Thinking

I graduated in the summer of 2025 and have been living in Charleston, SC for about a year now. I absolutely love the area, but I'm really struggling to find worthwhile work. Just three weeks ago, I was wrongfully terminated from a job that I had finally landed after a long job search. Before that, I had applied to Boeing around 12 times and got rejected every single time, even with a referral. It feels like the job market here is limited for recent grads like me, and I don’t have many connections since I’m not originally from the area. I’ve noticed that many of my friends are either working in restaurants or in some not-so-great sales roles, and they seem pretty miserable. A lot of them are leaving Charleston for better opportunities, and I’m starting to worry that I might be left behind economically. I’ve been thinking that maybe Charleston could be a place to return to later in my career, but right now, I need to find a place where I can thrive early on. I’m looking for advice on booming locations for recent graduates that offer career stability and a good social life. I’ve heard good things about places like Florida, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and Nashville, but I’m not sure where to focus my efforts. I have a bachelor's degree and some professional experience in data, project management, and finance, and I’m currently pursuing my CAPM certification. I’m also considering getting a master’s degree in data analytics or an MBA. I feel a bit lost and behind, so I’d appreciate any input on where I should direct my job search and how to make the most of my skills and certifications.

I recently started a part-time position with a company I really like, but the hours are less than I was initially promised. I understand this might just be due to the slow period, but I find myself needing more income. I'm considering picking up another part-time job to supplement my earnings, but I'm concerned about how this might look to potential employers since I've only been in my current role for two weeks. I'm curious if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how they approached their resume and applications. Most of the positions I'm looking at are also part-time, so I'm wondering if listing both jobs would raise any red flags.

I recently got fired from my job, and I'm feeling pretty devastated, especially because I have pending charges that might show up on a background check. I haven't started applying for jobs yet, but I'm really anxious about how this will affect my chances. I have experience as a manager and I'm open to working anywhere that will give me a chance to get my foot in the door. Despite the tough situation, I’m trying to see it as an opportunity for growth and evolution. I believe that there’s a light at the end of this tunnel. I'm reaching out for advice or suggestions from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I have an interview tomorrow for a Sales Lead position at Journeys in a Texas mall. This is the first time I'm interviewing for a lead role in my retail career, and I’m feeling really nervous. Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard right now. I’m looking for any advice on how to handle the interview and what to wear. Should I go for stylish casual or stick with a dress shirt, pants, and shoes? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Today I reflected on my experience at my new job as a cashier at a local restaurant, which I started on August 18th. I was excited to get the position through my mom's connections, but I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and out of place ever since. Being a 17-year-old who has never worked before, I thought I could quickly learn the ropes, but the reality has been tough. The lack of communication has been frustrating. I didn’t even know I could enter through the back door until a few weeks in! My coworkers, particularly one named A, have made me feel like a burden. They’ve made several snide comments about my abilities, and I often feel like I’m being talked about behind my back. For instance, A has said things like, " needs to stop hiring dummies" and has openly expressed her frustration with me when I make mistakes. I’ve been demoted to cashier multiple times for errors, and it’s disheartening because I genuinely want to learn. I’ve taken a few orders and done some tasks well, but the constant negativity from A and the lack of proper training have made me question my abilities. I’m also confused about the training period and why I haven’t been scheduled for more shifts. To top it off, I haven’t received my paycheck for last week due to payroll issues, which adds to my stress. I’ve been trying to stay positive, but I feel like I’m in a hostile environment where I’m not being supported. I’m considering whether I should stick it out or look for something else. I need some honest opinions on whether quitting now would be a mistake.

I recently made the tough decision to leave my job after two decades. I felt like I had maximized my impact and reached a ceiling in my role, leading to a growing detachment from my work. It was clear that a vacation wouldn’t resolve my feelings, so I decided it was time to move on. My departure was officially labeled as a 'mutual separation,' and I left on good terms with a severance package, which was a relief. I want to focus on the career path I truly desire now. However, in the two weeks since leaving, I've faced some challenges during interviews. Interviewers seem fixated on my long tenure and my current unemployment status. I'm looking for advice on how to explain my situation in a way that feels definitive and leaves no room for doubt. I’m not trying to defend my choice, but I want to present a clear narrative about my decision to leave and my intentions moving forward. Some suggestions I’ve received include simply stating that I was laid off, as details can confuse recruiters. Others advised me to emphasize that I left on good terms to consider my next steps carefully, ensuring that my skills are utilized in an engaging role. I realize now that it might have been better to secure a new job while still employed, as there seems to be a bias towards candidates who are currently working.

