Thinking

I recently resigned from my position at a tech company, where I was working as a software engineer. On the same day I announced my departure, I informed my senior VP that I would be joining a competitor. Shortly after, I was told to return my company laptop and badge, which I did. I took this as an indication that I would be on garden leave for the remainder of my notice period. However, a few days later, I heard from HR that they were discussing whether I could still do any non-confidential work during my notice period. This has left me confused and concerned. My main question is whether my employer can actually require me to come back to work after they explicitly told me I was no longer supposed to work and took away my access to company resources. I’m also wondering if the fact that I mentioned I was going to a competitor changes the situation. I’m based in Germany, and I haven’t received any formal communication from HR yet; I only know about this discussion internally. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Is this typical for a situation like mine, or could they really change their mind and require me to work again?

I recently started working in a metal fabrication shop, and my typical schedule was from 6am to 2:30pm, which was manageable and allowed me to have a good work-life balance. However, for the past few weeks, my hours have shifted to 4am to 3:30pm, working 10 hours a day, five days a week, with the possibility of Saturday shifts. This change has been incredibly tough on me. I find myself going to bed by 7:30pm just to get enough sleep, leaving me with very little time for personal activities after managing daily chores like showering and packing lunch. I also deal with chronic pain in my back and hips, and this new schedule is taking a toll on both my mental and physical health. I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, and while I know there are people who work longer hours, this has become unsustainable for me. I can't afford to quit my job, especially since I entered the trades after struggling in traditional university. I've heard that this is a common situation during the summer at my job, where employees are pushed to work longer hours. I'm currently uncertain about my next steps. Job hunting could take a long time, but I do have a potential opportunity for camp work that offers a two weeks on, two weeks off schedule, though it's not guaranteed.

I applied for the Associate position with Human Rights Watch in the Asia Division a few weeks ago and I'm really eager to hear back. I understand that they typically don't reach out to unsuccessful candidates, but I’m still holding out hope. I’m curious about how long the average wait time is for feedback on applications like this. Has anyone else experienced a similar timeline?

I'm feeling really lost in my job search right now. With the current market conditions, it seems like finding a new role is more challenging than ever. I've been applying to various positions but haven't had much luck getting responses. I'm trying to figure out effective strategies to stand out and actually land interviews. Any tips or advice from others who have navigated this tough job market would be greatly appreciated.

It's been a year since I was laid off from my position in the biotech industry at a big pharma company, which happened in early August 2025. This was actually my third layoff from that company, and the mental toll of being out of my field is really weighing on me. I feel frustrated and humiliated that I can't even land low-paying entry-level jobs despite having years of experience. I’ve been applying to everything I can find, but the responses have been disheartening. Currently, I spend my days gardening, working out, and hiking to keep myself occupied. Financially, I'm okay, but I've put my life on hold since the layoff. I don't date or travel anymore, and I'm starting to consider other career paths, like trades or going back to school, but it's tough to know what will lead to a stable future. I’ve also noticed that friends in different industries, like business and computer science, are struggling to find work too. I'm reaching out for advice or to hear similar stories from others who have been in my situation.

I received an informal job offer from Company A on Friday for a role that was originally posted at $71K. After some negotiation, we settled on $75K, which isn't ideal compared to my previous salary of $80K, but they mentioned bonuses and growth opportunities that caught my interest. The person who interviewed me shared her impressive career progression, which makes me optimistic about the potential for advancement. However, I'm still waiting for the official offer letter, and they’ve given me until the end of the day Tuesday to decide. One concern is that the role is fully on-site, five days a week, which would be a big change from my previous remote position. My top choice is Company B, where I’ve gone through four rounds of interviews, including one with their President, and I completed an on-site skills test that they seemed to be impressed by. Their salary range is between $70K and $90K, and I’m hoping to negotiate towards the higher end if I get an offer. They only require three days on-site, which feels more manageable. Currently, they are checking my references, and I plan to reach out to them tomorrow to express my continued interest and to inquire about any updates, especially since I have a deadline with Company A. I'm feeling anxious about potentially losing both opportunities and trying to navigate this situation. I'm considering asking Company A for a short extension if I don’t hear back from Company B by Tuesday, but I’m unsure if that’s reasonable. Has anyone else been in a similar situation where being upfront with their top choice helped speed things along? At what point do I just take the sure thing?

I recently started my first job at a fast food restaurant, excited about the opportunity since they assured me I could work just 2-3 shifts during the school week and longer on Saturdays. However, after just one week of working, I found myself scheduled for 27 hours with shifts every single day. When I brought up my concerns, they told me they couldn’t guarantee the schedule I was promised and suggested I block off one day for studying, which isn’t feasible for me due to the unpredictable nature of my school tests. Feeling misled and overwhelmed, I’ve started looking for other job opportunities that align better with my academic commitments. I’m now in a dilemma about how to quit this job politely after only a week. I want to avoid any conflict, but I’m also considering just leaving without notice since I don’t want to deal with their treatment after resigning. I’m seeking advice on how to handle this situation gracefully.

