Thinking

I recently received a job offer for a position I’ve always wanted, and I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. The salary was in the range I expected, but I decided to negotiate it instead of accepting right away. I sent my counteroffer early this morning and now I’m worried because I haven’t heard back yet. It’s only been a day, but my mind is racing with thoughts that maybe he’s reconsidering my application or has moved on to another candidate. I’m wondering if I made a mistake by negotiating at all. I’m really hoping to get some advice on when it’s appropriate to follow up and whether negotiating was the right call. I know it’s normal to negotiate, but I can’t help but feel nervous about the whole situation.

I was fired yesterday from my finance/analytics job after a year and a half, and I can't help but wonder if I'm the problem. They told me they were "going in a different direction," but I suspect it was a mix of my performance and poor management. This is the second time I've been let go from a corporate job; the first was after just six months due to similar issues—mainly poor management and a lack of assigned tasks despite my requests for work. My resume looks solid with a degree in computer science and several internships, but I feel like I can't hold onto a corporate job. I've always felt out of place in both roles, especially my most recent one. I've had a long-standing interest in healthcare and nursing since I was a kid, but circumstances led me to switch to computer science instead of pursuing my BSN. Now, I'm seriously considering going back to nursing school because clearly, corporate life isn't working for me. I enjoy the structured M-F schedule that corporate jobs offer, which allows me to spend quality time with friends and family on weekends. I also want to start a family someday, and a stable schedule would help with that. However, I've read too many negative stories about nursing as a career that make me hesitant. I'm at a crossroads—should I keep applying for more corporate jobs, or should I start my prerequisites for nursing school? I'm feeling really stuck and unsure about what to do next.

I was recently laid off from my position due to cost-cutting measures at my company. The client we were working with pulled out, which led to the cancellation of the project, and unfortunately, there were no other requirements in different teams for me to transition into. This has resulted in a few months of gaps in my CV. As I prepare for interviews, I'm trying to figure out the best way to explain this situation if it comes up. I was one of the top performers in my team, and it’s disheartening to see the entire team let go. I've received some advice suggesting that I should simply state that my organization canceled the whole team, which shouldn't affect my employability. I also plan to emphasize how I've used this time to recharge and focus on personal development, which I believe can positively impact my job prospects.

I've been reflecting on my job search process and how repetitive it can be. If I could automate one part of it, I would definitely choose to automate the tailoring of my resume for each job description. It feels like such a tedious task to constantly adjust my resume to fit different roles. I also find myself filling out the same information across various job portals, which is incredibly frustrating. Another area I would love to automate is tracking my applications. Keeping tabs on where I've applied, what stage I'm at, and when to follow up is overwhelming. It would be great to have a system that reminds me when I need to reach out again. I also think generating personalized cold emails from a job link would save me a lot of time. Writing slightly different versions of the same email can be exhausting. Overall, the job search feels like a gladiator battle between rejection bots and my efforts to stand out. If I could just automate the interview process too, that would be a dream! I really just want a bot to handle the social interaction part while I focus on getting my resume in front of the right people.

I recently started a job as a Robot Operator at a vendor company, which I'll call 'Biscuit', servicing a major company in the MANGOS/FAANG industry, which I'll refer to as 'Cupcake'. I'm currently working part-time and earning $30/hr, but I feel like I'm underemployed considering I graduated with a degree in Information Technology just last December. While I'm grateful to have a job, I can't shake the feeling of being stuck. My role here is not aligned with my education, and I find it disheartening to be in the same position as coworkers who don't have degrees or are much younger than me. I get along well with everyone and appreciate the workplace culture, but I can't help but feel lost about my career direction. I've tailored my resume towards IT, but I worry that potential employers only see me as a machine operator, which is not what I worked hard for in college. I know I should be thankful for the opportunity, especially in 2026, but I feel like I'm not utilizing my skills and education to their fullest potential. I'm at a crossroads and unsure of what steps to take next.

