Thinking

I was a temp at a company in 2023, and during my time there, the internal recruiter mentioned that I could reach out to him when applying for internal roles, even after my temporary position ended. I've been following this advice and have been emailing him through the original thread from when I worked there, which has always resulted in a response. However, I've noticed that when I send him new emails, he doesn't reply. I even called his work cell once, and he mentioned that my new emails were going straight to his spam folder. Last week, I applied for a new role and sent him a new email, but I haven't heard back yet. I'm considering whether I should reply to the new email I sent or go back to the old email thread to follow up.

I recently learned that the restaurant where I've been working for about six years is being sold. I have until the end of September to find a new job, but I’m wondering if it’s too early to start my job search now, given that it’s mid-July. I’ve been at this small, family-owned restaurant since I was 17, and it's just me and the owners who handle everything. They’re retiring and have accepted an offer, so I know my time here is limited. I’m not overly worried about finding a new position since I have a solid reference and a good amount of experience. However, I’m trying to figure out the best time to start applying. Should I begin now, or would it be better to wait until August? As a full-time university student, I need a part-time job that allows me to manage my studies while covering my rent. Plus, I don’t have my driver’s license yet, which limits my job options. I’ve been working since I was 15, so it’s been a while since I’ve looked for a new position, and I could really use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I’ve been with my current company for about ten years, mostly on, and I’m feeling really frustrated about my promised raise. Two years into my time here, I was moved to a different location with a new job title, but the pay adjustment didn’t happen for nine months. They eventually paid me what I was owed in a separate check, which was a relief. After that, the location I was at was shut down, and to keep me from looking for other jobs, I was verbally offered a raise of around $12,000 annually to return to my original location. I was told this raise would take effect in July 2026 and that it was already included in the budget for a contract that would be signed at the beginning of 2027. Fast forward to now, it’s been over a year since that promise, and every time I reach out to HR, I’m met with vague responses about a process that’s supposedly underway. I’ve tried contacting the regional manager who made the offer, but I either get no response or just a promise to look into it. When I see them in person, it’s the same story—just vague mentions of working on it. I’m trying to stay positive, but with each passing month, I feel more discouraged as the amount I’m owed keeps growing. I had hoped it would work out since I had a similar experience years ago, but this time it feels different. I’m on good terms with upper management, but I can’t shake the feeling that they know I’ll keep showing up for work no matter what. It’s nerve-wracking to think I could be on the chopping block just to avoid paying me what was promised. On top of this, my landlord is selling the building I live in, and I’m dealing with some financial strain from maxed-out credit cards. I really need that raise to help clear my debts and prepare for a potential move. I don’t have the promotion in writing, just some back-and-forth texts and emails that don’t provide any real assurance. If anyone has dealt with a similar situation or has advice on how to handle this, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m just trying to secure a better financial future for myself and my loved ones.

I’m feeling really lost in my job search right now. I’ve been contemplating shaving my head as a way to reset my motivation, but I’m worried it might hurt my chances of being taken seriously in interviews. I haven’t even landed an interview yet, which is really frustrating. I turned down a prestigious grad school because I didn’t feel mentally ready and didn’t want to go into debt, but now I’m stuck in the same situation without a clear direction. My degree is in international studies and gender studies with a minor in English, and I currently have an unpaid internship at a nonprofit. I just want to know if anyone thinks shaving my head would negatively impact my job prospects.

Today, I reached the end of my Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my job in California. I’m feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty about what comes next. I’ve been advised to focus on my current contract gig, which I hope will lead to more opportunities. However, I’m also aware that if this contract doesn’t pan out, I might need to file for unemployment. Since I’m working as a 1099 contractor, I need to be cautious about my earnings, as they may affect my eligibility for benefits. It’s a challenging situation, and I’m trying to navigate my options carefully.

