of my role since my former boss has a history of frequently changing firms, and I feel my position would be closely tied to her. I’m considering what questions I should ask to gauge job security if she were to leave. With the legal industry increasingly outsourcing administrative work, I also have concerns about being replaced by cheaper labor. At 53, I’m aware that ageism is a factor in hiring, which adds to my hesitation. I appreciate any advice on whether it’s worth taking the risk for a higher salary.

I got the job! After about 6 months of searching, I landed a position as a project manager, and I couldn't be more thrilled. It's fully remote, which is exactly what I wanted. I started just 2 days ago, and I'm already loving it! If you're out there job searching, don't give up—what's meant for you will come along!

I recently took a role as a Quality and Food Safety Manager at a cheese company, which was presented to me as a fantastic opportunity. However, after just a month, I've discovered that the reality is far from what was promised. The company has serious food safety issues, including potential recall situations and a troubling infestation of roaches and mice. My manager even let a product go that I refused to release due to foreign material concerns. It's alarming to see how they exploit their employees, hiring individuals who struggle to find work and making them endure long hours with minimal pay in unsafe conditions. I'm already looking for another job and have an interview lined up for Monday. I'm feeling anxious about how to quit after such a short time. Has anyone else found themselves in a similar situation?

I’m officially leaving my role as a graphic designer in marketing after three years at a company in the education sector. This decision feels like the best move I could make for myself. My experience there has been incredibly frustrating, as I’ve been constantly policed by HR and recently placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) because they claimed I wasn’t taking enough initiatives. It felt like no matter what I did, I was being set up to fail. My direct manager was unprofessional and more concerned with his own image than fostering a supportive work environment. My work was often devalued, with my completed marketing pieces not being shared on social media without any explanation. I was left in the dark about whether my work was approved or not, and it was demoralizing to have my efforts dismissed. I was also forced to use my personal phone to record videos for work, despite the company policy against using personal devices. It was a constant struggle to get my tasks done without the proper equipment, and I often had to rely on colleagues for help, which felt unprofessional and inappropriate. After enduring several PIPs and feeling increasingly disrespected, I decided to leave sooner than they anticipated. I’ve accepted a new job in product design that offers realistic goals and better pay. They want me to start quickly, and I can’t wait to leave my current position behind. I’ve overheard discussions about how they might struggle to find a replacement for me, but honestly, I don’t care. I’m done. While there are some nice people at my current job, they’re not enough to make me stay. Many are only there for the tuition discounts, and it’s clear that no one is truly happy. I’m moving on to something better, and I hope my experience serves as a lesson to others.

I recently accepted a job offer after being laid off from my previous company where I worked for 8 years. Since August, I've been actively job searching and finally secured an offer that I pushed for a higher hourly rate. The position starts on Tuesday, but I'm feeling uncertain about it. The company is smaller and while the pay is better than my last job, there’s no 401k option and the sales role seems risky with limited commission opportunities. On the other hand, I'm in talks with a second company, which came through a family friend referral. My resume was fast-tracked, and I had a great interview. They want me to have a follow-up interview with another manager, and if that goes well, I’ll meet with the director of sales. I have a strong feeling that I might get an offer from them, but I don’t have anything in writing yet. The follow-up interview is scheduled for the same day I start my new job. I really want the position at the second company because it offers a higher base pay, full work from home, and significant commission potential. I’m torn about whether to call off the job I just accepted in hopes that the second company will come through. I’m worried that if I don’t take the first job, I might regret it if the second one doesn’t pan out. Plus, I can’t make excuses to fit in two interviews during my first week. This is a tough decision.

I started my new job last month, and on just my third day, I learned that the contract I was hired under is set to expire next month. During the onboarding process, they casually mentioned that they lost the recompete, which was a shock since this crucial detail was never brought up during the interviews, salary discussions, or even in the offer letter. It's frustrating to realize that I turned down another job that paid about 10% less, which wasn’t contract-based, thinking I was making a reasonable decision. Now, it feels like I paid a premium just to update my résumé in real time. Every day, I clock in knowing that this job is essentially already over. HR's plan is vague at best, suggesting they might shuffle some of us to different contracts or let some go entirely. It feels like we're all just waiting for the inevitable while pretending everything is fine. It’s disheartening to see how little transparency there is in this industry, especially when it comes to job security. I wish I had known the situation was this dire before I accepted the position.

I started working as a contractor for DHL on Monday, but I’ve decided to quit after just a few days. The training involved shadowing another driver for three days, and the hours are from 11:30 AM until the route is complete, usually by around 10 PM. We get weekends off, but during the holidays, we’re expected to work from 8 AM to 4 PM. I was in a cargo van for 9-10 hours a day, working 50-60 hours a week at a pay rate of $17.95 per hour plus benefits. However, the experience has been terrible. The van I was given had a transmission issue that made it jump throughout the entire route, which was quite scary, especially on dark rural roads. I had to cover three counties with 26-27 stops, and the long drives between stops left me with no time for anything else during the week. For example, I worked from 11:30 AM to 10 PM yesterday. I’m currently texting my supervisor to let her know that I won’t be coming back. The hiring process was also a red flag; I filled out a paper application and signed off on a background check without even having a proper interview. The woman who handed me the paperwork was busy with other stops, which delayed the process by an hour. Overall, this job just isn’t for me, and I’m ready to move on.

I finally gave my notice at my current job! It took me a whole year to find something that felt right, but I’m really excited about this new opportunity. My boss is not happy about my decision, but honestly, I’m just enjoying the moment. I want to send good vibes to everyone out there who is still job searching. Keep pushing through!

I’m curious about the severance packages being offered by companies after layoffs in 2026. Specifically, I’m looking at organizations like Oracle, Uber, Adidas, Meta, Visa, and OakNorth. It would be really helpful for the community to share their experiences and insights regarding the severance pay they received after being laid off. I’ve heard that checking the employee handbook is a good start, and that a common practice is to offer about 2 weeks of pay for every year worked. Personally, I was laid off from a tech company in Seattle back in June. I received 2 months of notice pay, 7 months of severance, and 4 months of COBRA coverage. After 20 years with the company, I felt fortunate to find a new job within 2 months, which meant I didn’t have to rely on my severance or COBRA benefits. I was even able to claim some unemployment during that transition.

I was laid off over a year ago after spending more than 7 years at my previous company, which went through three rounds of layoffs. It took me a long time to find a new job, and after a year of searching, I finally accepted an offer and started working there two months ago. Despite feeling settled, I continued applying elsewhere. Today, I received another job offer that comes with a 33% salary increase. I feel a bit guilty since my current coworkers have been really nice and supportive, but ultimately, the financial aspect is important. I'm hoping this new position will be manageable. It's true what they say: when it rains, it pours. I'm keeping my head up!