Miscellaneous

I started an internship on June 8, and it's now July 6 without any payment. I was aware it was stipend-based, but the payment schedule wasn't clear until I inquired almost a month in. I was told I'd receive payment on July 15 and August 15, along with a $350 transportation bonus because commuting over 2 hours three times a week without pay seemed unreasonable. However, I was initially told the stipend would come directly from the CEO, but now I'm on payroll without having signed any paperwork or providing direct deposit details, which confuses me. Additionally, my offer letter stated the internship would last 8 weeks from June 8 to August 14, but when I pointed out that this isn't actually 8 weeks, I was informed it now ends on August 20, which was never discussed before. This makes me think they extended it to justify the bonus. The role has also shifted significantly from what was described. I expected a mostly remote marketing and graphic design internship, but I've found myself interacting with patients and assisting with exercises, despite not having a physical therapy background. One concerning comment from my boss was that they had over 20 interns one summer, and only one stayed with the company. While I'm not jumping to conclusions, my experiences so far make me wonder if others faced similar issues. This situation feels off, and I'm starting to question if this internship is a red flag.

I recently filed for unemployment in Michigan after losing my primary job, which was my main source of income. This job had an hourly wage plus tips, but my earnings fluctuated significantly based on the time of year and the number of weekend shifts I worked. I still have a second job that is a 1099 gig, which has been greatly affected by COVID-19, earning me about $100 a week, while my previous job could bring in $400-700 weekly. When I filed my claim, I calculated my earnings based on the highest earning quarter from the past five quarters, using my paystubs to average my earnings. I didn't include the income from my 1099 job because I thought it wouldn't matter for my unemployment benefits since I'm still working there and it doesn't count as UI covered employment. However, I have some questions about my calculations. Did I do it right? Should I have included my 1099 income even though I’m still employed there? When they refer to quarters, do I just look back 12 weeks from when I stopped earning, or is it based on the calendar quarters? I certified my claim today but I’m considering calling to amend my answers regarding my 1099 income, just to be safe. Any advice from those who have been through this would be greatly appreciated!

I recently posted on behalf of my father, who is 55 and has just retired. Since stepping away from his career, he’s been struggling to find ways to stay engaged and productive. He previously owned and managed a computer shop and has over 15 years of professional typing experience. He is fluent in both English and Hindi and is quite comfortable with computers. I’m looking for legitimate remote work opportunities for him that mainly require good typing skills. We’re not after anything extravagant, just honest work such as data entry, transcription, document formatting, or any Hindi/English typing projects. I received some great suggestions from the community, including platforms like Rev and TranscribeMe, which seem to have a constant demand for fast and accurate typists. I also got a heads-up about being cautious of data entry jobs that seem too good to be true, as many can be scams. If anyone has more ideas or knows of reliable platforms where he can apply, I would really appreciate the help.

I recently went through a frustrating experience with a potential employer. After an initial interview, I was invited back for a trial shift, which turned into two shifts in total. I was really excited about the opportunity and invested both time and money to get there. During the shifts, I received positive feedback and discussed my availability and shift patterns, which made me feel hopeful about the role. However, after being told I would receive an update the following week, I haven't heard anything. I reached out with a professionally written text and left a voicemail asking for any updates, but still no response. I'm left wondering if this is a common experience and what companies gain from this kind of ghosting. I chose not to disclose the company's name, as I don't want to negatively impact their reputation, but this lack of communication has been quite disappointing.

I quit my job about four months ago, and I'm still searching for a new one. Sometimes I regret my decision, but I think I would still choose to leave if I could go back to March. I was completely burned out and needed a break. After quitting, I traveled for a bit, which was refreshing initially. However, when I started job hunting again, the anxiety kicked in. As I approach 30, being single and unemployed makes me feel like I'm falling behind in life. Each rejection hits hard and makes me question my worth. I often find myself wondering why I even want to work, yet I know I need an income to support myself and eventually build a family. Lately, the stress has been affecting my sleep and it's becoming increasingly difficult to stay positive. I just hope things will get better soon.

