Miscellaneous

I am a 25-year-old female from the US, and I graduated with a civil engineering degree in 2024. Last year, I went missing for 2.5 days, and my name and pictures ended up on the police department's website. Since then, I've been actively job hunting but faced a lot of challenges, including getting ghosted, scammed, and rejected by potential employers. To improve my hireability, I enrolled in extra classes at my local community college. I'm concerned about how my past might affect my chances of getting hired. I’ve been wondering if being reported missing will impact how employers view my qualifications. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently received an invitation to participate in an on-demand HireVue interview for a temporary Day Flex HR Connects Advisor position at NewYork-Presbyterian. As an HR professional, I'm curious about the experiences of others who have gone through a similar interview process for this role or any related HR positions at NYP. I'm particularly interested in details such as: 1. The number of questions and the time limits for preparation and responses. 2. Whether retakes were allowed during the interview. 3. The types of questions asked, whether they were behavioral, situational, or specific to the role, and if anyone remembers any questions verbatim. 4. If there were inquiries about salary expectations or availability. 5. Questions regarding HR systems, customer service experience, or handling confidential information. 6. What the next steps were after the HireVue interview, including the number of interview rounds and how long it took to receive feedback. 7. Insights on how the temporary Day Flex role operates in terms of scheduling and the likelihood of transitioning to a permanent position. 8. Any advice on what to do differently in this process. I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share!

I recently got fired after just 3 days at a new job in logistics. I had been searching for work for 2½ years due to burnout and a toxic previous workplace, so when I received an offer that seemed too good to be true, I jumped at it. I was upfront about my lack of certain experiences and asked for clear expectations regarding my training because I wanted to avoid being thrown into a high-pressure situation again. Unfortunately, upper management got involved and began micromanaging my training. They let me go because they felt I wasn't learning quickly enough, despite my efforts to grasp the material. I was expected to learn something in the morning and replicate it perfectly by the afternoon, which felt impossible. I even reached out to my boss before starting, hoping to get a head start, but received no response. Now, I feel completely defeated. I thought this job would be my chance to move forward, especially since I was hoping to use their health benefits to address my anxiety and potential ADHD or autism. But after being let go so quickly, my confidence is shattered. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever find a job that fits me, especially with the pressure to learn quickly. It’s frustrating to feel like I’m back at square one after all this time.

I was laid off from my role as an operations coordinator back in January and spent the next seven months applying for similar positions while depleting my savings. It was a tough time, and I felt increasingly desperate as the months went by. Finally, in August, I landed a job at a distribution warehouse, earning $17.50 an hour. While it's not my previous role, it's steady work that allows me to pay my rent again. My shift runs from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, and I'm not allowed to use my phone on the warehouse floor. New hires also can't take vacation time during their first 90 days, which is where I'm stuck right now. Ironically, now that I'm employed, I'm starting to get responses to my job applications. Last week, I received an invitation to interview for an operations analyst position that would nearly double my current pay. However, the interview slots offered were all during my working hours, between 10 AM and 2 PM. I reached out to the recruiter to see if I could schedule an early morning or late afternoon interview, but they informed me that the hiring manager only conducts interviews during regular business hours. I ended up having to take the initial screening call from my car during lunch, which was a bit of a scramble. Now, they want a 60-minute panel interview at 11 AM next Tuesday, but I can't keep calling out sick. I've only been at the warehouse for two months, and I really need the paycheck. It's frustrating because I have six years of experience in a field that pays significantly better, yet having a job is now the biggest obstacle to finding another one. I'm reaching out to see how others who took lower-paying jobs managed to handle interviews while working, especially when they had no PTO and couldn't just step away during the workday.

I recently lost my job due to the increasing implementation of AI at my company. I was working as a data analyst at a mid-sized tech firm, and they decided to automate many of the tasks I was responsible for. It was a tough transition, and I know I'm not alone in this situation. I've seen others in similar roles face the same fate. It's frustrating to see how quickly things are changing in the job market, and I'm curious if others have experienced layoffs related to AI advancements this year.

