Thinking

I recently completed my full-time education but unfortunately, I don't have any GCSEs or qualifications in the UK. I've been actively applying for both part-time and full-time positions over the past few days through Indeed and by visiting places in person. So far, the only response I've received is from a single restaurant that reviewed my application. I've noticed that many restaurants prefer candidates who already have experience as servers or some background in the hospitality industry, making it quite challenging for someone like me to break into this field. I'm looking for advice on how to make my application stand out to potential employers and any tips on how to find jobs in the hospitality sector despite lacking previous qualifications.

I recently got accepted for a job position in the cloud tech industry after being unemployed for over a year since graduation, and I was initially thrilled about it. The role is close to home and aligns with my career goals, which made it even more exciting. However, I made the mistake of checking the company’s reviews on Glassdoor, and now I'm feeling apprehensive. The company has a rating of around 3, which is decent, but many reviews mention issues like poor work-life balance, nepotism, and bad management. Some even suggest avoiding the company altogether, claiming that the positive reviews are fake. This has left me worried about accepting the position out of desperation, fearing that I might end up overwhelmed and stuck in a bad situation with no way out. I’m curious if these kinds of reviews are typical for small companies and how much weight I should give them in my decision-making process. Has anyone else had a similar experience stepping into a less-than-ideal work environment right after college? I’m just trying to figure out if I should trust my instincts or if I should take the job and keep looking for something better while employed.

I've been working at my current company for 2 years now, starting as an intern before transitioning to a full-time role after graduation. Initially, I thought it would be a safe choice given the tough job market, but the reality of the job has been far from ideal. My internship experience was lackluster, with minimal guidance and a lot of time spent alone in the office. My manager often disappears for days, leaving me without communication or support. As a result, I've had to teach myself a lot, and while I've managed to complete the simple tasks assigned to me, I've found the work unfulfilling. I did receive a small pay increase and benefits as a full-time employee, but my workload hasn't changed much since my internship. I've taken on a few additional tasks, but they don't keep me engaged or motivated. I know many would appreciate having a job right now, but I'm feeling increasingly unmotivated and it's affecting me. I'm at a crossroads and wondering if I should start looking for a new job or stick it out a little longer.

I received a surprising piece of mail the day after I was laid off from my position at Xbox. It was unexpected and added a mix of emotions to an already tough situation. Some of the comments from others in similar positions suggested that they received less favorable mail, like COBRA letters, which made me feel a bit better about my own situation. One commenter even suggested I should sell the item I received, which is something I'm considering.

I graduated in 2025 with an engineering degree and managed to secure a Software Developer role at a large enterprise company right out of school. I worked incredibly hard, dedicating myself to competitive programming and complex system design during my college years to stand out in a tough job market. Once I started my job, I gave it my all—building high-throughput event pipelines, designing multi-agent AI workflows, and optimizing core libraries to improve our delivery speed. I thought that my efforts would ensure some level of job security. However, with the current tech landscape and frequent restructuring, it feels like none of my contributions matter. The anxiety surrounding potential layoffs and shifting corporate priorities is exhausting. I’ve realized that despite optimizing systems and saving the company money, I’m just another number on a spreadsheet to upper management. Now, the thought of re-entering the job market as a junior/mid-level engineer with only about a year of experience is daunting. The competition is fierce, and the interview processes seem broken. This constant uncertainty is starting to dampen my passion for engineering. I’m reaching out to see how others are coping with this mental strain. For those who faced layoffs early in their careers, how did you stay motivated to keep practicing coding and system design when the outcome feels so unpredictable?

I recently found out that Microsoft is laying off around 4,800 employees, which is about 2.1% of their global workforce. As part of this layoff plan, they are offering severance packages that include up to 39 weeks of base pay for most US employees. I’ve seen reports that this is similar to a voluntary retirement package they offered back in June, but this time it’s not optional. The minimum severance is 60 days, which is required by federal law. While layoffs are never easy, I can't help but think that packages like this can make the transition a bit smoother for those affected. It’s a solid offer, and I hope it helps those who are impacted find their next opportunity.

I graduated in 2022 with a BS in Math from a top public university, but I've been struggling to find work for the past four years. My mental health issues affected my grades, which prevented me from securing internships during my studies. Despite my coding skills and coursework in CS and Stats, I've been mass applying to jobs—over 10,000 applications so far—and have only landed a handful of interviews. I've applied for every job I could find, including basic retail, food service, and office positions, but I haven't had any luck. I've even reached out to temp agencies without success. Networking has also been challenging; my family is from a low socioeconomic background, and they don't have connections to help me. I'm considering grad school, but I'm worried about the financial burden, my grades, and being seen as overqualified for entry-level positions. I'm looking for any advice on how to improve my situation.

