My manager tried to make me train my replacement without telling me i was getting fired lol
so this happened last week and im still kinda processing it tbh. been working at this mid size marketing agency for about 3 years, nothing fancy but the pay was decent.
anyway my manager sarah (fake name) comes up to me and says "hey we're getting a new intern and i want you to show them the ropes on the client database system." seemed normal enough, we get interns sometimes.
but then she starts asking me to document EVERYTHING. like every single process, every password, every client contact, even stuff that was just common sense to me. when i asked why she said "oh you know, just in case" with this weird smile.
red flag #1 should have been when she made me create step by step guides for literally everything i do. red flag #2 was when the "intern" turned out to be someone with 5 years experience making $10k more than me (found out later from a friend in HR).
the final straw was yesterday when sarah called me into her office and said "so we've decided to go in a different direction with your position." i was like wait what?? and she goes "but don't worry, we'd love to have you stay another 2 weeks to finish training jessica." i just stared at her for a solid 10 seconds then said "absolutely not" and walked out. cleaned out my desk while she was still sitting there with her mouth open.
best part? they called me 3 times today asking where i put certain files and how to access the client portal. maybe should have thought about that before firing the only person who knew how everything worked lol
already got two interviews lined up for next week. thankfully i had some money saved up so i dont have to panic about rent while i find something better.
Jobadvisor:
What a truly awful and unprofessional situation. It's completely understandable that you're still processing all of that, and honestly, good on you for walking out when you did. That kind of behavior from a manager is not okay.
It's a classic, sneaky move that employers pull, and it's a testament to your instincts that you picked up on the red flags, even if it was a bit after the fact. The "just in case" with the weird smile, the excessive documentation, and the experienced "intern" all point to a complete lack of transparency and respect from your manager.
And the best part? The fact that they're calling you for help. That's proof that you were incredibly valuable to the company, and they made a huge mistake by treating you the way they did. The fact that they were completely unprepared for you to leave is a failure on their part, not yours.
It's great to hear that you're already in a good place financially and have interviews lined up. You have a lot of good things going for you, and you've already proven that you can handle a tough situation with class and strength. You'll land on your feet and find a place that values your contributions and treats you with the respect you deserve. You've got this.
What were the two interviews for, if you don't mind me asking?
4 months unemployed and I'm losing my actual mind
Applied to probably 200+ jobs since May. Got maybe 10 responses. 3 interviews. Zero offers. I've rewritten my resume so many times I don't even know what I'm good at anymore. Tried different formats, keywords, cover letters, networking events, LinkedIn optimizations. Nothing works. The silence is the worst part. At least rejection emails tell you where you stand. Most companies just ghost you after you spend 2 hours customizing your application.
I'm starting to think I'm just fundamentally not hireable and that's a terrifying thought when you have rent to pay. Like maybe I've been fooling myself about having valuable skills this whole time? The mental health aspect is brutal too. Every day feels the same. Check job boards, apply, wait, get disappointed, repeat. I don't know how people survive this for months without losing it.
Anyone else been in this hellscape and made it out? Because I'm running out of hope here.
Jobadvisor:
It sounds like you're in a really tough spot, and it's completely understandable why you're feeling this way. What you're experiencing is incredibly common, even if it feels like you're alone in it. Four months of job searching with so little to show for it would be enough to make anyone question themselves. It's not a reflection of your worth or your skills. It's a reflection of how grueling and often impersonal the current job market can be.
The "hellscape" you're describing is a very real thing. The endless applications, the deafening silence, the ghosting—it all adds up and takes a massive toll on your mental health. It can feel like you're screaming into the void.
Shift Your Perspective
When you've been doing the same thing for so long without success, it's easy to get stuck in a negative feedback loop. Instead of only focusing on the outcome (getting an offer), try to shift your focus to what you can control.
You are not your resume. Your resume is a document, and a job search is a numbers game. The fact that you've gotten a few interviews shows that you're not "unhireable." Something on your resume is getting you noticed, but the competition is fierce right now. Don't let the silence define your professional value.
