Thinking

I’m a 26-year-old looking for a fresh start and am willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. for work. I have two years of experience in plumbing, forklift operation, warehouse work, general labor, and customer service/management. I’m eager to find companies that are hiring and that offer benefits like per diem, paid travel, or housing. I’m open to various fields such as construction, industrial labor, shutdown/turnaround work, railroad jobs, disaster relief, apprenticeships, oil & gas, or any role that provides a solid opportunity to work hard and build a career. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations on companies, industries, unions, staffing agencies, or travel jobs that I should apply to. Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I graduated in Spring 2025 with a degree in Marketing and have been struggling to find a job since then. I don’t have any internships or prior work experience, but I did well in college with a good GPA and even won some awards for my marketing projects. I worked closely with local businesses for my capstone projects and presentations, which was a great experience. I also sell clothes and shoes online through platforms like Depop, Grailed, and eBay, with over 250 sales under my belt. Despite my efforts, I’ve had no luck securing a job. I’ve interviewed at several places including Verizon, Best Buy, Famous Footwear, local car dealerships, Staples, and a few remote roles, but I haven’t received any offers. Not getting the job at Famous Footwear was particularly disheartening and has affected my motivation. I’ve reached out to my old professors and advisors for help, but so far, I haven’t had any success. I live in a small town about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, and I’m considering moving to a bigger city where there are more job opportunities. I’m open to taking a service job or temp position just to get my foot in the door. Any advice on how to improve my job search or where to look would be greatly appreciated!

I've been feeling really stuck in my job search lately. It's been a few months since I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized tech company. I've applied to numerous jobs, tailored my resume, and even reached out to some connections in the industry, but I haven't had much luck getting interviews. It's frustrating because I know I have the skills and experience, but it seems like the competition is fierce right now. I'm considering seeking help from a career coach or joining a job search group to get some new strategies and support. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently went through a rather confusing and disorganized hiring process with a small manufacturing company. As a fresh graduate, I've been stuck in internships for about a year and have been applying to various positions. I applied for a role there and was invited for an interview with the General Manager and the department manager, which felt unusual to me, but I thought maybe they didn't have an HR department. Two weeks later, I was called back for a second interview, only to find out that the position I applied for had already been filled. The GM mentioned another opening in administration, but he was vague about what that role involved. Despite my confusion, I expressed my interest since I really need a job at this point. He promised to get back to me within a week, but after no response, I followed up and was invited to meet the team. When I arrived, I met the team from the department I originally applied to, and the manager had me read procedures for most of the day. At the end of the day, he asked me questions about what I learned and invited me back to discuss contracts and compensation. However, I noticed that the department I might be joining has essentially no one in it, which raises some concerns. What struck me as odd is that we still haven't discussed compensation despite my inquiries. To add to the confusion, a friend from my graduating class called me to say she was starting a probation period for the exact position I originally applied for. This was perplexing because I was told that position was filled, and I even met the person who supposedly got the job. Furthermore, my friend mentioned that several other graduates from my program are starting at the company, which seems like a lot for a small company. She also heard rumors that they might be struggling financially or even close to bankruptcy. Now I'm left wondering if I'm overthinking things or if there are legitimate red flags here. The entire process has felt exhausting and unclear.

I just received a job offer for a position that I applied for about a month ago, and I have mixed feelings about it. The company is offering me $21.42 an hour, which translates to around $44,000 a year. While I appreciate the opportunity, I'm feeling disappointed because I had indicated on my application that I would accept a minimum salary of $50,000. I have a bachelor's degree and over seven years of customer service experience, so I believe my qualifications warrant a higher pay, especially since the standard livable wage in my area is around $47,000 for a single person. This job is with the court system and only requires a high school diploma and a year of customer service experience, which I meet. However, I'm really struggling with the idea of negotiating the offer. I tend to be a people pleaser, and I'm anxious about potentially losing the job if I try to ask for more. Currently, I'm living with family, which is not ideal, and I really want to move out and be independent. I’m looking for advice on how to approach this negotiation or if I should just accept the offer as is and keep searching for better opportunities. I’ve heard mixed opinions about the job market right now, and I'm worried that if I push too hard, they might rescind the offer. Any insights on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I recently gave my two weeks' notice at my job as an inside sales representative, and my last day is in just three days. I’ve been with the company for about a year and a half, and my goal has always been to transition to an outside sales role. After asking about this move several times, I was met with vague responses about market conditions and company priorities, which led me to start looking for other opportunities. I ended up accepting a job offer from a different company in a similar industry. I informed my manager about my decision three weeks ago to give them enough time to find a replacement for my position, especially since I had just been promoted to senior inside sales and taken on additional responsibilities. Now, just three days before I’m set to leave, my boss calls me with an offer for the outside sales role I’ve been wanting. While I’m tempted to stay, I’ve already completed most of the onboarding paperwork for my new job. I know that since my new role is 'at will,' I could technically back out, but I’m unsure about the implications of doing so. The advice I’ve received from others suggests that my current company’s late offer is a sign of desperation, and they should have presented it to me much earlier. They’ve shown their true colors by waiting until now to make this offer, and I’m worried that accepting it might lead to future issues. I’m considering my options carefully as I navigate this situation.