I interviewed with a startup about a month ago and after a week and a half of waiting, I followed up and they expressed that they liked me and would update me on next steps. I didn’t hear back until I mentioned I had received another job offer but was still interested in them. We had a chat today that lasted around 20-25 minutes where we discussed salary expectations, remote work, and my availability. At the end of the conversation, the employer said something that left me feeling uncertain. They mentioned, "Just a word of encouragement from me, if we decide not to move forward with you, I’d encourage you to keep applying because we’re expanding." They promised to get back to me this Thursday after discussing things with the founder on Wednesday. I’m feeling a mix of hope and confusion; the conversation seemed positive, but I’m unsure about the implications of their words.

I recently had a coffee meeting with a hiring manager after receiving a rejection for a position I applied for at a tech company. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity to gather feedback and possibly keep the door open for future roles. I asked for tips on how to improve my application and interview skills. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I focused on being open and receptive to constructive criticism. I also prepared a few questions about the company culture and any upcoming projects that might align with my skills. Overall, I felt it was a valuable experience, and I hope it leads to future opportunities.

I recently turned 14 and have been trying to find a job in my small town, which has about 60,000 residents. It's been really challenging. I've applied to several fast food places, but there are only a handful that are willing to hire someone my age. So far, I've managed to secure four interviews at three different McDonald's locations and Culver's, where I even used a friend as a reference. Unfortunately, none of them offered me a position. I feel like the interviews went well, but it seems like the hiring process is so automated now that it's hard to get a real response. I’ve also tried applying to five other places, but their websites are buggy, and I can't even set up an interview. I wish they still accepted paper applications; it would make things a lot easier. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Freelance work is not something I want to pursue unless I have to. I'm open to any suggestions or advice on how to navigate this job search as a teenager.

I recently went through a job application process where I was one of two candidates shortlisted for a position. The company verbally offered me the role at the end of July, but they needed to conduct background checks first. After completing those checks, I was informed about a delay due to their migration to a new ATS system, which is apparently causing a holdup in issuing employment contracts. I’m now in a bit of a bind because I’ve accepted another job offer, but I would prefer to work for this company if they can finalize things soon. I’ve been trying to get an idea of how long these ATS migrations typically take, but the recruiter I’m in contact with doesn’t seem to have any concrete information. She’s focused on my potential start date, which I can’t provide until I receive the formal offer letter and contract.

I was recently let go from my role at a tech startup where I had worked for 1.5 years. It was a challenging experience, and I want to share my journey. Initially, I was excited about my position, having impressed my manager enough to choose between two offers, opting for the one that promised more opportunities. Over time, my responsibilities grew significantly; I was developing SOPs, beta testing systems, and even took an international business trip to train a team in South America. My department was small and close-knit, and I felt we worked well together. In my biweekly one-on-ones, my performance was consistently rated as meeting expectations. However, as the weeks went by, I sensed a growing tension within the company, likely due to the economic climate and impending budget cuts. I thought my job was secure, especially since my department was deemed essential. Then came the fateful Monday when we were all called into a mandatory meeting. Upper management announced that most of the company was being laid off due to budget cuts, and they were shifting our roles to the teams we had trained overseas. I was shocked, but my manager reassured us that our department would remain intact. I still felt uneasy, though, especially after investing time in training the new team. Just a couple of days later, I was pulled into a meeting with HR. I was told I was being terminated for leaving something untouched for three days, a policy I had not been trained on. When I questioned the specifics, the HR representative couldn't provide any clarity. I felt the whole situation was handled poorly, and I expressed my frustration, which I don’t regret. To make matters worse, it’s been over two months, and I still haven’t received my personal belongings from the office. I suspect the company is in disarray, and it’s frustrating to think they can’t even manage that. This was my first experience being let go; I had always left jobs on my own terms. The emotional toll was significant, leading me to question my worth and capabilities. I lost my health insurance and had to cancel therapy appointments, which made processing everything even harder. However, after two months of job searching, I found a new opportunity that felt like a perfect fit. It’s a complete change of industry, but one I’m passionate about. After an in-person interview, I was hired on the spot, and I’ve been with the company for over a month now. The stability is refreshing, and I’m even earning more than I did at my previous job. This experience has taught me that sometimes things fall apart for a reason. While the situation was tough and felt unfair, I’m grateful for where I am now. My new benefits have kicked in, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my therapist to work through everything.

I recently went through the interview process at Microsoft for a specific position (req number 1) on a team. After successfully completing the interviews, I received an offer for a different but similar position (req number 2) within the same team. I am currently in the onboarding process for this role. However, just as I was getting settled in, I noticed that they reopened req number 1. This situation has left me a bit puzzled, and I'm trying to understand what it could mean for my position and the team dynamics. I'm considering reaching out to my recruiter or hiring manager to get some clarity on the situation.

