Thinking

I graduated with an economics degree from a top university in my country, but finding a job has been a real struggle due to the tough job market. After a long search, I finally secured a sales position, even though it wasn't my first choice. I'm grateful for the opportunity, especially knowing how challenging it is for graduates to find work these days. However, after five months in this role, I still haven't found any enjoyment in it. Cold calling isn't something I like, and I don't feel passionate about the product I'm selling. I often wonder if sales just isn't the right fit for me, especially since I'm more reserved and introverted. I would much prefer a more analytical role, but it's tough to land anything without experience beyond sales, which doesn't seem appealing for the positions I'm applying for. I'm feeling a bit lost in my career path.

I'm feeling really discouraged about my job search as a 16-year-old. I've got some decent experience working in fast food and selling merchandise through my school's leadership program, where I also work concessions at sporting events. Despite this, I've applied to every place hiring in my small town and have faced nothing but rejections. I've even started looking in the next town over, which has a larger population, but I was hesitant to do that because of the longer drive. I really need a job to save up for college, and it's frustrating that no one seems willing to hire me. I'm at a loss for what to do next.

I recently followed up on a job application I submitted for a marketing position at a local tech company. After a week of waiting, I received an email response from the hiring manager. The email was polite but didn't provide much information about the status of my application. It mentioned that they were still in the review process and would get back to me soon. I'm feeling a mix of hope and frustration, as I really want this job but the lack of clarity makes it hard to gauge my chances. I'm considering whether I should continue to follow up or just wait it out a bit longer.

I just found out that I’m being made redundant from my job at the NHS after four years. It’s a tough situation, and I’m only set to receive four months of redundancy pay. I’ve calculated that I can stretch my savings to survive for about eight months, which gives me a bit of a buffer. However, I’m in a bit of a bind because I can’t take another NHS job for four weeks after my employment ends without losing my redundancy pay. I can look for non-NHS roles right away, but my work is quite niche, although I believe my skills are transferable. At 50 years old, I’m hesitant to pursue a management position, and I’m concerned about age discrimination in the job market, especially with AI becoming more prevalent. I’m contemplating whether it’s wise to only apply for jobs that start after my contract ends to protect my redundancy payout, or if I should start looking for opportunities immediately. I’m feeling a bit lost and would appreciate some advice on whether I’m being unreasonable in my thinking or if I should jump ship as soon as possible. I’ve received some feedback suggesting that having a regular salary is more valuable than redundancy pay, and that it’s easier to secure a job while still employed. Others have emphasized the importance of protecting my family and securing employment quickly. I’m grateful for the support and insights, but I’m also feeling burned out. I have a supportive husband, we’re renting affordably, and I’m currently debt-free, but I know things can change rapidly.

I recently graduated with a degree in accounting from a university in Mexico and I'm currently pursuing a master's in finance. Despite having six years of experience in accounting, I've been applying daily for entry-level and junior positions, but I keep getting rejected. It's disheartening to see that my applications are often turned down within a week. I've been taking courses to enhance my CV and add certifications, but nothing seems to work. I'm worried that once I finish my master's, I might be seen as overqualified for entry-level roles, which could lead to more rejections for senior positions. I'm considering attending job fairs to network, but I'm starting to feel hopeless about finding a job. I'm 24 years old and do not require visa sponsorship, so I'm unsure why I'm facing these challenges.

I recently lost my job as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized tech company due to company restructuring. As I prepare for future interviews, I'm thinking about how to explain this situation to potential employers. I want to be honest about the circumstances without sounding negative or placing blame. I'm considering framing it as a learning experience and focusing on the skills I gained during my time there. Any tips on how to effectively communicate this in interviews would be greatly appreciated.

I recently graduated with a Master's degree and started my first full-time job as an AI Engineer about four months ago. While I find the work engaging and aligned with my studies, I've been facing some challenges. A few weeks back, my probation period was extended, and my manager mentioned that I need to be more proactive. This feedback caught me off guard because I believed I was performing well. Now, I’m constantly worried about whether I’ll pass my probation, which is affecting my ability to enjoy the learning process. I also feel that my onboarding experience wasn’t as thorough as that of my peers, which has left me feeling like I need to prove myself constantly. Amid this uncertainty, I received an offer for a Data Steward position at a large consulting firm where I previously interned and had a positive experience. The compensation is similar to what I currently earn. I’m torn between staying in the AI role that I’m passionate about, which comes with stress and uncertainty, and moving to a more stable Data Steward position that might divert me from my original career path in AI. I’m questioning whether I’m truly growing in my current role or just surviving. I’m contemplating whether to have an honest discussion with my manager about my standing and the other offer. Would it be wise to mention the offer, or should I focus on getting clear feedback on my performance? If you were in my shoes, would you wait another month for the probation decision or take the Data Steward role? How do you weigh stability against staying true to your career aspirations early in your career?

