Thinking

I’ve been working at a small company with about 10 employees for a year and a half now, but I’ve finally decided it’s time to move on. My boss has a habit of manipulating the team with flattery and an us-vs-them mentality, making it hard to voice concerns or even think about leaving. There’s no room for growth, no benefits, and I’ve been pressured to stay because there are so few fully trained employees. Recently, I had a great first impression during interviews for a new job that aligns much better with my interests and offers the chance for advancement. I’m feeling optimistic about it, and I know I need to act soon. I’ve been gathering advice on how to resign gracefully, especially since my boss tends to take it personally when someone leaves. I plan to wait until I have a formal job offer in hand before I put in my two weeks. I know I need to remind myself that this is a transactional relationship; I’m not part of their family, and I owe them no loyalty. I’m ready to move on, and I just need to keep reminding myself that if I were to leave, they would find a replacement in no time. I’m not as irreplaceable as my boss likes to think.

I am currently unemployed and feeling quite hopeless. At 20 years old, I finished my A-Level studies in early 2024 and have been applying for jobs since then, even while I was studying. Now, I'm attending university, which requires me to commute over an hour for sometimes just a single hour lecture. With a new semester approaching, I have five days available each week, but they often coincide with busy business days like Fridays and Saturdays. I have over a year of retail experience from volunteering, where I also assisted management in training new volunteers. I passed all my GCSEs on the first attempt, but I do struggle with ADHD and anxiety. I always mention in my applications that I just need a little patience, but I am a dedicated worker. I've applied to over 100 jobs and have only landed six interviews, all of which I didn't pass the first round. One interview even involved a two-hour trial shift where I successfully upsold a customer, leading to multiple purchases. Unfortunately, many places haven't even bothered to respond to my applications. I've tried various methods: handing out my CV, emailing businesses directly, and visiting in person to inquire about job openings. I just needed to vent a bit because I feel so helpless and useless, especially when I see family members who had jobs at 16. I understand times were different then, but that doesn't lessen my feelings of frustration.

I’ve been working as a junior architect at a small local studio for just over a year, and I’m really struggling with the decision to leave. For months, I’ve been contemplating quitting, but I’ve kept pushing it off. My mental health has taken a serious hit; I feel anxious about going to work and even experience physical symptoms like nausea due to the stress. My boss is constantly yelling, which adds to the unbearable environment. I’ve finally reached a breaking point and feel like I can’t stay any longer. I’m wondering if giving two weeks notice is generally acceptable in my situation, especially since I’ve been there for over a year. I feel guilty about leaving, but I know I need to prioritize my well-being. Any advice from those who have been in a similar position would be greatly appreciated.

I recently applied for unemployment benefits after being discharged from my job of 5 years. The main reason for my discharge was a general lack of motivation, which I honestly included in my application. The unemployment office has determined that my claim is eligible, but they are still waiting for a response from my former employer regarding a questionnaire they sent out. Today marks the 10th day since that notice was sent, and I'm starting to feel anxious about whether my claim will be approved. I could really use the financial support while I search for a new job, especially since this is my first time navigating the unemployment process. I'm unsure how it all works, and I'm hoping for some clarity soon.

I’ve been seeing a lot of ads for these AI auto-apply tools that claim they can submit my resume to thousands of jobs while I sleep. It sounds tempting, especially since manually applying feels like a full-time job without pay. However, I’m really skeptical about whether these tools actually work or if they just end up spamming ghost job portals. Has anyone had success landing a legitimate interview using these automated application bots, or do they just risk getting your resume blacklisted by ATS filters? I'm curious to hear about real experiences.

