Thinking

I recently started a new job as a [specific role] at [company name] and I’m feeling really blindsided by the experience so far. I’ve only been here for two weeks, but it’s been quite overwhelming. When I first spoke with HR, they mentioned a 30-45 minute lunch break, which was shorter than my previous job's one-hour break but still seemed manageable. However, on my first day, I found out that the actual lunch break is just 20 minutes. This has left me feeling exhausted throughout the day. I also have caring responsibilities and had made it clear during the hiring process that I would need some flexibility. HR agreed to accommodate this, but when I’ve requested to work from home, my manager has denied my requests. He works from home three times a week himself, but insists that I need to be in the office for training with a colleague who hasn’t spoken to me since my first week. To complicate matters, I have pre-approved annual leave coming up, and my manager seems unhappy about it. He has changed the expectations from needing to be in the office for a month to now extending that period, which is really confusing for me. Additionally, I had a conversation with my manager about adjusting my hours from 9 to 5 to 8:30 to 4:30. He didn’t object at the time, but later brought it up in a one-on-one, saying I should have asked him instead of just informing him. Lastly, there’s been some confusion regarding my contract. I signed a document that stated 48 hours from Monday to Sunday, which seemed odd to me. When I asked HR about it, they explained that it’s a standard casual worker contract that they give to full-time employees as well. However, my manager thinks I received the wrong contract. I’m starting to wonder if I’m just being naive or if this is typical corporate behavior. This is only my second professional job, and I’m feeling quite exhausted from all the uncertainty. I even had ChatGPT help me draft an email to clarify these issues, but I’m just feeling overwhelmed.

I started an internship on June 8, and it's now July 6 without any payment. I was aware it was stipend-based, but the payment schedule wasn't clear until I inquired almost a month in. I was told I'd receive payment on July 15 and August 15, along with a $350 transportation bonus because commuting over 2 hours three times a week without pay seemed unreasonable. However, I was initially told the stipend would come directly from the CEO, but now I'm on payroll without having signed any paperwork or providing direct deposit details, which confuses me. Additionally, my offer letter stated the internship would last 8 weeks from June 8 to August 14, but when I pointed out that this isn't actually 8 weeks, I was informed it now ends on August 20, which was never discussed before. This makes me think they extended it to justify the bonus. The role has also shifted significantly from what was described. I expected a mostly remote marketing and graphic design internship, but I've found myself interacting with patients and assisting with exercises, despite not having a physical therapy background. One concerning comment from my boss was that they had over 20 interns one summer, and only one stayed with the company. While I'm not jumping to conclusions, my experiences so far make me wonder if others faced similar issues. This situation feels off, and I'm starting to question if this internship is a red flag.

I was laid off in February 2026 and have been exploring new job opportunities in my small town. I've decided to pivot into a different industry, as I believe many of my skills—like honesty, punctuality, and teamwork—are transferable. Recently, I noticed that a larger employer in my community has been posting several job openings. I've applied to four different positions there, but so far, I've only been invited to interview for one, which I didn't get due to a lack of experience. I just saw another job posted that I’m interested in, and I really like the company because their core values align with mine. I'm curious about how many different roles I should apply for at the same company without it seeming excessive. I want to show genuine interest, but I also want to be strategic about it.

I recently interviewed for a position at a tech company, aiming for a mid-level software engineer role. However, after the interview, I was offered the chance to apply for a lower position instead. I'm torn about whether I should continue with this opportunity or keep looking for something that aligns better with my skills and salary expectations. Some people suggest that if the lower role fits my skills better, it might be a good way to get my foot in the door, while others advise against accepting a job that pays less than what I initially aimed for. I'm really considering my options and would appreciate any advice.

I recently filed for unemployment in Michigan after losing my primary job, which was my main source of income. This job had an hourly wage plus tips, but my earnings fluctuated significantly based on the time of year and the number of weekend shifts I worked. I still have a second job that is a 1099 gig, which has been greatly affected by COVID-19, earning me about $100 a week, while my previous job could bring in $400-700 weekly. When I filed my claim, I calculated my earnings based on the highest earning quarter from the past five quarters, using my paystubs to average my earnings. I didn't include the income from my 1099 job because I thought it wouldn't matter for my unemployment benefits since I'm still working there and it doesn't count as UI covered employment. However, I have some questions about my calculations. Did I do it right? Should I have included my 1099 income even though I’m still employed there? When they refer to quarters, do I just look back 12 weeks from when I stopped earning, or is it based on the calendar quarters? I certified my claim today but I’m considering calling to amend my answers regarding my 1099 income, just to be safe. Any advice from those who have been through this would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I faced a tough reality check as I dealt with multiple job rejections. It's my first time going through this, and I had really put myself out there. I dressed up nicely, wore my favorite perfume, and made sure my resume was polished for every application. I even had interviews where I felt like I connected well with the interviewers. I was proud of my efforts and thought I was making a good impression. However, the rejections hit hard. Each email felt like a personal blow, making me question my worth. I started to spiral, thinking maybe I’m not good enough or that my appearance is holding me back. It's been tough, especially since I've been feeling isolated from family and friends lately. I really believed getting a job would open doors for me and give me a sense of purpose, but now it feels like that chance is slipping away. I’ve seen friends getting hired, even those who have had a rocky work history, which adds to my frustration. I keep reminding myself that the interviewers seemed to like me, but the outcomes are making it hard to stay positive. I know I need to keep applying and not let the rejections define me, but it’s a struggle.

