Thinking

I recently applied for an "Entry Level Verizon Assistant" position, which sounded like a typical sales role in a Verizon store, with a pay range of $50–55k a year. I had my first interview over Zoom, where I was joined by another candidate. The interviewer was nice but seemed to be reading from a script, which felt a bit robotic. I struggled during the interview due to my anxiety and blanked out when asked why I would be a good fit for the sales position. My answer was short compared to the other candidate's lengthy response. The interviewer explained that the role involves starting in entry-level sales, learning from managers, and eventually moving into one-on-one sales with customers. They mentioned a path to leadership and the potential to build our own team within 6–9 months, which could significantly increase our pay. However, none of this management aspect was mentioned in the job listing, and I found it odd that the listing referenced "INNO Technologies," while I was told the company was "Vega Innovations." The pay structure also seems confusing, as the initial listing suggested a fixed salary, but the interview made it sound more commission-based. Despite my performance during the interview, I was informed that I would be moving on to the second part of the process, which is an in-person interview in Riverside. The work hours are 10am - 9pm during the week and 9am - 4pm on weekends. I'm left wondering if this is a standard sales-to-management setup or if it leans more towards an MLM or pyramid scheme. Has anyone had experience with Vega Innovations or INNO Technologies?

I've been actively searching for a part-time job and noticed that several places in my area are hiring for cashier and sales associate positions. Although I lack direct experience in these roles, I have a solid background in tech, math, and administrative jobs. I'm looking for advice on how to reshape my resume to apply for these positions. I’m bilingual and have good communication skills, which I believe could be beneficial. I understand that I may not get hired immediately, but I want to create a resume that effectively showcases my abilities and readiness to learn. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently quit my job at the end of August because it didn't align with my expectations, and I felt the need for a break to clear my mind. I had two interviews yesterday with different companies, and I have another screening interview scheduled for tomorrow. I'm contemplating whether I should take a vacation now or wait until after I hear back from these interviews, especially since the next round would involve in-person meetings. I'm based in Los Angeles and really want to travel to Europe. I'm leaning towards taking the trip soon, but I also want to be strategic about my job search. Any advice on how to balance this?

I was laid off in early April 2026 and had to switch to a dependent visa. Currently, I'm on a waitlist, facing an 8 to 15-month delay before I can legally work or interview again. At first, I thought I could use this time to focus on interview prep and side projects, but after about two months, I hit a wall and felt burnt out. I've managed to create a couple of AI systems-based projects and contributed to some open-source initiatives, but I'm at a loss for what else to do to fill what will likely be a significant employment gap once my visa situation is resolved. I initially aimed to dive deeper into open source, but the competition is fierce, and opportunities are snatched up quickly. I'm reaching out to see how others in similar situations are managing their time productively without burning out. What strategies have you found effective for bridging the resume gap beyond personal projects? How do you explain this forced gap to recruiters when I eventually re-enter the job market? Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I recently interviewed at a local liquor store just a five-minute walk from my house. The atmosphere seemed really chill, and I felt like I connected well with the manager during our conversation. I even ran into an employee later who mentioned that the manager liked me, which was encouraging. The store is quite low-tech; they don't even have a publicly available email, and the manager's computer was running Windows XP! During the interview, she asked if I was good with computers, which made me laugh a bit. Now I'm wondering if I should follow up on my interview since I can't send a traditional email. I'm considering stopping by the store to check in. It seems like a good opportunity, and I really want to know where I stand. Any advice on how to approach this would be appreciated!

I recently applied for a position at Mount S. Hospital in New York City and went through the medical clearance process. A week ago, I had my medical examination, but I just received an email stating that my medical clearance was not approved. They want me to come in person to discuss this with a provider. I'm feeling really anxious about it because I was open about my mental health due to my medication. I only disclosed this because they administered a toxicology exam and mentioned a fair chance for disability. Now, I'm worried that this could mean I'm out of the running for the job, and I'm panicking because I genuinely want this opportunity. I have my mental health under control and have systems in place to manage it. I just don't understand what went wrong and what this means for my application.