I’m currently exploring three job opportunities, none of which are my ideal positions, but they will help me pay the bills for now. Role 1 involves a lot of travel and has inconsistent hours, but it offers a good pay rate and flexibility. However, I've just spent three weeks with almost no income, which has been tough. Role 2 allows me to work from home three days a week and requires two days in the office out of town. It’s a full-time customer service role, but the pay is low. I’ve never had a full-time work-from-home job, aside from our business, which has a strong client-facing element. Role 3 is a full-time, on-site customer service position that pays better than Role 2, but it lacks flexibility. I’m weighing the pros and cons of each. Role 1 is enjoyable but financially unstable, Role 2 offers the comfort of home but at a low pay rate, and Role 3 provides better pay but requires me to be onsite full-time. I’m looking for advice on what factors to consider, such as health insurance options, commute times, and potential for growth within these roles.

After two long years of unemployment, I finally landed a full-time job! It’s been a tough journey filled with countless applications and only one acceptance. I lost my career, my confidence, and at times, my identity. I did odd jobs to make ends meet while trying to stay positive for my son. Earlier this year, I even quit a job because the work environment was hostile, which left me feeling like I was back at square one. There were days I cried and wanted to give up, feeling embarrassed about my situation. But I kept believing that the right opportunity would come along. This new job means so much more than just a paycheck; it represents a fresh start and a chance to rebuild my life. I’m also excited to share that I’ve been accepted into college for healthcare administration while working as a dental assistant. My goal is to eventually manage a dental practice with my degree. To anyone feeling stuck, don’t lose hope! Your situation can change in ways you can’t imagine. Keep refining your resume, prepare for interviews, and don’t hesitate to follow up. Cheers to new beginnings!

This weekend, I took the step to apply for an Optician 2 position at Kaiser. I have a bit of anxiety about it because in the past five years, I've applied for similar roles, been offered jobs, and even declined them. I've also turned down interviews after realizing that the positions didn’t align with my personal life at the time. Now, however, I feel that this opportunity would be a perfect fit for me. I'm worried that my previous decisions to decline might negatively impact their consideration of my application. I know it’s only the weekend, but I can’t help overthinking it. I’m curious if anyone has had similar experiences or thoughts on whether reapplying shows genuine interest.

I recently had my final-round interview for a position at a tech company, and it took an unexpected turn. The interviewer flipped the script and asked me to pose all the questions instead of the usual back-and-forth. I’m trying to understand what this might indicate about their interest level or the interview process. Has anyone else experienced this? I’d love to hear your thoughts or insights on what it typically means when an interviewer does this.

I just heard about a really unfair situation involving my friend who recently went through a lengthy interview process with a company. She made it through 3 or 4 rounds and was even offered the job, complete with an offer letter and a start date. However, the very next day, she received a call from HR saying they had made a mistake. They realized that her CV indicated she was still in the process of graduating, which led them to revoke her offer. It's so frustrating because her CV had been reviewed by multiple people in the company throughout the hiring process. Now, she feels completely shattered and isn't even answering calls. It's hard to believe that such a crucial detail could be missed after all that time and effort. I can't help but wonder, is this even fair?

I'm currently searching for a new job as I plan to relocate to another state due to high living costs. I've been focusing on online interviews, and I'm curious about the likelihood of receiving a job offer without ever meeting in person. I've heard mixed experiences from others, some claiming they successfully landed jobs this way. I'm just trying to gauge how realistic this is today, especially with the competitive nature of remote-only positions. Has anyone else experienced this?

I recently quit my job after just three days. I had left my previous position in May due to a toxic work environment and spent two grueling months searching for a new role. In July, I finally accepted an offer as a Brand Manager, which came with a better title and pay, and I rejected two other offers to take it. However, I severely underestimated the commute, which turned out to be four hours daily. The company had a strict biometric system for clocking in and out, and even for a short 30-minute lunch break, there was no flexibility regarding work hours or the option to work from home. On my second day, I witnessed a mass exodus of employees, and the way the founders spoke to the remaining staff made it clear there were serious culture issues. I experienced constant demeaning remarks directed at new hires, which explained why so many people were leaving. By day three, I was feeling unwell, and I thought it was just anxiety from making such a big mistake. However, I discovered I had a fever of 103 degrees and the company had a policy of no leaves for the first three months. I was still running a fever at 101, feeling terrible, and terrified of having to re-enter the job market so soon after being congratulated on LinkedIn for this new position. I really started to question my decision and what I had gotten myself into.