I've been working at the same company for 25 years, and transitioning to a new career feels incredibly daunting. The world has changed so much in that time, especially in technology, and I feel like I'm out of touch with what's out there. Earlier this year, I started applying for new positions, confident that my extensive experience would help me land something new. However, despite my years of service, I haven't received any responses from potential employers. It's disheartening, and I find myself feeling stuck in my current job, which I consider less than ideal.

I’m 31 years old and struggling to find a job after a significant work gap. I spent four years trying to earn a Chemistry degree at a top school but ultimately dropped out because I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. After that, I went back to school in Fall 2021 and graduated with a 3.9 GPA in Computer Science from a state university. I initially aimed to become a Software Engineer, but with the rise of AI, that path feels less viable. I’ve been applying for entry-level IT positions for about six months, sending out around 300 applications. I only received one response, which ended in a rejection after four interviews for a Tech Support role. Recently, I started applying for basic jobs at places like Chipotle and McDonald's, hoping that some experience there might help me get into tech later. However, those interviews have also led to rejections. I’m considering a cheap grad school program for an MS in CS, like Georgia Tech’s OMSCS, mainly to keep myself occupied since I feel lost right now. I’m looking for any advice on how to pivot or improve my situation without starting completely over. I have a degenerative joint disease, so military options are off the table. If anyone has suggestions or insights, I’d really appreciate it.

I'm currently several months into my job search for a new HR role, and I've found that the waiting can be more challenging than the actual applications. I've had a few interviews that seemed promising, but then they just went quiet, which is frustrating. Thankfully, I'm working part-time to stay financially afloat, but it's tough not to internalize every rejection or week of silence as a sign that I'm doing something wrong. I've been seeking advice on how to cope with the prolonged search, especially from those who have faced similar situations. One thing I've learned is to keep my focus on the next opportunity rather than dwelling on the past rejections. It helps to remember that the job market is tough right now, and it's not a reflection of my worth. I'm trying to stay positive and keep moving forward.

I have a final stage interview coming up in a couple of days for a position I'm really excited about. Today, I sent my corrected resume to the team lead, as I realized there were some errors in the previous version. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether this was the right move or if it might have messed things up for me. I'm hoping for some feedback on how this might affect my chances.

I’m currently in my last days at my first job after completing my MA, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a ride. Just two days left in my notice period, and I’ve had a whirlwind of experiences with a new coworker who joined about a month ago. I initially thought we hit it off well; we had lunch together, went for drinks, and I even stayed with her during a hospital visit after a severe allergic reaction. I thought we were becoming friends. However, things took a turn when my line manager showed me messages from our GM claiming that this coworker had reported me for various things. According to her, I had "stolen" her work when I helped her with tasks she asked me to cover, and I had allegedly taken a document from her, even though I had no idea she had created it. She also accused me of being condescending and narcissistic, which was baffling since she is my senior and I often ask her for guidance. The accusations escalated to her saying I complain too much (which, okay, I admit is somewhat true) and that I can't hide my reactions during client meetings. I confronted her about these claims, and it turns out they were all lies. This isn’t the first time my manager has tried to pit us against each other, and it’s disheartening to see how toxic the environment can be. One of my other coworkers even mentioned that my manager wanted to shorten my notice period because I was supposedly "getting jittery" about losing control of my work—ironic, considering I’m leaving! Through this experience, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: trust is a fragile thing in the workplace, and it’s crucial to have evidence and reasons to trust anyone. Management often won’t have your back, so it’s essential to navigate these situations carefully. I’m looking forward to my last day on Friday and moving on from this chaotic chapter.