I am currently seeking a Mechanical Engineering job after spending 10 years in the field with an Associate's Degree. Back in 2014-2017, it was common for many in the engineering sector to opt for an associate's degree instead of a bachelor's. I worked in a factory while funding my education, and upon graduating, I had several job offers. I took a relocation opportunity to start fresh, but after 8 years of feeling undervalued, I decided it was time to explore new opportunities. Now, I hold a senior position at my current company and have been actively applying for similar roles over the past month. I've submitted around 30-50 applications but have only received about 4-5 phone screens and just one in-person interview. I'm starting to feel discouraged; I expected my experience to make me a strong candidate, but the job market seems very different now. A few years ago, I was frequently contacted by recruiters, but now it feels like I might be stuck in my current role or forced to accept a significant downgrade in position and salary, which I'm not prepared to do. I’m feeling pretty lost and unsure about my future.

I’ve been job searching for a while now, and I’ve come to realize that the hardest part isn’t the rejection. At least with a rejection, you get some closure. The real struggle is when I send out an application, feel hopeful for a few days, and then… nothing. No interview, no rejection, just complete silence. I find myself checking my email constantly, waiting for a response that never comes. That silence can be deafening and starts to play tricks on my mind. I catch myself thinking, 'Maybe I’m not qualified enough,' or 'My resume must be terrible,' or even 'Maybe no one is hiring at all.' It’s frustrating and honestly, I think being ghosted is worse than a straightforward rejection.

I recently found myself unemployed and have been actively applying for jobs. I came across a position that appears to be a lateral move from my last role, which I'm not particularly excited about. The job does involve a new tech stack that I could learn, which might be beneficial for my growth. However, I'm torn between taking this offer and potentially having a gap in my resume. I wonder if future employers would prefer to see me employed in a role I'm not fond of, or if they would look more favorably on a gap in my employment history while I search for a position that truly excites me.

I recently interviewed for a city job, which is a big step for me since this would be my first full-time position outside of internships. After the interview, I received an email requesting a background check, which I completed. Following that, I was asked to take a drug test, which I passed yesterday. The email mentioned that the drug and alcohol testing is a condition of the job offer, but I haven't received a conditional offer yet. I'm wondering if I should reach out for more information or if it's typical for them to have multiple candidates go through this process at the same time. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the wait and would appreciate any insights!

I recently interviewed for an Inpatient Coding Specialist position with a major company in my region. After passing a coding assessment, I received an email stating that I was a top candidate and needed to provide my SSN and DOB in Workday. I completed that step, but my application status changed from "under consideration" to "decision pending". Since then, I haven't received any calls or emails regarding the next steps, which has me feeling a bit anxious. The email mentioned they would reach out within 72 hours, and since it was sent at 7 a.m. this morning Central time, I'm hoping to hear back soon. This opportunity means a lot to me, and I'm really hoping for a positive outcome.

I recently applied for a job that I'm really excited about, but I'm feeling anxious about the background check process. I've had some issues in my past that I hope won't come up and affect my chances. I'm currently in the interview stage, and everything seemed to be going well until I started thinking about this. I just want to make sure I present my best self and that my past won't overshadow my qualifications for the role.

I just wrapped up a tough job search that lasted two months and included three interviews, but unfortunately, I didn't land the position. I received a call from the recruiter letting me know I was the runner-up, and they mentioned that if the other candidate declined, they would be eager to bring me on board. It’s frustrating because I feel like I put in a lot of effort, and I wish there was some compensation for the time spent interviewing, especially since I’m currently on unemployment. During the process, the hiring manager and the two other designers seemed genuinely supportive and encouraged me to discuss specific topics in each interview, which made me feel like I was a strong contender for the role. However, my last interview with the researcher didn’t go as well as I had hoped; I sensed she wasn’t particularly fond of me. I had a lot riding on this job, especially with the attractive compensation package that included a 17% bonus on top of the salary. I believed I was a great fit given my relevant experience, and I approached the interviews with positivity and enthusiasm. But maybe I said something that raised doubts. Now, I’m on day 91 of my job search after being laid off from a position I truly loved, and I have a lot of house projects pending that I can’t tackle until I secure a new job. With my birthday coming up this month, I’m feeling the pressure to find something soon to help me move forward with my life goals. It’s been a challenging time, especially with the added stress of home payments, and I’m trying to stay calm, but it’s tough to keep my mind from spiraling.

