Thinking

I'm currently in the process of looking for a new job after spending the last three years in my first professional role since graduating college. My background mainly consists of retail work during college, so my job history is not very extensive. I have two bosses from my current job who could serve as references, but I'm hesitant to use my current boss because if they receive a call, it would reveal that I'm job hunting, which could create tension at work. I'm concerned that having only one reference might hinder my applications, especially since many employers request 2-3 references. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation.

I’m currently navigating my resignation process at my job, where I work a 9/80 schedule. I want my last day to be Wednesday, July 1st, which coincides with a company cookout for the 4th of July. My boss typically works from home on Wednesdays and Fridays, so I’m trying to figure out the best timing to submit my two weeks' notice. I’m considering putting in my notice next Tuesday, June 16th, which would technically give me a 2 week and 1 day notice, but I prefer to speak with my manager in person. Alternatively, I could wait until Wednesday, June 17th, but I believe he’ll be busy with another job that day. Another option is to submit my notice on June 26th, but that would only give me an 8-day notice due to the holiday. I’m unsure if that would be seen as unprofessional, especially since a mentor of mine will be on vacation the week of the 6th-10th. I couldn’t find any specific guidance in our company policies regarding notice periods. Any advice would be appreciated!

I am currently seeking a new job as I want to transition out of my position at In-N-Out, where I have been working for about 6 months. I've noticed a lot of favoritism at my location, leading to frustration as I've seen others who were hired after me getting promoted much quicker despite my hard work and dedication. I'm 18 years old and looking for opportunities that offer more room for growth, ideally around $20 an hour. My experience includes working at In-N-Out and previously at Raising Cane's, along with a role as a party host where I developed strong customer service skills, teamwork abilities, and the capacity to handle challenging situations. I'm eager to learn new skills and work hard in a new environment. I'm reaching out for recommendations on jobs that would be suitable for someone with my background and pay expectations. Any advice or success stories from those who have made a similar transition would be greatly appreciated!

I received a job offer for a position about two weeks ago, along with an offer letter and instructions for completing a background check. I promptly completed all the necessary steps, but since then, I've sent two follow-up emails inquiring about the next steps and haven't received any response. It's been over a week and a half now, and I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation. I'm wondering if there's anything else I can do to get in touch with them or if I should be concerned about the legitimacy of the offer.

After two long years of job hunting, I've finally decided to give AI a shot for my resumes. I've been scraping by by restoring and building lamps, but it’s been tough with no luck on the job front. I've applied to at least a thousand listings, tweaking my resume each time, and the only response I got was a rejection for being 'overqualified.' No interviews at all. I’ve always been skeptical about AI, believing it has a negative impact on the world, and I’ve been pretty tech-averse lately. But I caved and tried using ChatGPT to create job-specific resumes. Surprisingly, I applied to three listings and now have three interviews scheduled! It still took about the same amount of time to revise my resume, but the mental load was significantly lighter, which was a relief. I’m hopeful this will finally lead to something good.

I've been unemployed for over a year now, and it's been incredibly tough. I get a few interviews here and there, but I never seem to make it past the first stage. It's frustrating because I rarely receive any concrete feedback, just generic rejections. To make matters worse, I was on sick leave for a long time and got laid off while trying to return to work part-time. I used to be a confident, educated young woman with dreams of buying an apartment and starting a family with my partner. Now, I find myself struggling with mental health issues, feeling deeply depressed, and on the verge of breaking up with my partner due to the stress of my situation. Despite all this, I still put in my best effort during interviews. I even role-play to prepare, and I often receive positive feedback during those practice sessions. But I can't help but wonder if the actual interviewers can sense my desperation. It's been a difficult journey, and I'm really not doing well, so I'm reaching out for some support and understanding.

I was a founding engineer at a startup that came from a Tier 1.5 college. Unfortunately, I was laid off recently due to funding issues that the company faced. Now, I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps and could really use some advice on how to navigate this situation and find new opportunities.