I recently applied for two contract roles through the same staffing agency for the same client, but they are in different locations. The first role pays more, between $30.43-$35.13/hr, and is only about 12 miles away from me, which is a 20-minute commute. The second role pays less, between $24.62-$31.27/hr, and is about 14.5 miles away, taking around 30 minutes to get there. I received a phone call about the lower-paying job on August 10th, and my resume was submitted to the client on August 11th. I was shortlisted on August 14th and have a Teams interview scheduled for August 21st. The same recruiter is handling both positions, and she mentioned that my resume for the higher-paying role is about 85-90% aligned with what the client is looking for. We worked together to update my resume to improve it to over 90% fit. She submitted both resumes at the maximum rate offered for each position. The second job was submitted on August 18th, so I'm still waiting for updates on that one. I also had a conversation with my recruiter's boss about my experience and expressed my comfort level with either job, especially since the higher-paying one is appealing. I let them know I could start within a week of receiving an offer. Now, I'm contemplating my next steps. After the interview for the first job, I'm considering whether I should ask for updates on the second role or wait for them to reach out. If I receive an offer for the first job, I'm debating whether to (a) turn it down and wait for the second job (which feels risky), (b) accept the first job and decline the second if offered, or (c) accept the first job and then switch to the second if it comes through. For context, there are 2-3 open positions for the first job, and I was the sixth person to submit my resume. For the second job, I was the first to respond and get submitted. Both roles are 12-month contracts. I have interviewed with BMS twice for different roles at the farther location with another staffing agency, but unfortunately, I didn't get either job.

I have been in a challenging situation for over a year now since I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my previous job. It was a tough experience, and I have been working hard to improve my skills and demonstrate my value. Despite my efforts, I still feel the impact of that PIP on my job search and overall confidence. I'm actively looking for new opportunities and hoping to find a role where I can thrive and contribute positively.

I recently faced a frustrating situation with my unemployment insurance claim in California. My brother and I were laid off from a staffing agency when the job site ran out of product, and we have proof of a clean layoff through text messages from our coordinator. After the layoff, we struggled to pay rent at our old multi-unit rental, so we moved into a family member's house on the 6th of the month without a formal lease agreement. We updated our addresses across various accounts, including our bank and EDD profiles, around the 10th to 12th. However, on the 14th, we received an email demanding Address Verification by the 22nd. This was concerning because our bank statements still showed our old address since they hadn't closed yet. To resolve this, we went to a bank branch on the 18th and obtained official Account Balance Summaries with our current address. We uploaded these documents immediately. But then, just this morning on the 19th, three days before the deadline, our entire claim history was marked as **"Disqualification."** The portal indicated that a notice would be sent via mail. I'm unsure if it's common for the automated system to apply a blanket disqualification just days before the deadline, especially since both my brother and I changed our addresses on the same day. A phone representative told us we need a physical DMV ID card, but we already have the bank summaries and other verification documents. Now, we're waiting for the paper notice to appeal this decision, and I'm hoping to find out if anyone else has experienced something similar or has advice on how to navigate this situation.

I've been reflecting on the job application process lately, and I'm starting to feel that the common advice to just apply to more jobs is becoming a bit excessive. I've seen people claim they've applied to 200 or even 300 positions without landing many interviews, and the response is always to keep applying. But I can't help but think that if you're sending out that many applications and not getting results, it might be time to reassess what's going wrong. For instance, if you've sent out 200 applications and barely received any interview requests, maybe those roles aren't aligned with your experience. Or perhaps there's something off about your resume or how you're targeting jobs. On the other hand, if you're getting interviews but not offers, simply tweaking your resume might not solve the issue. I've come to believe that focusing on 20 to 30 well-matched applications could be more effective than casting a wide net with hundreds of random submissions. Has anyone else experienced better outcomes by being more selective in their job applications?

I graduated from community college in May 2026 with an associate's degree in animation, but after some significant life changes, I find myself feeling lost about my career path. Today, I started back at community college, this time majoring in social work. I believe it would be fulfilling to help others, but I still have a strong passion for art and storytelling, and I’m unsure if I can successfully integrate that into my career. I've been applying for several minimum wage jobs but have faced a lot of ghosting and rejections, including a recent rejection from Starbucks. At 21 years old, I've only had one job, which I still hold, but the pay is not great, and I only get decent hours in the summer. I'm at a crossroads: should I pursue another degree for a more stable job to save money and potentially return to my art later, or should I focus on my art career now? I live with my dad, who supports me in many ways, and while I'm grateful, I feel like time is slipping away. I really don’t know what to do next.

