Thinking

I recently applied for a second job at a restaurant to help pay off my credit cards and save some money. In my younger years, getting a restaurant job was straightforward—just walk in, express interest, and often land an interview within a week. However, I had a mini FaceTime chat with one of the managers at a place I applied to, and it turns out the owner only hires full-timers. I was ready to commit to working every weekend for at least six months, but it seems like they’re short-staffed yet still picky about hiring part-timers. It’s frustrating to see this attitude in the job market. I’m considering moving on and applying elsewhere, as this seems like a red flag for potential work conditions.

I've been feeling really low at work lately because I haven't received a raise in over two years. My managers had promised me a raise after a strong performance review, but it seems like it's been stuck in negotiations with HR for months. I was initially told I would get the maximum increase, but after two months of no updates, my manager just said things move slowly and they hope to get it approved soon. With my living expenses rising, I'm struggling to save any money, and it's really weighing on me. My motivation has taken a hit, and I find myself just going through the motions at work—taking longer breaks, scrolling on my phone, and doing the bare minimum. It's frustrating because I know that feeling appreciated and valued would make me a better employee, but without any recognition or compensation, I feel like I'm just being used. I'm stuck in this limbo, unsure whether to wait for the promised raise or start looking for new opportunities. It's disheartening to think that my hard work might not lead to any rewards.

Today I had a small win on Upwork that I wanted to share. One of my clients recently ended our contract, and it was honestly one of the best experiences I've had on the platform. The project wasn't huge, but the client was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding throughout the entire process, which made it really enjoyable for me. My first experience on Upwork wasn't great, so this positive interaction really restored my faith in freelancing. I haven't been very active on Upwork lately because I've been busy with my studies as a student, which has limited my ability to apply for new projects. However, after this uplifting experience, I'm feeling motivated to start looking for more work again as a social media manager. It's a nice reminder that there are genuinely great clients out there. Just wanted to share this positive moment!

I have a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and have completed several courses in Machine Learning. My English skills are decent, although I am not a native speaker. Currently, I am on the hunt for online or remote work, but I'm feeling a bit lost on where to begin. I'm open to any job that pays at least $300. I have a few questions that I hope to get some insights on: 1. What types of online jobs would be realistic for someone with my background? I'm considering options like data analysis, machine learning roles, tutoring, or freelance work, but I'm not sure what might be the best fit. 2. Which platforms or job sites have proven effective for people in similar fields? 3. Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started looking for remote work? Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I recently had a job interview for an entry-level position and it seems like I might be getting a second chance with a potential employer. My previous job had a lot of management turnover, and I initially asked one of my old managers for a reference. They agreed enthusiastically, but unfortunately, when the potential employer tried to reach out, my ex-manager didn't respond despite multiple attempts. This left me feeling anxious about my chances. I decided to ask a more reliable manager for a reference instead, but I worry that I may have scared off the potential employer in the process. However, I noticed that the employer has contacted me twice to follow up on the reference, which gives me a glimmer of hope. I’m trying to understand if this is a good sign—after all, if they weren't interested in me, why would they go through the trouble of reaching out? During the interview, they mentioned that multiple people had left the role and discussed two positions that I would be perfect for, which makes me think I made a good impression. I’m just trying to manage my expectations and would appreciate any advice on whether this follow-up is a positive indicator.

I am a 23-year-old male who graduated from college in July last year. After graduation, I decided to prepare for an MBA application abroad, which is still 2-3 years away. It took me two attempts to achieve a decent score by the end of January. Once I felt ready, I wanted to gain some work experience, so I explored sales roles. Unfortunately, after just 1.5 months, I was laid off in early April. Since then, I've been struggling to find a job and have been applying for finance and banking positions, but I haven't had any success yet. I also had to take some time off to help with a cousin's wedding, which added to my stress. Now, it's been a month since my layoff, and I feel stuck. I graduated with a degree in economics from a decent college, and I’ve been trying to learn new concepts through online courses to improve my skills. I’m also considering pursuing the CFA, but my home environment is challenging with an anxious mother, a rude brother, and a busy father. I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to move forward.

