Miscellaneous

I’m a 20-year-old male from the UK and I’m feeling completely lost in the job market. Currently, I’m NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and it’s really taking a toll on my mental health. I’ve applied to countless jobs without receiving any responses, which has left me feeling helpless and trapped. I’ve attended numerous workshops and conferences aimed at improving my job search skills, but still, I haven’t received any feedback or offers. It’s incredibly frustrating to see my friends and partner getting job responses while I’m left in the dark. I had a job that went on furlough, and since then, I’ve been working hard to enhance my CV and gain experience, but nothing seems to be working. I genuinely don’t want to rely on benefits; I want to earn my own money and contribute positively to society. I’m reaching out for advice because I’m feeling really low and even contemplating suicide due to this situation. I just want to find a way to move forward.

I recently experienced a layoff from my role in tech, where I was earning around $250K in total compensation. I've been reflecting on the advice out there suggesting that people should "learn a trade" as a solution for those of us displaced by layoffs. It feels disingenuous, especially since many of the companies behind this narrative, like Meta, are the same ones conducting mass layoffs. They’re pushing initiatives like America’s Workforce Academy, which offers a five-week course with a credential and a guaranteed job, but those jobs are predominantly at construction sites for their data centers, not local opportunities. This push seems more like a supply chain management strategy than genuine career advice. The reality is that while they need labor for their construction projects, the pay and job security are far from what many expect. I’ve seen stats showing that there are hundreds of thousands of tech layoffs, and the trades are already saturated with workers. The promise of high-paying jobs in trades often overlooks the fact that most positions are just backfills for retirees, and the actual new openings are minimal. Moreover, the narrative around trades often glamorizes the top earners while ignoring the long apprenticeship periods and the reality that many tradespeople earn much less than the stories suggest. The disparity between supply and demand is stark: as tech workers like me are pushed into trades, we risk driving down wages that are already inflated due to scarcity. It’s frustrating to see the same companies that laid us off now trying to dictate our career paths, all while they profit from our displacement.

I recently started a new job after being unemployed for about 3.5 months, and I’m already feeling overwhelmed and burnt out after just four shifts. The company hired me on the spot, which I know can be a red flag, but I really needed the job. Unfortunately, I’ve quickly realized that the training and communication here are severely lacking. I’ve barely received any proper training and am expected to perform at the same level as my coworkers without any guidance. The management is a family group that is passive-aggressive and condescending, which makes it really difficult for me, especially since I’m hard of hearing. There have been multiple instances that have stressed me out, including being reprimanded for a refund situation that was not my fault and being asked to complete a bunch of tasks right before my shift ended, only to be scolded for going overtime. I’ve also seen my friend go through a confusing hiring process where she was gaslit by a manager about her schedule. These experiences have made me dread going into work, and I’m seriously considering job hunting again. I’m looking for advice on whether I should stick it out a bit longer or if these issues are enough to justify leaving. I feel like my mental health is at stake here.

I recently landed a graduate position in Communication and Stakeholder Engagement at an infrastructure company after being jobless for 1.5 years since graduating last December. However, just one week into the job, I'm already feeling a strong dislike for it. I'm not sure if it's because I'm struggling to adjust back into the workforce after such a long break or if the job itself is genuinely not a good fit for me. I can't afford to lose this job, but the mental toll it's taking on me is significant, and I'm seriously considering quitting. At 24, I've come to realize that after several office jobs, I might not be cut out for desk work; I think I thrive in more labor-intensive roles, like truck driving or something similar, rather than being stuck in an office. I'm seeking advice on whether I'm overreacting or if it's okay to feel this way so soon. I feel like I'm venting, but I really need some guidance on how to navigate this situation.

I recently interviewed for an entry-level bookseller position at Barnes & Noble and was thrilled to get hired on the spot. I completed all my pre-hire requirements by the next day, and my start date was set for this upcoming Tuesday. However, I faced a sudden personal tragedy with a death in the family late last night. This has prompted me to reach out to HR to see if I can delay my start date to allow time for grieving and to be with my family across the state. I'm hoping to push my start date to Monday the 20th, but I'm feeling anxious about asking for this adjustment, especially since I just got hired and there are multiple new hires coming in for the season. I emailed HR early this morning and am waiting for a response, but it’s 4 AM, and I’m feeling stressed about the whole situation. I'm curious if anyone else has had similar experiences with new employers and how accommodating they were during tough times.

I am currently job hunting and urgently seeking a remote position due to my challenging financial situation. I will be moving to Germany soon and need to secure a job as quickly as possible. I have nearly 4 years of experience in IT, specifically with Angular, TypeScript, .NET, and SQL, but I'm open to various roles that can be done remotely, not limited to software development. I'm considering positions in Customer Support, Technical Support, Manual QA/Software Testing (which I have experience in), Virtual Assistant, Data Entry, or any other legitimate remote job opportunities. I am fluent in English and have basic German skills (A2 level). I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for the fastest way to land a legitimate remote job. If you have found success with specific websites, companies, or strategies, please share your insights. I'm not interested in any 'get rich quick' schemes—just honest work that I can start as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!

