Planning

I’ve been job searching for the past 10 weeks and I’m feeling completely drained. I've had two interviews for positions that seemed perfect for me, and I thought they went really well, but both ended in rejection. When I asked for feedback, I was told that I interviewed extremely well and have all the right skills, but someone else just scored higher. They mentioned they would keep my details for future openings, which is somewhat encouraging, but I’m left wondering how to build on that. With 5 years of experience in my industry and a master's degree, I thought I’d have a better shot. It’s frustrating to feel like I’m doing everything right but still not landing the job. It’s hard not to feel like I’m stuck in a cycle of rejection. I know the job market is tough, and getting to the final interview stage is a good sign, but it’s disheartening to feel so close yet so far. I just want to break through and find the right opportunity.

I've been job searching since 2020, and honestly, it's starting to feel like a never-ending void. I'm 28 years old and disabled, but not enough to qualify for disability benefits. It's frustrating because I've faced countless rejections, and it feels like opportunities are just slamming shut in my face. Recently, I participated in a rehabilitation program that gave me a glimpse of what it’s like to have a job and earn my own income, but that only lasted from April to May. Now that it's over, I feel even more desperate. My parents are emotionally abusive, and I just want to escape this environment. I’m stuck applying for jobs almost every day, but the program has closed my case because I didn’t find something within their timeframe. I’m starting to wonder if it’s even worth trying anymore. I feel like I’m a burden to everyone around me and just want to move out of my parents' house. At 28, I still have to ask for permission to do simple things like go out with my sister or grab a snack. I hate being referred to as their 'forever 16' or 'forever child.' It’s exhausting and demoralizing. I know I need to change my approach, maybe by networking more or customizing my applications better, but I just feel so trapped and overwhelmed.

I've been unemployed for over a year now, and I feel like I'm reaching a breaking point with this endless job hunt. I was laid off from two jobs due to both companies shutting down, and after moving from Alabama to Mississippi to live with my wife, I've still had no luck finding work. It's been a month since the move, and every application seems to end in rejection, no callbacks, or being completely ghosted. My wife is working hard to support us, and I feel helpless just watching her struggle while I can only cook and apply for jobs. Despite having a solid work history in warehouse, restaurant, and retail, I can't seem to land a job without a degree. It's incredibly frustrating, and I hate feeling like I'm bringing my wife down while we live in her mother's house. This job search has taken a toll on my mental health, leading to suicidal thoughts and aggressive episodes. I just want to work and contribute, but it feels like I'm stuck in a never-ending cycle of despair. I've even considered illegal options like growing cannabis, but I won't risk my wife's future for that. The staffing companies here aren't helping either; they have no jobs available. I'm desperate for any advice or leads that don't involve scams. I just want to find a way to support my wife and get back on my feet.

I recently got fired and applied for unemployment benefits in Florida. I submitted my application yesterday and received a Notice of Monetary Determination today. The notice indicates that I have 10 days to address any pending eligibility issues, but the portal shows that I am eligible. I also got a text prompting me to check for documents, and one of the forms stated that no action is needed since I already explained my termination in the application. I was paid this week, but I remember there’s a waiting week before benefits kick in. I'm trying to figure out if there's anything else I need to do at this stage.

I worked at an automotive parts store for five years, and recently I've been trying to claim unemployment benefits. I have my W-2s as proof of my income, but the unemployment office has no record of my wages during that time. This has been a frustrating process because my initial claim was denied due to monetary ineligibility. After proving my income, they updated my claim to show the maximum benefits, but I still haven't received any payments. My claim has gone inactive twice, and each time I had to reopen it. I've been in contact with the unemployment office, but all I get is that my claim is still being determined or investigated. I'm really concerned that the lack of wage records is what's holding everything up. I'm looking for any advice on how to hold my former employer accountable for not reporting my wages and what steps I can take to resolve this issue.

I'm relocating to a small rural town in Indiana in about a week to help take care of my grandmother. I have extensive experience in sales, tech, and customer service, but the job market here seems limited to farms and factories. I'm looking for suggestions on remote jobs that are actually hiring. I've heard that remote positions are becoming harder to find, with many employers advertising them but then requiring in-person work instead. If anyone has leads or advice on where to look for legitimate remote opportunities, I would greatly appreciate it!