I had what I thought was the best interview ever for a marketing role at a mid-sized tech company. The interviewer seemed genuinely impressed with my experience and ideas, and I walked out feeling confident about my chances. However, I just received the rejection email, and I'm completely baffled. I really thought I connected well with the team and showcased my skills effectively. It's frustrating to think that someone else might have had a better fit for the position, but it's hard to understand how that could be the case. I guess I'll have to take this as a learning experience and keep moving forward in my job search.

I graduated with a BS in Computer Science 10 months ago, and I'm feeling completely lost in my job search. I've applied to countless internships and entry-level positions, but most of my applications either get rejected or I never hear back. This has left me mentally exhausted and worried about my future. It seems like everyone else is moving forward while I'm stuck in the same place. I have strong English communication skills and I'm comfortable with various computer software like Microsoft Office and other productivity tools. I'm eager to learn and not expecting a high-paying job; I just want an opportunity to gain some experience and start building my career. I'm reaching out for advice on where to find internships, remote work, or entry-level jobs that are actually hiring. If anyone knows of companies looking for interns or junior roles, I would greatly appreciate any leads. Has anyone else faced this situation? How did you manage to break out of it?

I filed for unemployment in Maryland almost 30 days ago, but my decision is still on hold due to a confusing issue. My previous employer reported that I was discharged from my position, but I was fired without notice. The termination letter I received stated I was let go for "personal reasons," which doesn't indicate any misconduct. I reached out to the unemployment office to clarify, and they mentioned that the eligibility issue they are investigating is based on this report of discharge. I really don't understand how being fired, especially when it's labeled as "personal reasons," could affect my eligibility for benefits. I've already contacted my representative's office for assistance because I'm feeling pretty lost in this process. It's frustrating to think that my previous employer's vague reasoning could impact my ability to receive unemployment benefits.

I recently started using the Bandana app to search for job opportunities after applying to numerous positions without much luck. Despite revamping my resume and putting in a lot of effort, I haven't received any responses from potential employers. I'm curious if anyone else has had success landing a job through Bandana or if it's just me struggling with this platform. It's been a tough time being unemployed, and I'm eager to hear about others' experiences.

I have a phone call scheduled for tomorrow regarding a job I applied for in a new field. The hiring manager informed me that the pay is $14 an hour, which is actually less than what I'm currently making. I understand that transitioning to a new field might require some compromise on salary, but I'm considering asking during the call if there's any flexibility on the pay rate. I've read conflicting advice on whether it's appropriate to bring this up at this stage. Some sources suggest waiting until a job offer is made, but I feel that discussing it upfront could save time for both of us. The median pay for similar roles I found on Glassdoor ranges from $15 to $19, depending on experience and institution. I'm unsure if it's a good idea to ask about this now or if it might send the wrong message to the hiring manager.

I've reached a breaking point at my current job due to the toxic culture and overwhelming workload. Over the past year, my responsibilities have increased by 67%, yet my salary remains the same, and no one has been hired to fill the gaps left by departing colleagues. Today, I confronted a coworker about stepping up to help with requests from other departments, but he reacted negatively, which only added to my frustration. I've been feeling burned out for a long time, and I finally recognize that I need to leave this position. I have a job interview lined up in the same industry, but I'm anxious about the possibility of facing similar burnout in a new role.

I am feeling incredibly frustrated about the job search process my adult son has been going through. He has been actively looking for a job in his field for quite some time now and has relevant experience. During the few interviews he managed to secure, the interviewers were genuinely enthusiastic about him joining the team. They even took him on tours of the facilities and assured him that they would definitely get back to him by a specific date. However, he has not heard back from any of them, which feels like ghosting. He followed up with emails, referencing their promises, but still received no response. I am so tempted to write a letter to the CEO of the last company he interviewed with, as I know their home address, to express my concerns about how HR makes commitments to candidates and then fails to follow through. I want to do this anonymously, but I know I probably shouldn't. It's just so disheartening to see my son put in so much effort only to be ignored. I wish there was a way to hold these companies accountable for their lack of communication. It feels unfair that if I were to behave this way at my job, I would face serious consequences, yet recruiters and hiring managers seem to get away with it.