I graduated with a BA in Economics in 2024 and completed a Data Science certification in May 2025. After preparing for my Master's entrance exams, I faced disappointment when I didn’t get into my desired college. Instead of settling for a less appealing option, I decided to hold off on further studies and focus on job applications. However, I've been searching for a job for almost a year now with little success, and I believe my lack of formal work experience is a significant hurdle. During this time, I've been actively involved in my father's business, where I've taken on responsibilities like supervising daily operations. Additionally, I did some part-time work for a logistics company, but it was entirely informal—no contracts or paperwork to show for it. Now, I'm contemplating whether I can include these experiences on my CV. I'm unsure if recruiters will view them as valid experience, and I'm also concerned about the possibility of being asked for employment documents if I manage to get hired. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation or from recruiters who can provide insight. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I've been feeling really overwhelmed at my current job, and it's taking a toll on my mental health. I'm desperate to switch roles but I'm unsure about the legitimacy of some job postings I've come across. I've seen comments suggesting that many of these gigs might not be worth it, with some people warning that they could be scams or just not provide enough stability. I've also heard from others in the data annotation field that while some opportunities are legit, they can be project-based with no guarantee of consistent work and require a lot of attention to detail. It's frustrating to think about training AI models that could potentially replace jobs like mine. I'm trying to navigate this job search while managing my mental health, and it's been a challenging experience.

I recently experienced the emotional toll of the Amazon layoffs. As a former employee, I felt a mix of burnout, frustration, and heartbreak when I was let go. The job market is incredibly saturated right now, making it even harder to find new opportunities. It's disheartening to see so many talented individuals struggling to secure positions while dealing with the aftermath of layoffs. I'm currently navigating this challenging landscape and trying to stay hopeful.

I was informed at the end of June that my position was being made redundant due to AI restructuring. I was given a one-month notice period, which means I still need to work until the end of July. The anxiety and depression from this situation have been overwhelming. My manager has been scheduling knowledge transfer (KT) sessions every day since no one else knows how to do my work, which adds to my stress. I feel like I'm carrying a heavy burden during these sessions, and afterwards, I struggle to focus on job searching. My self-confidence has plummeted, and I find it hard to even manage normal chores at home. I just want to stay in bed and avoid everything.

Today, I had a phone interview for a marketing role that I was really excited about. However, just five minutes into the call, the recruiter abruptly stopped me and asked why my recent experience didn't mention software engineering. I was confused and clarified that I have never worked in tech. It turned out she had mixed up my resume with another candidate's and had scheduled me by mistake. She seemed flustered, mentioned they would keep my file on record, and then quickly ended the call. Now I'm left wondering if it would be worth reaching out to her manager about this unprofessional mix-up.

I'm feeling really overwhelmed and defeated right now. I've been unemployed for nearly 4 months and the financial burden is crushing me. I currently have around ₹2 lakh in credit card debt, ₹50,000 borrowed from various lenders, and a hefty ₹3.5 lakh education loan. To make matters worse, I was scammed by an employer who lured me to another city for a job, only to leave me unpaid after I worked for them. I'm actively searching for a Product Manager role, as I believe that's where my future lies. I have decent web development skills and could potentially take on freelance work if I can find clients. I understand product management well, but my actual full-time experience is only about 10 months. Financially, I'm in a desperate situation and need to support my family, which has led me to consider inflating my experience on my resume to show around 3 years instead. I know this is unethical, but I feel trapped with no other options. Entry-level PM positions are offering around ₹35–40k, while my last job paid me ₹50k, and I simply can't afford to take a step back financially. I'm also really worried about the background verification process. I have a couple of questions: 1. When employers check references, do they usually ask for documents from just the most recent employer, the last two, or all previous ones? 2. If I manage to get a job, work for a month, and then fail the background check, will they let me go? If so, will I still get paid for the days I've worked? I'm really looking for advice from HR professionals or anyone who's been in a similar situation. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Also, any tips on how to handle the background check process would be greatly appreciated.

I recently came across a company called Sundayy while browsing LinkedIn and I've been seeing a lot of updates about them. I'm curious if anyone here knows if they are a legitimate company. If you have applied there, received an offer, or gone through an interview process, I would love to hear about your experiences. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently posted on Nextdoor offering my services in photo and video editing, as well as social media management, since I'm currently looking for ways to earn some income. I have over five years of experience in this field, even though I don't have a formal degree. A real estate agent reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in becoming his executive assistant. The role would involve organizing events, handling paperwork, and managing his social media, along with some other tasks. We’re scheduled to meet at his office tomorrow, where he will explain his expectations in more detail. He mentioned that the job would offer a flexible schedule, allowing me to work mostly online, which is perfect since I'm a stay-at-home mom with a two-year-old and another baby on the way next month. However, I'm unsure how much to charge him for my services. I would appreciate any advice on what a fair monthly rate would be for this type of work.