Take a break. Seriously. Step away from the job boards for a day or two. The burnout you're feeling is real, and it's making everything harder. Do something that has nothing to do with finding a job, whether it's going for a long walk, watching a movie, or just spending time with friends. You need to recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
Take a New Approach
You've already tried many of the standard job search strategies. Now is the time to pivot.
Focus on fewer, better applications. Instead of blasting out hundreds of resumes, pick 10-15 companies you genuinely want to work for. Do deep research on each one. Find an employee on LinkedIn in a similar role to the one you're applying for, and see if you can find a genuine connection point to start a conversation. Your goal isn't to ask for a job, but to gather information and build a connection. When you do apply, you can mention your conversation and tailor your application to speak directly to the company's needs.
Rethink your networking. Networking events can be intimidating and often feel transactional. Instead of going to large events, try a more targeted approach. Reach out to one person a week for an informational interview. Ask them about their career path, their company, and what they look for in new hires. Most people are willing to give 15-20 minutes of their time to help someone out, and these conversations can open doors you didn't even know existed.
Create something. If you're a writer, start a blog. If you're a designer, create a portfolio project. If you're in tech, contribute to an open-source project. This not only keeps your skills sharp but also gives you something tangible to show employers. It demonstrates initiative and passion in a way that a cover letter never can.
The key is to remember that this feeling won't last forever. You will find a job. You have skills, you are hireable, and this period of your life is not a permanent state. Just remember to be kind to yourself during this difficult time.
I am 25 and totally lost and I'm worried about doing what I truly want.
Hi I'm 25 and due to very rare medical condition I have to be very careful on what I want to do in life. I enjoy learning things,building stuff and analyzing stuff I thought about being a analyst for a company or thought about going to my local community college they offer IMET( industrial manufacturing and emerging technology) or maybe doing a mechanical like a&p or marine for boats but I can't lift heavy stuff which sucks I am also not that good at math but I am willing to work very hard and will even put extra hard so I can make sure to win the scholarship so I can afford to go to university for economics or mechanical engineer. I don't know if I should just get a technician degree or be willing to take a chance and get a bachelor degree in something that is useful and work hard I don't mind working inside of a office if it is 9-5 and willing to work 5 or7 days a week as long I am happy and it pays good that is all that happens I heard getting a business degree is good but others say it is terrible I truly don't know what I want to do in life I know love to build Legos, I loved doing algebra in HS and I want to be willing to travel to work maybe overseas if anyone knows what jobs/ degrees would be s good fit it would be cool to know I even picked up learning Chinese too.
Jobadvisor:
It's understandable to feel lost at 25, especially when you have to consider unique health factors. The good news is that you have a lot of great interests and a strong work ethic, which are the most important ingredients for a successful and fulfilling career. Let's break down your options and see how they align with your passions and limitations.
Analyzing Your Core Interests
Learning things: This is a fantastic trait. It means you'll excel in any field that requires continuous professional development.
Building stuff: This doesn't have to mean physical labor. It could be building a financial model, a data analysis system, a software program, or a project plan.
Analyzing stuff: This is a highly valuable skill in many fields, from business to engineering to data science.
Not good at math (but willing to work hard): This is a key point. You enjoy algebra, which is a great start. The more advanced math in fields like engineering or economics can be challenging, but your willingness to work hard means you can overcome this. Many people who "aren't good at math" just haven't had the right instruction or the motivation.
Don't mind working in an office: This opens up a lot of analytical and project-based careers that don't require heavy lifting.
Willing to work long hours and travel: This shows a strong commitment to your future career.
Love of Legos: This is a perfect metaphor for what you enjoy. It's about following a set of instructions, building something tangible, and seeing a complex design come to life. This translates directly to fields like project management, data modeling, or engineering design.
Learning Chinese: This is a huge asset, especially if you want to work for a multinational company or travel overseas.
Potential Career Paths to Explore
Based on your interests, here are some career paths to consider, with a focus on roles that minimize heavy lifting while maximizing your analytical and "building" skills.
1. Industrial Manufacturing and Emerging Technology (IMET)
This is a great option you've already identified. An associate's degree in IMET can lead to a number of jobs that are more technical and analytical than they are physically demanding.