Today, I officially accepted a new job and will be starting tomorrow. I currently work in the back of house (BOH) at a well-known wing restaurant franchise, but I’ve reached my breaking point with the job. When I first started, I enjoyed it, but over time, the issues piled up, especially with scheduling. There have been weeks where I was only scheduled for two shifts, and even then, I was sent home early without notice. On one occasion, I was left to work alone on the grill without proper training, which was incredibly stressful. The management has been inconsistent with scheduling changes, often leaving me to cover shifts without proper training or support. Just last week, we had a chaotic shift where management brought someone from the front of house (FOH) to help in the kitchen, despite them having no experience. It was a disaster, and I ended up getting yelled at for not being able to keep up with the orders. Today, I was supposed to attend a performance meeting, but I got a call from the new job I applied for, asking me to come in to fill out paperwork and start tomorrow. I decided to call out of my current job and go for the new opportunity instead. Now, I’m contemplating what to do about my current job. Part of me wants to just stop showing up, knowing I’d be fired for job abandonment. But I also think I should formally resign. I’m just so exhausted from the lack of communication and support at my current workplace. I really don’t want to go back there, and I’m excited about the new position.

I’ve been feeling frustrated with the job search lately. It seems like every time I read about someone applying to hundreds of jobs and getting little to no response, the immediate assumption is that their resume must be the problem. I get it, a bad resume can definitely hinder your chances, but I don’t think that’s the whole story right now. For instance, I recently came across the July jobs report which indicated that the US actually lost 23,000 jobs. With fewer companies hiring and more people competing for the same positions, it’s no wonder response rates are plummeting. I’ve been applying for roles in my field and while I do get some interviews, I often find myself without any offers. It makes me think that constantly tweaking my resume might not be the answer. Sure, if I wasn’t getting interviews at all, I’d consider a resume overhaul. But when I’m getting interviews, it feels like there are other factors at play. I’ve noticed that getting responses has become increasingly difficult, especially for the same types of roles I’ve been targeting for a while now. It seems like the competition is fierce, and timing and networking might play a bigger role than just having a polished resume.

I've been feeling really unmotivated during my job search, and I think it stems from my experiences since graduating in 2020. I landed a job in my field right after graduation, but I had to leave after a year due to family reasons. Ever since then, I've been applying to various positions related to my degree, but I've received little to no responses. I've heard from others that I just need to wait for the pandemic to end or consider doing free internships, but despite my efforts, nothing seems to work out. When I do hear back from companies, the feedback often suggests that I've been out of the game too long. It feels discouraging to see new graduates being preferred over me, even though I worked hard to keep my skills sharp. I used to be passionate about my degree, but now, after so much silence from employers, my motivation has dwindled. I can't help but question why I invested so much time and effort into my education if I can't even get a chance to prove myself. At this point, I'm not really looking for advice since I've tried many avenues already; I just needed to vent about how the pandemic has impacted my career journey.

I'm currently on the job hunt and looking for remote opportunities. I have experience in sales and marketing, and I'm eager to connect with anyone who might be hiring or know of any openings. If you have leads or advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

I’m 27 years old, male, currently based in Kenya, and I hold a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. Ever since I graduated, I’ve been on the hunt for a job in my field, but unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck. After countless applications and no responses, I decided to try something different and worked in webcam modeling for a while. While it paid the bills, it took a toll on my mental health, so I eventually quit. With my savings, I opened a wines and spirits shop, which initially did quite well. I felt like I was finally making progress, but then the local authorities started imposing hefty fees that I couldn’t keep up with, leading me to close the shop. Since then, I’ve been applying for jobs, even looking outside of Kenya, primarily in conservation and environmental roles. It’s been a whole year of applying, yet I still haven’t received a single reply or interview. I’m feeling utterly exhausted—so much so that I’ve contemplated giving up on the idea of leaving the country altogether. I believe I have strong skills in communication, community advocacy, and social media management. I’ve grown up online, so I’m adept at navigating various platforms. I’m also flexible and willing to learn new things beyond just environmental work.