I recently found myself in a tough spot after being terminated from my first job. I’m 21 and have only had two jobs so far. My most recent position was temporary, and I enjoyed it, but it ended, leaving me searching for something new. My first job was a petitioning role that I absolutely hated. I got hired on the spot, and while it paid well, the pressure was overwhelming. I was expected to meet a high quota in just three days, and when I couldn’t, I was let go. The lack of training and the aggressive tactics they encouraged made it even worse. I often had to approach people in a hot parking lot to get them to sign petitions, which they clearly didn’t appreciate. I’ve spoken to other young people who worked there, and they all share similar negative experiences. Now, as I prepare my resume for new opportunities, I feel conflicted about including that job. A friend suggested I just leave it off, and honestly, I’m tempted. I hate the idea of being dishonest, but after two years of searching and moving cities to find work, I’m feeling pretty jaded about the whole hiring process. I’m worried though—if I don’t mention it, will I get caught?

I recently posted on behalf of my father, who is 55 and has just retired. Since stepping away from his career, he’s been struggling to find ways to stay engaged and productive. He previously owned and managed a computer shop and has over 15 years of professional typing experience. He is fluent in both English and Hindi and is quite comfortable with computers. I’m looking for legitimate remote work opportunities for him that mainly require good typing skills. We’re not after anything extravagant, just honest work such as data entry, transcription, document formatting, or any Hindi/English typing projects. I received some great suggestions from the community, including platforms like Rev and TranscribeMe, which seem to have a constant demand for fast and accurate typists. I also got a heads-up about being cautious of data entry jobs that seem too good to be true, as many can be scams. If anyone has more ideas or knows of reliable platforms where he can apply, I would really appreciate the help.

I recently went through a frustrating experience with a potential employer. After an initial interview, I was invited back for a trial shift, which turned into two shifts in total. I was really excited about the opportunity and invested both time and money to get there. During the shifts, I received positive feedback and discussed my availability and shift patterns, which made me feel hopeful about the role. However, after being told I would receive an update the following week, I haven't heard anything. I reached out with a professionally written text and left a voicemail asking for any updates, but still no response. I'm left wondering if this is a common experience and what companies gain from this kind of ghosting. I chose not to disclose the company's name, as I don't want to negatively impact their reputation, but this lack of communication has been quite disappointing.

I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow, and I'm feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. Despite this opportunity, I continue to apply to other retail positions because I just want to secure a job as soon as possible. It's frustrating; every time I submit an application, it seems like I receive a rejection email almost immediately. I recently completed my certification, but my priority right now is to find any job that pays. I can focus on finding a role that utilizes my certification later on. I can't help but feel like a failure during this process. I wish I could shake off these negative feelings and remind myself that I'm doing my best in a tough job market.

I've been unemployed for almost 2 years now. I'm 20, turning 21 soon, and I've been out of work since I was 19. I had to move, and the job market in my area is really tough; it feels like no one wants to hire. I've applied to countless jobs both locally and out of state, but I've had no luck. My fiancée is even helping me with the job search, but despite submitting so many applications, I keep getting rejected or ghosted. I've tried applying to various places, including restaurants and blue-collar jobs, but nothing seems to work out. It's honestly pretty depressing, but I'm still holding onto my drive and motivation. I just wish someone would give me a chance. August 6th will mark 2 years of being without a job.

I experienced a temporary layoff starting in January while working in Toronto, Canada. Thankfully, I found a new job and will be starting this week. My previous employer still has my insurance, and I'm unsure whether I should inform them about my new position. I've been advised that there’s no obligation to notify them, as they labeled it a temporary layoff. However, I want to make sure I understand my status with the old company, especially regarding any benefits or recall rights. It's been a relief to secure a new role after months of uncertainty!