I just accepted a job offer at a large manufacturing company in the Midwest, and I couldn't be more excited! I received the offer on July 1st, the same day I resigned from my previous job due to harassment from my boss, which was seriously affecting my mental health. Thankfully, my wife supported my decision to quit and encouraged me to find something better. The new job comes with a $12 an hour raise, it's a union position, and they don't drug test for marijuana, which is a big deal for me since I live in a legal state. I can actually see myself retiring from this company. After accepting the offer, I went in for a physical and drug test, which went smoothly. However, the waiting for the background check was nerve-wracking. I've had jobs that required background checks before, but this one took longer than expected. I was DoorDashing full-time while waiting, which added to my anxiety about whether the offer would still be valid. My car has been through a lot during this time, with two flat tires and a broken door handle! Finally, I received my start date last week, and I’m relieved to know that I’ll be starting in just one week. It’s been a long journey, but I’m ready to leave DoorDash behind and start this new chapter in my career.

I was recently made redundant from my senior data/insight and reporting role, and my company offered me a 6-month contract in another team. Currently, I’m on a salary of £95k, but I have about 4 months left on this contract. There’s a possibility of an extension or finding another internal role, but nothing is guaranteed. During the redundancy consultation, I applied for a permanent position elsewhere that was advertised at £60–75k. They ended up offering me £80k, which is a £15k pay cut from my current salary, but I appreciate that it's more than what they initially advertised. This new role would be a slight step down in seniority, yet it allows me to pivot into a growing area that genuinely interests me. I believe I could learn a lot and potentially benefit my career in the long run, but there are no guarantees. My previous role was made redundant as the company is shifting towards AI and automation, which makes me consider if this is the right time to pivot. I’m still getting interviews for similar roles, indicating that there is demand for my existing skill set. Now, I'm at a crossroads: should I take the permanent £80k role and embrace the opportunity to pivot, or should I stay on my current £95k contract for another 4 months while searching for something closer to my salary? The risk with the second option is that I might end up at the end of my contract without a new job and regret not taking the permanent offer. However, I also don’t want to rush into a decision just because the redundancy has made me anxious about job security. What would you do?

I recently received an interview call from a company based in Bangalore/Mysore, but I'm feeling really uncertain about their legitimacy. They don't have a LinkedIn presence, and I couldn't find any images of their office online, which makes me question if they are a real company or just a small startup. The founder is reportedly a well-known figure with significant property holdings, but the company seems to have only 3 or 4 employees. I'm worried about whether I should accept a job offer from them or not. If anyone from the Mysore or Bangalore area has any insights or information about this company, I would greatly appreciate your help!

I am currently facing unemployment as my job was eliminated. I've been actively applying for new positions and customizing my cover letter and resume for each application, which has been quite time-consuming. Recently, I came across a job posting that seemed promising, so I dedicated over an hour to tailor my application. I was thrilled to land an interview for this role, especially since it was located just 2 miles from my home. The pay seemed reasonable, and I was optimistic about the opportunity. However, I was caught off guard when I received the interview email detailing that the position required 80 percent travel, with some offices located over 100 miles away. The weather conditions in those areas were not ideal either. Despite my initial hesitation, I decided to proceed with the interview, thinking I might be overreacting. Unfortunately, the reality was even worse than I anticipated. During the interview, I learned that the offices were actually much farther away than I had expected, and they did not cover overnight stays for employees. If I couldn't complete my work in one day, I would have to drive back home and return the next day to continue. After discovering these details, I realized I could not accept the job, but I felt that I had wasted an hour of my time. I made sure to ask as many questions as possible about the travel requirements, wanting them to understand that this situation was unacceptable. I also noticed that they reposted the job, but they still failed to clearly disclose the travel expectations. This experience has highlighted some major red flags for me: the lack of transparency regarding travel requirements, the absence of a true home base, and the refusal to cover overnight accommodations. These issues made it clear to me that the work environment could be toxic. It's crucial for job seekers to ensure they have a complete understanding of the roles they're considering.

