Thinking

I recently graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, achieving high grades from 2020 to 2025. While studying, I worked part-time at two different jobs for about 10-12 months and took on full-time roles during semester breaks for 4-6 months, all related to my field. My supervisors have provided positive references praising my work ethic. However, I've been unemployed since mid-2024, as I focused on my studies during that time. I've also earned various certifications in CAD software and trades like welding, and I have a portfolio of personal projects. Unfortunately, after graduation, I experienced a deep depression and burnout, which halted my job applications. I'm starting to feel better and plan to begin applying for jobs again by mid-October. I'm concerned that potential employers will view my CV and think I lack commitment due to my short job tenures. In reality, my departures were due to contract endings, lack of growth opportunities, or insufficient work at the companies. I would appreciate any advice on how to address these concerns in my resume and during interviews.

Today, I found myself reflecting on my recent job application experience. I graduated recently and have been actively applying for entry-level marketing positions. I came across a job that seemed like a perfect fit for me, so I submitted my application online. However, I was quickly met with disappointment when I received a rejection email, which stated that the decision was made by an AI assistant that reviewed my application. This left me confused, especially since I felt I was a strong candidate based on my qualifications. Tomorrow, I will be in the city where the company is located, and I am considering taking a printed copy of my cover letter and resume to the HR director in person. I did some research and found out who the HR person is, so I know who to look for. I’m torn about whether this is a professional move or if it might backfire. I genuinely believe I have a unique skill set that aligns well with the job, but I also don’t want to risk burning any bridges. I’ve seen mixed opinions on this—some say it’s a bold move that could pay off, while others warn against showing up unannounced. I’m leaning towards going through with my plan, hoping to express my enthusiasm for the role directly. I’ll keep an open mind about the potential outcomes.

Today, I’m navigating a challenging situation as my 69-year-old mother is facing a layoff from her job at a large healthcare company in California after 21 years of service. The company is undergoing a department-wide restructuring, moving work offshore, and unfortunately, her position in customer support is being eliminated. She had planned to work until 2027 before retiring, so this unexpected layoff is particularly tough for her. The severance package offered includes 21 weeks of severance pay, which totals approximately $27,040 gross, along with a $5,000 retention bonus if she stays through the transition period, and $712 in outplacement assistance. The company will also continue contributing to her health insurance during this time. However, to receive this package, she must sign a general release of claims, which raises some concerns for us. I’m contemplating whether hiring an employment lawyer would be beneficial to negotiate a better severance deal. Given her age, long tenure, and the timing of her layoff so close to her planned retirement, I wonder if there’s room for negotiation. I’m considering asking for a package closer to 30-39 weeks of severance, which would significantly enhance her financial situation. Despite the circumstances, I’ve received feedback suggesting that her severance is relatively generous for a non-management role, and many people have advised that she might be better off accepting the offer rather than pursuing a potentially lengthy negotiation. It’s a lot to think about, and I want to ensure she makes the best decision for her future.

I recently found myself in a tough situation after accepting a counter offer from my current employer, where I work as a marketing manager. Shortly after my acceptance, the new company I was considering came back with an even more enticing counter offer. This new offer includes a life-changing sign-on bonus, a six-figure stock option, and an impressive annual RSU package. Overall, my total compensation would be 50% higher than what I currently earn. I genuinely believe I could be happy at either job, but the financial aspect makes it hard to ignore the new opportunity. I feel uncomfortable about potentially rejecting my current employer after I accepted their offer. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this situation as I need to make a decision quickly.