I'm 37 years old and feeling quite anxious about my future. I moved to Portugal about ten years ago and have dual citizenship, allowing me to work in both the U.S. and the EU. Unfortunately, my work history is quite sparse and mostly consists of short-term contracts in public relations for video game publishers and some independent content creation, including a YouTube channel with over 20,000 subscribers. Despite this, I've struggled to find stable employment and have sent out thousands of job applications with little success. Most responses I get are from MLM schemes or scams. I'm currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communications, hoping it will help me secure a better job. However, I was diagnosed with premature coronary artery disease in my mid-30s, which has forced me to reconsider my career plans. I had aspirations to join the Merchant Marine industry, but my health situation made that impossible, and it was a tough blow. On top of that, my family situation is challenging. My parents are elderly, with my mother suffering from Alzheimer's, and I don't have much support. I'm single and haven't had a serious relationship in a long time, which adds to my urgency to find a stable career. I'm not looking to become wealthy; I'd be happy with a stable income of €2,000–€2,500 per month. I'm open to working in Portugal, elsewhere in Europe, or remotely, ideally in an English-speaking environment. I'm not technically inclined, so programming isn't an option, but I'm comfortable with writing, research, and communication. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has successfully started a career later in life, especially after years of inconsistent work. If you have a general degree like Communications, what field did you enter? How did you overcome employment history challenges? Did you achieve financial stability? And how did you cope with the feeling of being behind others? I'm ready to start at the bottom and prove myself; I just need a chance.

I recently faced an issue with my unemployment claim in Pennsylvania after a contractor I previously worked for appealed it. I work out of a hiring hall, so layoffs are common in my line of work. I quit Contractor A at the end of 2025 and then took a job with Contractor B. Unfortunately, I had home issues with my furnace while working away from home, which forced me to quit Contractor B and fix the problem myself. After that, I worked for Contractor C out of state for about four months before returning home to take a local job. Contractor C laid me off cleanly, and then I worked for Contractor D, but their work dried up after a month of long shifts. Finally, I spent 4-5 months with Contractor E, which is the last contractor I separated from before filing for unemployment. I completed my waiting week and collected benefits for two weeks before starting a new job out of state. Now, Contractor A appealed my unemployment claim, and I'm confused about why they are involved since my last separation was with Contractor E. The unemployment office confirmed that everything on my end is correct, but I still feel uneasy about the situation. I called the referee office, and they mentioned that Contractor A is appealing because they don't want to contribute to my claim, which I understand since I quit. However, I’m not sure why the state is siding with Contractor A instead of Contractor E. I was told that I could choose to attend a referee hearing or not and that I could continue collecting benefits regardless, which seems odd to me. I'm worried about the possibility of having to repay benefits if Contractor A wins the appeal. To complicate matters, my access to online paystubs was canceled by Contractor E, so I can’t provide proof of my earnings during the base period. I'm really trying to do everything by the book and would appreciate any guidance on what to do next.

I just received my first written warning at work, and I feel completely betrayed by a colleague. I'm 23 years old and have been working in recruitment for about eight months. A few months ago, my manager and team lead discussed areas where I could improve, but it didn't feel serious at the time. Now, I've been hit with a warning for several small mistakes related to attention to detail, and I'm really heartbroken about it. During a meeting with my manager and HR, they listed seven reasons for the warning, and it felt like everything I've done has been documented. I understand that I need to improve, but the way it was presented made it seem like I had suddenly become a problem employee. The warning will stay on my record for six months, which is intimidating. What hurts the most is that I thought I had a good relationship with a colleague, who is 33. We got along well, and I felt she had my back. However, it seems she has been reporting my mistakes to our manager, including a recent incident where I asked why I needed to interview a candidate twice. I never intended to question my team lead, but it was interpreted that way. To make matters worse, this colleague has recently been promoted, and I can't help but wonder if she used my mistakes to make herself look better. Now, I'm contemplating whether I should start looking for another job. I've never faced a warning before, and I'm worried this will impact my future opportunities. I feel uncomfortable about having to interact with her in team meetings, especially since I'm the youngest on the team. I know I need to take accountability for my mistakes, but I also feel hurt and blindsided by how everything has unfolded. I'm seeking advice on whether I should start looking for a new job or stay and try to rebuild my reputation. How do I handle my relationship with this colleague without making things awkward or giving her more reasons to report me?

I recently quit my fast food job because I was only making $200 biweekly, which is far below what I need to live on. The minimum wage in my state is low, and since I live in a rural area, I had to rely on my mom to drive me 50 miles to work, which added to my expenses. I really enjoyed my job, but when my manager threatened to write me up for missing three days, I decided enough was enough and told her to take me off the schedule. My mom often pressures me to help with bills, so I never had the chance to save any money. This situation has made me realize that I need to find a better path until I can go to college and start a career. I'm feeling lost and frustrated, and I would appreciate any tips on how to cope with low pay and the pressure to keep working jobs that don't support me. I even thought about writing to politicians about the minimum wage, but I know they probably won't care. I feel like a failure for quitting, but I know something needs to change.

