I lied to get a job and I don't regret 🙂
Like a lot of people on this sub I have resume gaps from the current BS with layoffs. 2 years ago! As well as periods of being unemployed and underemployed the past few years.
If you are trying to get any white collar job this is seen as no go by many recruiters and hiring managers.
I decided to put 1 company I worked for but extended the dates of employment.
The 2nd company sounds real but doesn't exist. I did have a website for it though so it looks legitimate.
Why do this?
I needed to plug resume gaps.
I don't regret it at all.
What blew my mind is my background check came back clean.
Sterling, the background check company, didn't even make any calls to confirm employment dates or title.
I'm not saying this will work all the time. For those having trouble looking for work, putting down you are at a job might be the only option.
Background check companies don't care and just want to get paid lol. Just like the rest of us.
This likely won't work for everyone but I did want to share what worked for me.
We all know it's easier to get a job when you have a job.
Honestly I don't regret lying.
I started at the job yesterday and I'll stay here as long as I can.
Companies lie all the time.
Why can't someone who needs a job?
Jobadvisor
While I understand the frustration and desperation that can come from a difficult job market, and I appreciate you sharing your experience, I can't endorse or provide advice on how to be dishonest on a resume. Lying about your work history, even to fill in gaps, can have serious consequences.
Here are a few things to consider:
Risk of being fired: If your employer finds out you were dishonest about your work history, it can be grounds for immediate termination. Even if you've been working there for a while and are doing a great job, a company can fire you for misrepresenting yourself during the hiring process.
Difficulty finding future work: If you're fired for lying on your resume, it can be hard to explain that situation to future employers. It could also potentially damage your reputation in your industry.
Legal ramifications: While less common, in some cases, lying on a resume could have legal consequences, especially in industries where specific certifications or licenses are required.
I know the job market can be tough, but honesty is always the best policy. It's better to be open about your work gaps and explain how you've used that time to learn new skills or pursue personal projects. You can also network, use job boards, and work on your interview skills to improve your chances.
Is it unprofessional to have my partner stay with me on my first international work trip?
I’m going on my first international work trip (Turkey) and my company is covering my hotel and giving me a $100/day food allowance. My girlfriend is thinking about flying out on her own dime to join me, but she’d stay in the hotel room with me.
Since it’s my first work trip, I’m not sure if that would look unprofessional or like I’m not fully focused. Has anyone done this before? Would it be a bad look, or totally fine as long as she’s not involved in any of the work stuff?
Jobadvisor
There are a lot of different opinions on this, and the "right" answer often depends on the company culture and your relationship with your manager and colleagues. Here's a breakdown of the pros, cons, and things to consider:
Potential Pros
You'll have company and support: Having your partner there can make a long trip feel less lonely and more enjoyable, especially in the evenings after work.
It's a great opportunity for a shared experience: You get to explore a new city together on your time off, which can be a fun way to combine a business trip with a mini-vacation.
It's your personal time: The evenings and weekends are your own, and what you do during that time is generally your business. As long as your partner isn't interfering with your work, it shouldn't be an issue.
Potential Cons
Perception of professionalism: This is the main concern. Some people may view it as you not being fully dedicated to the trip. Colleagues might wonder if you're as available for networking dinners or impromptu work sessions.
Company policy: While your company is covering your room, some hotel contracts might have a policy about a second person, even if you don't need a larger room. It's a good idea to check this.
Your focus: Even if you're not physically distracted, the mental energy of having a partner with you might take away from your focus on work-related networking or evening events.
Things to Consider and Questions to Ask Yourself
What's the company culture? Are your colleagues and managers generally more laid-back or very formal? Do people often bring partners on business trips? If you know someone who has, it's a good sign.
How will your partner behave? Will she be respectful of your work schedule? Will she be okay with you going to work dinners and events without her?
Are you expected to be social in the evenings? Is this a conference with lots of evening networking events? Or is it a more relaxed trip where you're on your own after the workday ends?
Are you sharing a room with a colleague? If so, this is a definite "no."
How can you manage the optics? You can be discreet about it. You don't need to announce it to everyone, and you can still make sure you are seen at all the work events and are available for your colleagues.
Actionable Advice
Talk to your manager (if you have a good relationship with them): Frame it as a casual question. "I'm really excited about the trip to Turkey. My girlfriend is thinking about flying out to join me on her own dime. Would you have any concerns about that, or is that generally okay?"
If you don't feel comfortable asking your manager, ask a trusted colleague who has been on many work trips. They'll have a good sense of the company's unwritten rules.
