Miscellaneous

I had a virtual interview scheduled for a position at a local store today at 3:20 PM. By 5:30 PM, the interviewer was still not available. I called the store around 4:15 PM, and they informed me that the interviews had been delayed, assuring me that I would be let into the call when they could. However, I haven't received any email about a cancellation or rescheduling. I'm feeling quite confused about what my next steps should be. I know I should have probably left after 15 or 20 minutes, but I was hoping to still get the chance to speak with them.

I recently had a frustrating experience with Waffle House. I applied about two weeks ago and quickly got an interview invitation. However, when I arrived for my scheduled interview, the manager was absent, and an employee conducted the interview instead. I was told I passed and would move on to onboarding. After that, I received onboarding paperwork, hiring confirmation emails, and a training date. I completed all the necessary steps, thinking I had secured the job. However, when I showed up for training, I discovered that the manager who had been communicating with me was not even affiliated with the location I applied to. The training details she provided were for a different Waffle House. The manager at my actual location was rude and dismissive, and despite showing him all my documentation proving I was hired, he claimed he couldn't find my information. Later that day, I received an email stating they were not moving forward with my employment. This entire process felt like a waste of my time and energy. I had already completed onboarding and was given a training date, only to be rejected without any clear explanation. It was disrespectful and disorganized, especially for a job that pays $13.50 an hour, which I needed. I did everything right, and it was incredibly frustrating to be treated this way. The job market is tough enough without employers adding to the chaos.

I recently went through an interview process for a role that I was really excited about. The company reached out to me via LinkedIn, and I made it all the way to the final rounds. However, I was left feeling confused about the outcome. It seemed odd to me that they would hire externally when they had internal candidates available, especially since one of the final candidates was a former employee who had left the company. It made me wonder why they would go through the trouble of interviewing me if they already had someone in mind who was familiar with the company culture and role. I guess it's just part of the job search process, and I'll have to keep looking for the right opportunity.

I recently started a job in food service after an exhausting 8-month job search, only to find myself in a toxic environment. My manager promised me at least 20 hours a week, but I've only been scheduled for 8 hours consistently. The scheduling system is managed through an AI app where I have to compete with my coworkers for open shifts, and even then, my manager has to approve who gets to work those shifts. Every time I try to request an open shift, it's always given to someone else, and she often schedules others for double shifts before considering me. On top of that, she sends me aggressive texts after hours, reminding me to read newsletters that I already get notifications for. Just last week, she asked me to stay late when my ride was waiting for me, and she got upset when I had to say no. I've been there for 2 months, and my hours haven't increased at all. I even tried to fill in at other stores, but she doesn't approve me for those shifts either. Additionally, I brought up an issue with my uniform hat not fitting over my hair (I had big faux locs), and she responded aggressively, insisting I find a way to make it fit. All of this for a job that pays only $17 an hour. I'm 30 years old, the oldest person at my job, and I feel like I'm being treated poorly without any skills or a degree. It's disheartening.

I’ve been laid off for 60 days now after spending 6 years as an account executive at a major SaaS company, and I’m starting to feel the pressure. My COBRA benefits are about to expire in a week, which means I’ll have to pay out of pocket for health insurance. This is particularly stressful since my wife is currently dealing with complications from a recent miscarriage. I had a feeling that the layoff was coming, so I started my job search back in February. I’ve been reaching out to companies where I have solid connections, hoping they could help me land interviews. I went through 7 rounds with one company but didn’t make it past the final interview. Another company ghosted me after 3 rounds, and I’m currently in the second round with a different organization, but I’m not feeling very optimistic about it. I’ve received a lot of messages from recruiters on LinkedIn, and while some conversations have been promising, one opportunity fell through because we weren’t aligned on compensation. I’m trying to figure out how to ramp up my job search. I’ve utilized AI tools to identify additional companies where I might fit, but without personal connections, it’s tough to turn those leads into real opportunities. I have 12 years of experience, 8 of which are in the SaaS industry, and I’d prefer not to settle for just any job. I’m hoping to find a role that I’d be genuinely happy in, especially since I’m looking forward to starting a family soon. However, I’m aware that my financial runway is only about 5 months long before I really need to find something. I’m seeking advice on how to intensify my job search and avoid feeling forced into a position that doesn’t meet my expectations.