I just survived a layoff at my company where about 300 people were let go, and unfortunately, over 70% of my team—more than 70 individuals—were among those laid off. I've been in the tech industry for 7 years, and this is the first time I've experienced anything like this, though I know layoffs are common in our field. It's been really disappointing and has left me feeling unmotivated to work. I had a close-knit team, and now all my friends and colleagues have been laid off. I sensed something was coming, but many were caught off guard. I'm not overly worried about my own job at the moment, but the emotional toll of seeing so many talented people let go is weighing heavily on me. The way the layoffs were handled was shocking—just a one-hour meeting scheduled that turned out to be a 2-3 minute notification with no empathy shown. Some of those laid off had been with the company for 9 years and had consistently performed well. There were no explanations or justifications given, making it feel even more cold-hearted. Now, I'm struggling to find the motivation to work like I used to. I'm considering whether I should start looking for a new job and leave this company as soon as possible. If anyone has gone through a similar experience and can offer advice on how to regain motivation or how to navigate this situation, I would really appreciate it.

I had a second interview for a position that I initially applied for but ended up being considered for a higher role. The first interview went really well, so I was optimistic. During the second interview, which was a quick Zoom call, the interviewer asked me about my salary expectations. I was caught off guard because I had no idea what the position typically pays, especially since I couldn't find any information online. I ended up guessing a number that turned out to be on the higher end. The interviewer then proposed a lower amount, and I agreed to it, but I'm now questioning whether I should have pushed back or if I might have undervalued myself. I also mentioned needing two weeks to transition from my current job, and she advised me not to put in my notice yet since they are still finalizing job offer letters. This left me feeling a bit anxious about my chances of landing the job. I'm really hoping I get an offer soon, as I genuinely need this opportunity.

I am an entry-level ServiceNow developer from India, and I've recently completed training through the Rise Up by ServiceNow program. I hold CSA and CIS-DF certifications and I'm aiming to achieve CAD, CIS-ITSM, and CSM certifications by the end of September. Despite my efforts, I am struggling to find job opportunities for freshers like myself. I am actively seeking referrals and any suggestions that could assist me in my job search. To enhance my skills, I developed a custom application during my training and I'm planning another project to showcase my abilities. As a 2024 graduate, I feel stuck, and my career gap isn't helping my situation. However, I've been keeping busy with internships and upskilling over the past two years.

I recently graduated with a degree in Animation and have been working in food service, making just above minimum wage. Honestly, I'm feeling pretty burnt out on art and want to pivot into an office job—anything that pays, really. I've been applying to front desk positions like crazy, but it's been tough. I spent 2-3 months searching for jobs before landing my current role, and I've faced a lot of rejections, even for low-level retail jobs. My siblings think my degree might be a factor in why employers hesitate to hire me, fearing I'll leave as soon as I find something better. I'm just trying to figure out if this struggle is normal. I had one interview for a front desk position, and I even went through a day of unpaid training at a doctor's office, only to find out they didn't hire me afterward. I'm starting to doubt my chances of getting into an office job without more schooling or experience. Is anyone else going through something similar?

As a senior consultant with four years of experience at my current company, I've been reflecting on my skillset and its marketability. My main tools have been Power BI, Excel, and Knime, with a basic knowledge of SQL from my studies but no real-world application. Recently, I've taken on a project management role unofficially, leading a project alongside a teammate. However, I've been feeling anxious about my future job prospects, especially since I've been told that my skills are quite basic in today's job market. I'm planning to relocate to Dubai soon, but I'm uncertain about how to secure a job there with my current qualifications. I've attempted to learn Python to broaden my skillset, but I've struggled with motivation and lack of practical projects to apply what I've learned. I'm seeking advice on additional skills I should pursue or ways to enhance my current situation. Additionally, if anyone has insights into the job market for consultants in Dubai or KSA, I would greatly appreciate your guidance. Thank you!

