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Why does every single job application requires you to create an account in their shitty ass website and then spend 30 minutes filling up bullshit that can be found in your cv?
Like im so sick of this shit, I have just quit mid application so many times the moment I see I have to create an account, why won't every company just use linked in easy apply or something like that?
Jobadvisor
Ugh, I feel your pain so deeply on this. There is genuinely nothing more soul-crushing than hitting "Apply," watching the page redirect to some clunky, ancient portal, and realizing you have to manually copy-paste your exact employment dates for the fifth time today. It feels completely disrespectful of your time.
You are definitely not alone in quitting mid-application. Studies consistently show that up to 70% to 80% of candidates abandon online job applications halfway through because they are too long or require creating an account.
So why do companies keep using these awful systems instead of a simple "Easy Apply" button? It comes down to a mix of corporate laziness, data management, and a massive disconnect between HR software and the human experience. Here is what is happening behind the curtain:
1. The ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Monopoly
Large companies don't manage hiring through an inbox; they use software called an Applicant Tracking System (like Workday, Taleo, or iCIMS).
The "Database" Problem: Resumes/CVs are highly unformatted documents. One person uses bullet points, another uses a two-column layout. The ATS software is notoriously bad at reading these accurately (which is why its "auto-fill" feature usually creates a scrambled mess).
The Fix (For Them, Not You): To make their database searchable, companies force you to do the data entry. By making you fill out standardized boxes, they convert your unique CV into uniform rows of data. Now, a recruiter can just type in a keyword or filter by "years of experience," and the machine ranks the candidates.
2. Legal Compliance and "The Paper Trail"
In many countries (especially the US with EEOC regulations), companies are legally required to track demographic data on applicants, prove they aren't discriminating, and keep records of everyone who officially applied.
Creating an account binds your application to a legal profile.
It often includes a digital signature at the end certifying that "everything stated is true." A simple PDF upload via LinkedIn doesn't always check all the legal boxes their compliance teams demand.
3. LinkedIn "Easy Apply" is a Double-Edged Sword
It seems like the perfect solution, but from the company's perspective, it often creates a different nightmare. Because Easy Apply takes literally two seconds, people treat it like a Tinder swipe.
A single job posting using Easy Apply can get thousands of applications in 24 hours.
A massive percentage of those applicants aren't qualified at all—they are just spamming the button.
For a stressed-out HR department, that "shitty ass website" acts as a natural barrier. They figure, "If someone isn't willing to spend 15 minutes filling this out, they don't actually want the job." (Which completely ignores the fact that top-tier talent usually has the least patience for bureaucratic nonsense).
4. Sunk Cost and Corporate Inertia
Companies spend tens of thousands of dollars a year licensing these massive enterprise software suites. Once a company integrates Workday into their payroll, benefits, and HR systems, the hiring module comes with it. Even if the recruiters know candidates hate it, changing the system requires corporate approval, IT overhaul, and budget changes. So, they just stick with the status quo.
A Survival Tip: If you want to bypass this friction entirely, try focusing your energy on smaller startups or mid-sized companies (often found on platforms like Wellfound/AngelList or specialized industry job boards). They usually use modern, friction-free platforms like Lever or Greenhouse, which genuinely just ask for a resume upload, a LinkedIn link, and maybe two short questions. No account required.
Giving feedback to a difficult manager?
I work with a difficult manager. She's extremely smart and very driven, but the delivery of feedback from her is often harsh and she brings team morale down. Sometimes it's micromanaging, like checking in every hour before a deadline and adding more work on top, that has to be done by the same day. Other times she outsources all the work on a project to us, then swoops in a day before it's due with a pile of feedback (that has to be addressed ASAP) instead of checking the work as we do it. This person feels comfortable telling us when she can't meet a deadline she set herself (e.g. "I underestimated how much work this would be") but then she'll set a completely unrealistic timeline for everyone else and then be disappointed and talk about how we need to budget time better when we're unable to meet her there. She set a deadline 2 days after a public holiday, and our client is the government so obviously we couldn't get any information from them because they were away. I was also seriously sick recently and she didn't say anything bad but was kind of short and kept asking if I'm well enough to work while I was already on sick leave.
I've learned a lot from this manager and she's been truly supportive in a lot of ways like advocating for me to higher management, but her way of working tends to paralyse people, not just me. If I've worked on something and she thinks it needs more data, she won't ask me to please try to obtain it, it will be "where are the percentages, I already asked twice" (just an example), even though I've highlighted that this xyz data simply doesn't exist. Nobody on the team feels motivated and everyone is scared to ask for more time to work on something. We work nights to meet deadlines not out of respect for anyone's time but because she'll be all harsh with us.
