Thinking

I have a job interview coming up with Nordstrom's Rack and an eyeglasses store for a sales associate or stock assistant position. This is my first job after high school, and while I'm feeling pretty confident, I know I'll be competing against candidates with degrees. I consider myself conventionally attractive and approachable, and I have a solid knowledge of fashion and sales, which I think will help me stand out. I've spoken with both managers, and they seem open to hiring a diverse equity and inclusion (DEI) candidate, which is promising. I'm also contemplating how to style my hair for the interview. As a Black individual, I'm debating whether to wear my afro or use product to enhance my curl pattern. I want to make a good impression, so I'm considering all options. I shared some outfit ideas, but I received mixed feedback. Some suggested avoiding certain fits, while others thought my choices were good. I'm leaning towards wearing my afro, but I'm still unsure. Overall, I'm excited about the opportunities ahead!

I've been out of work since my entire department was laid off last December. It's been incredibly frustrating as I've submitted hundreds of applications but only received one response, which ultimately ghosted me when it came time for a phone interview. I'm wondering if there's a service that could apply on my behalf. I thought staffing agencies would help, but most seem to act more like job boards, focusing on filling positions for employers rather than assisting job seekers like me. I've heard that smaller, boutique recruiting agencies might be more effective, especially those that specialize in my field. They seem to provide better support and communication throughout the job search process.

I recently graduated with a degree in commerce and started a part-time customer service job at a small startup in January. Initially, I was hired for full-time work, but they asked me to start part-time instead. I took the job because it was the only opportunity I had, even though it doesn't relate to my field of study. I'm currently making just above minimum wage. After working part-time for three months, I transitioned to full-time right after graduation. We work 9 hours from Monday to Thursday, and Fridays are supposed to be shorter, but I've discovered some troubling expectations. Unbeknownst to me when I started, we are required to monitor emails on Friday afternoons without pay. This means I have to work unpaid hours even on statutory holidays, which feels completely unreasonable. Additionally, we are expected to arrive 15 minutes early and leave at least 15 minutes after our scheduled hours, but I’m only compensated for 40 hours a week. I've been at this job for five months, two of which have been full-time, and I’m seriously considering quitting. The stress of managing these extra responsibilities, especially when they are not part of my role, is overwhelming. I feel like I'm being taken advantage of, and I want to document everything to understand my rights better.

I've been working at my current company for just over two years, and it's been a real rollercoaster. Initially, things were going well, but over time, the workload and expectations became increasingly unreasonable. My work quality started to decline, which was frustrating. Recently, I was assigned a massive project that I believe should have been handled by an external contractor, but of course, they decided to cut costs instead. This only added to my stress and burnout. I've expressed my concerns about being overwhelmed to my manager several times, but his responses have been lackluster at best. He acknowledged my struggles but ultimately just told me that we all have to deal with it. This week, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) due to my declining work quality, which feels incredibly unfair given the circumstances. I've been putting in late nights and working weekends, and this is the thanks I get? I have a decent amount of savings, which I jokingly refer to as my 'fuck you money,' and I'm seriously considering just walking away and telling my management exactly what I think of them. However, I know that doing so could jeopardize my chances of getting a good reference, and my manager did say he'd provide one even if the PIP leads to termination. So, I've been holding back my anger and trying to remain professional. I'm torn between wanting to vent my frustrations and knowing that maintaining professionalism might be the smarter move for my career. Should I just keep my head down and start looking for a new job while I navigate this PIP?

I recently shared my resume online, hoping to find job opportunities or get some advice on improving it. I'm currently in a tough spot, desperately searching for a job. I received some helpful feedback, suggesting I move my education section to the bottom of the resume and tighten up the bullet points for my work experience. They emphasized that resumes should tell a story about my career progression rather than just listing job descriptions. Some comments also pointed out that my resume could be visually improved, recommending I use powerful verbs and make it more concise. Overall, I'm eager to refine my resume and find new job prospects.

I recently completed a first-round interview for a marketing position at a casino. At the end of the interview, the recruiter mentioned that a federal background check would be conducted before hiring, and I agreed to it. Now, I'm feeling a bit anxious about what this background check might entail. I'm aware that they typically look into criminal history and credit reports, but I'm curious if there's more to it. One of my concerns is that I might have guessed some of the employment dates on my application. For instance, I wrote down 'March 1, 2010' as the start date for one of my jobs, but the actual date was 'March 17, 2010.' I'm worried that this discrepancy could raise some red flags. Additionally, since I am currently employed, I'm anxious about the possibility of the background investigator contacting my current employer. I hope that doesn't happen, as I want to keep my job while exploring this new opportunity.

I spent nearly a year looking for a job in finance, from July 2025 to June 2026. It was a long and challenging journey, marked by a total of 6 rounds of interviews for one position, only to face rejection in the end. I found it frustrating that after so many interviews, the company still couldn't make a decision. During this time, I submitted around 150 applications, but only managed to secure 8 interviews, none of which went beyond two rounds. I understand that my target roles might be less common, but it still feels disheartening. I'm trying to stay positive and keep the faith as I continue my search.