I graduated with a BS in Computer Science this past May and have been actively searching for a software developer position. However, I’m feeling anxious about my criminal record, which stems from a serious incident during a psychotic episode three years ago where I stole a police car. I went through a lengthy legal process and ultimately pled to two misdemeanors, resulting in probation. Thankfully, I've been stable since then and have completed my probation without issues. Recently, I had a second-round interview for a developer role and mentioned my background, thinking it was important to be upfront. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the next round, which has left me questioning my approach. I’m unsure whether to bring up my past at all in future interviews or let it come up during background checks. I’ve received some advice suggesting I should keep it to myself until the background check stage, as it may only show the misdemeanors, not the original felony charge. However, I’m also considering consulting with an employment lawyer to understand what exactly would appear on a background check in my state. I want to be honest but also strategic about how I present my past. Any insights on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off in January 2025 due to business closures while working as a manager at a movie theater. I also have experience as an art teacher and in the entertainment sector in LA. After my layoff, I took it easy for a while to finish my degree, but I still applied to over 200 jobs of various types. I collected unemployment and did some volunteering, but now that it's 2026, I've ramped up my job search and recently hit 300 applications. It's been incredibly frustrating to receive little to no feedback. I understand the job market is tough for everyone, but I can't help feeling annoyed and disheartened. I've had to move back home and, on top of that, I've taken on the role of a maid for my brothers and father. My dad has even stopped talking to me, which makes it harder as I try to explain the current job market to him. His disappointment has really taken a toll on my confidence. I'm reaching out for any sliver of hope or help because I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going like this.

I was laid off today after 10 years of experience in software development. The timing couldn't be worse as my first daughter is due in just two weeks and my wife is currently on maternity leave. With the job market being so tough right now, I'm looking for temporary work that can help support my family until I find a new position in my field. I've primarily done server jobs in the past, but I'm open to suggestions on what types of temporary jobs might be suitable for me during this challenging time.

I recently updated my bank account for direct deposit of my unemployment benefits, but during the verification process, I received a paper 'payment by warrant' in the mail instead of my usual direct deposit. This came a week later than expected, and now I'm stuck trying to figure out how to cash this thing. I tried using my banking app for mobile deposit, but that didn't work at all. I've searched online for answers, but I can't find any clear guidance on how to handle a physical unemployment benefit check. It's frustrating because I need this money in my account as soon as possible. Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice on how to cash or deposit this warrant would be greatly appreciated!

I got laid off yesterday from my position as a logistics coordinator at a 3PL where I had been working for the last 4 months. They offered me 2 weeks of severance, and I plan to apply for unemployment once my Record of Employment (ROE) is updated. Right now, I'm feeling really lost and in shock. My manager suggested I use them as a reference for future applications, but it's hard to think about that when I'm still processing everything. I had already planned for my wedding this October, and as an immigrant from Bangladesh living in Canada, I was looking forward to going back home for the celebration. I had saved up some money for the wedding, but now I have to use those funds just to get by. It took me a long time to find this job after graduating, and the emotional impact of losing it is weighing heavily on me.

I was let go from my job last week, and I'm feeling pretty defeated. I'm a 31-year-old woman with a bachelor's degree, and I've been working in higher education since I graduated at 24. Over the years, I've held three jobs, with my most recent one being the longest at just over two years. I genuinely enjoyed this last position; the company culture, benefits, and my interactions with students made me happy, despite the stress. However, I had a tough semester last year that led me to take three months of FMLA leave in the spring. When I returned last month, I was fired due to performance issues. My former boss had concerns about my pace, which contributed to my declining metrics. I only worked at full capacity for the last two weeks before my termination, as the first two weeks were an adjustment period. Currently, I'm living back with my mom, which I've been doing for almost four years to save for a house after selling my condo. I have around $20k saved up from that sale, and my car is paid off. My credit score is decent, ranging from the mid to high 700s. While I could potentially move out or buy a small condo, I don’t want to settle; I’m aiming for a home that meets all my criteria. Now, as I navigate unemployment, I've applied for unemployment benefits and SNAP. I can't help but compare myself to others my age who seem to have their lives more together—settled down with partners, stable jobs, and homes. I don’t want kids and I'm unsure about my attraction to men, which adds to my feelings of defeat. Given the current job market, I worry I might be unemployed for a while or end up in a role that doesn't align with my aspirations like my last job did.

