Miscellaneous

I applied to several jobs about two years ago, and I just checked my applications. They are all still marked as "Applied." I'm starting to wonder if Handshake is completely useless at this point. My resume isn't bad, but the lack of progress is really frustrating. It feels like I'm just stuck in limbo with no updates or feedback. I’ve seen comments suggesting that these might be ghost jobs or that I should just move on since it's been so long. I'm not sure what to do next.

I recently interviewed for a construction estimator position on Tuesday. I currently run a small landscaping business and have no formal experience in estimating beyond what I do for my own projects. This transition feels risky as I'm used to being outside and creative, and I'm not sure how I'll adjust to an office environment focused on computer work. The interviewer expressed some concern about my lack of experience, but I'm eager for a change to a more stable career. The company is relatively new, only four years old, and the interviewer mentioned that I would be the sole estimator, expected to produce up to 15 estimates daily. He emphasized the need for me to start as soon as possible to allow for training during the previous employee's notice period. However, I learned that the previous estimator only lasted six months, which raises some red flags for me. Additionally, I've noticed the company lacks a strong online presence and there are no reviews on Glassdoor. If I receive an offer, I'm considering asking to speak with the previous employee to understand their reasons for leaving and to get a clearer picture of the work environment.

I've been struggling with the idea of looking for a job after having several negative experiences in my past roles. I've mostly worked as a waiter and a call center operator, and both jobs left me feeling undervalued and mistreated. I was often paid under the table, which added to my frustration and sense of exploitation. Now, I find myself frozen with fear at the thought of job hunting, worried that I'll end up in a similar situation again. I have a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with strong depressive symptoms, which makes this process even harder. Rationally, I know that not every workplace is like my past ones, but the fear of being treated poorly or not being good enough is overwhelming. For almost two years, I've been studying web development and computer science, hoping to transition into the IT industry and build a better career for myself. However, I still grapple with a fear of failure—what if I'm not good enough to find a job in this new field? I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced similar fears after negative job experiences. How did you manage to overcome them? Did you have any strategies that helped you start applying for jobs and attending interviews without letting fear hold you back? I'm eager for any practical advice or personal stories that could guide me through this challenging time.

I recently went through a challenging job search experience that I wanted to share. Last November, I started applying for jobs and finally landed an interview for a role at a company. After about eight interviews, I received an offer and signed the contract in June. However, I soon found out that they do not sponsor visas, which is a significant issue for me due to my visa situation. They ended up rescinding my offer to consider me for a different role at another location since they operate internationally. I had an interview for this new role two days ago, but unfortunately, I was rejected. It's been a long and frustrating journey, and I can't help but feel like I've invested so much time and effort into this process without any success. Is this kind of experience common in job searching?

I had an interview with a General Manager yesterday for a position at a local company, and I was thrilled to receive a job offer on the spot. I was instructed to complete some onboarding paperwork, including W-4 and I-9 forms, on their website. After finishing the forms, I was taken to a screen that locked me out. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether this is a normal part of the process. I was told that the GM would be notified once I submitted everything, but I didn't receive any additional contact information to follow up. I hope I'm just being paranoid, but I can't help but wonder if everything is okay.

Job searching feels like a frustrating cycle. When I was looking for an internship, it seemed like every job posting was for full-time roles. Then, when I finally transitioned to seeking a full-time position, all I could find were internships. After settling into my current job, I noticed that my dream companies were hiring, but now that I want to leave because I dislike my current role, it feels like there are no opportunities available. It's like the universe is playing tricks on me!

I'm currently working in a factory job, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by the toxic environment and the physical demands of the work. My body is really struggling with the labor, and I'm eager to transition to an office or work-from-home position. I've been searching for roles like coordinator or data entry jobs, but I'm worried about taking a significant pay cut. I've tried tailoring my resume to fit these positions, but so far, I've received no responses. I'm looking for advice on how to make this switch effectively, including which job search websites to use and any tips for improving my chances of landing an office job.

I was laid off a few days ago after spending over five years in in-house communications at a tech company in Germany. The past year and a half had been particularly tough, as new leadership came in and my role diminished significantly. I stayed out of a desire for stability, even though I felt increasingly sidelined. Now, as I begin my job search for the first time in years, I'm facing the daunting reality of a challenging job market. The hardest part for me isn't the rejections; it's the lingering feeling of invisibility that has eroded my confidence. I find myself questioning my worth and abilities, wondering how I managed to stay in a role where I felt so overlooked for so long. Each rejection feels like a validation of those doubts instead of just a simple 'no.' I'm reaching out for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation—laid off or feeling small in their role—and had to rebuild their self-belief while job searching. What strategies helped you regain your confidence and shift your mindset? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I recently started a job at a new restaurant chain that opened in my state. I applied two weeks ago and was surprised when they called me for an interview, which turned out to be very casual. They basically asked for my availability and told me I could start the next day without any formalities. On my first day, I wasn't even asked for my social security number or to watch any training videos. Instead, I was told to follow a colleague around for a bit, and then the rush hit. I ended up running around, serving food, and preparing items without any real training. I didn't even get to clock in before I was thrown into the chaos of a busy shift. To make matters worse, I worked for four hours straight without a break, which was a stark contrast to my previous job where I at least got a 10-minute break. I managed to perform well despite the lack of training, but it was overwhelming. One of my coworkers even apologized, saying that it was unusually hectic for a first day. Now, I'm really unsure if I want to go back. This experience has taught me to be cautious about accepting job offers immediately after an interview.

