Thinking

I’m currently feeling overwhelmed in my consulting role at a small firm, where I earn a six-figure salary. The stress has become unbearable, leading to daily anxiety and exhaustion. I’ve attempted to reduce my hours, but that only results in more intense work periods, leaving me drained and unable to enjoy my personal life. My responsibilities and the constant demand for updates from my boss make it nearly impossible to quiet quit. I feel stagnant, as I’m not learning anything new, and I’m underpaid compared to my peers. The thought of quitting is daunting, especially with the current job market being so tough. I’ve been applying for new roles for months without much success, which makes me hesitant to leave my current position. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this tough situation.

I just landed a job offer after being unemployed for over a year, which feels like a huge relief. The commute isn't bad, but the pay is quite low, which seems to be the norm these days. I accepted the offer and I'm set to start tomorrow. However, I noticed a clause in the employment agreement about temporary layoffs, which I don't recall seeing in my previous job. This clause gives the company the right to lay me off temporarily at any time. I understand that small businesses are facing challenges right now, so I get why they might include something like this. Still, it makes me wonder if they plan to keep me only on a temporary basis. I've heard that these clauses can be common in certain industries, especially in manufacturing or seasonal work, as they allow companies to put employees on unpaid leave instead of outright firing them when business slows down. I guess I have nothing to lose by starting this job, but I'm curious if I should be concerned about this clause. Could it be a sign that they might reduce my hours or let me go soon? I’d appreciate any insights from others who might have experienced something similar.

I recently moved from the USA to the UK and am currently looking for a job as a SOC Analyst in Europe. I hold a BSc in Cybersecurity and have a couple of certifications, including CySA+ and Security+. I'm also working on my SC-200 Microsoft Analyst certification and have been studying CCNA content. My professional background includes 2 years as a Network and Support Engineer in NYC and another 2 years in helpdesk roles. Despite applying to over 100 positions across Europe, I haven't received a single interview, which is surprising given that this is supposed to be a busy hiring season. I'm wondering if my current location in the UK is impacting my job search. As an EU citizen, I can work anywhere in the EU, but I’m considering whether I should relocate to a specific country like Ireland or Spain, where I am a native Spanish speaker. I’ve also looked into opportunities in the Netherlands, but many positions seem to require Dutch language skills, which has been frustrating. I’m currently staying with family in the UK, which helps with expenses, but I’m eager to find a job and relocate. Any advice on improving my chances or strategies for applying from my current location would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a 17-year-old male currently struggling to land my first job. Despite submitting numerous resumes and applications, I keep receiving automated responses stating I’m "not a good fit" for the roles I apply for. This has been really discouraging, and I feel like I’m losing momentum in my job search. My resume highlights my volunteer work, CPR/AED certification, my high school diploma, and some personal business experience, which I thought would make me a strong candidate for entry-level positions. However, I’ve never held a traditional paid job, and I wonder if that’s what's holding me back. I’m about to turn 18, and while I hope my age isn’t a factor, I suspect that lacking formal corporate work experience is a significant hurdle. I’ve received some advice suggesting I target smaller restaurants and retail stores where automated screening might not be as prevalent. I’m considering applying at places like Little Caesars, as I’ve heard they’re more likely to hire someone in my situation. I just want to get my foot in the door and start gaining experience.

I am currently contemplating quitting my first job after just three weeks. I work as a video editor for social media content, and the workload has been overwhelming. They expect me to produce 80 videos a month for 9-10 different clients. In my first week, I was assigned a new client and tasked with creating their style while also learning new software. I've been putting in long hours, often working all day, including weekends, for the past two weeks. The stress is taking a toll on my health; I’ve been experiencing symptoms like shaking, headaches, nausea, and neck pain. My friends keep telling me that the beginning of a new job is always tough and that things will improve, but I'm not sure I can handle it any longer. I feel embarrassed and like a failure for even considering quitting, but I know my well-being is important. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation.