I've been working as an admin assistant at a biofuels company for a while now, and I'm feeling pretty frustrated with the disorganization and constant turnover here. I started out as a file clerk, but I've taken on a lot more responsibilities, especially in accounting, where I've been processing vendor checks. I recently found out that I've significantly reduced the backlog of checks, which is great, but it feels like my contributions are going unnoticed. Currently, I'm making $21/hr, which seems low compared to the $25/hr listed on our recruiting site for similar positions. The catch is that they require a bachelor's degree, which I don't have, while my colleague does. I've been trying to get a title change or a raise, but my annual review has been pushed back multiple times due to management changes, including the firing of our office manager and the recent departure of our HR person. I really enjoy the work and the challenges it brings, but I want to be compensated fairly for the skills I'm developing. I feel like every time I try to address this, it gets deferred or ignored. Just last week, I was told I wouldn't need to process checks anymore because they hired someone new, but that person ended up not wanting the job. It's just chaotic, and I'm not sure how much longer I can stick it out without seeing any recognition or improvement in my situation. I'm considering looking for other positions, but it's tough to leave a job where I feel I can learn and grow.

I am currently drafting a letter of recommendation for myself from my former part-time employer, who has agreed to provide one. The aim is to highlight my skills as I search for a full-time position in a related field. I want to ensure the letter sounds genuine and persuasive, avoiding clichés or anything that feels AI-generated. The draft includes my employer's endorsement of my unique skill set and analytical abilities. It mentions my performance in various roles over two years and highlights my success in multiple projects. I want to emphasize my strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to engage in technical discussions effectively. I would appreciate any feedback on how to improve this draft, particularly in making it more impactful and authentic. Any suggestions on specific details to add or adjust would be extremely helpful!

I'm currently in a situation where I urgently need to find a new job. My current role just isn't fulfilling anymore, and I feel it's time for a change. I'm actively searching for new opportunities and would appreciate any advice or leads that could help me land a position soon.

I recently graduated with a BSc in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering from Istanbul Technical University and am currently pursuing an MSc in Industrial Engineering & Innovation Management in Vilnius. I've had some field exposure through an internship with Sperry Drilling in MWD/LWD and a supply chain internship at a refinery, along with customer operations experience in Lithuania. However, I'm facing a significant challenge. I’ve been applying for full-time drilling jobs across Norway, the UK, and Poland but haven't received any responses, and it feels like I'm being blackballed. With military service looming in Azerbaijan, I know I’ll be out of the industry for 12 to 18 months, which is a critical time when others will be gaining experience. By the time I return, I’ll be nearly 25 with a degree that will be three years old and an MSc that doesn’t align directly with drilling. I worry that recruiters will see the gap as a sign of inability to get hired. I’m looking for advice on a few things: 1. Does a gap in service really hurt chances in oilfield services, or do companies mainly care about passing aptitude tests? 2. Should I still aim for an MWD/LWD trainee position at 27, or is it better to pivot towards operations and supply chain roles in energy? 3. Has anyone successfully re-entered the industry after a long break? What strategies worked for you? I’m feeling overwhelmed and could use some perspective.

I recently got laid off from my job in tech, and it’s been a tough adjustment. I’ve decided to cancel my subscriptions to big companies like Amazon and Netflix, as I feel they don’t really care about people like us who are affected by layoffs. I’m trying to cut back on unnecessary spending and focus on what truly matters. I’ve also made a conscious effort to stop wasting time on social media reels, which I find unproductive. Instead, I’m only watching videos on topics that interest me. I even removed some apps that I wasn’t using much. I believe that now is the time to be mindful of our spending habits, especially with the job market changing so drastically. While I think AI is here to stay, it’s concerning to see how many tech jobs are disappearing, including roles like senior architects. I’m preparing myself for a future where the gap between those who have jobs and those who don’t could widen significantly.