I've been struggling to find plumbing roles lately, and it's getting really tough. I've been living out of my vehicle for a couple of weeks now, which is a reliable truck, but I think my situation might be holding me back. I have six years of experience in plumbing, and I've been actively looking and traveling to different urban areas for helper roles, but I haven't received a single call or email back. I've been honest about my living situation during interviews, thinking it would help, but I'm starting to wonder if that's a mistake. Most of the plumbing companies I come across are smaller businesses, and I'm considering whether I should just walk in and ask to speak with the foreman or owner directly. Currently, I'm in Des Moines and planning to head further north soon. I'm also contemplating whether I should pivot to another job, maybe even an entry-level position, but I really want to leverage my construction background. I would love to get into heavy equipment operations, but most of the job postings I find require experience or CDLs. I'm feeling a bit lost and would appreciate any advice or thoughts on my situation.

After a long and challenging job search, I finally landed a position as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized tech company. I was thrilled to have a job again after months of applications and interviews. However, now that I'm in the role, I feel more stressed and unfulfilled than I did while searching for work. The company culture is not what I expected, and I find myself overwhelmed with the workload and unclear expectations. I thought getting a job would relieve my anxiety, but instead, I feel stuck and uncertain about my future career path.

I recently received a job offer from Advantage Solutions for a position at Costco, but I'm feeling quite hesitant about accepting it. The interview experience was the worst I've ever had; it felt incredibly disorganized, and the interviewer seemed disinterested. I've also come across some concerning reviews online regarding the workplace culture, which adds to my skepticism. I really need a job, but I'm unsure if this is the right opportunity for me. I'm looking for any insights or experiences from others who have worked there.

I recently faced a challenging situation as a Product Manager while job searching. As someone with epilepsy, I find the interview process particularly daunting. It’s frustrating that recruiters often overlook the unique challenges we face. I've struggled with fumbling my words and sometimes forgetting what I've learned during interviews. The gaps in my career due to my condition make it even harder to present myself confidently. I've reached a point where I hesitate to disclose my epilepsy, fearing it will bias recruiters against me. It's disheartening to feel like I have to hide a part of myself in order to be considered for a role.

I had a really promising interview experience recently for a position that I was excited about. I went through three rounds of interviews, and I felt like I connected well with the team, especially the last interviewer who seemed to really appreciate my responses. That was on Wednesday, and since then, I've heard absolutely nothing back. I'm feeling devastated because I'm not sure how I'm going to pay my bills next month. It’s frustrating that they haven’t even sent a simple email to let me know they chose someone else. I just feel so hopeless right now and needed to vent about this situation. I really need a job soon.

I recently found myself in a tough situation after starting an entry-level role at a company about a month ago. I had signed with them last October while finishing my degree and was excited to begin my career. However, I kept my options open during my final semester and recently received a job offer from another company that comes with a $12k annual salary increase and full tuition reimbursement for a master’s degree. The catch is that they want me to start immediately, and I can't negotiate the start date. I feel terrible about the idea of leaving my current job without notice, especially since my team and manager have been incredibly supportive and welcoming. It’s been a positive experience so far, and I genuinely appreciate the effort my manager has put into helping me adjust. But I also recognize that this new opportunity is crucial for my financial stability and educational advancement. I’m really worried about the potential damage to my reputation and burning bridges. I want to leave on good terms, but I’m unsure how to approach this situation without causing too much disruption. I’ve seen some advice suggesting that I could explain that I interviewed months ago and didn’t expect to hear back, but I don’t want to come off as dishonest. I’m hoping to find a way to minimize the impact of my departure while still taking this life-changing opportunity.

I'm currently on a temporary visa and seeking a job in my field while based in Melbourne. I've got several years of experience, but I'm unsure about the best approach to landing a position. I've heard mixed opinions about targeting startups versus small businesses. I would love to hear from anyone who has successfully secured a job on a student or 485 visa. If you have any tips or strategies that worked for you, please share! Also, would it be more effective to walk into companies directly or focus on online applications? Thanks in advance!