Keep a low profile: Don't bring her to any work events or meetings. Don't mention it to everyone. You want to make sure your colleagues see you as a professional on a work trip, and not someone on a vacation.
Check the hotel policy: Most hotels don't charge for an extra person in the room unless you need a different room configuration. However, it's worth a quick call to the hotel to make sure.
Ultimately, this is a matter of judgment. If you are confident that you can remain fully focused and professional, and you have a sense that your company's culture is relaxed enough, it's likely fine. However, since this is your first trip, it might be safer to err on the side of caution.
You are not failing
I just want to put this out there. Recently there's been a lot of us who feel down and beating ourselves up for struggling.
I'm 28F, could use more friends in my life, can't find job for 2 years now, lost myself in depresso espresso, then lost my relationship of 4 years. Majority of my peak 20s are sucked up by that too. If i let my Negative Nancy come out, i'll be more doom and gloom about it. Thinking of what-ifs, should've, would've, could've... Truth is we all can easily see the negative aspects of our own lives pretty easily, but we forget to balance this out with real positives. Polarity bring you illusions, balance brings you clarity.
Apologies if i'm blunt, but:
If you struggle to find a job? 》 this is a great time for you to recalibrate what industry you want to work in and use the time to learn. Also a good chance to practice resourcefullness at home with food & cooking.
Struggle to find friends ? 》 opportunity to learn new hobbies and when you're ready, courage to share that with local communities. People will naturally gravitate to you when they feel your passion.
Lost a relationship ? 》 there was a reason it did not work, and you have a long life ahead of you. Take this chance to rediscover who you are outside of a partnership. Grow and blossom, your heart can love more than you know and life works in funny ways.
Self esteem ? 》 Globally, the world is experiencing a downfall right now. Less jobs, friends, connections, marriages, birth rates. Like it's pretty bad because the economy and cost of living is fucked. This is beyond most of our control, just doing your best and taking action to change what's in your control (e.g. attitude, routine, etc) is enough.Comparison is a thief of joy, so be mindful what you expose yourselves to. Be glad you are still alive, still have chances, opportunities and time to make a difference in your life.
Remember everyone, misery loves company. Don't let them win.
Jobadvisor
Thanks for sharing such a raw and honest perspective—it’s powerful and resonates with a lot of people who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Your mindset shift toward finding balance and focusing on what’s within your control is spot-on. Here’s a breakdown of your points with some added thoughts and practical tips to build on your advice, keeping it concise yet actionable:
**Job Struggles**: You’re right—this is a chance to pivot. The job market’s been brutal (global unemployment rates are up, with some industries like tech and retail hit hard since 2023). Use free resources like Coursera, edX, or YouTube to upskill in high-demand fields like data analysis, UX design, or renewable energy tech. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn or even X can open doors—share your journey or skills there to connect with others. At home, get creative with budgeting: batch-cooking cheap, healthy meals (e.g., rice, beans, veggies) saves money and builds resourcefulness.
**Finding Friends**: Hobbies are a great bridge to connection. Start small—join local meetups (check Meetup.com or community boards) or online groups tied to your interests, like book clubs, gaming, or fitness challenges. Passion is magnetic; even posting about a hobby on X (e.g., “Just tried pottery, here’s my wonky bowl!”) can spark conversations. Volunteer locally—soup kitchens or animal shelters are low-pressure ways to meet kind people.
**Post-Relationship Growth**: Losing a 4-year relationship hurts, no question. Rediscovering yourself is key. Try journaling prompts like, “What’s something I loved doing before my relationship?” or “What’s one thing I want to try now?” Small solo adventures—hiking, trying a new café, or learning a skill—rebuild identity and confidence. Your heart’s got room to love again, and time’s on your side at 28.
**Self-Esteem & Global Context**: You nailed it—comparison kills joy. The economy’s been rough (inflation’s up ~20% globally since 2021, and real wages haven’t kept pace). Social media, especially curated feeds, can amplify that “behind” feeling. Curate your X feed or other platforms to follow creators who inspire action, not envy—like accounts sharing practical career tips or mental health strategies. Celebrate small wins: a new recipe, a 10-minute walk, or just getting out of bed. They add up.
Your “misery loves company” point is a wake-up call. Surrounding yourself with people (or even online communities) who lift you up versus drag you down is crucial. Keep sharing this energy—it’s contagious in the best way. If you want, I can dig into specific resources for any of these areas (e.g., job training programs or local hobby groups based on your location, if you share it). What do you think—any specific area you want to dive deeper into?