Thinking

I started my job search in mid-to-late August 2025, just before my senior year began at a highly ranked public university. Despite having research experience, internships, and part-time jobs under my belt, finding a full-time position was tougher than I anticipated. I averaged two to three interviews each month throughout the year, which was exhausting but taught me a lot about tailoring my applications and preparing for interviews. After nearly a year of searching, I finally received an offer last week for a role in an industry I’m passionate about. I owe a lot to a strong internal referral from the owner's son, which made me realize how challenging it could have been to break into this field without that connection. I'm curious to hear from other recent grads about their job search experiences and how long they've been looking.

I’ve been feeling really stuck lately in my job search. I currently make $53,000 a year before taxes, and after three years in my role, I’m struggling with a lot of debt from grad school. I have a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and three years of experience working in state government. Despite applying to dozens of jobs over the past year, I’ve only landed one interview, which I almost got, but they chose someone else at the last minute. It’s been incredibly frustrating to either get ghosted or receive generic rejection emails after applying for governmental relations positions in the private sector and other public sector roles. I really want to move to a bigger city where the cost of living is higher, but so are the salaries. I’m hoping that a change of scenery might help me find better opportunities.

I was unemployed for about 4 months and recently received three job offers in a span of two weeks, which has left me feeling quite confused about my next steps. Initially, I accepted an offer for 8 LPA, which was only a slight increase from my previous salary. However, while I was interviewing with another company, I received an offer of 11.5 LPA with a start date of September 7th, which I also accepted. Shortly after, the company I was interviewing with offered me 12 LPA, and I decided to go with that. When I informed the first company about my decision to decline their offer, they surprisingly reached out to match my other offers and ended up offering me 13 LPA. Now, I'm torn between the 12 LPA offer and the 13 LPA offer from the first company, both of which are at product-based startups with around 200 employees. One is in retail ads and the other in real estate. My concern is the significant jump from 8 LPA to 13 LPA. I'm worried that this might mean higher expectations and a more intense work environment, which isn't what I'm looking for after my time off. I'm aiming for stability and a reasonable workload, so I'm hesitant to choose the higher-paying option if it comes with added pressure. I'm seeking advice on whether to take the 13 LPA offer or stick with the 12 LPA company for potentially better stability and work-life balance. The difference is only 1 LPA, but I want to make the right decision.

I had an interview for a position last Friday, and I felt it went really well. The manager mentioned that I should expect to hear back within a week, but if I didn’t, I could reach out to her. Fast forward to this Friday, and I still haven't received any updates. I decided to text the manager, but I think she might have gone home for the day since I didn’t get a response. Now I’m starting to panic because I realized I might have missed a call from the recruiter. There was a blocked call from a number that matched the area code of the recruiter, and I’m worried that I’ve ruined my chances for the job. I’m really hoping they would still send me an offer email even if I missed their call. I just need some reassurance that I’m not overreacting and that someone will get back to me soon.

I'm currently in a bit of a dilemma regarding a job posting at my company. I found out on Friday that there's an internal position open that I'm really interested in. The posting is available for both internal and external candidates, but the application review starts on Tuesday, and the posting closes next Thursday. I haven't had a chance to discuss this with my direct supervisor or manager yet because they were both out of the office on Monday. I'm eager to apply since this role represents a significant opportunity for career advancement, and missing this chance could mean waiting another year for a similar opening. I'm considering my options carefully. One option is to apply right away to ensure my application is in before they start reviewing candidates, and then inform my supervisor and manager via email. However, I'm worried that if I don’t get the job, it could damage my relationship with them. Another option is to wait until I can meet with them on Tuesday, discuss my interest in the position, and then submit my application afterward. This could risk my application being overlooked, but it would help maintain a good relationship with my supervisors. I’m also contemplating letting another supervisor know about my application since my direct ones are unavailable, but I’m hesitant because I prefer to keep this matter between my immediate supervisors and myself. Right now, I'm leaning towards the second option, but I'm feeling anxious about the timing and the potential consequences. I’m 29 and still relatively early in my career, with about 2.5 years of experience, so I really want to make the right move here.