I’m currently 29 and still interning, which has been weighing heavily on my mind. I’ve always struggled with knowing what I wanted to do with my life, leading me to pursue multiple degrees without a clear direction. I started interning at 23, first in PR for a startup, then in marketing for a large corporation, but neither felt right. After switching to IT and taking a year off to travel and gain new qualifications, I landed an internship at a prestigious company. Now, I find myself surrounded by younger interns, many of whom are in their early 20s, and I can’t help but feel embarrassed about my age. I’ve stopped mentioning it to avoid awkward questions about my background and education. It’s tough to connect with the other interns, especially when I sense a shift in their attitude towards me once they learn my story. I feel lonely and ashamed, questioning whether I’ve wasted my 20s while my peers advance to senior roles. I’m looking for advice on how to cope with this situation and whether others would find it strange to work with someone nearly 30 who is still interning. I just want to feel like I’m on the right path.

I recently received over 400 rejections while applying for jobs with my current resume, and I'm feeling pretty discouraged. I'm looking for advice on how to tailor my resume more effectively. I've been told that my formatting might be an issue, as it seems to be cluttered and difficult to read. Some suggestions included adding more blank space and adjusting the text size. Additionally, I've been advised to limit the number of bullet points for each role to 3-5 key accomplishments instead of listing everything I've done. I understand that I need to highlight the most relevant experiences based on the job descriptions I'm targeting. For example, as an accountant, I should definitely include 'closing the books' in my bullet points since it's a common requirement in most job listings. I'm eager to refine my resume and finally land a job.

I just had a major freakout before my interview at McDonald's. I was so excited to finally get a chance, but then I discovered that my mom used AI to create my resume without me knowing. I only realized today, right before the interview, that it says I'm still in grade 10 when I'm actually in grade 11. Plus, it has the wrong phone number because I’ve never had a cellphone before. I can't change anything because my printer is out of ink, and I'm feeling super stressed. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and now I feel like AI has messed it all up for me. I just hope I can explain the mistakes if they come up during the interview. This whole situation is just so frustrating!

Today is a tough day for my family as my dad is divorcing my mom. I'm feeling the weight of responsibility because it's just me, my mom, my grandma, and my brother at home. I need to find a high-paying job to support everyone, but I have zero experience beyond working construction, which I really disliked, and stocking shelves at Walmart. My brother gets a monthly check from the VA, but he spends it quickly on drinking and smoking, leaving us in a tight spot. My mom is disabled and can't work, and my grandma is 85 years old. I'm lost on what to do next. Are there online jobs that pay well or any free classes to help me get an education? I just don't see how we can survive on my brother's check alone.

I’m currently navigating a tricky situation with my job history and need some guidance. My background is primarily in accounting and administrative roles, where I’ve excelled. However, I recently attempted to transition into the insurance industry, and it has been a poor fit for me due to my learning disability, which makes analytical tasks and the licensing exam particularly challenging. Here’s a brief overview of my job timeline: - In October 2025, my last stable job ended. - Late 2025 to early 2026, I took on two short-term insurance roles, each lasting less than a month, but they didn’t work out. - Currently, I’m in a new insurance position that I’ve held for about a month, but I must pass the licensing exam soon or face termination. Given my disability, I’m not optimistic about passing. I’m actively looking to return to a more structured accounting or administrative role before my current job ends. I have a few questions: 1. How should I present my recent job history on my resume? Should I just list my last stable job from October 2025 and claim I’ve been selective about my next role, or should I combine my current and past short-term jobs into a single entry labeled "Temporary/Contract Assignments"? 2. When applying for new jobs, should I include my current employer? If I leave them off, would that be considered dishonest? 3. I’m worried about background checks. If a potential employer uses a screening service and checks my payroll records, will omitting my short-term positions jeopardize my chances of getting hired? Do background checks just verify what I list on my resume, or do they check everything? I’m trying to maintain my employment while searching for a more stable position, but I’m concerned that my impending termination and short job stints could hinder my chances of getting back into a solid administrative role. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I volunteered at a charity shop for 8 months, hoping it would lead to a job opportunity. Initially, I was just looking for something to do to improve my mental health while job searching. I enjoyed the work and the social aspect of it. A few months in, I learned that a paid position was opening up due to an employee leaving, so I applied, thinking my experience would give me an edge. I had been doing many of the tasks already, like cashing up and handling admin duties, and I emphasized this during the interview. However, after the interview, I was rejected by the manager's manager. They cited my lack of questions at the end of the interview as a sign of curiosity deficiency, which baffled me since I had been volunteering there for months and had no questions left to ask. I also struggled to provide a specific example for one of their questions about excellent customer service. I'm feeling really down about this. I thought I had a good chance at the job, and it was a blow to my self-esteem to be turned down after all that time and effort. It feels like my dedication meant nothing to them, and I'm struggling to understand why they would choose someone else over a current volunteer who knows the ropes.