What you'd do: IMET programs often focus on mechatronics (a mix of mechanics and electronics), robotics, automation, and computer-aided design. You would be working with and maintaining complex machinery, but often in a diagnostic, repair, or programming capacity rather than a heavy-lifting one. You could work as a manufacturing machinist technician, an electronics technician, or a mechatronics technician.
Heavy lifting: You would need to check with the college and potential employers about the specific physical requirements, but many roles involve troubleshooting and precise work, not brute force.
Math: The math is usually practical and applied, which you might find easier than abstract theory.
Salary and Outlook: The median annual salary for industrial engineering technologists and technicians was around $64,790 in 2024. This is a solid living, and many companies offer good benefits.
2. Mechanical Engineering
You've also considered this, and it's a great fit for someone who loves to build and analyze.
What you'd do: While the degree can be challenging, not all mechanical engineering jobs involve heavy lifting. Many are in office settings, where you design, test, and analyze mechanical and thermal systems using computer software (CAD, CAE). Think about designing parts for a car, a robot, or a new type of thermal sensor. You are "building" on a computer screen.
Heavy lifting: You might visit a worksite occasionally, but your primary role would be intellectual, not physical.
Math: A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is math-intensive (calculus, statistics, etc.), but your willingness to work hard is the most important factor. If you loved algebra, you have the foundational logical thinking to succeed. There are many online resources and tutors to help.
Salary and Outlook: Mechanical engineers earn a high median salary ($102,320 in 2024) and the job outlook is strong.
3. Economics
An economics degree is a fantastic choice for an analytical mind.
What you'd do: Economists analyze data, trends, and policies to help companies, governments, and organizations make better decisions. It's all about building models and systems to understand the world. Your love of algebra is a great indicator you'd enjoy this.
Heavy lifting: None. It's a quintessential office job.
Math: Economics is heavy on statistics and data analysis, and an advanced understanding of math is a huge asset. However, a lot of the work is also about logical reasoning and critical thinking. You'd be building economic models and analyzing their real-world implications, which is similar to how you build a Lego set to understand a final structure.
Salary and Outlook: The median annual salary for economists is high ($115,730). There are also many related jobs like financial analyst, data scientist, or business analyst that are great for economics graduates.
4. Other Roles That Combine Your Interests
Beyond those degrees, here are some specific jobs that fit your profile:
Project Manager: A project manager is the ultimate builder. You don't physically build the product, but you build the plan, the timeline, and the team. You use your analytical skills to solve problems and your organizational skills to see a project through to completion. You could work in construction, tech, manufacturing, or almost any industry.
Data Analyst/Scientist: This is the perfect blend of building and analyzing. You build data models and dashboards to help companies understand their performance. It's a bit like building a Lego model to get a clear picture of a complex situation. Your love of algebra and analysis would be a great fit. This is a rapidly growing and well-paying field.
Business Analyst: Business analysts are problem-solvers who analyze a company's needs and recommend solutions. You would "build" new processes and systems for a company to become more efficient.
Cost Estimator: This role involves analyzing blueprints and plans to estimate the materials, labor, and costs needed for a project. It's a great way to use your "building" knowledge and analytical skills without the physical strain.
Deciding on Your Path
Community College IMET/Technician Degree: This is a great, low-risk way to start. It's shorter, more affordable, and will give you a tangible skill set right away. You can always get a job and then decide if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree part-time or later in your career.
Bachelor's Degree: This is a bigger investment of time and money, but it can open up higher-level opportunities and management roles. Your plan to win a scholarship is excellent.
My advice: Don't think of this as a one-shot, all-or-nothing decision. You can start with the IMET program. If you love it, you'll have a great career. If it solidifies your desire for a more theoretical, design-focused role, you'll have the foundational knowledge and work experience to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or another field with a clearer purpose.
The fact that you're thinking about this now, at 25, means you have plenty of time to build the career and life you want. Your curiosity, determination, and passion for analysis are your greatest strengths. Don't let your physical limitations or a perceived weakness in math hold you back.