Thinking

I recently applied for a training program position at a company I really want to work for. About two months ago, I went through several interviews for the same role but wasn't selected, even though I was a finalist. During the process, the manager mentioned that new openings would arise as team members complete the program at different paces, so I was encouraged to keep an eye out. Two weeks ago, the position I interviewed for became available again, and I submitted my application. I have the manager's email, as she was in regular contact with me throughout the interview process. I'm considering reaching out to her directly to express my interest in the role again. I'm unsure if this is a good idea or what exactly I should say. Any advice on how to approach this would be appreciated!

I currently work for a large multinational corporation that has a significant presence in the US and is expanding internationally. The ongoing layoffs and restructuring have become a constant in our environment, alongside frequent discussions at senior levels about AI and a stream of consultants providing advice on various topics, from EU regulations to pricing strategies in India. However, I've noticed that AI isn't the real driving force behind the job cuts. Instead, I see entire functions being outsourced to countries like Colombia, Lithuania, and India, primarily because labor costs are lower there. The quality of work we receive back is often subpar, but it seems the priority is on cutting costs, which benefits the executives who are already well-compensated. I have a sinking feeling that my colleagues in Germany will be the next to face layoffs, with their roles likely moving to Eastern Europe. Following that, I anticipate more services and finance positions will be eliminated in the US and shifted to locations further south. I can't help but feel that the emphasis on AI is just a convenient excuse for these decisions. It feels more like a strategy to justify moving jobs overseas rather than a genuine shift towards automation. I'm curious if others are experiencing similar situations in their companies.

I’m currently the Marketing Manager at a small business, and I’ve been in this role for about two years. However, things took a turn about eight months ago when we got a new CEO who is also my direct supervisor. Right from the start, he insisted on taking over our social media accounts, despite my advice that he didn’t need to handle it himself. He claimed to have experience with it from his previous job, but since then, the content has gone completely off-brand. A lot of what he posts is cringe-worthy and seems to be generated by AI. I’m still doing my part and posting my own content, but it feels like I’m fighting a losing battle since he goes rogue with his posts. I’ve tried to communicate our brand standards to him, but he doesn’t seem to care. Because of this situation, I’ve been actively interviewing for new positions, as I can’t see myself staying in this environment much longer. My main concern is how this will affect my job search. When hiring managers look at my resume and see my title and responsibilities, they might check our company’s social media and see his posts, which could reflect poorly on me. It’s really embarrassing, especially with the job market being so tough right now. I’m considering how to address this on my resume—should I remove ‘social media’ as a responsibility? How can I communicate that the social media content doesn’t accurately represent my work?

I recently found myself in a tough situation after being fired from my job at a small family-owned business in Texas. I had been working there for almost three years and had consistently received perfect performance reviews. However, everything changed when I reported a hostile work environment created by my boss. I was blindsided when I was let go without any warning, and now my former employer is appealing my unemployment claim with false accusations of misconduct. The work environment was toxic, with frequent shouting matches among the family members who ran the business. I often found myself in the middle of these conflicts, trying to support my coworkers who were affected by the chaos. After I requested a higher raise during my performance review, I overheard my boss yelling and cursing, which prompted me to bring my concerns to HR (who is also his wife). Despite my attempts to address the issue, they accused me of 'sowing dissent' among my coworkers. After a frustrating meeting with HR, I decided to follow their advice and keep my head down, which meant I stopped going above and beyond in my role. Unfortunately, my motivation waned in the increasingly hostile environment. When HR called me in for a performance discussion, they brought up old issues that had never been communicated to me as problems. It felt like they were searching for any reason to justify my termination. During the meeting, I remained calm but was clearly frustrated. HR suggested I was at an impasse, and when I bluntly stated that I was there for a paycheck, it seemed to push her over the edge. Ultimately, she told me I was fired, and when I asked for documentation, she admitted she didn't have any prepared. Now, I’m preparing for an appeal hearing with the Texas Workforce Commission, feeling anxious about the false claims my former employer is making against me. I’m trying to gather my thoughts and prepare for what to expect at the hearing.

I’ve been job hunting for a year and a half now, and honestly, I’m feeling defeated and ready to give up. I’ve applied to countless positions, tailored my resumes, and even tried using AI tools to optimize my applications, but I still keep getting ghosted. It’s disheartening to receive dozens of rejection emails daily after sending out over 1000 resumes and cover letters. I’ve sold everything I owned just to make ends meet, and now I’ve booked a flight to move back home with my parents. At 31, my life feels hopeless. I’ve tried reaching out directly to employers, going in person, and following up, but nothing seems to work. I’ve applied for retail jobs, seasonal work, and even offered to work without pay in exchange for housing in Alaska. I’m willing to relocate, travel, and take jobs I’m overqualified for, yet I still can’t catch a break. I’ve branched out to different fields and even looked for jobs involving AI training, which I’m against, but I feel like I have no choice left. My mental health is shattered, and I just don’t know what else to do. What am I doing wrong?

