Thinking

I’m currently in the final stages of the interview process for a new position and the company is moving quickly. Today, they requested my references, and I immediately thought of my former manager from my last job. She was the Director when I worked there, but now she’s moved up to Executive Director. I know she’s likely very busy in her new role. After receiving the request, I sent her an email asking if she would be willing to be my reference. However, I’m unsure about when and how to follow up with her. When I worked for her, she was known for being extremely responsive, often checking emails around the clock, so I’m hopeful she’ll get back to me soon. I’m considering calling her on Monday morning to emphasize the urgency, but I’m worried that it might come off as pushy. The thought of making that call makes me uncomfortable, but I really want to ensure I can provide her as a reference in time.

I just lost my fourth job in six years, and I'm feeling pretty defeated. I'm 28 years old, and this latest position didn't even last a month before I had to leave due to my ongoing struggles with severe depression and anxiety. I'm really at a loss for what to do next. I know I need to focus on my mental health, but I also feel the pressure of needing to find a new job. It's frustrating to think about how this pattern keeps repeating itself. I'm hoping to find some guidance or support on how to move forward.

I was laid off on Wednesday afternoon by my manager at a small remote company. They are paying me until the end of the month and want me to do a handoff call with a couple of colleagues. Interestingly, the CEO was involved in everyone else's layoff calls except for mine. He scheduled a meeting with me for Friday, but I pushed it to Monday because I needed some time to collect myself. I can't help but feel that this call is more for his benefit than mine, and I'm struggling with what to say. I want to be professional, but the emotions are overwhelming. I've never been laid off before, and it took me two years to find this job. Now, after just under a year, I'm left feeling raw and uncertain about how to handle this situation.

I recently started my job search after leaving my previous employer due to health issues. It's been about a week or two, and honestly, the experience has been pretty discouraging. I've applied to several positions in my area and managed to secure a few interviews. One company, FedEx, even requested information for a background check, which gives me some hope, but after that, it's been radio silence. I feel like I present myself well in interviews—I'm respectful, professional, and always dress nicely, even in this sweltering heat. I've tried to remain optimistic, but I can't help but wonder if my age (I'm 19) or my background in customer service and food service is holding me back. My mom thinks it might be a gender or race issue, but I'm not sure how to navigate that. It's really disheartening to feel like I'm not making progress and to be living at home when I feel like I should be independent by now.

I wanted to reflect on the current economic climate and how it compares to the 2008 financial crisis. Back then, I was in my early 20s and just starting my career. I remember the job market being incredibly tough; many of my peers were struggling to find work, and those who did often ended up in low-paying, dead-end jobs. I was fortunate to land a position in retail, but it was far from fulfilling. Fast forward to today, and it feels like history is repeating itself. The job market is again challenging, with high prices and low wages making it hard to save or invest. I’ve been laid off recently, and it’s disheartening to see how many applications I’ve sent out without any response. It’s like I’m throwing my resume into a black hole. Looking back, the 2008 crisis taught me resilience. I had to adapt and eventually found a way to build a career in IT, but I can't help but wonder how long this current situation will last and what the future holds. I remember the camaraderie during the tough times back then, and I hope we can find that again as we navigate through this economic uncertainty.

I recently quit a new mining job after just 4 weeks because I received a more attractive offer from another company. However, when I informed my current employer of my resignation, they were very eager to keep me on board. They matched the offer I received and even offered me a permanent planner position, which aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. The plan is for me to assist with survey work for a few weeks while they recruit and train additional surveyors, after which I would transition fully into the planning role. I accepted their counteroffer, believing it to be a great long-term opportunity. However, I've been feeling uneasy after someone mentioned that my employer might just be keeping me around until they find replacements for the survey staff, and then I could be let go. Now, I can't shake off that thought. I’m curious if anyone has been in a similar situation where they accepted a counteroffer that included a promotion. Did it turn out well for you, or should I be worried? Does this transition plan sound standard, or am I missing something?

I recently found myself wondering if I should apply to a different department at the same company I was fired from. I was let go a while back, but now I'm considering a position in a different location and team. I've heard mixed opinions on this. Some people say that most companies keep track of your employment history, and being fired could hurt my chances of getting hired again. Others mentioned that if I was let go for a reason that wasn't related to my performance, it might not be a complete waste of time. I'm curious if anyone has experience with this situation and can share their thoughts.

I'm currently on the job hunt and feeling a bit desperate. I came across a job posting online and I'm considering bringing my resume directly to the company. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or if it might annoy the staff. I feel like if I could just meet a hiring manager in person, it might increase my chances of getting an interview. However, I'm worried it might be frowned upon. I’ve seen some advice suggesting that if the posting doesn't specifically say to come in with a resume, I should follow the instructions and apply online instead. But I’ve also heard that in retail or restaurant settings, bringing a resume in person can actually be a good move since many online applications don’t even get seen by a person. I’m thinking about trying it out, especially if I go during a quieter time. Worst case, they just tell me to apply online, and I’m back where I started.