I've been on the hunt for entry-level positions to replace my current job, which involves serving and hosting. Lately, I've noticed that almost every opportunity I come across requires multiple interviews or additional questionnaires with different managers. I always thought entry-level jobs had a simpler hiring process, but it seems like that's not the case anymore. It's not just me either; many of my friends searching for jobs are experiencing the same thing. I remember when getting hired for these roles was more straightforward, usually just one interview with the boss. Has the process really changed that much?

I'm feeling really overwhelmed with my job hunt and decided to share my experience in hopes of getting some advice. I've been searching for a job for about four years since graduating with a BA in psychology, but I've had no luck at all. I haven't received any phone calls, interviews, or even rejection emails. I've applied for jobs both in and out of my field, but nothing seems to work out. I suspect that my struggles might be related to being autistic and having ADHD, which I'm currently trying to get diagnosed. This has made it tough for me to navigate online job applications and interviews. My college experience was also challenging due to these issues, and my GPA reflects that. I'm hesitant to pursue a Master's program until I can get the right medication to help me focus. Recently, I've had to move in with family to an area that has very few job opportunities. The local job market is dire, and many people are commuting long distances just to find work. Financially, I'm in a tough spot. While I live with family, I can't rely on them for all my expenses. I've also been dealing with health problems this year that require ongoing treatment, and I want to ensure my elderly dog is comfortable in her final years. I know the job market is challenging for everyone, but I'm reaching out for any advice on how to improve my chances of finding a job. My resume isn't great due to a history of short-term jobs that conflicted with my college schedule, and I'm aware that my mental health issues might mean I should look for remote work or positions that keep me in front of a computer. If anyone has suggestions on job boards beyond Indeed, tips for improving my resume, or insights on job hunting with ADHD, I would really appreciate it. I'm open to any advice and would love to have a conversation about this.

I recently faced a tough situation after leaving a secure position at a large corporation to join an AI startup. I dedicated over a year to this role, working weekends and long hours, believing that the chaos was just part of the startup experience. Unfortunately, I was laid off due to budget constraints. This news hit me harder than I expected, and I've been feeling a mix of embarrassment and despair about the current job market. It's only been four days since I lost my job, and I've kept it to myself except for my husband. I started applying for new positions on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on roles I felt qualified for and trying to submit my applications during peak hours. However, the rejection emails have already started coming in, and each notification makes my heart sink a little more. I know I need to stay positive and keep pushing forward, but I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, wondering how long this process will take. I barely see any open positions that match my skills, and I'm reaching out to others who have been through similar layoffs for advice on handling the mental toll during these first few weeks. How long did it take you to find your next job?

Today, I learned that a buddy of mine was laid off from his position as a department supervisor in the receiving department at Home Depot Canada. He had been with the company for over 5 years, and they informed him that they were diminishing his position and had no alternative roles available for him. It seems strange to me that they would eliminate a role so crucial to the store's operations, especially since receiving is essential for keeping the store running smoothly. He did receive severance pay and his time shares are coming soon, which is a small comfort, but it still feels unfair to be let go after so many years of service.

I've been out of work for 3 years now after completing a Master's degree in engineering that I absolutely hated. I spent 5 years on this degree, including a year in industry, and while I graduated with a 2:1, the experience was far from enjoyable. I faced two mental breakdowns during this time, one during my internship and another shortly after, which really took a toll on my motivation. After finishing university, I was on strong antidepressants and struggled to find the drive to look for a job, despite having the skills for software development. I thought I could take a year to work on personal projects, but the rise of AI and widespread layoffs crushed my hopes of finding a stable career. Now, I'm three years unemployed. I did manage to earn some money through freelance work, around £2000 for a single project, but it wasn't stable. Employers seemed uninterested in my personal projects, and I realize now that I should have been applying for any job available, regardless of the skill level. Anxiety and depression have made job searching a daunting task for me, and I often find myself overwhelmed and distracted. I've worked minimum wage jobs before, like as a pot wash and cleaner, but those experiences were traumatic and left me feeling hopeless. I know I have skills to offer, but the two-year gap on my CV has led to me being ghosted by employers. I thought about volunteering to fill my CV, but I spent that time on projects I believed would be beneficial. Now I'm in a tough spot. I need a job by Christmas, and while I’ve applied to apprenticeships, I keep getting ignored. I’m considering taking any job available, but I'm worried about my mental health and lack of joy in life. I haven't traveled or seen friends in years, and I feel like I'm running out of time to turn things around. I also tried to start a business based on some personal projects, but it became overwhelming and financially burdensome. I’m still in debt from university and struggling to get by. I just need an opportunity to prove what I can do.