I graduated with an accounting degree years ago but ended up in a data entry job at a trucking company, which turned into a nearly 20-year career in logistics. I was laid off two months ago due to corporate downsizing, and now I'm considering trying to get back into accounting or a related field. I've applied for hundreds of jobs in the past with little success, so I'm unsure if it's worth pursuing my original field again. I'm worried that if I reach out to accountants for advice, they might laugh at my situation. However, I've received some encouraging feedback from others who believe my extensive experience in logistics has given me transferable skills that could be valuable in accounting roles like accounting assistant or analyst. They reassured me that asking for advice is a reasonable step and that many professionals are open to helping those looking to transition back into their field.

I recently found myself feeling pretty pessimistic about my job search. I’ve been working in fast food and am trying to transition into a server position, but the only job that called me back was for a role that doesn’t really feel like serving. It’s more of a cashier position where you take orders and then leave the customers to their meals. I have training scheduled for Wednesday, which should be good, but I can’t shake the feeling that it might be a waste of time with little reward. They didn’t provide much information about the training, like whether it’s paid or how many hours it will be. They did mention the pay is $17 an hour, which I know I should be grateful for, but it feels like I’ll be working 40 hours just to make around $500. It’s frustrating, and I keep thinking about how important it is for kids to stay in school.

I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and have been actively job searching for a while now. I've applied to hundreds of positions but have only managed to secure two interviews, both of which ended in rejection. I'm primarily looking for government jobs, but I'm open to any opportunities that relate to my field and offer better pay than my current hotel job. I'm also planning to pursue a master's degree in psychology eventually, but I need to save up some money and gain relevant experience first. I reached out for feedback on my resume and received some helpful advice, such as shortening the summary, using bullet points for job descriptions, and including quantifiable achievements. I also learned that references shouldn't be included on the resume itself. I'm hoping these changes will improve my chances moving forward.

I've been working at a local sandwich shop for three years now, starting as my first job right out of high school. For the past two years, I've been full-time, and recently I took on a part-time job while attending university. I'm planning to quit my current job because the environment has become unbearable, despite knowing that the place relies heavily on me. The manager is rarely present and spends most of his time in the office, leaving me and a few others to handle everything. He lacks the knowledge to train new staff and often threatens pay cuts for minor mistakes, which is illegal. I’ve had to step in to improve food safety practices, as nobody else cared to do so, and I even reported the place for failing health standards. Maintenance is practically non-existent, and I’ve been trying to fix things myself, but it’s exhausting. Recently, head office introduced new menu items while cutting our budget, which means more work for less time. I know the ins and outs of this place and often fix issues that others overlook. My manager has relied on me to manage tasks he doesn’t understand, and I’ve been praised for my hard work. It’s hard to leave because I genuinely feel valued, and I know my departure will create a significant gap. However, I can't keep holding everything together without any authority. I’m ready to move on, but I need to find a way to be okay with leaving behind my coworkers and the sense of confidence I’ve built here. I know my boss will likely make me feel guilty about leaving, but I have to prioritize my own well-being.

I recently had a text interview for an Art Director position with a person named Melinda Randolph from Randstat. The interview was conducted entirely through Teams chat, which felt unusual. They sent me a form with questions that I filled out, and then they offered me the job without any verbal communication. I was told that I would receive the job description and pay details in the offer letter, but I haven't spoken to anyone in person yet. This made me really nervous. I tried to reach out to Melinda on LinkedIn, but I ran out of inMails, so I couldn't message her. I asked if I could speak to someone before starting, and they mentioned I could talk to my supervisor during training. After doing some research and receiving advice from others, I realized this setup seemed suspicious and alerted Randstat about the potential scam. It’s disheartening to think about the prevalence of scams like this in the job market.