I've been feeling really lost lately with my job situation. I'm a 30-year-old woman who moved in with my aunt and uncle in March to save money since I had no savings and was dealing with some tough personal issues over the past decade. Since moving in, I've had five different jobs and somehow ended up $1,200 in credit card debt, even though my relatives are letting me stay rent-free. I started working at an assisted living facility for $17/hr last month and just took on a second job at a gas station for $14/hr. I've quit two jobs and was fired from one, which was a serving position that I apparently wasn't good at. My indecisiveness is really getting to me; one day I love my gas station job, and the next, I feel like walking out after a tough interaction with my trainer. She yelled at me for messing up a lottery transaction, and it made me feel really incompetent. I got a call about a budtender position for $16/hr today, and I'm seriously considering quitting the gas station for that. Plus, I'm also interested in starting an electrician apprenticeship. It's all so overwhelming, and I know my aunt and uncle are getting frustrated with my constant job changes. I just want to find stability and save money—I've done it before, but I feel like I'm wasting my chances now. I'm reaching out for some advice or empathy because I feel pretty powerless and horrible about myself right now. Has anyone else gone through something similar and managed to turn it around?

I've been reflecting on the job market and how job hopping seems to be becoming the norm. At my current job, there are so many red flags that I've started to question my loyalty. I've been here for a year and a half, and I've seen numerous colleagues leave for supposedly better opportunities. Recently, three people were let go, which adds to the negativity and unhappiness in the workplace. Despite my efforts to stay positive and engaged, I often find myself wondering if it's worth it to stick around. I've recently had a couple of job interviews that went really well. Both positions promise at least a 12% salary increase, along with hybrid scheduling and more work flexibility. One of them even seems to offer significant career growth, so I'm really hoping to land an offer. While I do feel comfortable at my current job and appreciate some of my coworkers, I can't shake the feeling that leaving might be the better option for my future. I'm looking for a company where I can stay long-term, but I'm curious if others are experiencing similar situations. Are you all job hopping? What are your reasons for leaving?

I recently completed an assessment for an office assistant position that I was really excited about, but I found the screening process quite frustrating. The e-skills test felt disconnected from the actual role I applied for. Instead of relevant questions about daily tasks, I encountered niche and advanced office software functions that I've never used in my extensive experience in office administration. It seemed like the questions were randomly generated by AI, lacking any real connection to the job. Additionally, the customer service questions leaned heavily towards sales, which is not applicable to the assistant position. There were also high-level management questions filled with jargon that the average receptionist wouldn't need to know. I was fortunate to have studied business, so I could navigate some of that, but it felt unnecessary for the role. The phrasing of the multiple-choice answers was also awkward and unnatural, making it difficult to respond accurately. I have a lot of muscle memory with software like Excel and Word, but the test didn't allow me to showcase my skills effectively. After providing feedback, I learned that the assessment was generated by HiPeople's proprietary AI, confirming my suspicions about the irrelevant questions. Now, I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach my recruiter to express my concerns without jeopardizing this opportunity. I want to voice my feedback constructively, but I'm worried about how it might be received.

I was recently let go from my part-time beverage attendant position at a private golf club, a job I truly loved. Reflecting on my time there, I realize I made some mistakes, and I'm already thinking about how I can improve in my next role. Towards the end, I felt like my supervisor might have been against me, although I can't be sure. My termination letter mentioned several coaching conversations, but I don't recall them the same way. What really hurts is that I enjoyed connecting with the members and was looking forward to building relationships with the regulars. Going to work had become a cherished part of my routine, and now it feels strange not seeing those familiar faces anymore. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced being fired from a job they loved. How did you cope and move on? Did you find another position in a similar environment? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently experienced my second layoff, which has led me to reflect on the issue of workplace nepotism. As an African woman in the tech industry, I've noticed a troubling pattern in my career. My first layoff came after three years at a startup where the company began hiring predominantly from one nationality. Over time, the management and board became filled with individuals from that same background, and recruitment followed suit. This shift led to intense micromanagement from my new manager, which took a toll on my mental health and ultimately forced me to resign. After taking six months to upgrade my skills, I joined another company, where I initially thrived. However, changes in management again led to a similar situation, with certain backgrounds dominating decision-making. Eventually, I was laid off during an organizational restructuring. I was encouraged to apply for an internal role, but during the interview process, I felt discouraged when I saw that the hiring managers were from the same background I had previously been concerned about. It made me question whether I would be evaluated fairly based on my skills or if I was at a disadvantage due to my different network. I want to clarify that my observations are not a critique of any nationality as a whole; I have worked alongside many talented Indian colleagues. My main point is that nepotism and favoritism are detrimental, regardless of who is involved. Companies should prioritize hiring based on competence and character rather than nationality or personal connections. As I move forward, I will prioritize seeking out companies that demonstrate diversity in leadership and fair hiring practices. Talent exists everywhere, and everyone deserves equal opportunities.

