Thinking

I’m feeling really guilty about putting in my two weeks at my current job. I recently accepted a new position that pays over a thousand dollars more a month, is just a block away from my apartment, and offers opportunities for advancement. It’s a full-time role, which is a huge step up from my current situation as a grocery store manager. Here, I’m barely making a dollar over minimum wage, have no benefits, and they rely on me to pick up everyone else’s slack without any chance for promotion. Plus, my commute is quite long. Despite knowing that this change is for the better, I’m feeling awful about leaving. I plan to submit my resignation tomorrow, and I’m really nervous about it. I start training for the new job in two and a half weeks, and while I’m excited about the opportunity, I also feel scared about the unknown. When I quit my first job, I broke down crying on the phone with my boss, and I’m worried I might have a similar reaction this time. I woke up today with a sick feeling in my stomach about it. I know I need to move on, but I can’t shake off this guilt. Why do I feel this way?

I was laid off on June 12 and went through a tough time, feeling lost and panicking as I applied for jobs for a week straight. After that initial chaos, I took a step back to focus on self-care for about a week. Once I regained my composure, I refined my résumé and started applying more strategically. I sent out around 100 applications and went through 20 interviews, including several rounds. Today, I received a written offer that is 10% less than my previous salary but comes with better benefits. Earlier this week, I got a verbal offer for 5% more, though the benefits aren't as good. I also just finished a promising fifth round interview for a position that offers 12% more with amazing benefits, and I'm still in the running for another job that would pay 15% more with decent benefits. I'm planning to accept the written offer since the start date is in the middle of next month, which gives me time to see how the other opportunities unfold. I'm really hoping to land the position with the incredible benefits, but I guess we'll see how it goes. Wishing everyone the best in their job searches—don't lose hope!

I work for an airline under a contractor, and recently, we lost our contract to a new company. The HR team from the new contractor came in with an air of superiority, presenting themselves as our new bosses and highlighting the benefits they offer, which seemed great compared to our previous contractor that provided none. However, I did my research and found numerous negative reviews about the new company, including issues like favoritism, sexism, and poor scheduling. Despite my reservations, I decided to apply for a position with the new contractor because I felt I had no choice. They required an application within seven days for a transfer, which I submitted promptly. The next morning, I received an email stating that they would not be moving forward with my application. Confused, I reached out to their HR team and learned that the rejection was due to my answer to a question about having a valid driver's license. I explained that I don’t have a license because I suffer from PTSD and anxiety related to driving, which has never been an issue in my previous jobs. My GM assured me that they would work something out since my role is strictly office-based and doesn’t require driving. However, I received another call from the HR lady, who bluntly informed me that they still wouldn’t hire me. I feel incredibly frustrated and slighted, especially since I’ve moved halfway across the country for this job and finally found a role I enjoy and see as a career opportunity. I’m considering my options, including filing for unemployment, but I’m unsure of what else to do. I rely on my fiancé for rides to work, and we’ve always been punctual. It’s disheartening to think that I might lose this job due to something that has never been an issue before.

I recently started a new job as a [specific role] at [current company] just 7 days ago. I took this position after interviewing with multiple companies and receiving an offer on the spot since I wasn't employed at the time. However, I just got a call back from another company I interviewed with, and they've offered me a position with over $50k more per year, along with a company gas card and additional benefits that my current job lacks. I really like my new boss and the team, but the pay difference is significant, and the new role comes with higher responsibilities that I believe I can handle. I’m feeling conflicted about how to approach my current employer since I've only been here for a week. I know I need to take the new job for my financial well-being, but I feel bad about leaving so soon, especially since I have a good rapport with my boss. I’m considering how to communicate my decision. Some advice I’ve received suggests being honest about the unexpected offer and thanking my boss for the opportunity, but I’m unsure if I should offer a two-week notice or just leave immediately. I feel guilty about the situation, but I know I need to do what’s best for my career.

I have an interview scheduled with Dunkin' on Monday for a position I'm really excited about. I've been preparing by researching the company and practicing common interview questions. I'm hoping to make a great impression and secure the job!

I was recently fired from my job, and I believe it was for an unjust reason. I had been feeling unwell and unfortunately waited too long to call in and let my employer know I wouldn't be able to make it to my shift. I called in about 80 minutes before my shift started, but it seems that wasn't enough notice for them to find coverage. Now I'm feeling lost and unsure about my next steps. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation and what I should do moving forward. It's frustrating to feel like there’s little recourse when things like this happen.

I just completed three rounds of interviews for a position at a company I'm really excited about. They've now invited me out for a final interview trip that lasts three days. One of those days is mine to explore the area, while the other two days will involve meeting the team at the office and attending a dinner. This is my first time doing a trip interview, so I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I'm looking for any advice on how to make the most of this experience!