I was terminated from my job in South Carolina on September 1 and was approved for unemployment benefits starting September 13, receiving $350 per week. After my termination, my former employer paid me $1,800 for unused PTO, which I reported while certifying for the week of September 20–26. However, I received $0 for that week, and it wasn't until the following week that I got the $350 payment. I reached out to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) and they confirmed that the PTO payout was the reason for my lack of payment that week. I'm trying to understand if it's normal for unused PTO accrued before termination to count as earnings for the week it was paid, even though I was no longer employed. Has anyone else faced this issue or successfully challenged it in South Carolina?

After graduating with a degree in a STEM field, I faced significant challenges in finding a job. Despite having a strong GPA, I struggled to secure even an entry-level position. I attended numerous career fairs and put myself out there, but nothing seemed to work out, which led me to enroll in grad school to enhance my skills and qualifications. It took me five years post-graduation to finally land a job, which paid decently, but I had to take on side jobs to make ends meet. Unfortunately, after four years in that role, I was told by management that I would not be promoted, while my peers moved up the ladder. This was a tough and disheartening experience for me. Everything changed when I met someone special who encouraged me to keep applying for new opportunities. Following her advice, I began applying more actively and was surprised to receive interview invitations from multiple agencies. To my astonishment, I ended up with four well-paying job offers! It was overwhelming to have so many options after such a difficult start. Ultimately, I chose the position that felt right for me and turned down three other offers. Reflecting on my journey, I feel grateful for the support I received and the opportunities that have come my way. It's a stark contrast to my earlier struggles, and while it’s exciting, it can also be a bit overwhelming to have recruiters reaching out with job offers. I wanted to share my experience to connect with others who may have faced similar challenges in their careers.

I recently got laid off and found a great way to connect with others in similar situations. I'm joining a weekday hiking group this Tuesday, October 13th, at Tilden Regional Park in Orinda, California. It's a 4.4-mile loop with a 554 ft elevation gain, which should be a nice way to clear my head and meet new people. The group is open to anyone navigating a layoff or between jobs, so it feels welcoming. They usually split into smaller groups based on pace, which helps make the hike more enjoyable. I appreciate that they also organize other activities like co-working and coffee hangs, fostering a supportive community for those in career transition. I hope to see others there who are looking for a little camaraderie during this challenging time!

I was let go from a startup just 1.5 months after I joined. I really put in my all and was excited about the opportunity, but it seems like they prioritize 'culture fit' over skills and experience. After reading some comments, it sounds like this isn't uncommon in the startup world. I’ve learned my lesson and I don’t think I’ll be pursuing another startup role anytime soon. It feels frustrating to have invested so much effort only to be dismissed so quickly. I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this isn’t a reflection of my abilities.

I graduated in Summer 2024 with a bachelor's degree in political science, but I've struggled to find a job in my field for the past two years. Initially, I started in computer science, but I found my passion in technology policy and machine ethics, which combines my interests in politics, data governance, research, and policy development. This niche is becoming increasingly important as we navigate the implications of AI usage in society. I have aspirations for a master's or PhD, and even a law degree, but unfortunately, my ideal school rejected me. During my undergraduate studies, I engaged in various projects and conferences focused on critical AI-ML analysis and human-tech interactions. I presented at two conferences, although I missed one due to funding cuts at my university. I also took on multiple leadership roles, advocating for policy changes and networking with fellow students and organizations. My involvement included working with the faculty senate to lead data assessments on student engagement, which ultimately improved resources for professors. My resume is quite extensive, spanning two pages, with an additional page for references, which I know is unconventional. Currently, I am working small jobs unrelated to my career just to make ends meet. I understand the job market is tough, but I can't shake the feeling that I've made mistakes along the way. I've applied for several internships, but many are restricted to current students. To enhance my employability, I'm re-learning programming to showcase my technical skills, but I’m uncertain if that will be sufficient. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced similar challenges or has advice. I'm open to sharing my resume for feedback.

I recently learned that Amazon has laid off hundreds of employees in their Stores Division. This news was quite surprising, especially considering the ongoing changes in the retail landscape. It seems that the company is making significant adjustments, possibly due to the challenges faced by Amazon Fresh and other grocery initiatives. I'm curious about how this will impact the overall strategy for Amazon's physical retail presence.