I had a virtual round 1 interview today that I ended prematurely because I was really struggling. My 13-year-old dog had a health scare last night, and the vet recommended I bring her in for observation today. I dropped her off, and I was a bundle of nerves waiting to hear back about her condition. Thankfully, she ended up being fine, but I was so distracted during the interview that I couldn't focus. I had prepared well for the role, which had a great salary range, and I had a positive interaction with the recruiter. However, I was laid off last year and am currently in a bridge role, trying to find my way back into my field. I didn’t want to reschedule because I liked the position and didn’t want to seem like I was making excuses. During the interview, I immediately felt off. I couldn’t answer the hiring manager’s questions coherently, and I kept going off on tangents, saying 'um' way too often. About 20 minutes in, I stopped the interview, apologized, and explained briefly what was happening. I felt it was best to end it there rather than waste her time. I was embarrassed, and I could feel myself getting emotional. The hiring manager was professional and offered to reschedule, but I was too flustered to process it properly. I told her I would reach out to the recruiter, but honestly, I’m worried I would just mess it up again. I emailed the recruiter afterward to apologize and thank her, but I don’t expect a response. I know I’ll be replaying this experience in my head for a long time. I’m wondering if I was inconsiderate to end the call, but I felt it was getting worse the longer it went on. I also would appreciate any tips on how to regain composure during an interview when I start to ramble.

I have a B.S. in Media Arts and Game Development, but it's not helping me land any jobs. I've been actively searching for over a year, sending cold emails, tweaking my resume countless times, and applying to everything I can find, but interviews are few and far between. I'm really eager to move out and live independently, but I'm struggling to find any job that pays enough. I'm considering options like working at a post office, in construction, or even food and bars, but I might need to juggle two or more jobs to save up enough. I haven't had any internships, which might be part of the problem. I heard Warner Brothers Games has job openings, so I plan to check that out. I'm also thinking about temp work or independent contracting with creative agencies, but living with roommates might be my best bet for now if I want to move out soon.

I recently experienced a status change with my unemployment claim in Michigan. For the first time, my claim went from 'processed pending payment' to 'no payment issued.' I'm feeling a bit anxious about it and wondering if anyone else has gone through something similar. What was your experience? Did you end up receiving your payment later, or did you have to take further action?

I recently started a new job about three months ago, and I'm really struggling with anxiety related to it. Every time the schedule comes out, I feel a wave of dread wash over me, counting down the hours until I have to go in. The work environment is mixed; some managers are strict while others are more relaxed. However, I can't shake the feeling that some of them don't like me, especially one particular manager who seems to constantly have an issue with my performance. Just a few days ago, she pulled me aside and bluntly asked, "What's the point in even having you here?" That hit me hard and has made my anxiety even worse. I find myself crying in my car before shifts, and it's really affecting my mental health. I've had nightmares about work on my days off, and I feel lost and overwhelmed. I need this job for financial reasons, but I can't continue feeling this way for the next several decades. I wish my family understood what I'm going through, as I just want my feelings to be acknowledged.

I was recently laid off from my job while I am deployed with the Army, marking the second time this has happened to me. My employer, which I prefer not to name right now, had voluntary layoffs, but I never received any notification in my personal email. This situation has been particularly frustrating because I am supposed to be getting paid while deployed, but there was a mix-up with my return date. Lincoln Financial mistakenly communicated a September 2026 return date instead of my actual May 2027 date, which I had to rectify. My termination date is set for September 4, with my last day of work being September 11, but I should still be receiving pay from Lincoln Financial until November. I found out about my layoff on August 10, and despite reaching out to HR for clarification three weeks ago, I have not received any response. I also contacted the severance team and am still waiting to hear back. To make matters worse, the company is now undergoing massive layoffs and is planning to spend over $300 million on severance packages. I recorded a conversation with an HR representative who acknowledged that I should have received the layoff email, but she quickly changed the topic when I brought it up. I’m feeling lost and unsure of my next steps. I’ve been advised that my job protection rights may have been violated due to my deployment, and I’m considering reaching out to legal resources for guidance.