I came across a job posting that piqued my interest as I’m looking to pick up a second job for some extra income. The position involves handwriting messages on index cards and preparing them for mailing, which seemed straightforward at first. The job description outlines that I would need to handwrite a provided script onto 200 index cards per week, ensuring my handwriting is neat and legible. It mentions that I would be working from home at my own pace, but I would need to meet every 1-2 weeks with the employer to receive supplies and submit the completed cards. The pay is $200 per week or $1 per card, depending on what I choose. However, I started to feel uneasy when I read the details, especially about the lack of typing or printing and the requirement for consistent handwriting. I’m curious if anyone else has encountered a similar job or if this seems legitimate. I’ve seen some comments suggesting it might be a scam, which has made me hesitant to pursue it further.

I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a tech startup almost a year ago. Since then, I've been actively searching for new opportunities, but the job market has been tough. Recently, I noticed that the company that laid me off has posted a new job opening for a similar role. It's a bit disheartening to see them hiring again after my departure, especially since I had invested so much time and effort into my work there. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my job search, but it's hard not to feel a mix of emotions about this situation.

Almost a year ago, I experienced my first layoff due to "restructuring." I was working in a junior role at a company where I had been for just 8 months. The environment felt tense, especially with a new head coming into the department and senior members seemingly being favored over me. I was laid off while others, who were younger and had more tenure, stayed on. I received severance, was eligible for unemployment, and even got a year-end bonus, but it was disappointing to see it was half of what I had received at my previous job and came with a rating of "needs improvement," which was a first for me. I can't help but wonder if that rating was a tactic to justify my lower bonus after my layoff. The experience was tough, especially since I had left a job that wanted to keep me. Thankfully, I quickly found a new position, although it pays less, the work environment is much more flexible and pleasant. Recently, I received a notification on LinkedIn that my old role, which was supposedly eliminated, has been reposted with the same salary I was making. This has left me questioning whether my position was genuinely cut for cost-saving reasons or if it was a move to protect the management's interests during the transition. It's puzzling to think that my role was deemed unnecessary only to be filled again months later, especially after the senior manager who hired me also left the company. Did management misjudge the necessity of my position?

I haven't worked since the onset of COVID-19, and it's been a tough journey trying to find a job. I'm a 43-year-old male, and after two long rounds of job applications that left me feeling defeated, I'm gearing up to re-enter the workforce. I'm concerned about avoiding burnout when I finally land a 40-hour work week, especially since my sleep schedule has shifted to a much later time. I'm trying to adjust my sleep to an earlier time to prepare for a typical daytime work schedule. I'm looking for tips on how to ease back into a 9-5 routine without overwhelming myself. I want to be productive and not disappoint my future employer, but I'm also considering part-time work, which could limit my options. Any advice on how to manage this transition smoothly?

I'm currently applying for research and lab jobs as a formulation scientist, regulatory affairs specialist, or scientist I in the biotech sector. My focus is on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation development and analytical chemistry techniques like HPLC and UV-Vis. I've been targeting positions in the Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area, and greater Boston regions, but I'm based in Southern California. I'm seeking feedback on my CV to improve my chances of getting interviews. I suspect that my location may be a factor in my application rejections, especially for roles outside of my state. I'm curious about how to tailor my CV for these out-of-state opportunities and would appreciate any suggestions on what to add, remove, or modify.

I was let go from my position as a patient registration representative at a primary/urgent care clinic this week, and I'm feeling pretty lost. The circumstances surrounding my termination were quite unfortunate. I was flagged for accessing a patient's chart, but I honestly had no idea that his address was linked to my building. The address in the system was from a different city, so it completely caught me off guard. On top of that, I had already received a strike for having six call outs due to severe illness related to weight loss shots I was taking, which were exacerbating my POTS. My manager knew about my health issues but wouldn’t allow me to submit a doctor’s note to excuse my absences. Instead, HR and my manager decided to issue a level two strike for the chart access violation, which led to my immediate termination. I submitted an appeal, but I'm not holding my breath for a reversal. This timing couldn't be worse since I just got onto work insurance and will age out of my dad's insurance at the end of the month. I'm actively searching for a new job, but most openings in my area are within healthcare. I'm wondering what other career paths I might consider, given my background in customer service and my bachelor's degree in psychology. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my next steps.