Today I signed my separation document after being laid off from my role. However, my manager is now asking me to take on additional tasks and documentation as part of my transition. I feel frustrated because I believe that since my employment has officially ended, I should only be responsible for transitioning my existing work. I plan to push back and tell my manager that any new requests should be redirected to someone else. I'm concerned about whether this could affect my severance or unemployment application if I refuse to do more work. It feels unfair to be asked for additional contributions after being laid off. I just want to ensure that I handle this situation correctly.

I've been reflecting on my job search journey lately. I've only submitted four resumes in my life, and each time I landed a job. My current role is in a different industry than my previous ones. I worked in IT for my second job and then transitioned to a front desk position at a hotel for my third job while I was looking for something more suitable. I needed that job to keep me afloat, even though the pay wasn't great. Now, I’m curious about the experiences of others who seem to struggle finding work. I recently heard about someone who submitted nearly 1700 applications over 18 months before finally getting hired. It makes me wonder if the job market is really that tough or if people are just setting their standards too high. I feel fortunate to have a job now, especially since the local market is pretty bad. I can imagine how difficult it must be for those without a job at this time.

I'm currently working in a nursing home in housekeeping, but I've reached a point where this job is really draining me. I feel stuck and frustrated, with no clear direction or future. I've been searching for new job opportunities, including side jobs or part-time work, but I often struggle to find anything suitable or I don't meet the qualifications. My interests lie in technology, computers, social media, and digital-related work, and I'm particularly drawn to roles like chat support, email support, or community management, ideally in a remote capacity. However, I feel discouraged because many job listings require specific degrees or experience that I don't have. Plus, I'm not comfortable with phone calls, which makes traditional call center jobs less appealing. I often wonder how others manage to switch careers or find additional income sources, especially when I see so many discussions about remote jobs and online careers. I'm also feeling quite dissatisfied with my current situation and the limited opportunities in my country. I really want to find a job that aligns with my interests and doesn't leave me exhausted every day. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you manage to transition out of a job that was making you unhappy? I'm looking for realistic advice on breaking into fields like chat support or community management without formal training.

I graduated with a degree in marketing about a year ago and took the first job offer I got, which turned out to be in a customer service role. Now, nine months in, I'm feeling completely overwhelmed and miserable. The workload is heavy, and it seems like every project ends up on my desk. I'm supposed to manage my own schedule, but the pressure is just too much for me. To make matters worse, I have no interest in this field at all, and the pay is disappointing—I'm actually earning less than I did during my internship. I've been spending a lot of time contemplating whether quitting is the right decision or if I'd regret it later. Has anyone else experienced this kind of dissatisfaction so early in their careers? Did things improve, or was it a clear sign that a change was needed?

I recently found myself in a tough situation after resigning from my company where I’ve worked for 20 years. I’ve been with this company since its inception, and over the years, I’ve climbed the ranks and built a large team. I genuinely enjoyed my career there until about 18 months ago when the culture took a turn for the worse. Reorganizations led to a toxic environment, and new management started to overlook long-tenured employees like myself, which was disheartening. After much consideration, I accepted a new role that was lateral in nature but promised upward mobility in title and offered me the same compensation. This new position also provided the flexibility I was seeking, although it required bi-weekly travel. I had made up my mind and resigned, clearly stating that I wasn’t looking for a counteroffer. To my surprise, my original company countered with an offer that included a better title, even more locational flexibility, and a 17% increase in total annual compensation compared to the new role. While I appreciate their effort to retain me, I’m skeptical about whether the company culture can truly change. I’m torn about what to do next. I know the common wisdom is to never accept a counteroffer, but this feels different. I would love to hear any insights or experiences from others who have been in similar situations.