I was laid off in early April 2026 from my corporate job, and while I wasn't devastated, I had been anticipating it for months. The environment was chaotic, and I was at my breaking point. Being unemployed has allowed me to start therapy, which has been eye-opening. I've realized how much my previous job impacted my confidence, especially due to the toxic management I dealt with. I know I need to find another job eventually, but right now, I'm struggling with motivation. I've been applying for jobs, but it's been half-hearted. Recently, I received a job offer that was significantly lower than my previous salary of $115,000—only $36,000. I turned it down because I can't justify taking such a pay cut, especially when I was earning more than that as a fresh graduate back in 2013. Unemployment is incredibly boring for me. Most of my friends are busy with their own lives, and my family isn't nearby. I'm stuck in a cycle of sleeping late and waking up in the afternoon, which feels unproductive. I'm 35, single, and have no children. I've been working continuously in corporate since 2013 without taking a break. Financially, I'm okay for now with about $80,000 in savings, no mortgage, and two passive income streams bringing in around $2,300 a month. My monthly expenses are between $1,300 and $2,000. While I feel financially stable, I wonder if I'm just avoiding the reality of needing to return to work because I'm burnt out. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced similar feelings after a layoff. - Is it reasonable for me to take a year off without jeopardizing my financial future? - Did you face a lack of motivation and boredom after being laid off? - What helped you regain your confidence and motivation? - If you had a year off, what would you do? - With $80,000 in savings, how would you budget to make it last? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I was recently let go from my position at a mid-sized tech company after I raised concerns about inconsistencies in my Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) to HR. It was a tough situation, as I was just trying to advocate for myself and ensure fairness in the process. Now, the company is offering me a severance package, but it comes with the condition that I waive my legal rights. I'm weighing my options and considering whether to consult a lawyer to understand the implications of this offer. The severance amount is a significant factor in my decision-making process.

Today was a tough day at work. My company went through a round of layoffs, and while I managed to keep my job, I can't shake the sadness I feel for my coworkers who were let go. It was unexpected for many of them, and I know some were at significant life milestones—like getting married or having a baby on the way. Just last week, I was getting to know some of them better, and now they’re gone. The job market is rough right now, and I can't help but feel for them. If I were in their shoes, I know I would be in a very dark place mentally. It would honestly be crippling for me. Some of them have started adding me on social media, and seeing their profiles makes me feel even worse. They were genuinely good people, and it’s heartbreaking to see them in this situation. I’ve always been told not to trust companies too much, and now I see why. Our management assured us that if layoffs were coming, we would get plenty of notice. Looking back, that seems laughable. I do understand the company is struggling financially, and they’re losing money every month, so I can’t blame them too much. But it still feels wrong. When I reach out to those who were laid off, all I can say is, 'I’m sorry this happened, and I hope you’re doing okay.' It feels inadequate, like I’m apologizing for something I didn’t do. I want to say more, but there’s not much else to say.

I’m organizing a hiking group for those who have been laid off or are currently job searching. This Monday, July 13, I’ll be leading a hike at Wildcat Canyon in El Cerrito, CA. It’s a great opportunity to clear your head and connect with others in similar situations. We’ll be hiking a 5-mile loop with a 1,070 ft elevation gain, starting at 10:30 am. If you're interested in joining, let me know!

I’ve been feeling completely overwhelmed in my leadership role lately. A few weeks ago, the position I had been working towards was suddenly taken away, but I’m still expected to handle all the responsibilities that come with it. I'm leading initiatives, training new hires, interviewing candidates, solving escalations, and supporting multiple teams. The only thing that changed is my title, which has left me feeling lost and unappreciated. The workload has intensified significantly over the last few weeks, and I find myself balancing my own caseload while also taking on additional tasks. I’m constantly in back-to-back meetings, redesigning workflows, and handling escalations from every direction. The pressure is unreal; by the end of the day, I feel completely drained, like I could just collapse. I’ve noticed that my memory has started to falter, and I often forget why I walked into a room. In meetings, I get so anxious that I stutter or stumble over my words, which is not something I’ve ever experienced before. The emotional toll of leadership is heavy; I’m expected to motivate my team and keep everyone optimistic, even when I’m struggling to find that optimism myself. I’m grateful to have a job, but that doesn’t negate the burnout I’m feeling. I think about work constantly, even during my supposed off-hours, and I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself outside of work. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation, where you have all the expectations of leadership without the title or recognition. Did you manage to find a way through it? Did you set boundaries, leave the role, or find a position that allowed you to lead without sacrificing your well-being?

I recently went through a lengthy interview process for a role that I was really excited about. I spent over a month interviewing with the company, which included six different calls—both phone and Zoom—two projects, and a panel presentation. After each round, they moved me along quickly, and I received nothing but positive feedback. I even found out they did a reference check with a former boss who spoke highly of me, and it seemed like they liked me during that call as well. I truly thought I had it in the bag, but today I received the disappointing news that I didn’t get the job. It’s such a bummer, and it still feels surreal. I’m just here to vent and process this letdown. I’m ready to move on to the next opportunity, and I wish everyone else luck in their job searches too.