I recently signed a contract for a Projects Administrator position at a fast-growing data centre and energy company, starting this Monday. The role offers a salary of €42.5k plus a bonus, and it's conveniently located just 20 minutes from my home. However, I'm feeling uncertain because I have four other job options that I'm considering, and I'm worried I might be making the wrong move. To give you some context, I hold a Food Science degree and am currently studying Construction Contracts Management at night. My goal is to pivot into project delivery within construction, energy, or infrastructure. In terms of what I value most in a job, my priorities are long-term earning potential, opportunities for development and skill-building, and job security. Here's a quick rundown of my options: - **Job A (SIGNED, starts Monday):** Projects Administrator at a data centre/energy company. €42.5k + bonus, permanent, 20 mins from home. The downside is that it's more of an admin/support role rather than actual project delivery. - **Job B (offer, expires Monday):** Junior Planner at an M&E construction firm. €45k, permanent, and it would teach me valuable skills in planning and scheduling, although it requires a longer commute to Dublin. - **Job C (offer):** Supply Chain Lead role at €57k, but it's in a sector where I previously experienced burnout, so it feels like a step backwards. - **Job D (still interviewing):** Graduate Construction Manager programme focused on hyperscale data centres. Salary is between €30k-40k, but it offers a structured two-year development pipeline into construction management. - **Job E (still interviewing, not yet an offer):** Construction Project Analyst at a major data centre company with a salary of €63k, which aligns perfectly with my career goals. Initially, my plan was to start Job A on Monday, work there for six months to gauge my interest in the industry, and keep pursuing the €63k opportunity in the background. However, I'm now second-guessing my decision. I'm questioning whether it's wise to let the €45k planning offer (Job B) expire for a €42.5k admin role when planning is a tangible skill. Should I be holding out for the €63k role that isn't confirmed yet? And is it naive to turn down the €57k offer (Job C) simply because I'm concerned about the sector? I could really use some advice on this.

I’ve been feeling really ready to leave my current job, and I’ve actually drafted my "thank you and farewell" email already. It’s just sitting there, waiting to be sent. I also prepared another email for my manager to request a 1:1 meeting once I sign an offer elsewhere so we can discuss the offboarding process. Honestly, I have everything planned out because I’m so eager to move on from this place. It’s funny how much I’ve rehearsed what I want to say in my head, but I’m also a bit worried about having that draft saved in my work email. I know it could be accessed by my manager at any time. I guess I just feel like employers have really killed any sense of loyalty, and I’m ready to take the next step.

I recently had a conversation with my manager at my job where they informed me that they would be reducing my shifts to just one per week for the next month. They hinted that they might ask me to resign at the end of this period. However, I received a call and a text from my trainer asking me to come in tonight to cover a shift for someone who called off. This has left me confused—are they testing me, giving me a second chance, or are they just poorly communicating? Their actions and words seem contradictory, and I'm unsure about what to make of this situation.

I recently applied for a full-time position at an industrial laundry facility after a family friend recommended it to me. The pay is $18.75 per hour, which seemed decent at first. The job listing mentioned hours from 1:30 PM to 10 PM, and I thought that would work for me. However, I later discovered that there is mandatory overtime every day from Monday to Friday, extending my hours until 12 or 1 AM, and additional overtime on Saturdays from 5 AM to 1:30 PM. I'm starting to feel like I might have made a mistake by accepting this opportunity. The hours are much longer than I anticipated, and I'm concerned about burnout. I'm debating whether I should back out now before I get too deep into this job.

I recently experienced a sudden job loss that has left me feeling quite shocked. I had only been with the company for a few months, starting in June, and while I loved my team and felt like I fit in perfectly, there were some concerning behaviors from a few people above me. I received a call from my manager on my day off, just before the end of my probationary period, informing me that I was being let go because they had "decided to go a different direction." There were no warnings, no feedback, and I hadn’t made any mistakes. It felt completely out of the blue. Now, I'm trying to process this unexpected turn of events while also applying for new jobs. Thankfully, I have my first interview lined up for Monday, and I’ve also been approached by another company interested in me. Despite being in a high-demand career, I’m struggling mentally with this abrupt change and the feeling of not having closure. I know I need to move forward quickly since I can't afford to be out of work for long, but it's hard to shake off the sting of this experience. I’m hoping to find some advice on how to cope with this situation and manage my feelings as I navigate the job search.

I've been on the job hunt for nearly a year now, and it's been incredibly challenging. Despite applying to numerous positions, I haven't received any offers. In an effort to increase my chances, I've even started applying to jobs outside my usual interests, but still no luck. I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong or if others are experiencing similar difficulties in their job searches.

I recently found myself in a tough position after rejecting a job offer that I was really excited about. Currently, I'm working in a role where I face bullying from my boss and coworker, which has made the environment quite toxic. While I've learned to ignore their negativity, it still takes a toll on me every day. The job itself is easy, with good pay and benefits, and I enjoy the casual dress code and yearly bonus. However, I live in a beautiful and expensive city that I love, and the thought of moving to a cheaper city, even one I like, feels daunting. I applied for a position in that other city, which I found genuinely interesting. The lawyers who interviewed me were friendly and accommodating during salary negotiations, which made me feel valued. However, I realized that I don't want to leave my current city, despite the issues at work. I ended up rejecting the job offer, and now I'm feeling regret and confusion about my decision. Financially, changing jobs feels risky given my savings, and I'm also dealing with low iron levels that make me doubt my ability to perform well in a demanding new role. I'm caught between a job I dislike but that offers stability and a career opportunity that excites me but requires a significant life change.