I started a new job just three days ago, and while I really like it, I had a pretty rough experience today. My managers have been telling me I'm doing well, but I wasn't trained much at the beginning, so I've been asking questions when I'm unsure about things. Unfortunately, that backfired on me. My brother, who works at the same place, came home and told me that after I left, the store manager asked the shift manager how I was doing. The shift manager hesitated and then said I was learning slower than expected and that I wasn't doing very well overall. Hearing this was really disheartening, especially since I had just left work. It felt embarrassing that my brother overheard it, and it was frustrating because earlier in the day, that same manager had praised my performance. I've only messed up two transactions so far, both due to system issues that I wasn't aware of, and my manager had previously assured me that mistakes are common for new employees. I just don't understand what they expect from me after only three days. It's disappointing to feel like I'm being thrown under the bus when I'm genuinely trying to learn and do my best. I thought I had found a supportive work environment, but now I'm feeling really anxious about going back in.

It's been two months since I was laid off from Meta on May 20th, and honestly, I still feel lost. After the layoff, I decided to leave the city and move to a smaller one, hoping for a fresh start. Back in December and January, I was actually considering quitting my 9-5 job, but then I got the offer from Meta, which seemed like a decent opportunity at the time. Getting laid off so suddenly really hit my ego hard; it felt unbelievable to be let go after just 20 days. Over time, I've managed to let go of the anger towards my hiring manager and the circumstances, but life hasn't been easy since then. In these past couple of months, I've tried a variety of things to keep myself occupied. I've dabbled in building small apps and websites, read about interesting topics, binge-watched series, and even started writing a book. I've also been applying for jobs, but it's mostly been ego-driven. I’m creating content too, but none of it brings me joy. I find myself constantly looking up tutorials and feeling frustrated that I might not have any real talents. With all this free time, I often find myself questioning everything around me, like how electricity was discovered and how it led to the modern world. It’s a rabbit hole of thoughts that just adds to my uncertainty. Overall, I'm left with a lot of questions, no clear plans, and a serious lack of motivation.

I was laid off from a mid-sized logistics company seven months ago due to a departmental restructuring. I had been with the company for nearly four years, starting in customer support and eventually transitioning to an operations coordinator role. My responsibilities included managing shipments, updating reports, resolving vendor issues, training new hires, and troubleshooting various problems that arose daily. I thought this diverse experience would help me land another role in operations or project support, but that hasn't been the case. Since my layoff, I've submitted over 300 job applications, targeting positions where I meet at least 70-80% of the requirements. I've tailored my resume for each role, shortened bullet points, highlighted achievements with metrics, removed older experiences, and even paid for a professional review. Despite my efforts, I've only secured four interviews. One company canceled the position after my second interview, another chose a candidate with more direct industry experience, and the other two just went silent. Most applications result in automatic rejections or no response at all. I've even applied for junior roles, but I've been told I'm overqualified and likely to leave for better opportunities. It's frustrating to feel both underqualified and overqualified at the same time. My resume highlights my accomplishments, such as reducing delayed orders, training eight employees, and developing new tracking procedures. However, I'm beginning to wonder if my experience comes across as too broad or generic. I'm also concerned that the title 'operations coordinator' might be misleading since different companies define it differently. At this point, I'm unsure if the issue lies with my resume, the job market, or the roles I'm targeting. I'm still applying and doing some temporary contract work, but this prolonged job search is taking a toll on my confidence. I'm seeking advice from those who have hired for similar roles: what might make you overlook a resume like mine? And for those who faced similar challenges, did adjusting your resume help, or was it just a matter of persistence until something clicked?