I recently had a frustrating experience while interviewing for a receptionist position at a dental office after spending 12 years in retail, primarily in visual merchandising and management roles. I applied for a few administrative jobs on Indeed and was pleased to see that my application caught the attention of this dental office. After reaching out to the recruiter, I managed to secure a phone interview. However, my current work schedule, which is Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, only allowed me to interview during my lunch hour or after work. On the day of the interview, I found myself waiting endlessly for the call. I sent a message to the recruiter at 12:26 PM, and she called me back right away, explaining that she had been in a meeting that ran late. I understood that things happen, but I had to ask to reschedule for the next day at noon due to a shorter lunch break I had to take that day because of management coverage issues. While she agreed to reschedule, I received a rather rude message later that day, reiterating our discussion in a passive-aggressive tone. The next day, she called at the scheduled time, but I felt her attitude suggested a lack of respect for my time. During the interview, she asked what I knew about the practice, and while I mentioned that it was a dental office, I did share some knowledge about the doctor running it. I expressed that my skills in planning, scheduling, and customer interactions could transition well into a patient care environment. When asked about my strengths, I mentioned my adaptability to new expectations, especially since retail has become unpredictable. However, I stumbled when discussing my weaknesses, saying that my decision-making felt rusty since I had shifted my focus more towards merchandising. Ultimately, I received a rejection, which left me feeling stuck in retail and questioning my future. I’m seeking advice on how to move forward from this experience.

I used to be a high school teacher and later worked as a translator, but health issues in 2021 set me back significantly. For the past two years, I've been focused on my recovery and have completed a postgraduate program, aiming to find a part-time job in a library. I've applied for five positions so far, but the feedback has been discouraging. They keep telling me I'm overqualified, which I understand, but I assure them that this is a conscious choice for me. I genuinely want to work part-time at this level. Recently, I've also received comments that my personality is 'too strong' for the team. While I recognize that I can adapt and work well with others, it's frustrating to hear this as feedback. I'm not looking to debate my personality online, but I'm feeling exhausted and hopeless about the job search. If anyone has been in a similar situation, I would appreciate any advice or perspectives on how to navigate this. Thank you.

I recently resigned from my position after just three days of working at a tech startup. It was a tough decision, but I received an offer from another company that I felt was a better fit for my career goals and aspirations. I was feeling uncertain about my choice, wondering if I made the right move by leaving so quickly. I hope that my decision will lead to better opportunities, but I can't help but feel a bit anxious about how it might be perceived by future employers. Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I’ve been feeling really frustrated with the job market as a recent graduate looking for roles that say they’re open to freshers or those with 0-2 years of experience. I’ve noticed a disconnect between the job descriptions and what companies actually want. Despite applying to numerous positions, getting interview calls has been incredibly challenging. I’ve spoken to HR representatives and employees from various companies, and it seems like they often prefer candidates with some prior experience, even for roles that are advertised as entry-level. Here are some of my specific frustrations: 1. It feels almost impossible to get interview calls through off-campus applications. 2. The competition for off-campus roles seems to be much tougher than for campus placements. 3. I’ve noticed that recruiters treat off-campus candidates differently compared to those coming from campus. 4. Even when jobs are labeled for freshers, candidates with internships or work experience seem to be prioritized. I know that referrals can help, but I’m really trying to figure out what else can be done. I’m eager to hear from anyone who has successfully landed a job through off-campus hiring recently. I’m curious about how you got your interview calls, what strategies you used for applications, whether you relied on company portals, LinkedIn, or career fairs, and how many applications it took before you started getting responses. Also, any tips on interview preparation and what hiring managers are really looking for in candidates like us would be greatly appreciated. I’d love to hear from those who have navigated this process in the last year or so, as I know the market has changed significantly. I’m not after motivational advice; I’m looking for practical strategies that are working right now.