I recently started a new job as an in-room dining server at a small hotel, but it's been a frustrating experience. I've been there for about a month now, and the commute is long with pay that doesn't match the effort I put in. Tips are nearly nonexistent, and the workplace culture feels cliquish since most of my coworkers are friends outside of work. I feel like I'm not performing at the same level as them, especially since they view this job as a career while I'm just trying to make ends meet. When I informed management that I have school commitments and need certain days off, they reacted negatively, claiming I never mentioned this during the hiring process. They said they support education, but it seems like they don’t believe I can give my all to the job if I'm also focused on my studies. Just today, the manager texted me to say the hotel is slow and I don't need to come in tomorrow, which is ironic because I was told during the interview that everyone gets scheduled for five days a week, regardless of occupancy. I also have another job as a breakfast server at a different hotel, but it's not much better. They've decided to remove the automated gratuity without informing us, so my earnings there are about to take a hit too. I'm feeling really disappointed and overwhelmed trying to find a decent job that values my time and commitments.

I was laid off while on paternity leave, which has been a tough situation for me. I took a total of 16 weeks off, consisting of 12 weeks of Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) followed by 4 weeks of company parental leave. My leave started on June 1, 2026, and my PFML period ended on August 24, 2026. I was notified of my layoff on August 25, 2026, just one day after my PFML protection ended, through a personal text and call from my director. My company leave was still active until September 21, 2026, which was also my original return date. I had never been on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and had received good reviews, so this came as a shock. It’s important to note that I wasn’t the only one affected; many people from my team were also let go as part of a larger layoff, so I don’t feel singled out. However, I am concerned about the timing of my layoff. The decision to lay me off must have been made while I was still on PFML, and it feels wrong that they waited until the day after my protection ended to inform me. I’m currently trying to understand my rights under Washington PFML, especially regarding anti-retaliation and anti-discrimination protections. I’m also curious if the fact that it was a larger team layoff has any bearing on my situation. I plan to document everything and speak to HR, and I’m considering consulting an employment attorney before signing any documents. I’m not looking for formal legal advice, just hoping to hear from others who might have had similar experiences.

I recently went through a tough experience at a marketing agency where I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) after receiving months of positive feedback. I had joined the company on a fixed-term contract with no prior marketing experience, but they hired me because they liked my willingness to learn. Initially, I received a lot of praise and even passed my probation period in just one month. However, things took a turn, and I found myself unexpectedly on a PIP, which ultimately led to my departure. Reflecting on my time there, I can't help but wonder if the workplace culture played a significant role in my experience. I tend to be reserved when I first join a new environment, but I can become quite social and confident once I feel comfortable. In my current role in corporate finance, I've noticed a stark contrast. Here, I have a supportive manager and great colleagues, which has helped me thrive despite having no prior experience in the field. During my time at the marketing agency, I faced some challenges, including a colleague calling me 'clueless' for asking questions and a director who had initially been friendly suddenly becoming cold. This left me confused, especially after receiving such positive feedback early on. Now, I'm anxious about future job opportunities and worry that I might find myself in a similar situation again. I wonder if certain industries, particularly marketing, are more prone to these dynamics where personality and social interactions significantly impact one's success. Can being slightly introverted truly disadvantage someone, even if they are professional and capable? Or is it more about the specific company culture and management style? These questions linger in my mind as I navigate my career.

I just found out that I have an unexpected orientation scheduled for tomorrow from 6:45 AM to 3:30 PM. The good news is that it will be paid. However, I'm concerned about how this might affect my unemployment claim. I want to make sure I report this correctly to avoid any penalties. If anyone has experience with this situation or knows the best steps to take, I would really appreciate your advice.

I was recently laid off from my remote position at a California company while on parental leave in Washington State. I took a total of 16 weeks off, which included 12 weeks of Washington Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) and an additional 4 weeks of company parental leave. My leave started on June 1, 2026, and my PFML protection ended on August 24, 2026. I was notified of my layoff on August 25, 2026, just a day after my PFML ended, through a personal text and call from my director. The layoff affected not just me but many others on my team, indicating it was part of a larger reduction in force. My last working day is set for September 21, 2026, which is also the end of my approved company leave. I have never been on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and have consistently received good reviews, so this came as a shock. I am concerned about the timing of the layoff decision, as it seems it was made during my protected PFML period, yet I was only informed after that protection ended. I am currently trying to understand if the anti-retaliation and anti-discrimination protections under Washington law still apply since the decision was made while I was on leave. I plan to document everything and discuss my situation with HR and possibly consult an employment attorney before signing any documents. I would appreciate any insights or similar experiences from others who may have gone through something like this.

I'm feeling completely overwhelmed by my unemployment situation. At 28, I've been without a job for over a year now, and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health. Recently, I had an interview with an NGO that seemed like a perfect opportunity to enhance my resume, even if it was just for a few months. I made it to the second round, which was a panel interview, and I really thought I had a shot. However, despite following up three times, they completely ghosted me. This experience has left me feeling frustrated and crushed, as I genuinely believed this could have been my way out of this rut. I'm actively searching for other opportunities, but it's tough to move on when I feel so stuck. Watching others progress in their careers only amplifies my feelings of inadequacy. I can't help but feel like I'm going insane, and sometimes I just want to scream out of sheer frustration.