I've been on the hunt for a weekend service or retail job to supplement my income, and it's been quite a struggle. Previously, when I lived in another city, I was able to find work fairly easily. I mentioned to friends that I was looking for a job, and before I knew it, I was hired as a cashier at a local store. I worked alongside a guy who had a full-time job with the county and only worked weekends. It felt like the perfect setup. Now that I've moved back to my hometown, things are not going as smoothly. This smaller city seems to lack the community connections I had before. I've tried applying for various roles—dishwasher, host, cashier, and barback—but I haven't had any luck. The closest I got was being 'hired' by a seasonal retail store, but they never gave me any hours to work. I've been walking into places nearby, expressing my interest, but it feels like I'm hitting a wall. Both corporate and local shops are relying on impersonal ATS systems, which makes it hard to connect with anyone directly. The local culture seems to contribute to this issue as well, with a high turnover rate and a pool of students eager for the same positions. I suspect my availability is also a factor; I can't work during weekdays until after 6 due to public transit limitations. It's frustrating because I really need this second job to build up my savings, especially since my full-time job isn't enough. I'm mostly venting here, but if anyone has any actionable advice, I would really appreciate it. It's just tough navigating this job market without the community support I once had.

I'm currently feeling pretty frustrated in my framing job where I work with a wealthy clientele who can be quite unbearable. The person in charge is also contributing to a toxic environment, and I'm seriously considering a change. I used to work at Hobby Lobby from 2018 to 2024, where I held various roles including frame shop management, and I was making around $25/hr. I gave up three weeks of vacation for this job, which has turned out to be a poor decision since I enjoy traveling. I recently visited a Costco in Traverse City, MI, and was impressed by the happy employees and the pay, which I hear can start at $29/hr or more. However, I know that starting pay can vary based on experience and position. I'm curious if Costco really lives up to its reputation as a great place to work, especially since I'm hesitant to leave my current job without a solid guarantee of a better work environment and pay. I've heard mixed reviews about working at Costco, with some saying the benefits and raises are great, while others mention the physical demands of the job. I'm looking for insights on whether it's worth making the switch, as I left retail for a reason and want to ensure my next move is a positive one for my mental health.

I'm currently navigating a challenging phase in my career at 21. Right now, I'm working as a Wind Turbine Technician, but I'm starting to regret this choice due to a long commute of over 1 hour and 30 minutes each way and the difficult dynamics with external contractors at my job. The expectation to work overtime daily leaves me with little time or energy for my personal life. I've held a variety of jobs since leaving school, including hotel work, factory work, warehouse work, field-based work, and airport ground handling. While I have a strong interest in engineering and game development, I'm unsure about my long-term career path. My concern is that my diverse work history might make potential employers view me as someone who jumps from job to job. I'm now considering seeking opportunities closer to home that align more with my interests in engineering, manufacturing, mechanical work, or even game development. I'm eager to find a role where I can develop my skills and build a meaningful career.

I’m starting a new job as a preschool teacher at a different center this Tuesday, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. After working at my previous center for eight years, the thought of starting over at the bottom is daunting. What really worries me is the fear of going back to being unemployed; job searching is incredibly tough, especially since there aren’t many opportunities in my field around here. I know that feeling anxious about a new role is normal, but I can’t help but feel scared. I just want to do well and not have to face the job market again.

I was laid off about six months ago from a large company where I had worked for 15 years. Now in my mid-40s, I'm facing significant challenges with my mental strength. I've noticed a decline in my self-confidence and an increase in anxiety that I didn't experience before. Simple tasks like sending a networking email or making a phone call now make me anxious. I'm actively applying for jobs and trying to network, but my self-esteem has really taken a hit. On top of that, I've dealt with some personal losses in my immediate family, which has left me without the support network I once had. I'm reaching out for tips on how to rebuild or maintain my self-confidence during this tough time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Reflecting on the layoffs during 2020, I remember it as a unique time. I was laid off and fortunate enough to keep my laptop and monitor, and all my equity had vested. The placement support was helpful, and I was receiving $1,050 a week in unemployment benefits. It felt like a golden age compared to what I've heard from others who faced layoffs without any support. I know many people didn’t receive any severance or assistance, which makes my experience feel even more fortunate. It’s interesting to see how some people who were laid off during that time ended up better off financially and career-wise, while I managed to stay employed through the subsequent layoffs. The job market during that period was unlike anything I've seen since.