I'm currently weighing a significant career decision. I work for a state environmental agency as an inspector, making about $60,500 a year. My boss is fantastic, providing me with a lot of flexibility in my schedule, which I really appreciate. I have a compressed workweek, allowing me to work longer hours Monday through Thursday and a short remote day on Fridays. I only commute three days a week and have a comfortable amount of accrued leave. However, I've become disinterested in my current role, which mainly involves inspecting septic systems and handling complaints. I'm also a certified arborist with 18 years of experience, and I own a small tree-consulting business. I'm considering a municipal arborist position with a large city, offering $65,000 a year. This role aligns better with my background and could lead to more opportunities in urban forestry and help my consulting business grow. The new job has a set schedule from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and is expected to transition to a hybrid model after a six-month probation period. While the pay increase is modest at $4,500, the potential for career growth and promotions is much greater. The downside is the commute, which would be about 40 minutes each way for the first six months, compared to my current shorter commute. I’m really torn about giving my notice to my current boss, as I value the comfort and flexibility of my current job. I need to make a decision soon, ideally by Friday or Monday, and I'm feeling both excited and anxious about the change. It's a tough choice between a great work environment and the chance for a more fulfilling career path.

I recently faced my second layoff and wanted to share my perspective as a child-free individual. I’ve been laid off twice now, and I believe my lack of children has given me significant leverage during these tough times. Unlike many who feel pressured to accept the first job offer they get, I’ve been able to hold out for better opportunities. During my first layoff, I went over two years without taking a lowball offer, and now I'm approaching a year since my second layoff in 2025. I’ve always been careful with my finances, avoiding lifestyle creep and keeping my debt minimal—my only debt is my mortgage. When I’m laid off, I become extremely frugal. I cut out all unnecessary expenses, including dining out and subscriptions that don’t serve me. I even travel as cheaply as possible, staying with family to save money. My philosophy is simple: if corporations are taking money from me, I’ll respond by cutting my spending wherever I can. I believe that if we all band together and minimize our consumption, we can send a message to these companies about our power as consumers. I know my views might not resonate with everyone, and I’ve faced criticism for my choices, but I truly believe that being child-free has allowed me to navigate these layoffs with a level of freedom that many others don’t have.

I’ve been on the job hunt for almost a year now, and it’s been incredibly frustrating. I hold a BA and an MA in English, and I’ve completed three internships in marketing, literary journal publishing, and social services with a nonprofit. Additionally, I volunteer as a copy editor for a literary journal. Despite this background, I’m still struggling to land my first job. My dream is to work in publishing, but I’ve expanded my search to include any field that might be a fit. I’m open to remote positions, but I’ve also been applying to jobs in the US where public transportation is accessible since I don’t drive. Since January, I’ve submitted what feels like an ungodly number of applications, but I haven’t received a single interview. I make sure to tailor my resume and cover letter for each job, incorporating keywords from the job descriptions to pass through ATS filters, yet nothing seems to work. I’m at a loss and unsure of what I’m doing wrong. I’m reaching out for any advice or leads on job opportunities in any field that I might be suited for, particularly in areas with good public transit. I’m feeling quite desperate at this point.

I have an interview coming up for a Coordinator position at another campus within my company. I've been in my current role for a while now, and while I enjoy it, the management situation has become challenging, prompting me to seek internal opportunities since March. This new role would involve different responsibilities, which I believe would help me grow professionally and prepare for future advancement. However, I'm facing a dilemma with the commute. My current drive is about 15 miles and takes around 30 minutes, but the new position would require a 25-30 mile commute, potentially taking 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic. I'm wondering if making this lateral move is worth it, considering the same pay but a longer commute. I really want to develop my skills and I think this role could be a stepping stone for my career. I’ve seen comments suggesting that lateral moves can be beneficial for long-term career advancement, which resonates with me. I just need to weigh the commute factor, especially during winter months when driving conditions can be tough. I’m also curious if there might be options for remote work on bad weather days.