I took a year off from work due to health issues, and I'm now looking to bounce back into the job market. I'm concerned about how to justify this employment gap during interviews and whether it will negatively impact my chances. I've read that a gap for health reasons is more common than I think, and I can simply state that I took time to handle a personal health matter. Some advice I received suggests framing it as a career gap due to caring for a sick relative. I plan to list this gap on my resume to avoid any assumptions from recruiters. I've also heard from others who have faced similar situations that keeping the explanation brief and focusing on my recent skills and projects is key. I'm considering taking a certification or working on small projects to strengthen my profile. The current job market seems tough, with hiring managers being quite picky.

I recently applied for a new job and had to explain why I left my last position. I worked with children, and after a management change, the work environment became very challenging. The new management style led to many long-term employees, including myself, feeling pushed out. I ultimately decided to resign because the stress was affecting my mental and physical health, despite my love for the job. I want to present this in a professional manner during interviews. I’ve considered saying something like, "There was a management change that shifted the culture significantly, and I realized the role was no longer a good fit for me. I’m now looking for a more stable environment where I can contribute long-term." I hope this approach helps me navigate the conversation without delving into the negative aspects.

I recently started my job search in the engineering field and decided to work with a recruiter to help me find the right opportunities. I believe that having a professional guide can streamline the process and connect me with companies that align with my skills and career goals. I'm currently updating my resume and preparing for interviews, hoping to land a position that challenges me and allows for growth.

I recently started working at Five Below and have been on the schedule for just three shifts in almost a month. Before I began, I was informed that the scheduling could be unpredictable and that I would need to earn my hours, which I accepted. However, after my last shift, which was quite busy and where I received positive feedback from the manager, I noticed that I haven't been scheduled for the next three weeks. This situation feels excessive and unwarranted, and I'm unsure how to proceed. Should I confront someone about this, consider quitting, or take another approach? I'm feeling frustrated and confused about the lack of communication regarding my hours.

I graduated with an English degree in 2021, and it's been a tough five years since then. I find myself broke and relying on government assistance. I chose English because I thought I could become a journalist, but that path hasn't materialized for me. Reflecting on my time in school, I realize that being a loner and lacking social skills has really held me back in my career. Currently, the only job I can find is a part-time server at a nursing home. I often wish I had made more of an effort to develop my social skills during my youth.

I recently found myself feeling overwhelmed at the thought of job interviews. Diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD since my teenage years, I’m struggling to even apply for positions due to the anxiety that comes with interviews. I’ve had a couple of jobs in the past, but I can’t shake the feeling that I only got those roles because the interviewer felt sympathy or because I had connections. My main challenges during interviews involve body language, tone, and recalling my past experiences. I tend to speak in a monotone voice, and any attempts to change that often come off as exaggerated. My facial expressions are hard to control, and I’ve been told that my body language can be difficult for others to read. When I practice in front of a mirror, I often can’t pick up on the subtle inflections I need to convey. I’ve tried preparing for interviews, but I struggle to remember my achievements and skills when asked. The idea of bringing note cards feels uncomfortable, but I often find myself forgetting my points mid-sentence. Marketing myself is another hurdle. My self-esteem is quite low, and I find it challenging to articulate my skills and experiences. I wish I could just demonstrate my abilities on the job instead of going through the interview process. Everything a potential employer needs to know is on my resume, and I feel like they could just reach out for clarification if needed. Interviews just don’t seem to make sense to me.

I got let go from my first proper professional job yesterday after only five weeks. It was a tough experience, especially since I wasn't able to get up to speed quickly enough in a very small workplace that had limited capacity to train me. I made some genuine mistakes, and while I feel embarrassed about it, I’m not devastated. I realized that the role wasn’t right for me, and I’m already applying for other positions that align better with my skills and interests. What’s really weighing on me is how to tell my parents. A few years ago, I left a career in frontline emergency services that they were very proud of, and they found out about it through someone else, which caused a significant rift in our relationship. Since then, they’ve seen this new professional path as a sign that I’m finally back on track, and I know they’ll be disappointed to hear that I’ve been let go so soon. They are very achievement-oriented, and I can already imagine the questions and the disappointment in their voices. I’m planning to have the conversation in a few days after I’ve had some time to process everything and get my job applications in order, but even delaying it makes me feel guilty. I just want to approach this conversation in a way that doesn’t make me feel like I’m letting them down again.