I currently work six days a week in a grocery store dairy department, and I'm feeling completely lost about my career path. The job market seems dire, and when I consider my past experiences and what I'm capable of, it feels overwhelming. I tend to take initiative—if I see something that needs to be done, I do it. I move boxes, organize stock, and follow through on whatever my managers ask of me. However, I come home exhausted every day, feeling like I'm just going through the motions. The truth is, I don't enjoy worrying about other people's tasks or coordinating with multiple people. Social dynamics are not my strong suit, and I find no joy in it. I feel stuck in my current role with no clear path for advancement that excites me. I long for appreciation for my hard work, but that doesn’t translate to better financial stability or personal fulfillment. The thought of applying for new jobs is daunting; I dislike the competitive nature of it all and have no clear direction on what I want to pursue. Past experiences have shown me that working with others often derails my focus. It feels like I've already mapped out the next thirty years of my life, and I absolutely hate that feeling.

I'm currently a college student entering my fourth year this August. This summer, I decided to take a few classes to improve my GPA and prepare for actuarial exams. I've always worked, and last year I moved back in with my mom after living independently while juggling three jobs. I expected to easily find a summer job given my extensive experience in entry-level positions like cashiering, serving, and even managing a store. However, I've applied to hundreds of minimum wage jobs and haven't received a single interview. I've tried calling and visiting local businesses, but most just ask me to drop off a resume. This is frustrating because I've never had to go to so many places without getting any response. I’m available to work 30-40 hours a week now and up to 20 hours during the school year, which I’ve communicated in my applications. I’m starting to wonder if my experience is working against me, as I've read that employers might see candidates with too much experience as having higher expectations. I’ve never held a salaried position, so I’m confused about why I’m struggling to get interviews. If anyone has insights or advice on this situation, I would really appreciate it!

I had an interview for a position last Friday and the hiring manager assured me I would receive an email with the decision by 5:00 PM the following day. Now it's Saturday, and I haven't received anything. I'm starting to feel anxious about being ghosted. It seems pretty common for companies to not follow through on their promises to provide updates. I can't help but think that I probably didn't get the job or that they're still considering other candidates. Has anyone else experienced this? It's frustrating to be left in the dark after being told to expect a response.

I recently started interviewing for a new position, and the company has requested my salary slips for the past three months as part of their hiring process. However, I work at a small startup that only provides pay slips after I serve my notice period. I'm feeling anxious about this situation because I'm worried that the potential employer might reject my application simply because I can't provide the salary slips immediately. I know that other companies usually have these documents readily available through their HR portals, but mine does not. I'm considering whether I should ask my current employer if they can provide the slips earlier, but I'm not sure how to approach that. I've heard that in many places, companies are legally obligated to provide pay slips, so I'm wondering if this could be an issue. For now, I might consider providing bank statements that show regular payments from my employer, but I would need to black out any sensitive information. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.

I'm feeling really lost at 26 with my degree in mechanical engineering that seems to hold little value. I graduated with a 2:2 from a decent university, but my journey has been far from straightforward. I struggled with mental health issues that led me to drop out of a master's program and take a long break at home, where I've been for over a year now. I have no paid work experience, but I've done quite a bit of volunteering, including roles as a hiking leader and conservation leader at university. Despite my efforts, I feel like I have nothing attractive to offer potential employers. I don't drive, I'm out of shape, and I worry that my degree is essentially worthless now. I'm currently with NHS Step On, but I'm having a hard time finding opportunities. I'm considering starting in retail or admin, or maybe even looking into apprenticeships, but I still feel drawn to engineering and conservation. It's frustrating not knowing where to turn next, and I could really use some advice on how to move forward.

I took a career break three years ago from my role as a mechanical designer to fully immerse myself in studying data analytics. I dedicated around 10 hours a day to learning technologies like Python, SQL, and n8n. I had enough savings to support myself initially, but after a year of intense study, I started applying for jobs and attending interviews. As my finances began to dwindle, I took on temporary jobs in bartending and warehouse work to make ends meet. Unfortunately, the AI boom significantly impacted the job market, leading to a reduction in junior positions, and I struggled to find a role in data analytics for over a year. Now, I've decided to return to mechanical design and I'm currently trying to figure out the best way to explain this career gap on my CV.

I had an interview at the YMCA on May 10 for a part-time position, which I was really excited about because I loved the environment and the mission of the gym. After the interview, the hiring manager rushed me to send over my references that same day, which made me a bit uncomfortable as I wanted to check with my contacts first. Nevertheless, I sent them over. She mentioned she would call my references the following day, but that didn’t happen. As the weeks went by, my references were left waiting, and I found myself emailing her multiple times for updates. It took her a while to finally reach out, and when she did, it was after I had already accepted another retail job out of concern for my finances. Four days after I accepted the retail position, I received a text from her saying not to leave her and that she was still working on things. I expressed my continued interest, but there was still no formal offer. Eventually, I got an email with a 'conditional offer letter' that stated I was expected to work 0 hours a week, with hours varying based on the department's needs. This feels very insecure to me, especially since I need at least 15-20 hours of work weekly. The whole process has been frustrating, and I'm unsure if I should just forget about this opportunity or hold on to it. It’s a part-time job at the YMCA, not some corporate gig, so I’m really questioning the reliability of this offer.