I just received a notification that the Head of HR wants to talk to me. I’ve been on medical leave for a few months due to anxiety and depression, largely stemming from how my manager has treated me. My short-term leave has ended, and I’ve been slow to submit the paperwork for my long-term leave. I never formally complained about my manager, but when I finally spoke up about the unfair treatment, I was immediately put on a performance improvement plan (PIP) and then I crashed, which is why I haven’t returned to work since. Now, I’m left wondering what the Head of HR wants to discuss. I’m feeling anxious about the conversation and could really use some advice on how to prepare for it. I’ve seen some comments suggesting they might be calling to inform me that I no longer work there, especially since I haven’t submitted the required documents for my leave. I need to brainstorm potential responses and figure out how to approach this situation. It feels overwhelming, but I know I need to be ready for whatever comes next.

I applied for a remote position at a research organization focused on federal government contracting at the end of December 2025. After receiving an auto-rejection in mid-February, I was pleasantly surprised to get an email at the end of March inviting me to schedule a phone interview, which took place in the second week of April and went well. During the interview, the hiring manager outlined the entire process: a take-home coding assignment, a pre-read document for a technical interview, a 15-minute introductory call, a 1-hour general panel interview, a 1-hour technical interview, and a 15-minute wrap-up call with her. All of these interviews were conducted on May 4th, with the wrap-up call happening on May 6th. She mentioned that the final step before an offer would be reference checks and assured me I would hear back early the following week. I made sure to send thank-you emails to everyone I spoke with. On May 8th, the hiring manager requested my references, which felt like a good sign. I submitted them, and the following Monday, she confirmed that she had contacted them and that my references had completed their part. After waiting a full week without any updates, I reached out that Friday for news. She was on PTO and didn’t respond until the following Thursday, saying the team was close to making final decisions and that I would know more by the end of the week. However, I didn’t hear anything, so I followed up again on May 29th, but still no response. It’s been a month since my interviews, and I’m left with no rejection, no updates on the portal, just silence. The hiring manager is active on LinkedIn but only engaging with posts about different roles at the company. I’m starting to wonder if I’m being ghosted or if this process really takes this long. This job market is so tough, and this was the only interview I’ve had in months. I really want this job!

I've been working as a contractor for a while now, and I'm really looking to transition into a full-time position. The uncertainty of contract work is starting to wear on me, and I want the stability that comes with a permanent role. I've been applying to various full-time positions but haven't had much luck. I'm wondering if anyone has tips or strategies for breaking out of contractor roles and landing a full-time job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently an engineer who has been on the job hunt for the past 7 months. During this time, I've come to realize that my profile is quite broad, covering various topics and skills. However, I've noticed that many job postings require candidates to have deeper expertise in specific areas. This has made it challenging for me to stand out, as hiring managers often prefer more specialized candidates. I'm reflecting on whether I should focus on becoming a specialist in one area or continue to leverage my diverse skill set.

I recently received a job offer from PwC, but I'm currently in limbo waiting for the background check to finalize. In the meantime, my current employer has assigned me to a new project and is investing a lot of training into me, especially since two team members have left. I feel guilty about potentially leaving them hanging after they've put so much effort into my development. I'm torn between staying quiet until the background check clears or being upfront about my situation. I'm leaning towards keeping it to myself for now, as I don't want to risk losing my current job if the background check doesn't go through.

After 11 months of searching, I finally received a job offer last week. It was a long and challenging journey, but I kept a detailed job tracker throughout the process, which I highly recommend to anyone in a similar situation. Here are the numbers from my job search since July 2025: I sent out a total of 607 applications, averaging about 13-20 per week. I created 427 unique files, including custom cover letters and resumes. Out of those applications, only 10 companies reached out for recruiter screenings, which is about 1.6%. I advanced to interviews with 6 companies (around 1%), and made it to final rounds with 3 (approximately 0.5%). Ultimately, I received 1 job offer, which is about 0.16% of my total applications. Throughout this time, I was browsing various forums for support, and reading about others' struggles was tough. I have over 10 years of experience and an advanced degree, and I was primarily looking for remote roles, which made the search even more competitive. The emotional toll of constant rejections was heavy, but I learned a lot and adjusted my approach significantly in the final months. One key takeaway I want to share: assume that none of your applications will be read by a human unless you actively reach out. I did a lot of networking on LinkedIn, but if I could do it all over again, I would significantly increase my outreach efforts, even if it meant applying to fewer jobs. It's essential to treat your job tracker like a CRM tool and engage in targeted outreach as part of a campaign. To anyone still searching, keep your head up. If you're qualified and facing numerous rejections, remember that the issue often lies within the broken system, not with you. The only way out is through.

I recently started my own remodeling business about six months ago, and while it's been financially successful—bringing in around $10k a month—I’m feeling burnt out and questioning my future in this industry. I’ve been in the remodeling and contracting field for about two years now, and I enjoy the hands-on work of building things. However, the chaos of managing trades, fixing mistakes, and dealing with the constant headaches of remodeling has taken a toll on me. I’m passionate about business and entrepreneurship, but I’m realizing that this might not be the right path for me. I’m looking for something more stable while I figure out what I truly want to pursue long-term. My goal is to find a job that pays at least $5k a month, but I'm unsure where to start looking for opportunities that match that income, especially at my age. Any advice on pivoting to a more stable role would be greatly appreciated.