I recently got hired at Popeyes after a long job search that lasted about two years. I had been really selective about where I applied because I wanted to find the right fit, but I reached a point where I just needed money. My laptop was acting up, and I realized I couldn't afford to be picky anymore. I applied to a few places nearby, and Popeyes was the only one that called me in for an interview. When I arrived, I immediately noticed the lack of diversity in the workplace. As a 21-year-old white guy with long dark red hair, I felt like I stood out a lot. The kitchen staff started whispering and gossiping as soon as they saw me, which made me feel even more out of place. The interviewer came out with one AirPod in his ear and seemed to struggle to take me seriously during the interview. We both ended up cracking smiles because the situation was just so awkward. I can't shake the feeling that my race might affect my chances of being hired, and I'm worried about being the only white guy on the team. However, I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this could be a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. I just hope I can fit in and not get picked on for being different.

I recently started applying for new jobs and I'm facing a dilemma about how to handle my work history. I've held most of my positions for over six months, which I've included on my resume. However, I have two jobs where I only lasted 1-2 weeks. One was a cleaning position at a hotel where I felt uncomfortable cutting corners to meet the time constraints. My mother got me that job, and while she was a top housekeeper, I couldn't compromise on the quality of my work, so I left after a week. The other job was at a restaurant where I felt unsafe due to inappropriate advances from older male coworkers, and I wasn't getting enough hours. My sister, who also worked there, warned me that management wouldn't address the issues, so I decided to leave after two weeks. I also worked as a maid for three months, but again, I was pressured to cut corners and leave homes unfinished to meet the demands of the next job. I was working long hours and earning less than minimum wage due to the pay structure based on ratings. Now, I'm unsure how to approach these short-term jobs on applications. I'm also struggling to remember who my supervisors were for those roles. When asked why I left, I want to be honest without making myself look bad. I’ve heard from others that it’s common to omit jobs under six months from resumes, but I’m not sure if that’s the best route for me.

I wanted to take a moment to vent about my job search journey, which feels like it has been going on for years, even though it's only been 11 months since I left my last position. I made the tough decision to leave my job in August 2025 due to a toxic manager, choosing a career transition over a performance improvement plan. Since then, I've sent out around 200 applications and only managed to land 4 interviews. It's frustrating to feel inadequate, especially when I see how long I've been searching with so few responses. I know I should be grateful for any opportunities, but I'm really hoping to find something that I will enjoy and not just settle for any job. If anyone has suggestions on companies to apply to or avoid, or tips on how to improve my job search, I would really appreciate it. It would be great to hear from others who are in a similar situation.

I just found out that my grant position at the university is ending next week instead of the originally planned late August. My supervisor asked me to send a notice of my last day, which has left me confused. Is it normal to submit a resignation letter when I’m being notified that my position is ending early? I have a good relationship with my boss, and they even offered to write me references, so I don’t think there’s any ill intent. However, I’m unsure why I would need to formally resign when I’m not choosing to leave the position. I’ve read that sometimes companies ask for a resignation letter to avoid paying unemployment benefits, and since this is a grant position, I’m not sure if that applies here. I’m considering asking my boss directly why they want me to indicate that I’m resigning voluntarily. I just want to make sure I’m not jeopardizing my eligibility for unemployment or complicating things further. It’s all a bit sketchy to me.

I recently experienced a layoff and my CEO offered to help me by reaching out to his network. I'm aiming for a Chief of Staff position and have identified some CEOs at small to mid-sized companies in my area that I want to connect with. To make the most of this opportunity, I need to compile a targeted list of his contacts that fit my criteria. I want to avoid wasting time scrolling through his entire LinkedIn network. I'm looking for effective strategies to identify and present the right contacts to him for introductions.

I'm currently in my final year of pursuing an accounting degree and I'm really curious about the job market for tax accounting roles. I'm planning to apply for internships in this field soon, but I want to know how difficult it might be to secure one. Are there many opportunities available, or is it quite competitive right now? Any insights or experiences from others in the tax accounting space would be greatly appreciated.

I've been actively searching for a job lately, and honestly, it feels like the market is in a terrible state—maybe even worse than during the Great Recession. I've tried everything: applying online, tailoring my resume for each position, visiting career centers, and even reaching out to temp agencies. Despite all these efforts, it seems like my applications just disappear into a void. I can't help but feel hopeless with so many candidates competing for so few opportunities. It's frustrating to see that even with a solid background, I can't seem to catch a break. I've heard some people say that jobs are out there, just not in my field, but that doesn't make the search any easier.

I was laid off at the age of 56 and it took me a whole year to find a new job, during which I faced a significant 60% pay cut. It felt incredibly frustrating as I kept thinking that nobody was giving me a chance. I often wondered if my age played a role in my job search struggles. However, I realized that many others, regardless of age, were experiencing similar difficulties in finding employment. The job market is incredibly competitive right now, with countless people vying for the same positions. Even though I eventually landed a job, it was a stark reminder of how tough the current landscape is for job seekers, especially those who have been out of work for a while.