Today, I learned that my company is going through an acquisition in the coming weeks. We were informed that a deal is in the works, but nothing is finalized yet, and we don't know which publicly traded company will be acquiring us. While they assured us that every employee will be retained, I can't shake the feeling that layoffs are inevitable. This is my first experience with an acquisition, and I’m feeling quite anxious about what the future holds. I'm currently updating my résumé and trying to prepare for any potential outcomes. I’ve been advised to back up my contacts and work samples, which I’m planning to do. I’m also reaching out to expand my network, as I know it’s important to have connections in place. I’m curious about how long it typically takes for layoffs to occur after an acquisition and how to manage my anxiety during this uncertain time. Staying positive while being realistic is proving to be quite a challenge.

I was laid off from my job after just 7 months, and it’s been a tough blow. I had finally landed a role that I truly enjoyed and that paid well, only to find out on a random Monday that my position was eliminated due to company changes. This was my first full-time job after graduation, and I had plans to travel across different states for the next couple of months, which now feel shattered. I’m feeling really emotional about this sudden change, as it was the most stable part of my life that helped me regain my footing after school. Now, I’m faced with the daunting task of job hunting again, knowing that many positions receive over 2000 applications. I’m reaching out for encouragement and advice from anyone who has been through a similar experience. What should I do next? One thing I’ve learned from this experience is to be cautious about working for private equity-backed companies. They often prioritize numbers over culture, and it’s disheartening. If you’re reading this and have any thoughts or advice, I’d really appreciate it. ❤️

I applied to 40 jobs this month and have been completely ghosted by all of them. It's honestly frustrating and feels surreal. I've tailored each application specifically to the roles I'm interested in, yet I haven't received a single response—no acknowledgment, not even a generic rejection email. It's like I'm shouting into a void. I've been wondering if the job market has changed drastically, or if I'm just unlucky. The silence from every company is disheartening. I’ve been using various job platforms to broaden my search, but it seems like I’m hitting a wall everywhere. I can't help but question if these job listings are even legitimate or if they’re just 'ghost jobs' meant to inflate numbers. Is anyone else feeling this level of ghosting lately? It seems like companies might just be collecting resumes without any real intention to hire. I’d love to hear if anyone else is experiencing the same thing.

I've been on the job hunt for nearly two years now, primarily in New York City, and I'm feeling really frustrated. Despite holding a B.A. in Psychology and recently earning my CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) credential, I haven't had much luck. My background is mainly in human services, with some experience in administration and hospitality, but I've been applying to healthcare administration and court/legal administration roles for months and hardly receive any callbacks. I'm eager to transition into healthcare or the court system as a court analyst or aide, but it seems like I'm missing something. I'm open to having someone review my resume or provide any tips that could help me improve my chances. I also noticed that many positions prefer bilingual candidates, which I am not, and I wonder if that’s affecting my applications. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I applied for a mid-level cloud engineer role at a mid-sized tech platform last week, and the initial automated response seemed promising. Yesterday, a recruiter reached out via email, but instead of scheduling a quick fifteen-minute screening call, she attached a massive PDF document containing a mandatory technical evaluation task that I need to submit within forty-eight hours. The task requires me to design a highly available, multi-region AWS infrastructure architecture from scratch. They want full network diagrams, cost optimization estimates, a detailed disaster recovery strategy, and even working Terraform scripts to provision the environment. This isn't just a simple quiz; it's a full-scale architecture blueprint that would take me about twelve to fifteen hours of solid engineering work to complete. What frustrates me the most is that I haven't even spoken to a real person at the company yet. They are asking candidates to invest a significant amount of time doing free consulting work before determining if my background aligns with their needs. I replied to the recruiter, stating that I would be willing to do a live design session or a small technical test after an initial interview, but I can't justify creating a complete production roadmap for free. The recruiter responded with a generic message saying that the assignment is non-negotiable. I decided to archive the email threads and close the tab. The entitlement of tech companies in this market is outrageous. They know people are desperate for roles and are trying to extract free labor from applicants. Instead of working on their assignment, I’ll spend my evening developing my own lab environment.