I recently landed a job that I feel completely unqualified for, and I could really use some advice. A few months back, I was unexpectedly laid off, which was a tough blow especially since I had just moved and bought a car for my previous role. My savings weren't in great shape, so I had to act fast to get back into the job market. I ended up using some questionable tactics to make my resume stand out. I tweaked my employment history and used some clever language to get past AI screening. I even changed my Associates degree to a Bachelors, thinking my 12 years of experience wouldn’t be enough for the AI to consider. After sending out countless applications, I faced a lot of silence—49 out of 50 applications went unanswered. Eventually, I got an interview for an engineering position at a financial institution. It was a three-part interview process, and I prepared extensively, even though I was nervous about my actual skills. Surprisingly, the interviews turned out to be more conversational than I expected, and I managed to answer some technical questions that aligned with my prepared notes. To my shock, I received a job offer that same day with a pay scale higher than anything I've seen before, and it's fully remote! However, it's a contract-to-hire position for three months, which makes me anxious about being found out. I've completed my first week, and it’s becoming clear why they chose me; the project I'm working on is related to a past role, but I definitely exaggerated my involvement in that project. Right now, I feel like my confidence is only at 30%. I'm worried that my lack of actual experience will catch up with me, especially since I’m surrounded by very smart colleagues. Should I keep relying on my ability to improvise and study hard, or should I continue applying for other jobs? I genuinely believe this could be a dream job, but the stress of keeping up is overwhelming.

I recently accepted a new job offer, which is $18K less than my current salary. I’ve been searching for a job since I passed a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) a few months ago. Back in April, I was hired into a tech-support role for a medical software company after being laid off for almost six months due to an acquisition and restructuring. I started with three other new hires, but by June, three of us, including myself, were placed on PIPs during our onboarding. The onboarding process was inadequate, and while I could see why the others were struggling, I was performing well. The public feedback system was harsh; every mistake was highlighted in a public channel, which created a lot of anxiety for me. The feedback was often unreasonable and delivered in a rude manner. I found myself having panic attacks due to the stress of being publicly criticized. After passing an informal review, I was suddenly criticized for taking too long to respond to a ticket, despite being told to slow down previously. My supervisor supported my manager's decision to place me on a PIP after I returned from a vacation, which was a huge blow. I managed to pass the PIP with flying colors after three weeks, but the environment remained toxic. Two of my colleagues were fired shortly after I returned from vacation, and I suspect my manager has a personal issue with me. I’ve learned to stay under the radar since then. Although I’m diagnosed with ADHD and possibly autistic, I feel like my manager grouped me with the others unfairly. Taking a pay cut is tough, but the job market is challenging right now. I’m moving to a smaller company that seems to have a better culture and is independently financed, especially since my current company announced another acquisition. During my interviews, they expressed that they think their clients will love me, and I might even have to travel for onboarding, which wasn’t in the job description. I believe I’m making the right choice, but I could use some reassurance. I’ve read that passing a PIP is a significant achievement, yet I still worry about job security given the recent acquisition.

I am currently job hunting and feeling quite exhausted after months of searching. I've applied to numerous roles and reached out for referrals, but securing even an interview has proven to be a challenge. To incentivize potential referrals, I'm offering 15 days of my first salary for a successful referral that leads to my hiring. I am specifically looking for Backend Engineer, Software Engineer, or Full-Stack Developer positions where my skills can be utilized. I have around 2 years of professional experience, having previously worked as a Software Engineer at ZS Associates. My technical expertise includes: - Backend development with Node.js, Express.js, and REST APIs - Database management with PostgreSQL and MySQL - Familiarity with AWS services like EC2, S3, and RDS - Proficient in TypeScript, Python, SQL, and Docker - Experience with CI/CD practices and Git/GitHub - Frontend skills with React.js and Next.js - AI/LLM API integration During my time at ZS, I contributed to backend systems for major clients such as Pfizer, Merck, and Sanofi. Some of my achievements include reducing API latency significantly and building REST APIs that improved efficiency by reducing manual processing. I've also developed my own projects, like a community/job-tracker platform and an AI-powered career platform. I'm open to opportunities in India or remote positions, and I'm eager to connect with anyone who might know of openings or can refer me to a hiring manager. If you can help, please DM me or comment, and I'll send over my resume right away. Thank you for any assistance!

I'm currently facing a tough decision about a job offer I received. I haven't even started the role yet, but I'm feeling uncertain about whether to leave this opportunity behind or to switch my career path entirely. The position is at a tech company as a junior developer, which is exciting, but I'm also considering a different field that aligns more with my long-term goals. I'm at a crossroads and unsure about the best direction to take. Any advice on how to navigate this uncertainty would be greatly appreciated!