I just learned that Lazada is planning to lay off 5% of its workforce. This news is concerning, especially for those of us who are part of the team. I work in the logistics department, and while I haven't received any direct communication about my position, the uncertainty is definitely weighing on me. I'm trying to stay focused on my work and keep my options open, but it's hard not to think about the potential impact on my job security.

I have been working as an associate software engineer for about 2 years now, and I've recently started looking for a new job. Unfortunately, it's been 2 months of searching without a single interview, despite having referrals. My current company is discussing layoffs in my team, which adds to my urgency to find a new position. I'm using LinkedIn Premium to aid my search and I'm considering investing in other premium services if they could help speed things up. I'm really looking for advice on effective job hunting strategies or platforms that might increase my chances of landing interviews. I've also shared my resume for feedback.

I just completed my first day at a Fortune 500 company, and I couldn't be more excited! Seven years ago, I was homeless due to mental illness, but I worked hard to regain my stability and rebuild my career. Now, I'm stepping into a role at a $40 billion global company and earning 30% more than my previous job. This morning, I found myself sitting in the parking lot of a nearby Starbucks, dressed in my gray pinstriped suit, reflecting on how far I've come. I felt a mix of pride and gratitude, but also a bit of nervousness about meeting the expectations of my new role. I know I need to perform well to secure the future I envision for myself. I'm sending positive vibes to everyone out there who is still job hunting!

I’m a 27-year-old with a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication and an MBA specializing in Analytics and Marketing. I've been working in energy policy for a year, and I feel lost in my job search. Currently, I work on projects with the World Bank and the Ministry of Power, which has been an amazing experience, but my salary is only 8 LPA. My father has made it clear that I can only marry my girlfriend once I hit the 12 LPA mark. I’m looking to move to Bengaluru to be with her, but I’ve had no luck finding a job that pays what I need. I’ve sent over 300 LinkedIn notes for referrals, cold-emailed more than 50 people, and applied to 50+ jobs, yet I haven’t received a single callback. I’m targeting roles in energy modeling and ESG, but I’m starting to wonder if these positions are just too rare in Bengaluru or if my one year of experience is holding me back. I’m also considering pivoting to Data Analytics roles since my MBA specialization could help me there. I’d love any advice on how to leverage my experience on my resume or insight into whether I should change my focus entirely. I’m feeling really confused and would appreciate any guidance.

I recently graduated from university in the UK and have been struggling to find a job in finance, particularly in asset management. After applying to numerous roles, I reached the final rounds for two asset management positions but ultimately didn't secure a job. I went on a bit of a spree applying to various roles that seemed interesting and well-paying, which led to an offer from a startup. The pay is good for a recent grad, and the team seems impressive, with co-founders who have relevant experience. However, I'm feeling uncertain about this opportunity. The startup is pre-seed and has raised low single-digit millions, and while they plan to seek another round of funding soon, I know that many startups fail. I worry about where this role could lead me in a year or two, especially if the startup doesn't succeed. Even if it does, I doubt it will provide enough for retirement, so I'm curious about my options after this role. The position involves working with AI, particularly in checking outputs, identifying errors, and improving the system's accuracy. It requires a blend of analytical skills and operational discipline, which I find intriguing. However, the job description mentioned they were looking for someone with 2+ years of experience, and while the salary is higher than most grad roles, it still falls short compared to what I could earn at a larger tech company. I'm at a crossroads, as this is my only job offer. It wasn't what I initially planned, but I feel like I can't afford to be picky. I'm considering whether to accept the offer or to wait for a better opportunity. I would appreciate any advice on the potential career path this role could lead to and whether I should take this chance or hold out for something more aligned with my original goals.

I tracked 147 job applications over the past three months, and I want to share what really made a difference in my response rate. Initially, I sent out 68 applications using a generic resume and only received 4 callbacks. It was clear that I needed to change my approach. I started tailoring my resume for each application—not rewriting it entirely, but making small adjustments by swapping out 3 to 5 lines in the summary, experience, and skills sections to align with keywords from the job postings. This change led to my next 79 applications yielding 14 callbacks, which was a significant improvement. I also noticed that applying within 24 hours of a job posting going live doubled my response rate compared to waiting three days. Additionally, I found that jobs with fewer than 100 applicants on LinkedIn were much more likely to respond. While the idea of tailoring my resume seems obvious, it was tough to stay motivated when I was feeling depressed and exhausted from the job search. However, even these small tweaks made a massive difference in my results.

