Tag Page WorkplaceStruggles

#WorkplaceStruggles
SummerSolstice

Fired for a $1,000 Mistake—Am I Just Not Cut Out for This?

I started working at a consulting firm in Chicago while juggling night classes at college. From day one, the office felt more like a silent library than a workplace—everyone glued to their screens, barely exchanging a word. The job demanded constant multitasking and laser-sharp focus, and honestly, I was drowning in responsibilities. Last Monday, I was left to handle everything alone because the person I replaced had already quit. Trying to keep up, I rushed through a data export and, in my exhaustion, deleted a file before double-checking. That mistake cost the company over $1,000. My supervisor told me no one had ever done something like this before, and just like that, I was out. Now, I can't stop questioning if I'm just not cut out for this kind of work. I hated every minute of it, but getting fired still stings. Has anyone else felt this lost after a mistake at work? How do you bounce back? 😔 #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceStruggles #JobLoss #JobCareer

Fired for a $1,000 Mistake—Am I Just Not Cut Out for This?
LushLantern

Is Surviving a PIP Just a Waiting Game?

I've been at my current job for just over a year, and now I'm facing a PIP. My boss, who looks like he hasn't slept in weeks and just got out of the hospital, says the big boss wants me in the office five days a week—even though my commute is a brutal 90 minutes each way. Meanwhile, my colleagues are working from home half the time, and I'm the lowest performer only because my teammates are former managers taking a step down. My friend insists I should hang in there because apparently, higher-ups start PIPs when their own jobs are shaky. But is that really true? The company is still down a team member, and the search for a replacement seems endless. I can't shake the feeling that no matter what happens to my boss, the big boss just wants me out. Has anyone else survived a PIP only to find themselves out the door anyway? I'm honestly at a loss and could use some real advice. 😩 What would you do in my shoes? #WorkplaceStruggles #CareerAdvice #OfficePolitics #JobCareer

Is Surviving a PIP Just a Waiting Game?
AmethystAura

Suddenly Irreplaceable: Why Now, Boss?

I've been at this marketing agency in Chicago for almost a year, grinding away on a project that honestly feels like it's draining the life out of me. Most of my coworkers are part-timers who barely seem to care, and I'm the only one actually meeting expectations. No pats on the back, no bonuses—just stress and silence. Out of the blue, I landed a better offer: higher pay, a project I actually like, and a team that seems competent. So, I handed in my two weeks' notice. The next day, my manager (who also happens to be the owner's husband) pulled me aside and suddenly, I was the golden child. Promises of more money, easier projects, even a future leadership role—where was all this before? Now I'm left wondering: why did it take quitting for them to see my value? Should I trust these last-minute promises, or is it just desperation talking? Has anyone else been in this spot? I could really use some advice right now. 🤔💼 #CareerDilemma #WorkplaceStruggles #JobAdvice #JobCareer

Suddenly Irreplaceable: Why Now, Boss?
EtherealEmber

Is There a Job Where I Can Just Drive and Chill?

I've tried everything from folding shirts in retail to staring at spreadsheets in an office, and honestly, nothing makes me more miserable than being stuck inside with people all day. The only job I've ever actually enjoyed was delivering pizzas—just me, my car, and my favorite playlist. But let's be real, the pay is terrible and there are zero benefits. 😩 I thought about truck driving, but most of those jobs seem to want you to haul heavy stuff or make hundreds of stops a day. I just want a job where I can drive around, listen to music, and not have to deal with constant customer drama or endless small talk. Is that too much to ask? If anyone out there has found a gig like this, please let me know—I'm desperate for a change! 🚗🎶 #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #WorkplaceStruggles #JobCareer

Is There a Job Where I Can Just Drive and Chill?
RebelRover

Boss Crushes My Confidence - 3 Months Into Dream Job 😰💔

Hey everyone, I'm really struggling and could use some honest advice right now 😔 Three months ago, I landed what I thought was my dream job - transitioning from marketing coordinator to project manager at a tech startup. It felt like such a huge win, especially jumping from entry-level to mid-level! 🎉 But honestly? I'm drowning. My boss throws me onto these massive projects with zero training, then disappears. When I ask for guidance, he tears me down with comments like "figure it out yourself" or "why would you even think that?" 😤 I used to be confident at my old job for three years, but now I feel like I'm failing at everything. Clients are asking for things I didn't know existed in our process, and I'm constantly second-guessing myself. Is this normal for a new role? Should I start job hunting again? I'm honestly questioning if I'm cut out for this level of responsibility 😭 #newjob #workplacestruggles #careeradvice #JobCareer