I recently went through a frustrating job search experience that left me feeling disheartened. After months of applying for positions, I found myself stuck in a cycle of crafting custom applications, writing cover letters, and reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, all while trying to manage the anxiety of being an introverted millennial in a competitive job market. I was told by friends that cold applications are ineffective, and that I should focus on getting referrals instead. This advice has only added to my stress, as I feel like I’m constantly competing against others who may have inside connections. To make matters worse, I came across a LinkedIn post from a hiring manager for a role I had applied for. It turned out that the person who got the job hadn’t even applied through the official channels. Over 400 candidates, including myself, submitted applications, only to find out that the position was filled through personal networks. This felt incredibly unfair, especially when the hiring manager criticized those who used the '1-click' application option, which is often the only way some of us can even manage to apply amidst our busy lives. As someone trying to support a household on a single income, this experience has been disheartening. It’s frustrating to see people in positions of privilege dismiss the struggles of others in their job search. I appreciate the opportunity to vent about this situation, as it has been weighing heavily on my mind.

I need to vent about my recent interview experience. I was interviewing for a Right Hand / Delivery Ops & PM role directly reporting to the CEO at a startup. I felt really good about the process; I passed the initial recruiter screening and the HR interview without any issues. The vibe with HR was fantastic, and I was feeling confident as I moved forward. Yesterday, I had my final interview with the CEO, who is the typical "creative visionary" type. We had a great conversation, and I answered his operational riddles well. At the end of the call, he told me, "I absolutely loved talking to you, I really love the way you think and how your brain works." I was on cloud nine, thinking I might have finally landed the job. But then he dropped the bomb: "BUT we have a lot of strong candidates, so we'll see. HR will let you know by Wednesday." That was a gut punch. He didn't even reply to my thank you email afterwards, leaving me anxious as I wait for Wednesday. I went from feeling like the job was in the bag to feeling like I want to crawl into a hole. Now I'm just preparing myself for either rejection or being ghosted. It's such a rollercoaster, and I'm trying to keep my head up while also looking for other opportunities.

I recently had a phone conversation with an investigator from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) regarding my unemployment claim after I voluntarily resigned from my job. I left due to intolerable conditions, including ongoing discrimination, retaliation, scheduling issues, pay problems, and a hostile work environment that was never addressed. I had someone assist me in filling out the claim, and they even downplayed my situation, saying, "I can’t type all of that." During the call, the investigator kept pressing me for a single "final incident" that led to my resignation. He summarized it as me reaching out to my supervisor about scheduling, not getting a response, being removed from the group chat, and then resigning. I felt he was heavily relying on my former employer's version of events, which he inadvertently revealed during the conversation. I made it clear that scheduling was just one symptom of a larger pattern of discrimination and retaliation. I also explained that I had made multiple complaints up to the HR Vice President, who ultimately ignored my concerns and refused to escalate the matter to corporate compliance. I got the impression that the investigator had already spoken to my former employer before our call. I was caught off guard since I had just woken up, and I felt the phone format limited my ability to provide a complete picture of my situation. I asked if I could email him my responses, but he refused, stating that they don’t do emails. I’m starting to wonder if I’m misreading the situation or if this is a normal part of the process. I’m definitely preparing for the possibility of an appeal if it comes to that.

I recently experienced a tough year after getting laid off twice. I graduated last year with a great package, but my first company shut down shortly after I started. I spent six months job hunting and felt completely burnt out by the end of it. Eventually, I landed a new job with the same salary, but just three months in, I was laid off again. I struggled with burnout and the high expectations from my colleagues who didn’t see me as a fresh graduate. I made mistakes in my work due to the lack of guidance and support, which ultimately led to my dismissal without any notice. Now, I feel lost and overwhelmed, and I’m doubting my abilities. I’ve considered pursuing a master's degree, but I already graduated from a top college for my field. I’m unsure of my next steps and find myself overthinking everything. I could really use some advice on how to move forward.