I’m currently in a tough situation at my job where I’ve been on the bench for a while without a proper project. Recently, I received an offer from a new company that aligns perfectly with my career goals, but they need me to start in 30 days. My current manager, however, is insisting that I serve a 90-day notice period because he claims to have mapped me to a new project, even though I haven’t been assigned to anything meaningful. I’ve tried to negotiate for an early release and even suggested a buyout, but he’s not budging. I’m feeling the pressure because I really don’t want to miss this opportunity, especially with the job market being so challenging right now. I’m looking for advice on how to negotiate with my manager effectively.

I left my full-time job over a year ago to dive into entrepreneurship, and things have been progressing well as we reach the traction stage. However, I'm starting to run low on savings since we're bootstrapped. I'm now looking for a part-time job or a founder residency program to help sustain me during this journey. Ideally, I'm seeking opportunities that can provide around 12-14 LPA, and if it's an offline role, I'd prefer to be based in Bangalore. Any guidance or leads would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently exploring opportunities to move to Dubai as a software engineer. Initially, I considered traveling on a tourist visa to search for jobs, but I received advice against that approach. Now, I’m seeking recommendations for reputable job consultants in the UAE who can assist me in finding a position. If anyone has had positive experiences or knows of reliable consultants, I would greatly appreciate your insights and stories. Thank you!

I’ve been feeling really anxious about the idea of switching jobs lately. I’m currently considering leaving my position, but the whole job search process is overwhelming me. I find myself worrying about interviews, what if I can’t find a new role, and even if I do, what if I don’t fit in with the new team? It feels like such a huge leap, and I keep second-guessing my decision. I’ve reached out to others who have changed jobs recently to see how they managed their anxiety. I’m curious about tips for preparing for interviews and how to cope with the fear of the unknown. Also, I’m wondering about the job market in my area—how tough is it right now? Are things improving or still challenging? I know that many people go through similar feelings, and I’ve read that applying to multiple places can help ease the pressure. It’s comforting to hear that the fear of not fitting in usually fades with time, and that it’s normal to feel scared before starting a new job. I’m trying to view this as an adventure and an opportunity for growth.

I am currently facing a layoff and reflecting on my situation. I sensed it was coming for a while, but I procrastinated on applying for new jobs until the last few months. My company underwent a reorganization where a lot of power shifted from our global headquarters and regional offices to a new hub in South Asia, now referred to as the "global capability center" or GCC. This hub, which used to handle lower-level outsourced work, is now taking on roles at much higher seniority levels, including VPs and SVPs. My colleagues and I have transitioned from reporting to our regional heads to a boss based in this hub. The working culture has changed significantly, and things have not been favorable for those of us outside the hub. Positions that became vacant were not filled locally; instead, they were moved to the hub. As a result, people there have been promoted while those of us outside feel stuck and frustrated, leading to several resignations. Recently, our boss received a notice to downsize, and instead of cutting roles within his hub, he opted to let go of staff in other countries, including those who are crucial to his business unit. This experience is shaping my approach to my job search moving forward.

I was laid off a week and a half ago and have been actively searching for remote job opportunities since then. As the sole income provider for my family, the pressure is on, but as an introvert, I really thrive in environments where communication is mostly written. I enjoyed my previous role in ecommerce because it allowed me to avoid a lot of verbal interactions, with only occasional team meetings. Recently, I applied for a job that I found through an email from Indeed, and to my surprise, I was called the next day for an interview. I have to admit, I only skimmed the job description and saw 'remote,' not realizing that it involved driving to customers' homes for face-to-face sales. Now I'm feeling a bit foolish for not considering the implications of that. The role is commission-based with a daily draw, and I can't shake the feeling that I would be miserable in this position. I worry that if I take this job, I might get stuck and lose the momentum I've built in my job search. I've never worked in a commission-based role before, and I’m concerned that I would end up earning less than my last job while also racking up gas expenses and putting wear and tear on my nearly 20-year-old car. I'm trying to refocus my applications, but it's tough to shake off this unexpected opportunity.

I recently found out that my position has been reworked after my company was acquired by a larger corporation. I’ve been with the company for a decade, and I’m now at the maximum starting base pay of $65,000, up from $45,000 when I first started. However, I feel frustrated because they just posted a job listing for a new team member at the same max starting pay. My current manager is actually my fifth since I’ve been here, and I’m feeling undervalued, especially after losing our senior lead and three other team members, which has left just two of us to handle the workload. I’m contemplating discussing this situation with my new manager, but I’m unsure if I have any leverage since the acquisition was recent. Part of me thinks it might be better to start looking for a new job instead.