I am currently a geologist and, while I recognize that it's a decent job, I have found myself utterly disillusioned with it. The long hours—often exceeding 100 a week—have taken a toll on my life, and I feel like I've wasted so much time. I'm at a crossroads and really want to transition to remote work. I've been searching for legitimate remote job opportunities, but most of what I've come across seems to be multi-level marketing schemes, which I want to avoid. I'm reaching out to see what others in remote roles are doing that is both fulfilling and legitimate.

I started a new job today after searching for a couple of months, but it hasn't been a great experience so far. During my three interviews, I asked about the pay, but they never provided a clear answer. Today, I spent six hours on my first day looking for something to do, but everyone kept insisting on doing things for me instead. I didn't make any tips, which left me feeling pretty down. When I left, I finally asked how much I was being paid, but my trainer said they weren't allowed to tell me. They also didn't inform me about my next shift, so I'm really uncertain about my future here. It feels really strange to start a job without knowing the pay.

I'm preparing to give my two weeks' notice at my remote job, and I have a few questions about the process. First, I need to figure out how to schedule a meeting with my boss since we rarely have one-on-ones. I was thinking of just sending her a direct message saying, "Hey, when you have a moment, can you call me? I have some news for you." Does that sound okay? During the meeting, I want to confirm that my PTO will be paid out. The company handbook suggests it will, but I’d like some reassurance since my boss is new and may not be fully aware of the policy. Also, two months ago, my boss filed for my promotion, and I recently followed up, but she mentioned the paperwork is still with HR. If she brings it up during our conversation, should I say something like, "Two weeks ago, I believed I would still be working here" or be more honest about my concerns that the process was dragging on? Additionally, I need to discuss how to return company equipment, who I should include in my resignation email from HR, and what I should focus on during my last two weeks, like getting my notes organized and updating my coworkers on my projects. I have a good rapport with my team, so I plan to call them individually to share my news after the meeting. For those I don't work closely with, I’m considering sending them a direct message to inform them personally instead of letting them hear it through the grapevine. Is there anything else I should consider bringing up in this conversation?

I signed a job offer a couple of weeks ago for a position at a small company, and everything seemed great during the interview process. They countersigned the offer and promised to reach out closer to my start date, which is early next week. However, I've been ghosted since returning from my trip abroad. I emailed and texted today to confirm my return and express my excitement about starting, but I haven't heard back. The company seems legit, and I didn't notice any red flags during the hiring process. Still, I'm starting to worry because I haven't even been asked about a background check, which was mentioned in the signed offer. I know that sometimes companies can be slow with these processes, but the silence is making me anxious. I turned down another job for this one, so I'm really hoping I didn't make the wrong choice. Should I try calling them to get some clarity?

I recently applied for a position as a Medical Screener, but after informing the company about my limited availability, they sent me home before the interview could proceed. A month later, I noticed the job posting was still open and decided to reapply since my availability had improved. However, I realized that the scheduling process uses an AI system, which made me question whether it was still appropriate to schedule an interview after my previous rejection. I'm considering reaching out to the hiring manager to confirm if the position is still available and if I should proceed with scheduling the interview.

Today, I had a call regarding a job application for a position that is quite a distance from where I currently live. The company wanted me to come in for the first round of interviews, which would require a 2-3 hour drive. Given the circumstances, I suggested that it would be more practical to conduct the initial conversation via Zoom or Teams instead. I framed it as something I would be happy to do after establishing mutual interest. However, they couldn't accommodate my request, and I politely thanked them while wishing them luck in finding the right candidate. I'm left wondering if I was too forward in asking for a virtual interview. It feels like a reasonable request in today's world, especially considering the time and effort involved in traveling for a brief first-round interview. The inability to offer a virtual option feels like a red flag to me.

Today was a tough day for me as I was laid off from my job at a toxic company where I had been working in an administrative role. I had a feeling it was coming, especially after surviving a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) just a few months ago. My boss had been harassing me for the last 18 months, and I was constantly under pressure with poorly documented processes and high stakes for mistakes. Despite my efforts to follow the company manual and adapt to the chaotic environment, it felt like I was set up to fail. I’ve been struggling with my career for years now. I graduated from college with a degree I regret, and I never had the chance to intern or network effectively. This has led to a series of low-paying, unfulfilling jobs that have done nothing but drain my energy and self-worth. I’ve been stuck in low-to-middle five-figure salaries, and with my health declining due to back and hip problems, it’s been increasingly difficult to manage a traditional office job. I’m over 35 now, and it’s disheartening to see my classmates thriving in their careers while I feel like I’m at a standstill, constantly battling ageism and a lack of experience. I’ve never worked for a company that I truly wanted to be a part of, and I often feel like a failure compared to my peers who are advancing in their careers and living fulfilling lives. This layoff has forced me to confront my situation more than ever. I feel isolated, ashamed, and exhausted by the relentless cycle of working jobs that leave me feeling worthless. I don’t have anyone in my life who understands what I’m going through, and it’s hard to see a way forward. I’m just venting, but I hope to find some connection with others who might relate to my struggles.