I had a job interview two weeks ago for a high-end role at a company that seemed really promising. A week later, they brought me in for another round, and I felt like I did well. They even mentioned that I 'killed it' in the interview and that my previous experience aligned perfectly with the role and the company's operations. However, it's been a week since that second meeting, and I still haven't heard back. I was told I would receive a call by the end of the week, but that deadline has passed. I'm starting to feel anxious about the delay. I can't help but wonder if this is a good sign or if something is holding them up. It's frustrating to wait and not know what's going on.

I had two interviews for a medical assistant position at an urgent care clinic, and I felt really positive about how they went. The manager even talked to me about pay, my potential hours, and introduced me to some of the staff while giving me a tour of the facility. It felt like a job offer was imminent. However, at the end of the last interview, he mentioned that the co-manager would reach out to me soon. Now, it’s been 12 days without any communication. I sent a follow-up text after a week, but I didn’t get any response. I’m feeling quite anxious because I was really looking forward to this opportunity, especially since I’ve applied to so many other positions. I’m considering reaching out again at the two-week mark, but I’m also wondering if I should just keep applying elsewhere in the meantime.

I recently applied for a position and went through the interview process. To my surprise, the company asked me to complete a background check and drug screening on the same day as the interview. The following day, I received paperwork for direct deposit forms. I'm feeling a bit uneasy because I haven't received an official offer letter yet. Is it common for companies to request onboarding paperwork before sending an offer letter? I'm starting to wonder if this is a legitimate opportunity or if I should be cautious.

I'm currently in a tough spot with my job search. If I end up getting let go from my current position, I might have to take a job as a maid. I've been applying to various positions, but unfortunately, I keep facing rejections. It's really disheartening to think that I might be cleaning hotel kitchens and rooms instead of finding something better.

I recently hit the 1.5-year mark at my first job as a fast food worker, and while I'm proud of that achievement, I'm starting to question whether I should look for something else. I'm about to begin my first year of college, and even though some of my tuition is covered, I still need to find around $11,000 each year, which is a lot for a full-time student. My job isn't too difficult, but it can be stressful due to demanding customers and the unpredictability of hours. Although I'm due for a small raise soon, my hours have been getting shorter each week because the restaurant keeps hiring new staff. I've spoken to my team about needing more hours, but they keep saying they're managing the schedule, which seems contradictory to their hiring practices. The commute is another issue; it's about 20 minutes from my school, and I currently don't have a car. While I enjoy the experience of working with various people, the environment isn't always the best. I discussed my situation with a friend who's in a similar boat, and he thinks it's risky to leave my job without any degree or special training. He pointed out that if I switch to another fast food or retail job, I might face the same issues. I'm torn between feeling obligated to stay due to my time there and the fear of not being able to afford college if my hours keep decreasing. I’m considering exploring other job opportunities, especially around campus, that might offer more reliable hours and possibly even tuition assistance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I quit my job about four months ago, and I'm still searching for a new one. Sometimes I regret my decision, but I think I would still choose to leave if I could go back to March. I was completely burned out and needed a break. After quitting, I traveled for a bit, which was refreshing initially. However, when I started job hunting again, the anxiety kicked in. As I approach 30, being single and unemployed makes me feel like I'm falling behind in life. Each rejection hits hard and makes me question my worth. I often find myself wondering why I even want to work, yet I know I need an income to support myself and eventually build a family. Lately, the stress has been affecting my sleep and it's becoming increasingly difficult to stay positive. I just hope things will get better soon.

I graduated with an accounting degree years ago but ended up in a data entry job at a trucking company, which turned into a nearly 20-year career in logistics. I was laid off two months ago due to corporate downsizing, and now I'm considering trying to get back into accounting or a related field. I've applied for hundreds of jobs in the past with little success, so I'm unsure if it's worth pursuing my original field again. I'm worried that if I reach out to accountants for advice, they might laugh at my situation. However, I've received some encouraging feedback from others who believe my extensive experience in logistics has given me transferable skills that could be valuable in accounting roles like accounting assistant or analyst. They reassured me that asking for advice is a reasonable step and that many professionals are open to helping those looking to transition back into their field.

I recently found myself feeling pretty pessimistic about my job search. I’ve been working in fast food and am trying to transition into a server position, but the only job that called me back was for a role that doesn’t really feel like serving. It’s more of a cashier position where you take orders and then leave the customers to their meals. I have training scheduled for Wednesday, which should be good, but I can’t shake the feeling that it might be a waste of time with little reward. They didn’t provide much information about the training, like whether it’s paid or how many hours it will be. They did mention the pay is $17 an hour, which I know I should be grateful for, but it feels like I’ll be working 40 hours just to make around $500. It’s frustrating, and I keep thinking about how important it is for kids to stay in school.