I recently graduated with my master's degree in aerospace engineering in June and have been actively searching for a job in the U.S. for about a year now. I have a background as a flight science engineer at a UAV company in my home country, where I worked for three years. Given the current job market, especially for international students like myself, I accepted a remote position with my previous company, which has allowed me to have some income while I search for opportunities here. However, the hours are minimal, and the pay only covers my rent. After graduation, I faced challenges finding a job in the aerospace sector due to the limited availability of positions, particularly those related to the Department of Defense. I’ve applied to various companies, but many have changed their hiring policies, making it difficult for international students to secure roles. My experience is quite specific to aerospace, including aircraft design, stability and control analysis, and flight testing, which complicates my ability to pivot to other industries like robotics. Recently, my home country company, which has now become a leading UAV firm, offered me a position back home. The salary is decent compared to other aerospace roles in my country, but it’s still not enough to support a family or buy a house. Moreover, I worry about the limited growth potential in that market, especially since my expertise doesn’t align with the standards needed for manned aircraft, which has been my dream since I was 18. As I weigh my options, I’m torn between accepting the offer and returning home or risking it by continuing my job search in the U.S. for the next 90 days. I’m anxious about the possibility of not finding a job here and losing the opportunity to work with a top company back home. Any advice on how to approach this decision would be greatly appreciated.

I'm a 22-year-old aspiring game developer, and the recent wave of layoffs in the industry has really hit me hard. It's disheartening to see so many talented individuals losing their jobs, and it makes me question the stability of a career in game development. No matter how passionate or skilled you are, it feels like companies can let you go without a second thought. I'm looking for advice from those who have been in the industry—do you think it's worth pursuing this path, or should I consider other options to ensure job security?

I recently faced a frustrating situation while job hunting. After graduating with my bachelor's in Media in December 2024, I found myself stuck in a job search rut, submitting hundreds of applications without landing a single interview in my field. Most of the roles I was considered for were mundane jobs outside my area of expertise. In July, I applied for an overnight security position that involved driving around parking lots, offering $19.50/hr. I had a great phone interview and was hired on the spot. However, the hiring process included a lengthy background check, which I thought would be routine. To my shock, I received the results stating that I didn't pass due to my driving record, claiming I didn't have a driver's license. I've been driving since I was 15, with no traffic violations and only two accidents that weren't my fault. It didn't add up. After multiple calls, I discovered that the background check only showed my temporary license from when I renewed it last fall. I sent a photocopy of my valid driver's license to both the security company and the background check firm, but they insisted it wasn't sufficient. Frustrated, I went to the DMV and paid $20 for a document confirming my valid driver's license. I filed a dispute regarding the background check, but now I'm left waiting for a decision, with no start date in sight. It's been a month and a half since I was told I was hired, and I'm still battling this issue. I'll keep everyone updated on what happens next.

I might be facing termination from my job at a popular online ordering company after two years of solid performance. I've never had any disciplinary issues or attendance problems, and I've consistently been one of the higher performers on my team. Recently, I had a tough personal situation at home that affected my mood, and during a particularly busy period, I snapped at a customer. I used sarcasm when I shouldn't have, which resulted in the customer canceling her service. During a recent meeting with my manager, we reviewed the call, and he acknowledged that my behavior was out of character, attributing it to burnout. However, he mentioned that I could either be placed on "final notice" or terminated, which feels incredibly harsh given my track record. I've seen colleagues who have committed more severe infractions get off with just a warning. To address the situation, I wrote an employee statement taking full responsibility for my actions and outlining steps I plan to take to prevent this from happening again. Now, I'm left wondering if I'll get a second chance or if I'm truly at risk of losing my job. If it comes to termination, I need advice on how to handle that meeting, especially since I doubt there will be any severance pay at my level, though I believe they must reimburse my PTO.

I recently received a job offer from a company called Understood Care for a health advocate position. The offer came without any interview, which raised some red flags for me. They sent over a background check from Checkr, which I know is a legitimate service, but the lack of an interview still feels sketchy. I had a similar experience when I signed up for DoorDash, and that turned out to be a legitimate opportunity. I'm curious if anyone else has heard of Understood Care or has had similar experiences with job offers that seemed too good to be true.

I'm currently working as a City Carrier Assistant (CCA) at the USPS, earning $21.21 an hour. Unfortunately, my hours have been quite limited, averaging only 10-15 hours a week at a small office. Sometimes I get sent to other stations, but that means driving 40 minutes for shifts that last only 5-6 hours. I genuinely enjoy delivering parcels, especially on Amazon Sundays where I can be pretty quick. I've been considering whether I should stick with the post office while I wait for a seasonal or permanent express position to open up, or if I should take a job at FedEx Ground in the meantime. The commute to USPS is 45 minutes, while it's 35 minutes to the FedEx Ground warehouse. Ideally, I want to be working 6 days a week, but I've heard that onboarding for express positions can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months. Given my current financial situation, I'm torn between waiting for something better or taking the ground position for immediate income.

I was laid off last week during a company-wide reduction in force. I'm currently on an H1B visa and I'm concerned about the job market for software engineering roles for people in my situation. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has faced similar challenges with visa sponsorship issues after being laid off. Have any of you managed to secure a new job while on a work visa? If so, how long did it take you to find a new position? I would really appreciate any insights or experiences you can share.