I'm a recent graduate from NIFT with a degree in Fashion Communication, actively seeking roles as a Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Visual Designer, or UI/UX Designer. I've gained practical experience through a mix of internships, freelance projects, and part-time roles while balancing my studies. My specialties include Brand Identity Design, Packaging Design, UI/UX Design, Art Direction, and creating Social & Marketing Creatives, as well as utilizing AI-Assisted Design Workflows. I pride myself on creating brand identities that communicate effectively, designing packaging that stands out, and developing intuitive UI/UX experiences. My journey has equipped me with strong conceptual thinking and the ability to collaborate within teams, manage tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. I'm open to opportunities in Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, and am also looking for remote roles both within India and internationally. If you know of any companies or agencies that are hiring, I would greatly appreciate any referrals or leads. Thank you for your support!

I recently accepted a new remote job in medical billing after 2.5 years in my current position. While the new role offers better pay, I'm feeling a significant lack of excitement about it. Over the past year, I've been experiencing burnout at my current job, especially with recent changes like outsourcing to India that have made my workload more challenging. Despite the potential for a better salary, I'm filled with anxiety about starting this new job. I find myself bored and unmotivated in the medical billing field, and I worry that jumping to a new company won't alleviate the burnout I'm feeling. My husband thought I was eager to leave this industry, but the reality is that it's the only stable job option available to me right now. I have no interest in gig work or customer-facing roles, and I feel trapped by my lack of skills to transition into something different. Sometimes I wonder if I should just stick with my current job, where I know what to expect, rather than face the stress of a new position. I'm struggling to shake off these feelings of burnout and anxiety, and I'm unsure how to move forward.

I recently filed my first unemployment claim in Nebraska last Monday. After waiting through the one-week waiting period, I submitted my certification yesterday. However, I'm feeling confused because it indicates that I certified through the week of 07/04, but then it states that I didn't file for pay for the week of 07/11. The status shows 'in progress', and I'm unsure if I will receive payment this week. I wish I could share screenshots to clarify my situation.

I've been job hunting for about 4 to 5 months now, and it's been a tough journey. Initially, I was getting some interview calls, but lately, I've hardly received any responses at all. This has really taken a toll on my mental health; I've started experiencing depression and random panic attacks, which I haven't shared with anyone. Since losing my job, I've moved back in with my parents. They are incredibly supportive and never bring up my job situation, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm a burden to them. Is it normal to feel this way, or am I just overthinking things? I just needed to vent a little.

I started a new job at a travel agency focused on visa processing and Hajj-Umrah services, but I'm already feeling uncertain about my decision. I have a Bachelor's in Information Systems and Software Engineering and a Master's in Networks and Embedded Systems, yet I was hired with no prior experience in this field. Initially, I was told it would be a 3-month contract, but just two days in, they changed it to a 1-month trial without signing any paperwork. On my first day, I learned the basics of passport scanning and data entry, but on the second day, I was left sitting idle while everyone else was busy. No one offered to teach me anything further, and I felt completely unproductive. This job was only meant to be temporary for me since I'm starting my Master's program in September, so I don't have a long-term commitment to it. However, the shifting terms and lack of training are making me reconsider if I should just walk away now. Has anyone else experienced vague probation terms and a lack of training in entry-level positions? Is this typical in roles like this, or should I take it as a sign to leave early?

Today, I reached out for help in securing a 3-month internship offer letter in the IT/Android field. As a 4-1 B.Tech student, my college requires this documentation, but unfortunately, classes are not in session right now, leaving me with a lot of unproductive time. I want to use these three months to enhance my skills instead of just sitting in college. I have a background in Android development using Kotlin and can create applications, but I still need to work on my advanced development skills and data structures and algorithms (DSA). I'm looking for a legitimate internship opportunity, whether remote or on-site, and I’m willing to contribute in any way I can during the internship. My faculty will verify the internship, so it needs to be with a credible company. If anyone knows of any opportunities or can assist me in any way, I would greatly appreciate it. I also received some advice from others suggesting that small IT firms or startups might be a good route to explore, as they often take on interns for a few months and provide the necessary paperwork.