I recently completed my Level 2 and ECS certifications in the electrical trade here in the UK. At 28 years old, I'm eager to start my career as an electrician mate/improver, but I'm facing significant challenges. Despite my basic handyman experience and some work I've done in my own home and for friends, I have no formal experience in the field. I've been applying for jobs for the past three months, but it seems like every company is looking for candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience, and I haven't received any responses. I've tried reaching out to trade agencies and contacting companies directly, but my calls and emails have gone unanswered. I'm starting to feel lost and unsure of how to proceed. I've even considered going into pubs on Fridays to network with electricians, but I'm not convinced that's a viable strategy. If anyone has advice or tips on how to break into the industry, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm currently navigating my job search and career trajectory in the Silicon Valley area, where I've spent the last five years working in semi to fully autonomous robotics, specifically within manufacturing. I started as a technician earning $24/hr and most recently worked as a floor lead at $50/hr. Although I'm still employed in a role related to autonomous human robotics for a company that sells to a FAANG company, I find myself disliking this position, especially coming from a background in medical and warehousing robots designed to assist workers. I'm pursuing an AS degree in engineering to transition into engineering technician roles, but I'm facing challenges in finding suitable job openings. It seems that there are very few team lead or line lead positions available in manufacturing that aren't focused on heavy chemical or cleanroom chip production. The alternative jobs I've encountered often come with undesirable conditions, such as long commutes, night shifts, and low pay around $27/hr. I've been searching for job opportunities outside of the usual company websites, but platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn haven't been helpful. I can't seem to refine my searches effectively. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has advice on how to find worthwhile job openings or if there are specific job titles I might be qualified for that I'm overlooking. Additionally, I'm interested in learning about skills, certifications, or courses that could enhance my appeal for higher-level positions. Any insights or experiences from others in the robotics manufacturing field would be greatly appreciated!

I recently graduated with my master's degree and had been struggling to find a job for about three months. I finally accepted an entry-level position at a hospital, which I was set to start soon. However, I just received a much better job offer that pays almost four times what the hospital position does. I'm currently in the onboarding process for the new job, but I feel guilty about having to back out of the hospital position, especially since the interviewer was really nice and I was supposed to help with a new unit they were opening. I formally accepted the hospital job through their portal and signed the necessary documents, but now I'm unsure about the consequences of quitting before I even start. I need to notify the hospital's HR and the director that I won't be able to continue with the onboarding process. I haven't received any official documentation from the new job yet, but they are working on it as my orientation is in just five days. I'm worried about burning bridges with the hospital and whether this will affect my future job prospects there, even though I haven't officially started. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

I recently completed two years as a Data Engineer at a Big 4 company and have transitioned into the GenAI field. Despite my efforts to switch jobs for better salary and work environment, I’ve been struggling to land new opportunities. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering in 2024, scoring 8.1/10, and have completed multiple internships, including a summer role as a Software Engineer in an MNC. For the past year, I’ve been trying to find a new job but my resume seems to be overlooked. Even when I do get interviews, I often get ghosted after the second or third round. Recently, I cleared three rounds of interviews with another Big 4 firm, and although they requested my documents, I haven’t heard back in two months. I have skills in JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, Python, Snowflake, Palantir, SQL, LangGraph, Vector DBs, and RAG, but I still feel like I have a long way to go in AI. I’m eager to learn and prove my capabilities, but I’m feeling very low and average compared to my peers who are advancing in their careers. I’m looking for advice on how to improve my situation and regain my confidence.