I recently moved to Toronto as an international student on a scholarship, and I'm eager to find a job to help support myself and lessen the financial burden on my parents. I've been here for about two weeks and have experience in babysitting, tutoring in sciences and math for grades 1 to 12, as well as cashier and sales roles. However, I'm unsure where to start my job search since I'm still getting familiar with the area. I live near the UofT St. George campus, I'm 20 years old, and I don't have a driver's license. I'm also a Muslim female, and I want to make sure I find something that fits my background. I'm really excited to explore this beautiful country; it's so green and cold compared to what I'm used to! Any advice on job hunting would be greatly appreciated!

I recently turned 18 and am looking to transition from my job at McDonald's to a position at Walmart. I’m not sure if my age or my fast food experience will give me an edge, but I’m eager to make the switch. I’ve spoken to a friend who used to work at Walmart, and he said he would vouch for me, but I haven’t heard back yet. I’ve applied multiple times online without any luck. Since I live in a rural area, I understand that the competition might be tough, but I really want to move on from fast food. I’m considering going in person during a quieter time to ask about job openings. I’ve heard that having food experience is valuable at Walmart, especially in areas like deli or bakery, so I hope that will help my chances.

I just learned that Amy's Kitchen is planning to lay off dozens of employees at the Pocatello plant due to the closure of their California facility. This news has hit hard, as many of us were not expecting such a significant reduction in staff. I'm currently trying to figure out my next steps and what this means for my future here.

I just learned that Oracle is planning to lay off 359 workers in Washington this November. It’s disheartening to see such a significant reduction in staff, especially since I've been with the company for a while. There’s a lot of talk around the office about how they might be replacing us with offshore contractors, which has raised concerns about the quality of service we provide. I overheard a colleague mention considering Oracle for a project, and I couldn't help but express my doubts about the company's current state. It feels like the quality and service have really declined.

I recently reapplied for a position I had left just a month prior, following a recommendation from my former manager. I had taken FMLA leave and, unfortunately, couldn't return when it ended, which led me to submit my resignation while explaining my circumstances. After my situation improved, I reached out to my manager, who encouraged me to apply again and even asked me to send the job number. I waited about two weeks for a response, but ultimately I was rejected. My manager mentioned that the delay from HR likely influenced their decision and suggested that I should wait for about six months before trying again.

I was hired 3 months ago as a digital forensics examiner, focusing on mobile device extractions like phones and tablets. This role was meant for internal candidates only and followed civil service rules. Before this, I was a tenured crime scene investigator, where I ranked #1. The new unit I joined is smaller, with only 10 people compared to my previous unit's 24. Initially, I was given a training plan that seemed promising, and I communicated my eagerness to learn quickly. The training was expected to take around 6 months, but I was ahead of schedule by the second month and requested to accelerate my training to help with the overwhelming case load. They agreed, but then my trainer got tied up with a major case, leaving me to self-study for about a month. At the end of this self-study period, I received a performance review that was shocking. Every category that had previously been rated as Satisfactory was now marked as Needs Improvement. They claimed I was often "off topic" and cited my reading of tech-related news as a negative. They also mentioned that I appeared unenthusiastic and unfriendly, even accusing me of throwing a phone at a detective, which they later retracted to just being too quick in setting it down. I expressed my frustration about being unable to prove my commitment without actual work to do, and they suggested I could use the time to show my desire to be there, despite the lack of tasks. To counter this, I've started keeping a log of all the small tasks I do, like assisting detectives and maintaining equipment, but I feel like I'm being set up to fail. It’s disheartening because all I want is to contribute and work effectively.

I recently faced a tough decision after being rejected from a final round interview for a position I really wanted. Now, I see that a new requisition for the same role has opened up at the company. I'm contemplating whether I should reapply or just move on. Some people have shared their experiences, saying that reapplying can sometimes work out, especially if circumstances change for the company. Others suggest that since I was already rejected, it might not be worth the effort. I’m leaning towards giving it another shot, as I believe I came close and it could show my persistence. Worst case, they ignore my application, but at least I’ll know I tried.