I received a job offer that is double my current salary, which is incredibly exciting! However, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about making the switch. The new role is in a different industry than what I'm used to, and I'm concerned about how well I will adapt to the new environment and responsibilities. I want to ensure that this opportunity aligns with my long-term career goals, but the financial incentive is hard to ignore. I'm currently weighing the pros and cons and considering reaching out to some contacts in the new industry for advice. Has anyone else faced a similar decision?

I recently started a new job as a software engineer just over a month ago, but I'm already contemplating looking for other opportunities due to the poor work-life balance. My team is distributed globally, and my manager is 15 hours ahead of me, which has led to some awkward scheduling. I have a daily meeting at 8:30 AM my time, and he often wants to sync up again around 5:30 PM, which cuts into my evening. Today, I was pulled into an urgent meeting from 10:00 to 11:00 PM my time, which really pushed my limits. I understand the need for flexibility during critical issues, but this constant juggling is starting to feel overwhelming, especially since my wife and I are also preparing to move to a new apartment. I'm worried about burnout and how to explain my reasons for leaving if I start interviewing elsewhere. I want to be honest without sounding negative, but I’m unsure how to frame my situation.

I'm currently considering quitting my remote job, which has been great for my college schedule. I'm 21 and work about 30.5 hours a week for a realtor, handling marketing, administrative tasks, social media, and various other duties. The flexibility of working remotely is a huge plus, as my boss is usually accommodating when my class schedule changes, as long as I meet my hours. However, I'm feeling anxious about leaving because I doubt I'll find another job with such flexibility. I earn $700 a month, which is $350 every two weeks. Unfortunately, I've had ongoing issues with the payment process since I started. Initially, I had trouble with PayPal and requested to be paid through Remitly, but my boss kept pushing back on that. After a week of back and forth, he eventually switched me to PayPal, despite my warnings that my account was new and could hold payments. Now, I have to request my payments every two weeks, and they often get held up, plus I lose money due to PayPal fees. There’s no formal contract, which has led to a lot of confusion about my employment status. When my boss needs me, I’m treated like an employee with set hours and expectations, but when it comes to time off or extra hours, the rules change. For instance, my pay was deducted when I took time off for a medical procedure, and I was told to adjust my hours down. I was promised paid time off after a year, but that hasn’t materialized. I've also taken on more responsibilities that go beyond my original role, like designing for his separate food brand, without any extra pay. This makes my decision to quit difficult because I genuinely appreciate the flexibility this job offers, but I can't ignore the constant issues with payments, unclear expectations, and expanding duties without compensation. I'm torn between the convenience this job provides and the insecurity of the employment relationship. Would you leave a job like this, especially if you were worried about finding another with similar flexibility?

I’ve been working at my current job for 8 years, and I’m feeling completely overwhelmed. I need to leave, but I’m stuck because I don’t have any references that I can use. I work as a clinician, and after about 3 years in this position, my schizoaffective disorder and Crohn's disease started to take a toll on my performance. While I managed to fulfill my duties, my erratic behavior during flare-ups likely made my bosses uncomfortable. They’re good people, but I’ve seen them not recommend others they didn’t like, so I’m worried they won’t support my future job applications. I’ve applied for several positions, but every single one requires direct supervisor recommendations, and I can’t even ask my coworkers for help. It feels like I’m in a no-win situation. I’m terrified that I’ll have to stay in this job forever, and I’m considering going back to school again to change my career path. I just don’t know what to do next.

I’m feeling extremely anxious as I prepare for what seems like my impending termination tomorrow morning. After my performance improvement plan (PIP) ended on Monday, I was told they were deliberating on a decision. Today, I received an invite for a call, which has me almost certain that I will be fired. I'm struggling to focus on work today, and I'm unsure whether I should complete my tasks or just wait for the call. I’ve been considering my options for after the meeting, including applying for unemployment if things don’t go in my favor.

I’ve been feeling completely lost in my job search lately. After being off my chosen career path for six years due to COVID, I found myself stuck in a miserable job for almost five years before finally quitting a few months ago. Since then, I’ve been applying for anything and everything, but I haven’t received a single interview in five years. My resume isn’t terrible, but my experience feels scattered, and despite hiring a career coach and using AI for cover letters, I’m still getting nowhere. I’m 35 years old and have never made more than $20/hr. The job market feels apocalyptic, and every application feels like throwing a stone into the ocean. I’m frustrated by the system—having to list salary expectations without knowing the pay range is just cruel. It’s hard not to feel hopeless when I see that if you’re not overqualified, you’re under-qualified, and connections seem to be everything. I hate feeling this way about my future and the world around me. What am I supposed to do? It feels like it’s only getting worse.