I am currently seeking job opportunities as a 2nd year 309A electrical apprentice in Canada. I have accumulated 5 years of experience in the field, and I'm looking for guidance on how to navigate my job search effectively. Any advice on where to apply or tips for improving my resume and interview skills would be greatly appreciated.

I've been working in college athletics for about 15 years and have built a solid reputation in the industry, even earning nominations for awards from my peers. Despite my efforts to network and maintain relationships with coaches, I've struggled to advance my career. Most of the coaches I've connected with either retire or remain in assistant roles, which has limited my opportunities. Recently, a coach I thought I had a strong relationship with accepted a head coaching position at an FCS program. I congratulated him and offered my assistance, but he ended up laying off the entire staff except for one position—the one I was interested in. When I asked why he kept that person, he mentioned he didn't touch that department, which left me puzzled. This situation is particularly frustrating because this FCS program is in the same state where my wife and daughter currently live. I was laid off 19 months ago and had to take a job far away, so I was eager to return to my family. Now, I've learned that a colleague is looking for a new assistant because his previous one left to work for the head coach at this FCS school. I had no idea this position was open, and the coach never reached out to me about it. I've heard he even contacted Big Ten schools for hiring recommendations. I'm at a loss. I know I'm qualified for the job, and the location is perfect for my family. I thought I had a good relationship with this coach, but now I'm questioning everything. Should I reach out to him and ask why he chose someone less experienced over me? I don't feel entitled to the position, but it hurts to know I wasn't considered, especially when he knew how much this job meant to me and my family. I'm really struggling with whether or not to ask him directly.

I recently drove 50 miles for an interview with an international CPG brand that is expanding in the US market. I had a great conversation with the team lead and felt that my experience aligned well with what they were looking for. I left the interview feeling confident about my fit for the role. However, a few days later, I received an automated email stating that I didn't make it through the selection process. I was shocked and decided to reach out to the senior recruiter for feedback, especially since the initial screening had been a bit confusing when she called me about a job I hadn't applied for. I thought it was reasonable to ask for honest feedback given the effort I put into the interview and the positive chemistry I felt with the hiring manager. To my dismay, she responded with the same robotic email, stating, "after careful consideration... not the right overall team fit." I simply replied with a polite, "thank you for the insightful feedback," but I was left feeling frustrated. I understand that companies aren't obligated to provide detailed feedback, but the lack of consideration in this situation felt particularly disheartening. At this point, I'm viewing all recruiters as NPCs in this job search game.

I recently started a new job as a project manager at a tech company, and it has turned into a complete nightmare. Just a week in, I realized I made a huge mistake leaving my previous stable but stressful position. Instead of the exciting opportunity I was promised, I found myself in a chaotic environment where my main role is to put out fires and deal with the aftermath of broken partnerships. I’m working 70 hours a week, drowning in meetings, and barely have time to think or strategize. It feels like I’m constantly scrambling to keep up, and the micromanagement over trivial matters is draining. Everyone I see on video calls looks just as exhausted as I feel. The turnover here is alarming, making it even harder to manage relationships with our already upset partners. I can’t go back to my old job because I said goodbye to my clients and coworkers, and they’ve already filled my position. I’ve been in a similar situation before, and I managed to find a better job quickly, but this time feels different. I’ve updated my resume to include this job, even though I’ve only been here a month, and I’m preparing to explain my situation to potential employers. I’m worried about how to address this gap in my employment history. I could say I left for a break, but that feels dishonest. I’d rather be upfront about realizing I joined during a restructuring phase and that my main client is currently leaving. I’m feeling overwhelmed and burnt out all over again. Has anyone else gone through something similar? What should I do next?

I’m in my late 20s and feeling the pressure from my parents to find a job that pays a living wage. Right now, I’m working part-time in retail, averaging about 15-20 hours a week, which barely covers my groceries. I had a full-time job in robotics earlier this year, making $60k, but the company downsized and let go of a significant portion of the staff, including me. My parents are understandably concerned about my financial stability, especially since I’m helping them with their retirement planning and doctor visits. I have minimal debt, mostly student loans, but the job hunt has been tough lately. I used to land jobs quickly with just a few applications, but now it feels like I’m spending more time searching for jobs than I would in a regular 8-hour shift. They think I’m just playing video games when I’m actually trying to find opportunities. I appreciate their concern, but the job market is nothing like it was in the early 2020s, and I’m struggling to get even a response to my applications. I’m trying to apply to as many jobs as I can, but it’s disheartening to see how much harder it is now.