I recently started a new job as a sales representative for a law firm, helping clients who have just purchased property. I transitioned from being a service advisor in the motor industry for 2.5 years, primarily due to the stress I experienced in that role. While I genuinely enjoy the team I work with, I've quickly realized that selling is not something I am comfortable with, despite having done upselling in my previous job. It's only been a week, but I already feel that this position isn't the right fit for me long-term. I'm contemplating whether I should start looking for another job now or stick it out a bit longer. If I do get an interview, I'm unsure how to explain my short tenure at this new job. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently seeking to re-enter the accounting field. After some time away from the industry, I am eager to leverage my previous experience and skills in a new role. If anyone has leads or advice on how to navigate the job market in accounting, I would greatly appreciate it!

I am currently in Houston, TX, and seeking advice for a career switch as I approach the end of my online marketing degree from LSU. I've spent the last few years in the automotive dealership industry, taking on various management and sales roles, and prior to that, I worked as a district barista trainer for Starbucks. While I initially aimed to advance within the dealership, the demanding 60+ hour workweeks have become overwhelming, especially with my studies. I'm looking to transition into a corporate desk job with a more manageable 40-50 hour workweek, but I'm facing challenges due to the degree requirements for many positions. I have significant work experience but am just shy of completing my degree. I also support my adopted sister and need to maintain or exceed my current income of around $5,000 a month. I'm interested in roles like HR, Executive Assistant, or Data Entry, but I'm struggling to find interviews or suitable positions despite living in a large city. I'm reaching out for recommendations on other roles I could consider that align with my background and would provide a rewarding career while allowing me to support my household.

I had a recruiter from the company reach out to me for a role during the week of May 18. I applied right away and was hopeful about the opportunity. However, three weeks later, I received a message from her stating that my application was still under review and that they would update me once they had made a decision about the next steps. This lack of communication has left me feeling uncertain. Is this typical in hiring processes? I’ve heard from others that it can take a long time, but this is the first time I’ve heard from her in weeks. I’m considering sending a polite follow-up soon, but I’m also focusing on other job opportunities in the meantime.

I found an interesting opportunity to connect with others who are also navigating layoffs. This Monday, June 22, I'll be joining a hiking group in Los Gatos, CA, specifically for those who are laid off or between jobs. The hike is a 5.4-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,085 feet, and it's a great chance to clear my head and meet people in similar situations. I'm looking forward to the experience and hope to see some new faces there!

I was recently laid off from my position as a Shopify developer, where I had around 8+ years of experience as a Senior eCommerce Developer. My main focus was on Shopify Plus, custom theme development, app development, and working with GraphQL APIs and BigCommerce Stencil development. Since the layoff, I've been actively applying for new roles in Shopify and BigCommerce, but I'm finding that I'm getting very few responses or interview calls. I've been using LinkedIn, job portals, and company career pages to search for opportunities, but it feels like I'm missing something in my approach. I'm reaching out to this community for advice on what might work better in today's job market for Shopify developers. Specifically, I'm curious about: - The importance of referrals or networking compared to just submitting applications. - Any platforms or strategies that have proven more effective than traditional job boards. - Tips on how to improve response rates from recruiters or companies. I'm also open to freelance, contract, or agency work while I continue my job search. Any guidance or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I was laid off in 2024 and it has been a rough journey since then. After losing my job, I took two UX courses to improve my skills and managed to land a job in 2025, but I was laid off again shortly after. Since October 2025, I've been actively applying for jobs, making it to the final rounds multiple times, but either I don’t get selected or, even worse, I get ghosted at the last stage. This ongoing struggle has taken a toll on my mental health. I ran out of money in December, and my girlfriend helped me out during that tough time, but the stress of my situation eventually led her to leave me after five years together. I completely understand her decision, as it has been a lot to handle. Now, I'm trying to pick up the pieces and feeling like a failure, especially as a man. The layoff in 2024 really threw me off course. Just three weeks ago, I had a third-round interview, but I haven't heard back despite following up for updates. It's disheartening.

I've been with my company for 25 years in a senior marketing role, and I'm really concerned about the current job market. My biggest fear has always been getting laid off, especially now that I'm in my mid-50s. I'm trying to gather information about what kind of severance packages companies are offering these days. I know it might take a while to find a new position, and I'm just trying to prepare myself for the worst. I've seen some varying responses from others who have been laid off recently, with packages ranging from a couple of weeks per year of service to several months of pay, depending on the level of the position and the company policies. It's a bit overwhelming not knowing what to expect.

