Thinking

I recently lost my job as a software engineer after nearly a year of experience in backend development. This month, I was let go, and I’ve been feeling completely exhausted. Over the past year, I experienced numerous burnouts, leading to physical symptoms like shaking muscles and eye strain from stress and high cortisol levels. I find myself struggling to maintain hope in the software industry, despite my passion for coding and problem-solving. I'm reaching out for suggestions on how to move forward, particularly from those who are 24 years or older, regardless of gender. I really need some guidance on what my next steps should be.

I’m a computer science student in India, about to graduate in a few months, and I’m feeling pretty lost about my career path. I don’t have any professional experience or internships, and my resume is lacking. I also have a career gap after my undergraduate degree, which makes me feel older than the typical fresh graduate here. I’m aware that these factors can make it really tough to get through the initial screening stages for jobs in India. I’ve been contemplating whether there’s a way to find a remote job with a US or international company instead of sticking to the traditional Indian job market. I’m not just looking for software engineering roles; I’m open to any legitimate remote job that I can do from India. I’d be happy with a salary around $20k/year, which would be a decent income in my area. I have to admit that my technical skills are not where I want them to be. Most of my projects during my degree relied heavily on AI, and I don’t feel confident enough in my coding abilities to call myself a software developer. With AI changing the job landscape, I’m even more uncertain about my prospects. I’m struggling to figure out where to start. I don’t know what types of international remote jobs are available for someone in my situation, what skills I should focus on developing, or where these jobs are even listed. The Indian entry-level job market feels daunting, and the thought of trying to break into an international market is overwhelming. I’m looking for honest advice from anyone who works for a US or international company, especially those involved in hiring. What roles can realistically be done remotely from India? Would a company consider hiring someone with my background, career gap, and lack of experience? What skills should I develop to increase my employability? Are there specific industries or companies that are more open to international hires? With AI impacting entry-level jobs, what skills are becoming more valuable? I’m really hoping for some concrete guidance. If you were in my shoes, just months away from graduation with a weak resume and limited technical skills, what steps would you take? Where would you look for jobs, and what would you aim for first? If anyone has successfully transitioned from India to a remote role with a US or international company, I’d love to hear your story. I’m not looking for motivational advice; I just want to understand the path ahead. And if $20k/year is unrealistic for someone in my position, I’d appreciate that honesty too. I want to avoid blindly applying for jobs in India if there are better opportunities out there.

I've been unemployed since June of last year, and it's been a tough journey. I've sent out 1,793 applications and had only twelve interviews, which is disheartening. The last four months have been especially rough; I've received zero interviews and my hope is dwindling. I even had to sell my car just to cover basic food costs. Last year, I only made $3,300 because I was in a job for just two months before the company unexpectedly disappeared and my bosses left the country. Before that, I was self-employed, but my previous job went under due to illegal fishing practices. I know I have skills that exceed the requirements of the positions I'm applying for, yet I can't seem to get any traction. At this point, I would even consider working remotely for a call center at $10 an hour, but I can't find anything. It's frustrating to feel so qualified yet overlooked, and I'm at a loss for what to do next.

I graduated in 2015 and have been struggling to find a job since then. I'm currently unemployed in Saudi Arabia, and the stress of the situation is really starting to take a toll on my health. I'm reaching out in hopes that someone might be able to help me find a remote job or offer any advice. I'm 30 years old and desperately seeking a solution. If anyone has any leads or can assist me, please comment or message me privately.

I'm currently in a tough spot with my job search and wanted to share my experience. I'm 25 years old, living at home in NYC after graduating with a BFA three years ago. I moved back home because I couldn't afford to live on my own, and now I find myself with zero savings and struggling to make ends meet. I often wonder how others manage to pay rent and save money when I can barely hold onto $500 at a time. I've been looking for jobs, but it feels like businesses are hiring less while still posting available positions. My main skill set is in dog handling and daycare, but even those jobs are hard to come by, and I see others with less experience getting hired instead. Entry-level positions seem to have disappeared, and even fast-food places require some obscure skills that aren't clearly defined. I'm also a nightlife performer, which brings in about $300 a month, but with the expenses involved and the daily travel from the Bronx to Brooklyn, it's not enough to sustain me. I know I need to move out next year, but I'm terrified of ending up homeless. Thankfully, my parents are supportive, but I can't stay with them forever. I'm reaching out for advice or thoughts on how to navigate this situation. I understand that some might criticize my past choices, but I'm focused on moving forward now. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I recently found myself in a bit of a tricky situation regarding job interviews. About a month ago, I interviewed for a position but didn't hear back, so I assumed I was out of the running. Then, I discovered a job that seemed perfect for my background and would offer me a salary higher than I've ever earned. Just days after I applied for this ideal role, I received an offer from the job I thought had ghosted me. Although I wasn't particularly excited about that offer, I decided to move forward with it. Before starting my new role, I received an email from HR asking for a screening interview. I explained that I had just started a new job but was eager to talk, and they agreed to a call after my work hours. I ended up doing the screening call in my car, which was a bit unconventional since it was a video call, but it seemed to go well. They didn't seem to mind my setting, and they quickly offered me a second interview, really trying to sell me on the company, which wasn't necessary since I was already very interested. Now, I have a second interview scheduled this week during my lunch break, but I'm unsure if I should also do this one in my car. My commute is an hour, so going home isn't an option. I want to make a good impression, but I’m concerned about the environment. I thought about using filters to enhance my appearance on camera, but they all seem to cut off my hair, which isn't ideal. I’m weighing my options and considering whether I should find a quiet place to park or stick with my car for this next interview.