I'm currently working in the cardiology department of a medical imaging facility, where I've built over 5 years of experience. This job is my favorite, but I recently discovered that I'm significantly underpaid compared to new hires. A recent graduate was offered just under my current salary, and another technician with less relevant experience was offered considerably more. It feels frustrating, especially since I often help train these new hires and provide support on protocols, anatomy, and troubleshooting. I've raised my concerns with my supervisor and director, who escalated the issue to HR, but it was denied. Despite my contributions, it seems like my value isn't recognized. I pick up extra shifts when the department is short-staffed, and I've been a go-to person for many team members. Now, I'm at a crossroads. I could leave for a new job that pays $7 to $10 more per hour, but I genuinely love my current role. I'm torn between staying at a job I enjoy and pursuing better compensation. Should I give management another chance to reconsider my pay, or is HR's denial a clear sign? I’m also curious if anyone else has left a job they loved for better pay and how they felt about that decision.

As a Senior Software Engineer at Uber, I've recently been working on a platform called DevInterview.AI aimed at helping software engineers prepare for interviews. Given the advancements in voice AI, I felt it was time to create a product that truly simulates real interview experiences. The platform offers coding, system design, and behavioral mock interviews with an AI that mimics a real interviewer. Each interview type has a tailored interface, like a live IDE for coding or a canvas for system design, which enhances the experience. After each mock interview, users receive detailed and actionable feedback to improve their skills. The first interview is free, and I’ve kept the pricing low to make it accessible while covering costs. Having been laid off twice in recent years, I understand the challenges in the job market for software engineers, so being well-prepared for interviews is crucial. This platform helped me prepare for my interviews at Uber, and I truly hope it assists others in similar situations. I've dedicated almost a year to developing this tool and would love to hear any feedback!

I've been laid off five times throughout my career, and I've also had to lay off employees myself on several occasions. From my experiences, I can tell you that layoffs today often feel very different from the mass reductions in the past. It's common for individuals to feel gaslit and to blame themselves for perceived poor performance when, in reality, that usually has little to do with the decision to let them go. Companies can struggle for a long time, and after a big wave of layoffs, they often find that cutting jobs doesn't magically lead to growth. When financial pressure mounts, companies typically have two options: raise more money or tighten their belts. Unfortunately, many companies hesitate to conduct multiple rounds of layoffs because it signals deeper issues to creditors and clients, which can lead to a downward spiral. This is where the 'onesie/twosie' era comes into play, where managers are tasked with making cuts on a smaller scale, often with little direction and minimal notice, sometimes as frequently as every quarter. As a manager, I always tried to make fair decisions based on factors like skill replaceability and cost-effectiveness, but I've seen others use this time to settle personal scores or to favor friends. In some cases, decisions are made higher up, leaving managers to inform employees without any input. If a company is ethical, they will frame these smaller cuts as 'restructuring' and provide fair severance while assuring employees that their performance isn't the issue. However, some companies will claim they aren't laying off employees but are only cutting those with poor performance, which can lead to managers documenting minor issues to justify their decisions. This approach can also be used to minimize severance packages, and it can have a devastating impact on the mental health of those affected, causing them to doubt themselves at a critical time. The reality is that layoff decisions are often made quickly and can be influenced by a variety of factors, some rational and others not. If your performance was genuinely an issue, you would have received feedback through performance reviews or improvement plans. If you were not replaced after a layoff, it likely came down to budget cuts, plain and simple. I hope sharing these insights helps others navigate this challenging landscape, and I'm open to any questions.

I'm a 25-year-old feeling overwhelmed by the constant fear of layoffs in my current job. Even though I still have my position, the uncertainty of the job market is weighing heavily on me. I'm actively trying to grow and learn more in my role, but that fear of losing my job never really fades. On top of that, I'm in a situationship with a girl I really like, but I can't see a future together. The thought of marriage or building a stable life feels unrealistic right now, which adds to my anxiety. I find myself torn between focusing on my career and the fear of losing everything if I were to get laid off. Sometimes, I think maybe I should just dedicate myself entirely to work, so if I do lose my job, at least I won't be dragging anyone else down with me. I've seen others share their experiences, and it seems like saving as much as possible is crucial. I've heard stories of people getting laid off and struggling for months to find new jobs, so having a financial cushion sounds like a smart move. Keeping my resume updated and staying connected in my field also seems important, but the emotional toll of all this is exhausting.