I recently applied for a position at Ulta and received a call from the operations manager three days ago to set up an interview. Unfortunately, I missed the call, but she left a voicemail asking me to call back if I was still interested. I returned the call later that day, but she had already left for the day. Since then, I've tried calling the store multiple times, but she hasn't been available. I'm feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what to do next. Should I consider going in person to the store to speak with her directly, or should I ask whoever answers the phone about her schedule? Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently found myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding job offers. Currently unemployed, I've been actively applying for positions and was thrilled to receive a job offer from Company A last Friday. However, I'm also in the final interview stage with Company B, which I would prefer to work for if I get the offer. I asked Company A for some time to consider their offer, giving me until Wednesday to decide. The challenge is that my interview with Company B isn't scheduled until at least Tuesday, leaving me in a tight spot. I'm contemplating whether to accept Company A's offer as a safety net while still pursuing the opportunity with Company B. I’m considering taking Company A's offer verbally but holding off on signing anything until after my interview with Company B. It feels like a risky but necessary move. I just hope it all works out!

I was laid off just three months before I could finally clear my debt. I work in the software field and, fortunately, I found another job after the layoff, but the journey has been quite challenging. When I first graduated, I landed a decent job in a tier 1 city, determined to make it on my own without relying on my parents. Initially, I struggled to find my footing and went through a phase of uncertainty, worried about being let go due to overhiring and restructuring within the company. I felt lost and like a failure, but I pushed myself to work hard, learning from those in senior positions. Eventually, I found my place in a team and started to excel, even taking on extra responsibilities when my manager left. I was promoted and recognized for my performance, which made me feel like I was finally fitting in. However, despite my hard work and dedication, I was unexpectedly laid off in December, even though I was one of the top performers in my region. This led me to accept a position at a smaller company with a more challenging role. Unfortunately, I faced personal challenges at home with my parents' health, which added to my anxiety and ultimately led me to leave that job. After spending two months back home, I returned to the city and began job hunting. I encountered several opportunities that seemed promising, but they fell through for reasons I still don't understand. It was a tough time, and I was worried about my growing credit card debt and personal loans. A friend suggested I explore job applications beyond LinkedIn, which led me to a new opportunity where I performed well in the interview and got hired. Now, I'm working hard to manage my responsibilities and slowly pay off my debts. I’m feeling a bit more stable, but I know the next few months will be tough as the market shifts. My goal is to clear all my debts before my birthday next year, and although I'm still feeling the weight of my situation, I finally feel like I'm getting back on track.

I am currently seeking seasonal work delivering for Amazon in the South Shore Massachusetts area, specifically around Quincy. I've been browsing online for opportunities, particularly with Delivery Service Partners (DSP), but haven't had any luck finding openings in my area. I'm looking to supplement my income during the holiday season, so if anyone has any leads or knows of any websites where I can find these job listings, I would greatly appreciate the help. I've also heard that FedEx, UPS, and USPS will be hiring holiday workers soon, so I may explore those options as well.

I started a new job three weeks ago, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed with anxiety about it. Before this, I worked at a company where the environment turned toxic, and although my manager and I didn’t get along well, I had a great bond with my colleagues. Leaving them was tough, and I realized I stayed longer than I should have because of those friendships. Eventually, we all agreed it was time to move on, but I was worried about finding a job that suited me since I didn’t have much experience. I accepted a position that seemed good for my CV, even though I wasn’t sure it was the right fit. After signing the contract, I started feeling anxious and panicked about my decision. I thought things might improve once I started, but now, three weeks in, I still don’t feel like I fit in with my new colleagues. They are nice, but I miss the connection I had with my old coworkers. I know building relationships takes time, but I feel really isolated. The job itself is challenging, and I often feel like I’m expected to know things I’ve forgotten. At my previous job, I was confident and understood everything, but now I feel lost and that heightens my anxiety. I keep questioning my abilities and whether I made the wrong choice. Almost every day, I dread going back to work, but I don’t have other job options right now, which makes me feel trapped. I keep comparing this new role to my old one, and while I know no job is perfect, this one just feels off. I’m overwhelmed and could really use some advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Should I give it more time or start looking for something else, even without another job lined up? How do I know if I’m just adjusting or if this job truly isn’t right for me?