I've been working remotely since graduating college in 2022, and I've already had four different jobs, with my current contract role being the fourth since I started last May. I'm considering starting my job search in January to secure a new position by April when my contract ends. However, I'm worried that my job history might make me seem unstable to potential employers, especially since my longest tenure has only been 15 months. My first job was an internship, my second ended when the company went bankrupt, the third had scheduling disagreements, and now in my current role, I find the niche challenging and feel underpaid. I'm torn between staying longer at this job or moving on sooner. Am I overthinking this?

Today, I learned that nearly 550 employees are facing layoffs due to the termination of the housekeeping contract at VCU Health. This news has been quite unsettling as it affects a large number of workers who rely on these jobs. I’m trying to process how this will impact the community and those involved. It’s a tough situation for everyone, and I’m hoping for the best for my colleagues and friends who might be affected.

I started a new job in May this year, and initially received positive feedback after my first month. However, after three months, I was informed that my probation period would be extended for two additional months due to concerns about my "culture fit," despite my technical competence. Just two weeks later, I was told that they would be letting me go after the extended period. Now, I have about 6-7 weeks left at the company, and I'm unsure how to approach my remaining time here. Should I maintain a professional demeanor and not burn any bridges, or should I just do the bare minimum since they’ve already decided to let me go? I'm also considering starting to apply for new jobs while still employed.

I recently went through a first interview for a position and was preparing for the second one when I unfortunately injured myself at home. The injury happened in between the interviews, not during them. I went to the ER, and they assured me it should heal within a couple of weeks, but I’ve also scheduled a follow-up with a specialist for further evaluation. Now, I’m unsure about whether or when to bring this up with the hiring manager during the next interview. Should I mention it at all, or only if it seems relevant? I'm seeking advice on how to handle this situation.

Today, I had a really stressful meeting with my manager at the software company where I've been working for the past four months. He was furious because of a one-star review on Glassdoor that he thinks I wrote. The review criticizes the management style as "toxic micromanagement" and mentions the outdated tech stack we use. My manager slammed the printout of the review on his desk and accused me of being the author because I'm the newest member of the dev team. Despite my repeated denials and explaining that I don't even have a Glassdoor account, he wouldn't listen and insisted that I have until tomorrow morning to 'fix my mistake' or risk being fired for not fitting the company culture. I feel completely panicked because I need this job to pay my rent, but I also can't stay in a place where I'm treated like this. I'm considering going to HR first thing in the morning, but I'm worried they won't take my side since my manager is close with the CEO. I feel like I'm in a nightmare where I could be fired for something I didn't do. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I could really use some advice on how to handle this situation.

I'm 25 years old and currently looking for a job in the SF Bay area. I had to take a semester off from college, and now I'm eager to find work as soon as possible. If anyone has any leads or suggestions for opportunities, I would greatly appreciate it!

I’ve been working in accounting for a couple of years now, but I’m finding it nearly impossible to land a part-time job in the food industry. Despite having relevant experience from a few years back, it seems like employers are only interested in candidates who have been actively working in that field recently. I’m really trying to secure some side income because the current economy is tough, but my applications are going unanswered. It’s frustrating to see others struggling too, as some of my friends are only able to find part-time or temp work while hoping for something full-time. It feels like companies are looking for candidates who are desperate for work, and if they think you might not be reliable or could leave easily, they just overlook you.