Today, I reflected on my recent experience as a Software Engineer at a startup where I worked for six months before being laid off. Initially, my start was quite challenging, but by May, I received positive feedback on my performance. However, June brought personal challenges, including graduations and illness, which affected my work. After returning, I was given an ultimatum to improve my performance, and while I made significant strides and received encouraging feedback from coworkers, I was still laid off two weeks later. My manager cited reasons such as not being a cultural fit and lacking proactivity, despite acknowledging my improvements. I was left with a termination letter that provided no specific reasons, just a month of severance. Since then, I've been applying for jobs and facing the common question from recruiters about why I left my last position. I'm unsure how to answer this effectively, especially when they ask if I chose to leave or was laid off. I’ve seen advice suggesting honesty is the best policy, simply stating that I was laid off, as many others are in similar situations.

I came across a Glassdoor survey that really struck a chord with me. It revealed that over 1,700 workers were polled, and a staggering 57% admitted to feeling pressured to accept lower pay after being laid off. As someone who has recently faced a layoff, I can relate to this pressure. The survey highlighted that women and older workers are particularly affected, often having to settle for less. It was also disheartening to learn from Glassdoor’s economist that it can take nearly three years for the anxiety from a layoff to subside. Additionally, previous research indicated that displaced workers might experience a permanent earnings reduction of 20-25%. I can't help but wonder if I'll end up in a similar situation, having to accept a worse offer just to get back into the workforce.

I recently interviewed for a base-level position at a local restaurant, and I thought the interview went well with the kitchen manager. However, he informed me that there were other candidates in line and promised to get back to me within a week. After a week of silence, I reached out and learned that the position had already been filled. I accepted that and continued my job search. To my surprise, just three days later, the kitchen manager contacted me again, asking if I was still interested in the position. I was hesitant because I had never encountered such a situation before, but given my financial struggles, I decided to express my interest. He mentioned he would follow up the next day, but once again, he didn't reach out until today. Now I'm feeling uncertain about this opportunity due to the inconsistency in communication. I've had a bad experience with a previous job, which makes me wary. I'm torn between passing on this role and continuing my search or taking the chance for the sake of my finances. I'm looking for opinions or advice on whether I should pursue this further.

I recently went through multiple interviews for a position at a company that emphasized "professional behavior and appearance at all times" in their job posting. After several rounds of interviews and even completing a personality test to assess my fit for their culture, I was left hanging with no response. It's been two weeks since I sent a follow-up email, and I haven't heard anything back. It's frustrating to think that they had the chance to get to know me as a person and review my work history, yet they can't take 30 seconds to send a simple reply. This experience has really highlighted how unprofessional some companies can be.

Last night at the casino where I work as a bartender, I had a pretty intense experience. A drunk patron, who had already been cut off, came back and started to attack my coworker. I stepped in to protect my bartender and ended up physically pushing the guy out of the bar. We called security, but by the time they arrived, the situation had already calmed down and the patron had fled. We wrote up incident reports, and thankfully, the rest of the night went smoothly. However, I'm feeling anxious about the whole situation. I'm unsure about the casino's policies regarding incidents like this, especially since it was all caught on surveillance. I've heard that businesses sometimes prefer to let employees go after any kind of confrontation because they see it as a liability. Given that we’re on federal property and the casino is an at-will employer, I'm worried that I might be at risk of losing my job. Should I start looking into unemployment benefits just in case?

I have a final interview coming up with a company I'm really excited about. However, I'm facing a bit of a dilemma regarding my current short-term role, which started on May 19th and wasn't included in the resume they received back in February. This current position has not been a good fit for me, and I don't plan to stay long-term. My previous job was a stable 3-year role, and before that, I had a 7-year tenure. Since leaving my last long-term position, I've had a couple of very short-term gigs that didn't work out, lasting about a week each. In my first two interviews, my current role never came up since it wasn't on the resume they received. Now, I'm wondering if I should proactively mention this role during the final interview, especially if they ask about my current employment. I want to be transparent and not seem like I'm hiding anything, but I'm also concerned about bringing up another short tenure that doesn't reflect my overall work history. I'm particularly hesitant because this current role is in a completely different industry than the one I'm interviewing for. Should I mention it if asked, or should I only include it in the background check if they request it? I appreciate any advice!

I recently graduated and started working as a trainee consultant in the consulting division of a multinational market intelligence company in South-East Asia last August. I'm currently halfway through a 2-year graduate program, but I'm feeling uneasy about my job security. Since joining, I've only had one 1-on-1 meeting with my boss, which was during my 6-month probation. I expected more regular check-ins, especially since a colleague who joined before me has them frequently, despite his known issues with attendance. Additionally, a middle manager under my boss was fired a few months ago for allegedly downloading work files to his personal computer, and we never discussed it as a team, which felt very odd. With the end of the week approaching, I'm anxious because my boss hasn't set up a call for the annual performance review, which feels like another red flag. I'm starting to wonder if I should be looking for other opportunities as a backup, but I'm worried that my current title and short tenure might raise questions when applying elsewhere. Am I overthinking this, or should I take action?