I'm currently in the final stretch of the interview process for a role I applied for on July 15th. It has been a drawn-out experience that’s really testing my patience. I was offered my first interview on July 24th, which took place on August 2nd. After that, I was offered a second interview on August 12th, and I had that on September 1st. Just a day later, I was offered a third interview, which happened on September 3rd. Now, here I am on September 9th, and the waiting is absolutely killing me. I understand they had to interview other candidates and just came back from a holiday, but the suspense is driving me up the wall. I felt confident after my last interview, but as the days go by, my anxiety is increasing, and I’m second-guessing everything I said. People keep telling me to 'manifest' and stay positive, but it's tough when I'm feeling so anxious. I know it’s a good sign to be in the final stages, but the waiting game feels criminal. Plus, if I do get the job, the intended start date is the 28th, and as an out-of-state candidate, I’d have barely two weeks to pack up my life and move. It’s a lot to think about, and right now, it just feels like torture.

I just received the news that I'm being laid off for the fourth time in five years. This has been an exhausting experience, and I can't help but feel unemployable at this point. I'm really struggling with how to present my resume, as I worry that potential employers won't believe someone could have such a streak of bad luck. I'm reaching out for any suggestions on how to frame my situation or tips on what to do next. This has been a tough journey, and I'm looking for guidance.

I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree and am currently living at home with my parents. I have over a year of experience working at a local boutique, but I quit because the schedule was too unstable, with shifts being cut at the last minute. I'm looking to continue in clothing retail to gain more experience but have only applied to four other jobs so far, and unfortunately, I haven't received any interview invitations. I understand that I might not be applying to a large number of positions, but I'm struggling to find openings that interest me within a reasonable distance. My resume is polished and tailored for each application, and I rewrite my cover letter for every job. Despite this effort, I keep receiving rejections or no responses at all, while it seems like less experienced candidates are getting hired. I'm feeling frustrated and unsure of what I might be doing wrong in my job search.

I recently had an interview scheduled with a company after applying online, and it was set up by an AI bot. The interview was scheduled for 2 PM MST, but I mistakenly thought it was in my local time zone, EDT, so I was prepared for 4 PM. When I logged in, the hiring manager wasn't there yet, and an employee informed me of my mix-up. I felt embarrassed and like a complete moron for not checking the time zones correctly. After that, I received an email stating that my interview would start in one hour, which added to my anxiety. Now I'm just waiting to see if they will still call me for the interview.

I’m currently navigating my job search after leaving my position in law enforcement where I worked for about 6 years. My experience includes investigations, report writing, and handling high-stress situations, but I’m realizing that this background doesn’t always translate well into other fields. I also have experience as a Senior Project Manager and some roles in construction and customer service. Right now, I’m pursuing a Business Management degree, but I haven’t completed it yet. I quit my last job because the hours became unsustainable, shifting from 10-hour shifts to 12, and sometimes even 15 hours due to being understaffed. I decided to take a break, travel a bit, and enjoy some time off, which I don’t regret. However, I’ve been applying to various jobs—sales positions, accident reconstruction roles, and investigator jobs—but the rejections are starting to wear on me. I’ve applied to roles that I feel qualified for, yet I’m not even getting interviews. I’m curious about where others are finding jobs these days. Are people having success on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or through networking? I’d love to hear from anyone who has transitioned from law enforcement to a different career path and how they managed to find their new roles. I’m trying to figure out if I’m looking in the wrong places or if the job market is just particularly challenging right now.