About a year ago, I faced some trouble at my previous job, which I thought was a minor issue, but it escalated to the point where my manager and HR got involved. It left me feeling disheartened, especially when they made it clear that my career aspirations were off the table. Frustrated, I started looking for new opportunities. After 6-9 months of applying to hundreds of jobs and going through numerous interviews, I finally accepted a role at a large tech company, attracted by the significant pay increase and the promise of more ownership in my work. I felt relieved and optimistic, believing it was a good move despite it not being my dream job. However, after just two months in the new position, I am regretting my decision. Each day has been filled with misery due to a lack of direction, projects that are falling apart, and a toxic environment where communication is almost nonexistent. I’ve tried to approach my boss about my concerns, but given my past experiences, I’m hesitant to be too open. I can sense that this is not a place where I will thrive. Recognizing that I need to make a change, I began job hunting again after just a week in this role. Over the past two months, I've had three interviews but no job offers yet. My niche role in the corporate training industry makes it challenging, and every rejection feels heavier than before. I’m anxious about the current job market and feel guilty for being unhappy in a position that many would consider a great opportunity. I just can’t see myself lasting here much longer.

I am currently in my last week of work at an IT company in Quebec, Canada, where I've been employed for 8 years. I gave my two weeks' notice the Friday before last week and took PTO last week, which I had reserved back in February. Now, as I prepare to return for my final week, I'm feeling really anxious and unmotivated. The reason for my departure was the toxic management in my department, which is notorious for not rehiring former employees and not providing references. I know that many of my colleagues are also looking for new jobs, and I feel fortunate to have been able to leave first. However, I still need this week's pay, so I can't just not show up, but I feel conflicted about clocking in and doing the work. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has gone through a similar situation. Thank you.

I recently went through a tough job search experience. I applied for a position that I really wanted and went through five rounds of interviews, even taking a half day off work for the final panel. After waiting 11 days, I received the disappointing email that I didn't get the job. Six weeks later, I found the person who did get hired on LinkedIn. We had similar backgrounds and experiences, but the difference was that they had worked at a company I recognized. It hit me hard because I had convinced myself for those six weeks that I just wasn't good enough. But now I realize it wasn't about my qualifications; it was just one line on a CV that made the difference. The job search can really mess with your self-esteem, making you feel like the issue is with you when often it's not. Has anyone else felt this way?

I recently left my job a couple of months ago, and I had two coworkers agree to be my references. However, when I started getting job offers, one of them completely ignored my requests, while the other was very reluctant to even give me his email address. It took him 7 hours to respond, which felt very telling about his enthusiasm for my success. This experience made me realize that if someone isn't excited to support me when I have a potential job offer, I can't trust them as a reference. So, I ended up reaching out to old coworkers from jobs I had up to 7 years ago, and they were more than happy to help me out. I’ve learned to be very selective about who I choose to use as references.

I’m feeling really exhausted from my job search. Over the past five months, I've sent out 312 resumes, and it's been incredibly disheartening. Out of those applications, I’ve faced rejection or been ghosted 304 times. I managed to secure 8 interviews, but only progressed to the second round for 2 of them. One of those companies ghosted me, and the other one rejected me. This whole process feels so broken. It’s frustrating that even with a decade of experience, I’m struggling to land a job. The job market seems worse than it was during the 2008/9 crisis, and I honestly can’t see how things will improve. There are so many people looking for work, yet the opportunities feel scarce, and layoffs are happening all around. It’s hard to stay hopeful when the system seems to be failing both entry-level candidates and seasoned professionals alike.

I recently started my job search in Ontario, Canada, as I prepare for college classes starting on September 8. I just got my SIN and have been feeling really anxious since I’ve never had a job before. I began applying for positions two days ago, focusing on part-time work since I’m only available on weekends and Friday afternoons. I visited 10 different company chains, including grocery stores and fast food places, and applied online to about 40 companies through platforms like Indeed and MyWorkDay. My anxiety is through the roof because I have no work experience, and I’m worried about how long it will take for companies to contact me for interviews. I’m curious if it’s typical for hiring managers to process applications over the weekend and how long it usually takes for them to reach out. I know there’s no set timeline, but I’d love to hear about others' experiences. I’m also questioning if I’m being too hasty in my applications, especially since I feel like every passing day adds to my stress about finances with college approaching. Lastly, I’m wondering if sending out 30-40 applications is considered low for part-time retail and fast food jobs. I just want to gain some experience, even if it means starting at minimum wage.

I recently interviewed for a senior-level position at an arts nonprofit earlier this summer, and I need to vent about the experience. They initially advertised a salary range in the six figures, which caught my attention. However, when they made me an offer, they downgraded the position significantly and presented me with a salary that felt downright insulting. I declined the first offer, and they came back with an additional $20,000, but it still fell short of the six-figure mark. For context, my last salary was $157,000, so accepting this offer would feel like a step backward. While the role is fully remote and I've been out of work for a year (which I took for personal reasons), I'm torn about whether to accept this offer or hold out for something better. They didn't provide any real explanation for the downgrade, which adds to my frustration. I'm weighing the pros and cons: should I take this job to get back into the workforce or continue searching for a role that aligns more closely with my experience and salary expectations? It's a tough decision, and I could really use some advice.