I’m currently working as a clerk at a small insurance agency where I’ve been for over two years. The job involves a lot of repetitive tasks like communicating with clients, issuing policies, and managing payments, but I find it unfulfilling and overwhelming at times due to the workload. I earn just above minimum wage, which feels inadequate given my responsibilities. My boss is rarely present and has made some questionable decisions, including instructing us to hide information during a recent audit. I feel trapped and worry that this job is all I’ll ever do, especially since I hold a science degree and had hoped for a career in that field. My family thinks I should quit, but I’m hesitant because I don’t have another job lined up and I fear the job search could take a long time again. I’m considering quitting by November, but I’m unsure if that’s the right move. I’d appreciate any advice on whether I should leave this job or try to stick it out a bit longer.

I recently received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my job, which has been a significant source of stress for me. This is the first time I've ever faced something like this, and it feels daunting. I've been with the company for four years, and honestly, I felt like it was holding me back from achieving my career goals and doing work I can be proud of. The past year has taken a toll on my mental health, and I've mentally checked out from my role. While I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude and believe that I can overcome this PIP, I’ve come to the realization that even if I do, I still want to leave this job. This situation has pushed me to start actively searching for new opportunities, and I feel like it might be the motivation I needed to finally take that step.

I've been transitioning from my role at the United Nations to the private sector in the US, specifically in New York, and I'm currently applying for positions in project management, digital transformation, and strategy. I'm seeking feedback on my CV from those with experience in US hiring practices. My main experience comes from working at the UN across over 10 countries on diverse projects, including developing public sector strategies and collaborating with grassroots stakeholders on technology implementations. I've kept my resume concise and tailored it for different roles by including relevant internships and part-time work, depending on the position. I'm targeting junior to mid-level roles with salaries ranging from $90K to $130K. I did have a supervisory role at one point, but I lost that title due to a policy change within the organization. I'm particularly interested in feedback on the credibility of my impact statements—do they come off as genuine or typical UN jargon? Also, does having a single-employer background raise concerns for US hiring managers? Should I consider including my internships on the second page to mitigate any perceived gaps in my experience? I’d appreciate insights on whether my profile paragraph is engaging enough to encourage further reading, and if there are any specific reasons that might lead someone to overlook my application. I'm eager for US-based perspectives, as I know transitioning from the UN to the private sector can be challenging, and I want to ensure my resume effectively communicates my qualifications.

I recently changed my Facebook profile to a digital creator while I'm currently on unemployment in Oklahoma. I didn't expect much from it, but surprisingly, I've already made over $100 since the change. The payout is scheduled for September 23, and I'm wondering if this will affect my unemployment benefits. I know my unemployment is set to end in October if I don't secure a job by then. Should I report this income? It feels more like a side gig than a job, but I'm concerned about the implications for my benefits. I've heard that I need to report it when I get paid, and since it's self-employment, it might only slightly impact my weekly amount. I want to make sure I'm following the rules and not risking my unemployment status.

I recently applied for a job and noticed that I never received a confirmation email. I double-checked my email address, and it was spelled correctly. Interestingly, I applied for a position with the same company about a year ago, and I did receive a confirmation email back then. After submitting my application this time, I did see the application submitted webpage, but the lack of an automated email has me worried. I'm left wondering if this means I won't receive any further communications regarding my application.

I am currently pregnant and actively seeking employment opportunities. I'm excited to find a role that fits my skills and allows me to balance work and my upcoming family responsibilities. If anyone has leads or advice on job searching while pregnant, I would greatly appreciate it!

I worked in data entry and basic administrative roles for about six years, and I thought I had a solid foundation. However, after my company restructured last year, I was laid off along with many others in similar positions. I expected finding a new job would be straightforward given my experience, but I quickly realized that the job market had changed drastically. Now, every listing seems to require advanced skills in Excel, SQL, or automation tools that I have never used before. I've been applying for jobs for three months now, but I either get rejected immediately or hear nothing back. I even tried taking a free online course to improve my skills, but it’s tough to stay motivated when I’m not sure if employers will value a certificate from an unknown site. The hardest part is feeling like I’m competing against a younger generation that already has the skills that are now in demand. I’m at a crossroads, trying to decide whether I should focus on learning new software or accept that my previous role might not exist anymore and pivot to a completely different field. Has anyone else experienced this? Did you find success in retraining or changing careers?

I just found out that I'm getting laid off from my job, and I'm trying to figure out how to spend my time once I'm officially unemployed. I have a severance package and about 18 months of Employment Insurance, so I'm not in a rush to find a new job right away. Instead of just focusing on job searching and reskilling, I'm curious about how others would structure their day during this transition period. I've seen some great suggestions from others who have been in similar situations. One person mentioned that after their layoff, they realized how much they had neglected their health while working in a stressful environment. They decided to create a daily routine that included a health component. They would start their day with breakfast, hit the gym, then come home to shower and have lunch. After that, they dedicated most of their afternoon to job searching and improving their skills, and in the evenings, they would cook and relax. I'm looking for more ideas on how to maintain a balanced routine during this time.