I graduated with my B.S. in June and was accepted into a good master’s program, but I had to defer it for a year due to logistical reasons. Since then, I've been actively job searching, trying to find something that would help me build my skills before starting the program. However, the job market is as bad as everyone says. Today, I received an offer for an entry-level position at a firm that primarily promotes from within, which means there’s potential for growth. The catch is that the role is in sales, which is completely unrelated to what I plan to study in my master's program. I didn’t disclose to them that I would be leaving in a year. I’m torn because while the position offers stability, it doesn’t provide enough time for me to prepare for my master's outside of work. I’m wondering if it’s crazy to consider declining the offer in hopes of finding something more aligned with my career goals. I’m scared of turning it down and then struggling to find another opportunity.

I just received a rejection from what I thought was my dream job, and I'm feeling completely defeated. I got laid off on September 25 and have been underemployed for nearly a year now, applying for thousands of positions in hopes of finding something that fits. This particular role was a perfect match for my skills and experience, almost identical to what I was doing before. I was slightly overqualified and saw it as a great growth opportunity. After my final interview on Monday, I was so hopeful and excited, thinking I might finally be able to turn my situation around. But today, I got the bad news, and it's hit me hard. I'm currently sobbing and just trying to process this setback.

I recently accepted a job offer from a tool company for $70,000, which is a significant jump from my current salary of $53,000 in my hybrid role. I've been at my current job for a year after graduating, and while I enjoy the hybrid setup, I find the work itself quite boring. I live in Massachusetts, and the new job is only a 20-minute commute from my house, compared to my current 45-minute drive to the office once a week. However, after accepting the offer, I started to feel anxious about whether I should have negotiated for a higher salary, maybe around $80,000. My mother thinks I rushed into this decision and that the pay increase isn't substantial enough to justify the daily commute and potential burnout from the increased workload. Now I'm overwhelmed and conflicted about whether I should rescind the offer or keep looking for other opportunities. My start date is at the end of September, and I really need some advice on how to proceed.

I had my annual review with my boss recently, and while they acknowledged some improvements I've made, they also pointed out that I'm not meeting expectations in certain areas. I tried to get a clear indication of whether I'm underperforming, but they avoided saying that directly. Instead, they mentioned that if I don't improve, I might face an official Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). On a positive note, they expressed belief that I can make progress in the next two months before my work anniversary. Now I'm left wondering if I should start looking for other job opportunities or if there's still a chance for me to turn things around.

I recently accepted a part-time position in academia after being unemployed for four months, but it comes with a 50% pay cut, and I can't shake the feeling of shame about it. My journey began when I left a postdoc role in a reputable biotech lab in 2022, where I eventually advanced to principal scientist at a startup. I knew the company was financially unstable, but I thought I could ride it out for another year, especially if our clinical trial results were positive. Unfortunately, I was laid off in April due to the company running out of capital, and just like that, my position was gone. Initially, I was optimistic and reached out to my network, hoping to find new opportunities. I tailored my resume and applied to various positions, but I received no responses. This led to feelings of anger and self-doubt, making me question my qualifications and experience. After years of education and work, I felt like I was failing. Then, a colleague shared an open position in an academic lab, and I quickly sent in my resume. I was fortunate to get a prompt response and an interview, which went well. However, the lab is currently low on funding, so the position is part-time and pays significantly less than what I used to earn. The principal investigator is understanding and suggested I could take on adjunct teaching to supplement my income. While I know it's better to have something than nothing, I can't help but feel pathetic compared to my peers who are thriving in higher-paying roles. I feel like a failure for taking such a drastic pay cut, even though I remind myself that this opportunity allows me to keep applying for other jobs and avoid a gap in my resume. It's a tough situation, and I'm struggling to find pride in my current position.

I recently went through a frustrating job offer experience. I was hired for an entry-level HR position after a lengthy interview process that started in May and dragged on until July. They took their time, saying they wanted to ensure a good fit, which I initially thought was fair. After a month and a half, they finally invited me for coffee, and the next day I received the job offer. I asked for a week to consider it, which they agreed to, and proposed a start date. However, I needed to push that start date back by one day due to a prior trip. They assured me this was fine and were excited for me to join the team. The following day, I received a call saying they were rescinding the offer because it wouldn't be fair to other applicants to wait a week for my decision, and my proposed start date didn't align with their needs. I offered to adjust my trip to accommodate their timeline, but it was too late. I have a theory about what happened: they might have been trying to filter out candidates who had better leverage by making the process long and arduous. My request for time to consider the offer may have made me seem more competent, which could have raised concerns about me negotiating for better terms. It's puzzling, and I'm left wondering what went wrong from their perspective.

I’ve been reflecting on the concept of company loyalty after hearing stories from friends who have dedicated 20-25 years to the same organization. They were good at their jobs, content in their roles, and not looking to climb the corporate ladder. Yet, despite their long service, they were recently laid off, leaving them feeling lost and broken. This has made me realize that in the end, loyalty doesn’t guarantee job security; we are all just numbers to these large corporations. It’s a harsh lesson, but I’ve come to understand that I need to prioritize my own career and keep an eye out for opportunities, as business is ultimately about profit and everyone is expendable.