I recently tried using Handshake to search for job opportunities, thinking it would be a reliable platform since it connects alumni with potential employers. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that the site is filled with scams. It's disheartening to see so many fraudulent listings, and I feel like I need to warn others to be cautious when using this service. It's frustrating to think I was misled into believing it was a safe option for job searching.

I just found out that I will be laid off at the end of the month due to a larger headcount reduction at my company. I'm currently 32 weeks pregnant and was set to start my maternity leave next month. The severance package includes employer-paid COBRA, but it doesn't cover my current medical plan, which means I have to find a new labor and delivery team right before my due date. I'm considering whether a severance attorney could help me keep my medical plan or maternity leave, but I'm feeling uncertain about my options. It seems like many people think I might not have a strong case since my layoff is part of a larger reduction. I'm hoping to get some advice on whether it's worth pursuing legal help or if I should just focus on negotiating with HR for a possible delay in my layoff until after I deliver.

I recently received a heads up that I'll be laid off soon from my position. As a longtime lurker in the job search community, I decided to reach out for advice on what immediate steps I should take while I still have access to my files. So far, I've thought of a few things: I plan to screenshot my remaining PTO balance, save copies of all my performance reviews, and compile significant projects that I can include in my portfolio. I'm looking for any additional suggestions on what else I should do during this transition. Thanks in advance for your help!

I graduated with a degree in criminal justice and initially landed a job I loved, but it was seasonal and lacked benefits, making it unsustainable. Currently, I'm stuck in a sales position at a small business, working 8-4 M-F, but I really dislike sales and can't continue in this role. I've been applying to numerous jobs in my field, but the wait times are excessively long, and many positions offer low pay with inconvenient hours, such as weekends and holidays. I'm seeking advice from others who might have faced similar challenges. My main goal is to find a weekday job that allows me to spend more time with my family without sacrificing my well-being for low pay. Any recommendations or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I've been unemployed for 8 years and it's been incredibly frustrating trying to find a job. I apply for about 10 jobs every day on Indeed, but I haven't had any luck at all. I really want to live independently and am looking for remote work or something that allows me to control my income. I do have some savings, but they're running out, and I can't secure a place to live without a steady income. I feel lost and overwhelmed, especially since I'm not sure what I’m doing wrong. I've even tried volunteering to gain experience, but that hasn't led to any job offers either. I often feel like I'm expected to figure everything out on my own, and I struggle with that. I wish I could get some guidance on what steps to take next.

I recently applied for a job that didn't list a pay range, which made me a bit uneasy. After I submitted my application, I received an email on Thursday to schedule an interview for the following Monday. They asked for my availability and salary expectations, which I provided. However, by Friday, I hadn't heard back and started to worry that I might not get a response before the weekend, especially since the interview was coming up so soon. To be proactive, I sent a follow-up email asking for confirmation of the interview time and whether my salary expectations aligned with what they were willing to pay. I didn't get a reply on Friday, which heightened my anxiety about potentially asking for too much. But then, on Saturday, they did respond to confirm the interview time but completely ignored my question about the salary range. This left me feeling uncertain. I can't help but think that if my expectations were way off, they might have mentioned it instead of just moving forward with the interview. Now I'm questioning whether this is a red flag. I worry that if my expectations are higher than what they can offer, they might try to lowball me with an offer later on. I’ve read that larger companies tend to be more transparent about salary ranges, so I’m not sure what to make of this situation.

Today, I received a cold email from Oracle at 6 AM informing me that today would be my last working day. It was a shock to see such abrupt communication regarding layoffs, especially since I had been in the dark about any potential cuts. The atmosphere has been tense lately, but I never expected to be part of this wave of layoffs. I'm now left wondering about severance and my next steps. It’s disheartening to see the company I dedicated my time to make such drastic decisions, while it seems the higher-ups are untouched. I’ve also noticed that their recruiters are now looking for new opportunities, which adds to the feeling of instability within the company.