I recently graduated and am on the hunt for my first full-time job, but as someone on the autism spectrum (level 1 high functioning), I find the job search process quite challenging. I struggle with the unspoken rules of professional environments, especially when it comes to applications and interviews. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this process effectively. One area I'm particularly unsure about is following up after submitting an application. I worry that reaching out might annoy employers, but I want to know how to do it in a way that makes a good impression. Another concern is how to handle qualifications on my resume. My former supervisor suggested that I should list every qualification mentioned in the job listing, but what if I don't have all of them? For instance, one position required experience with AI, which I lack. Should I embellish my qualifications, or is honesty the best policy? I’ve always believed in being truthful during interviews, as I want to be hired for who I am, not for something I'm not. However, it seems like many people do exaggerate or lie, and I’m conflicted about this approach, especially since I'm looking at roles in higher education where integrity feels more important. Lastly, I’m unsure about how and when to discuss potential work accommodations. I know that I perform better when my autistic needs are met, like avoiding harsh fluorescent lighting, but I fear that bringing this up during an interview might reflect poorly on me. My accommodations are minor, such as needing to work in a different environment at times, but I’m concerned about how to address these needs without jeopardizing my chances. Any tips or insights on these topics would be greatly appreciated as I strive to set myself up for success in my job search!

I started a new job at a travel agency focused on visa processing and Hajj-Umrah services just two days ago. I was initially hired on a 3-month contract, but now they are saying it’s only a 1-month trial to see if I can learn the job. I haven't signed any contract yet, which is concerning. On my first day, I learned how to scan passports and input information into their system, but on the second day, I found myself sitting idle while everyone else was busy. No one has offered me any additional training, and I feel completely lost. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems and Software Engineering and a Master's Degree in Networks and Embedded Systems, so I thought I could pick things up quickly. However, the shifting terms and lack of support are making me reconsider if I should stick around, especially since this was only meant to be a temporary position for me as I prepare to start my Master 2 in September. Has anyone else experienced vague probation terms or been left without training in entry-level jobs? Is this typical in the travel industry, or should I consider walking away sooner rather than later?

I am currently job hunting and have been advised to reach out to employees at companies I'm interested in for job referrals. I'm wondering what the best approach is for messaging them. I have a LinkedIn Premium free trial, which allows me unlimited connection invitations with a 300-character limit, and 5 direct InMail messages per month without character limits. I want to know how to craft my messages effectively to get responses and potentially referrals. Any advice or examples would be greatly appreciated!

I interviewed for an Operations Manager position today and unfortunately received a rejection. While I was initially excited to get the interview, I'm feeling a bit discouraged now. I prepared thoroughly, dressed professionally in a blazer, beige pants, and brown boots, and went in ready to showcase my skills. The interview focused on operations, processes, team handling, and problem-solving. However, I think my nerves got the best of me, and my answers may not have been as clear or structured as they should have been. HR provided some constructive feedback, highlighting that I need to improve my communication skills, specifically in structuring my answers and speaking clearly. They also mentioned that since this is a client-facing role with US and international clients, my spoken English needs improvement for effective communication on calls. After the interview, I sent a thank you note to HR, expressing my gratitude for their feedback and my intention to work on the areas they mentioned. Now, I'm seeking advice on a few things: 1. How can I improve my interview communication? Any specific practice methods? 2. What resources or drills can help me enhance my spoken English for professional calls? 3. Should I continue pursuing client-facing roles while I improve, or should I focus on internal Ops roles first? 4. What’s the best way to practice STAR method answers out loud? I know I have the skills for the Ops work; I just need to bridge this communication gap. Any suggestions or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.