I have a quick call scheduled with a hiring manager I reached out to on LinkedIn after they accepted my connection request. I found them through a job description and decided to cold-text them, which I know is a bit unconventional. They agreed to a quick chat, but I’m feeling really nervous about it. I’m used to traditional interviews, so this feels different and a bit awkward to me. I’ve tried reaching out like this a few times before, and it often gets uncomfortable when I run out of things to say. I want to make a good impression and not just feel like I’m selling my CV. I plan to start with a brief introduction and ask about the team and what they’re looking for, but I’m unsure of what else to discuss. I’ve read that it’s important to be genuinely curious and to keep the conversation flowing rather than just going through a list of questions. I’m also worried about how to wrap up the call without coming off as pushy. I really want this job, but the nerves are definitely kicking in. If anyone has tips on how to handle this type of conversation, especially how to end it on a good note, I would appreciate it!

After submitting around 150 job applications, I realized I needed to change my approach. Initially, I was doing the typical process: uploading my resume and retyping my information for each application, which was exhausting and time-consuming. What really helped me was separating the application process into dedicated blocks of time instead of spreading it out throughout the day. I started using a tool called Simplify that handles autofill for major ATS systems, which saved me a lot of repetitive work. For the custom portals that didn’t work with that tool, I set up standard answers in Quickform, which I could easily refill in Chrome. This way, I didn’t have to tailor every single response, but it significantly reduced the amount of retyping I had to do. I also made a point to avoid applying to listings that seemed like ghost jobs, which helped me focus on more legitimate opportunities. Overall, these changes didn’t lead me to apply to more jobs, but they made the process less taxing on my time and energy. I’m curious to know what other strategies have worked for you in terms of improving the application process!

I've been reflecting on my recent layoff from my role at a tech company and the support I've received since then. I've noticed that many people are struggling with similar feelings of uncertainty and frustration, especially with the increasing impact of AI on job roles. I'm reaching out to gather insights on what kind of support has been most beneficial for those who have been laid off. For me, I'm particularly interested in understanding whether resources like resume assistance, interview preparation, job leads, career coaching, emotional support, or networking have made a significant difference. I've found that many available resources feel quite automated and generic, but I believe that real human support can be invaluable during this challenging time. From what I've heard, a former colleague who was laid off earlier this year mentioned that investing in a career coach was a game changer for him. They helped him figure out his next steps, and he’s now thriving in a new role in a completely different field. It really made me think about what I wish I had when I first faced my layoff. I’d love to hear from others about their experiences and what kind of support they found most helpful.

I'm considering a job opportunity with a major tech company that could significantly boost my salary from the high five figures to six figures. The catch is that the position requires me to work overnight shifts on-site in a high-pressure environment, with my days off being Monday and Tuesday. The pay increase is at least $30k negotiable, but I would have to adjust my lifestyle significantly. Currently, I have a comfortable 9-5 job that I excel at, with optional remote work, a short commute, and a $25 lunch stipend. I'm also stepping back into an industry I've been away from for a year, which adds to my uncertainty. My partner is not thrilled about the potential changes to our lifestyle, including less time together and more meals alone. Financially, I'm in a good place with no debt, a partner who earns more than I do, and savings that cover six times my current salary across various accounts. I'm torn between the allure of a prestigious role and the comfort of my current job. What would you do in my situation?

I currently work at a job that pays me $11 an hour, but I'm also juggling college and other responsibilities. While living with my mother helps me save money, I'm worried that my pay might be cut soon due to some family issues. This could force me to quit and search for another job, which is daunting given my current financial goals like saving for a car or an apartment. The challenge is that I struggle with severe mental health issues, including depression and mood swings, which I can't afford to get treated. Some days I feel okay, but on others, I can't even get out of bed. This instability makes it hard for me to keep a job, especially if it's one that I dislike. I once quit a higher-paying job because I couldn't handle the environment after a confrontation with a coworker. I want to find a job that I can stick with, but I'm worried about being upfront about my mental health during the hiring process. I have limited experience, mostly in customer service, which I really don't enjoy. I'm looking for advice on how to find a job that won't exacerbate my mental health struggles and that I can actually tolerate. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I had an interview last week for a position and received a job offer shortly after. They called me on Thursday to discuss my wage and approximate orientation dates, which made me feel confident about starting the new role. However, today I received an email from Indeed stating that I was not selected by the employer, even though I haven't heard anything directly from the company that offered me the job. I'm left wondering if they've changed their mind and this email is how I'm finding out. I'm planning to call them on Monday to clarify the situation, as it might just be an administrative issue with the status on Indeed.