I recently applied for a retail position at Barnes & Noble after an unexpected break in my schooling and employment. I thought this would be a straightforward process, but it's turning out to be much more challenging than I anticipated. I submitted my application last week and have been checking the portal daily for updates. Unfortunately, it still shows that my application hasn't been reviewed, and now the job listing has disappeared, which makes me anxious that the position has already been filled. I even called my local store hoping to speak with a manager about my application, but I was informed that their hiring is outsourced, and there’s no one on-site I could talk to. I'm feeling quite lost at this point. I really want this job; I have retail-adjacent experience, a degree, and I'm available 24/7. I also submitted a cover letter and believe I could be a great fit, especially since I love books and consider myself a good salesman. Living in a college town, I thought my open availability would be a strong advantage. I've applied to this company multiple times in the past but have always faced rejection. I'm just looking for a chance to interview! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently at a crossroads in my career. I left my previous job due to a toxic work environment, long hours, and an overwhelming workload—working from 2:30 PM to 11 PM for $21 an hour, while having to pay for my own benefits. The team was understaffed, with only five of us handling the work meant for nine, which left me exhausted and barely able to spend time with my partner. The only upside was that it was only 4.5 km from home. After leaving, I took a role at a warehouse but unfortunately got sick and was let go. Since then, I've been doing Uber Eats, which has been a decent source of income, especially since I live near a gas reserve that keeps my fuel costs down. Now, I've got an interview lined up for a new position that offers 12-hour continental shifts at $19.62, about 15 km away, still in a familiar field. However, I'm feeling the financial pinch after a few weeks without stable work due to my illness. I’m also trying to save up for a 7-month course to become a heavy machine operator. Today, my old boss reached out and offered me my previous job back, without a raise, but knowing I didn’t get the new role yet. I’m really torn between returning to a job that I know will provide immediate income or taking a chance on this new opportunity that could potentially lead to better growth. I’ve enjoyed not coming home at 11:30 PM and having some time for myself, so I’m really looking for any advice or thoughts on which path to take.

I've been exploring various online job sites lately, especially those that require a subscription or payment. I'm curious if anyone has had success using these paid platforms to find jobs. I've seen a lot of options out there, but I'm hesitant to spend money without knowing if it's worth it. If you've tried any paid job sites and found them effective, I would love to hear which ones you recommend and why. On the other hand, I've also been advised to stick with free options like LinkedIn and Indeed, which makes me wonder if the paid sites are really necessary.

I have been unemployed for 1.5 years after leaving a toxic work environment in April 2025. My previous job was overwhelming due to team layoffs and a lack of support, which forced me to juggle multiple roles and high-stress customer interactions while also managing grad school. Since fall 2024, I faced ongoing criticism from a new lead who undermined my work and created a hostile atmosphere, leading to my decision to leave. Now, I'm struggling to find a job in a tough market despite holding an MBA and a Master’s in Management and Leadership. I have operations experience in technical and marketing consulting but have had no luck securing a position. I've gone through 30 interviews, often feeling hopeful, but even minor mistakes seem to cost me the opportunity. My goal is to transition from retail to an office role, but I haven't received any callbacks recently, which makes me question my relevance in the job market. I wonder if my long unemployment is a factor or if I'm just not presenting myself well enough. What am I doing wrong?

I'm currently facing unemployment and feeling quite lost about my next steps. I'm in my mid-20s and based in Grantham, UK. With 9 years of experience in sales and client management, particularly in the property sector, I've also gained some business development experience. Recently, I've dabbled in social media and hold a Level 2 Digital Marketing qualification. Outside of my main work, I engage in content creation and UGC, earning a modest income of about £100 a month through TikTok Shop affiliate marketing. I'm eager to transition into influencer marketing, campaigns, or creative/marketing roles, ideally remote, since I live in a somewhat isolated area. I recently interviewed for a Junior Influencer Marketing Manager position but unfortunately lost out to candidates with more relevant experience, despite feeling that my interview went well. I have ADHD, which makes repetitive tasks challenging for me. I'm looking for roles that offer a salary between £27,000 and £30,000, and I want to avoid cold sales jobs. I'm open to exploring different job titles or industries, but I need concrete suggestions for roles that align with my background. I'm feeling overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice on job titles I should consider applying for.