I currently work full-time as a personal banker at a credit union and have been searching for remote work for a while. Recently, I landed an interview for a remote call center position at another credit union. The pay is higher than my current job, and the benefits are very competitive. One of the biggest draws is the potential for upward mobility, which is limited in my current role due to my rural location. However, I’m aware that it's a high-volume call center, meaning I'll be handling back-to-back calls. This aspect makes me a bit anxious, especially after reading some negative experiences online. I deal with difficult customers regularly in my current job, so I know what to expect, but I’m still unsure if the switch is worth the risk. I’d love to hear any advice or experiences from others who have been in a similar situation.

I'm feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. I've applied to hundreds of positions, and I keep getting stuck at the second interview stage, only to be rejected afterward. In many cases, I don't even get an interview before being turned down, which is disheartening. What's even more surprising is that I just got rejected for a warehouse job, something I've never experienced before. I only applied because it was nearby and offered decent pay. I have a history of working in warehouse roles when I was younger, so this rejection really hit hard. Now, I'm shifting my focus to sales positions, where I have years of experience. I'm starting to wonder if these companies are genuinely hiring. It seems like many job ads have been up for ages, and I can't help but think that some companies just keep them open to collect resumes without any real intention of filling the roles. It's exhausting trying to figure out what these companies are looking for.

I recently received a job offer for a position that seems quite different from what I initially applied for. I was interviewing for a data operations role at a company, and I was thrilled to get the offer. However, when I reviewed the contract, I noticed that the job description didn't match my expectations and appeared to be completely different. As a recent college graduate, I found myself questioning whether this situation was even legal. After some feedback from others, it seems that the job title might just be a minor variation, and many pointed out that it’s common for roles to have overlapping responsibilities even if the titles differ. They reassured me that nothing about this was illegal and that it could still be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door. I guess I was just overreacting a bit due to my inexperience. I’m still considering whether to accept the offer or seek something that aligns more closely with my original goals.

I had an interview on Wednesday for a position I really want, and they mentioned they'd let me know by Friday if I was moving on to the final interview. It's now Friday, and I haven't received any updates. I'm starting to wonder if it's safe to assume that it's over. While I'm still pursuing other opportunities, this job feels like the perfect fit for me. I thought the interview went well, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Should I keep my hopes up and wait until next week, or is it time to move on? I've seen comments suggesting that delays are common and that companies often miss their own deadlines. Some people have even received callbacks well after the promised time frame. I’m considering sending a follow-up email to express my continued interest, but I’m unsure if that’s the right move. It’s a holiday weekend coming up, and I know people might be unplugged, which could explain the delay. I guess I’ll just have to keep my expectations in check for the next few days.

I recently went through a final round interview for a position that I was really excited about. The interview felt more like a conversation than a formal process, and the interviewers emphasized the importance of being able to get along with anyone, which I believe I demonstrated well. At the end of the week, the hiring manager called to let me know I wasn't selected, but they mentioned several aspects of my background that impressed them. They also encouraged me to keep an eye out for future openings in the office. Now, I'm considering whether I should reapply for the same position if it becomes available again. This job is a dream for me, especially since it would allow me to move closer to my long-distance partner. I'm feeling a bit conflicted about the idea of reapplying, but I know many people say there's no harm in trying again.

I'm currently working in a mid-level administration role at a university in Switzerland, where I've been for the past six years. My daily commute is exhausting, taking up 3.5 hours, and I work four days a week, totaling 42.5 hours. After a severe workplace accident in 2025 that required two reconstructive surgeries, my relationship with my supervisor has deteriorated due to miscommunication. As a result, I'm often blamed for issues that arise, which has worsened my chronic pain and mental health. My psychiatrist has recently put me on sick leave, and while I'm supposed to return, I'm hesitant. I fear that going back full-time could jeopardize my health further, especially since I can't change my supervisor's behavior. The thought of leaving my job brings me relief, but I'm anxious about the job market. I've never been unemployed and have already started applying for new positions, submitting nine applications so far, with one rejection and awaiting a second interview for another. If I quit now, I risk being fired in two months, but I have a three-month notice period and could collect unemployment for 18 months, which gives me some financial leeway. I have savings for about four months as well. I'm scared of losing my job, but the idea of pursuing my hobbies, taking courses, and focusing on my health is appealing. I'm torn between the fear of the unknown and the desire for freedom. What would you do in my situation?