I recently hit a staggering milestone of submitting 6,700 job applications without receiving a single response. It feels like the job market is completely dead for me. I've been questioning whether my application materials are the issue or if I'm applying for positions that I'm not actually qualified for. Despite the overwhelming number of applications, not even a single interview request has come my way. I’ve considered sharing my resume for feedback, but I’m skeptical about the responses I might receive. It’s disheartening to hear that some people think it’s a personal problem rather than a market issue. I'm starting to wonder if I need to rethink my strategy or even consider temporary work just to get by.

I was working as a 1099 contractor while also being employed full-time as a W2 employee. Recently, I lost my W2 job and haven't done any work as a 1099 since I have no clients. I’m wondering if I should reach out to the Employment Security Department (ESD) to inform them about my 1099 status, even though I haven't earned anything from it. Additionally, I've been offered two 1099 gigs while receiving unemployment benefits, but I wouldn't be able to start earning from them for a couple of months and there's no guarantee of consistent work. I'm concerned about whether declining these offers will affect my unemployment benefits and if I need to report that I turned them down. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently found out that I have a balance of $2000 in my unemployment claim, but I was never paid anything. Currently, my claim status is open, and it shows an effective date of 11/02/2025, with a maximum benefit of $2839 and a weekly benefit amount of $179. However, the amount paid so far is $0. I'm now employed, but I'm still struggling financially. I’m trying to understand what steps I need to take to actually receive this balance, if possible. I’ve read some comments suggesting that this amount isn’t really mine unless I go back on unemployment before the claim expires. I’m just looking for clarity on what I can do next.

I recently worked for a food business in Illinois for about six months, and during that time, the establishment had a significant mouse problem for most of my tenure. Initially, the issue seemed minor, but it escalated to a point where it should have warranted closure. The management addressed the problem minimally, and despite my attempts to report it to the health inspector, the situation didn't improve. Eventually, I decided to leave the job without notice because I felt there was no viable solution in sight. Now, I've received a determination from unemployment stating that I stayed long enough and accepted the risk associated with the job, which I believe is unfair. I only reported the mouse issue, but there were other significant problems as well. My appeal is set for a phone hearing next Thursday, and I'm seeking advice on how to prepare. I want to effectively argue that I didn't just sit idly by for five months; I was hopeful for a resolution during the first few months, but after the health report and my inquiries to management, I felt compelled to leave. I'm unsure if I need to gather more information or submit additional documentation beyond my statement to counter their claim. Any guidance on the next steps would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently working in Pennsylvania and have been experiencing a toxic workplace that is severely impacting my mental health. I've been considering how to navigate this situation without jeopardizing my unemployment eligibility if I were to leave my job. I've heard that getting fired intentionally isn't a viable option, but I'm looking for advice on how to document any illegalities and communicate with HR effectively. I want to ensure that if I do resign, I can still qualify for unemployment benefits. I'm trying to find the best way to handle this while protecting myself.

I recently completed my final round interviews for an admin role at a company, and I've been in touch with the recruiter throughout the process. They've been really consistent with communication, which I appreciated. Last week, I received a vague email from the recruiter asking to set up a time to discuss feedback and next steps. I took this as a positive sign. During our call, I expressed how much I enjoyed meeting the team and learning about the role. However, the recruiter informed me that he had no feedback yet from the team and that the panel would be meeting next week to make their decision. He assured me that I would have an update by the end of next week. While I appreciate the transparency, I can't help but feel a bit thrown off by the lack of concrete feedback. I’m grateful for the communication, but I’m also a little confused about where I stand in the process.

I have a friend from way back in 2005 when we both started our careers in IT. While I’ve progressed through various roles and am currently earning $96K a year, he has remained in a QA Tech position and now works as a security guard making $18/hr. He believes he has job security and prefers consistent income over seeking advancement, despite being just one paycheck away from financial trouble. He occasionally borrows small amounts from me, which shows he’s not as secure as he thinks. I've tried to encourage him to pursue IT certifications and move into a help desk role, but he’s resistant to change. Now, I’m facing my own transition as my company is closing in less than two months, but I feel prepared for the job market. I’ve been upskilling and am set to take my AZ-900 certification test next week. Interestingly, my friend suggested I go back to school for a Master’s degree, which I find impractical at 45 years old. I believe investing in certifications is a better path for me. This experience has taught me that giving advice is easy, but it’s important to practice what you preach.