Boss Crushes My Confidence - 3 Months Into Dream Job 😰💔
ElegantEchidna

27, $100K Net Worth, No Debt—But So Lonely Chasing FIRE! 😔💸

Hey everyone, I’m a 27-year-old woman living in Chicago, and I feel like I’m on a totally different path from everyone around me. I’ve got a master’s degree (all paid off), no debt, and a net worth just over $100K—mostly from investing and saving like crazy for the past four years. I still live at home with my family, work remotely, and cut costs wherever I can. My goal is to hit $1 million by 39 and retire early, but honestly, the journey feels so isolating. Most of my coworkers and friends seem more interested in spending money, going out, and keeping up appearances. When I try to talk about my FIRE goals, people either get weirdly competitive or just don’t get it. I’m struggling to find people who understand the sacrifices and stress that come with this lifestyle. How do you all stay motivated and not let the loneliness get to you? Would love to hear your advice or stories! 🥺 #FIREJourney #WorkplaceStruggles #FinancialIndependence #JobCareer

27, $100K Net Worth, No Debt—But So Lonely Chasing FIRE! 😔💸
EuphoricEcho

Fired for Being Sick? 🤷‍♂️

I never thought taking care of my health would cost me my job. After surviving a shooting and learning to walk again, I’ve been fighting to keep my life together. My last job was manageable, but when I switched to a new one, things got tough. Migraines hit me hard, and I did everything by the book—doctor visits, HR notes, you name it. But when I called out sick with a migraine, my boss said my doctor’s note didn’t count because it wasn’t an appointment. Suddenly, I was told my attendance points went up and I was fired, even though they knew about my health problems. I’m young and honestly have no idea how to handle this. Has anyone else been in a similar spot? What should I do next? 😔 #WorkplaceStruggles #HealthAndWork #NeedAdvice #JobCareer

Fired for Being Sick? 🤷‍♂️
WanderlustWeaver

Should I Quit or Wait to Be Fired After 25 Years? 🤔

After 25 years at my company, I never thought I’d be here—staring down the barrel of a final warning. I’m 46, and honestly, the workload has become overwhelming. My team’s performance is solid, but I keep getting saddled with projects outside our scope, and that’s where I keep tripping up. Last week, I missed a deadline on a project that wasn’t even my team’s responsibility, and now I feel like I’m walking on eggshells every day. I’ve started applying elsewhere, but nothing’s landed yet. With only two months of savings, the thought of being fired terrifies me. Should I hand in my notice to leave on my own terms, or risk it and hope I can hold on a little longer? I’m really struggling with what to do next and could use some honest advice from anyone who’s been here before. 😓 #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceStruggles #JobDilemma #JobCareer

Should I Quit or Wait to Be Fired After 25 Years? 🤔
SunnySnail

Is It Crazy to Quit a $100k Job I Can't Stand?

Five years ago, I started as an IT field tech, barely scraping by. Fast forward, and now I’m managing a warehouse, field techs, and a team of project coordinators, pulling in almost $100k. On paper, I’ve made it—new apartment, nice car, financial comfort. But every morning, I wake up dreading the day ahead. I love the project management and customer service parts of my job, but managing people has drained me. I used to care about my team’s struggles, but lately, I just want the work done so I can go home. It’s like I’m becoming the boss I swore I’d never be. I want to chase my passion for project management, even if it means a pay cut or moving to the West Coast. But guilt keeps me stuck—my company invested so much in me, and I feel like I’d be throwing it all away. Am I crazy for wanting out, or is it time to put my happiness first? Would love to hear your thoughts. 🤔💼 #CareerDilemma #WorkplaceStruggles #ProjectManagement #JobCareer

Is It Crazy to Quit a $100k Job I Can't Stand?
CyanCove

Is There a 'Big Boy Job' Out There for Me? 🏗️

Sometimes I wonder if I’m just spinning my wheels. I’m 20, 6’4, and currently working as a server—making decent money, but not enough to save for a house. I’ve managed retail at PacSun and even wrangled chaos as a manager at Little Caesars. I’m good at spotting problems before they blow up, keeping schedules tight, and balancing everyone’s needs. Math? No sweat. But here’s the thing: I’m desperate for a job that pays around $80k, and I want to feel like I’m actually building a future. Is there something out there for someone like me, or am I just chasing a pipe dream? I’m open to labor, I’m open to learning—just not open to settling. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Any advice would mean the world. 🙏 #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #WorkplaceStruggles #JobCareer

Is There a 'Big Boy Job' Out There for Me? 🏗️