Now she's asking for feedback on her managing, since she's up for promotion and wants to improve. I may be laid off soon due to restructuring so I have nothing to lose, but I also don't want to burn bridges with her. How can I say that hey you'll be super successful but also people won't want to work if you keep being harsh all the time? I want to emphasize that she needs to be kinder, especially in a corporate environment where more of this is needed. Any advice or experiences on this (even from managers) would be super appreciated. Thanks!
TL;DR I have to give feedback to a difficult manager but without burning bridges, please advise.
Jobadvisor
A few thoughts before you send anything:
On delivery format. If this feedback was requested in writing (a form, an email, etc.), the messages above work as-is. If it's a verbal conversation, use these as a mental framework rather than a script — it'll feel more natural and harder to dismiss.
On specifics. Both versions deliberately avoid naming individual incidents (the sick leave, the public holiday deadline) because specifics can feel like a personal attack and shift the conversation to defending those moments rather than hearing the pattern. The goal is for her to recognize herself, not get defensive. That said, if she asks for examples, you can share them calmly.
On the "I have nothing to lose" feeling. That's true, but it's also worth delivering this in a way that future-you is proud of — both because she has advocated for you, and because professional circles are smaller than they seem. The direct version is honest without being harsh, which mirrors exactly what you're asking of her.
Which to pick:
- Choose Diplomatic if the relationship is your main priority and you want the feedback to land softly.
- Choose Direct if you genuinely want her to absorb the full picture and she's the type who respects candor over cushioning.
You can also blend them — start with the diplomatic framing and add the "inconsistency" paragraph from the direct version, which is one of the most useful things you could tell her.
New warehouse job first shift concerns, not sure if I’m overreacting or if this is a bad workplace. Any advice? (UK)
Started my first job which is a new night shift warehouse job and had a terrible first shift and I’m not sure if I’m overreacting or if these are genuine red flags.
For context, I’ve been under a lot of stress recently. My grandad has had a blood clot, brain bleed, multiple UTIs, pneumonia, influenza, falls, a three month hospital stay and just got out of another stay in hospital with pneumonia. We’re also concerned he may be developing dementia. He’s now living at home with us and it’s been a difficult few months.
I finally managed to get a job after a long period of applications and interviews. The pay is okay at £16 an hour and I can do the work itself without any issues. The problem is one of the supervisors.
On my first shift I was told to follow another employee around, observe what they were doing and only push the trolley if asked. A short time later the supervisor criticised me in front of other staff for not helping push the trolley, despite me following the instructions I had been given. He was also explaining how to bag meat products and within seconds of finishing the explanation he criticised me for not already helping with the bagging. When I explained I was waiting for him to finish explaining, he continued having a go at me. During at least one of these interactions he raised his voice in front of at least two other employees.
Early in the shift he made comments about getting annoyed when non English people can’t speak proper English. He also complained that he couldn’t pronounce a colleague’s name (it wasn’t hard at all) despite the colleague apparently having worked there for seven months. When I mentioned my dad’s family is from Lebanon and Palestine, he only acknowledged Lebanon. That combined with the earlier comments it made me uncomfortable.
There are also other things that felt off about the job. The line manager spent a large part of the shift presenting himself as a miracle worker even though the job itself is straightforward replenishing shelves and doing click and collect orders. He repeatedly said they are the only sociable night team who talk to each other during breaks, but during my break three people sat alone and three others sat with me and barely spoke. He also mentioned having had two no shows on Sunday. At one point he had to backtrack and apologise after forgetting to point out the fire exits while we were on the shop floor.
Overall I felt like I was being spoken down to rather than trained. I wasn’t expecting special treatment as a new starter, but I did expect some patience and basic respect.
The whole thing triggered a pretty bad anxiety response and I spent about 30-45 minutes trying to calm myself down. The issue isn’t the work itself, I actually think I would be fine in the role. It is specifically this supervisor.
The complication is that this supervisor is only one of two (I think two) line managers I would be working under for around 1-2/4 shifts.
I would also like to add that one of the day managers confronted me and said she should not have even done my interview, saying this in front of around 90 percent of the day staff. On the day, I was around 10 minutes late getting upstairs, a further one to two minutes late going to the store due to traffic, and then kept waiting downstairs due to a lack of staff on the shop floor
Am I overreacting to a bad first shift? Should I stick it out for a few weeks and see how things go, raise concerns now, or start looking elsewhere before I get too invested?
Interested to hear what others would do in this situation.
Jobadvisor
First off, take a deep breath. You are dealing with an incredibly heavy load right now. Caring for a grandparent with complex health issues like pneumonia, blood clots, and potential dementia is a full-time emotional and physical strain in itself.
To answer your main question clearly: No, you are not overreacting.
While a first shift in a warehouse can often be chaotic, what you experienced goes beyond "first-day friction." You are spotting genuine red flags. Here is an objective breakdown of what is happening, along with some practical UK-specific advice on how to handle it.
Analyzing the Red Flags
1. The Supervisor's Behavior (The "Damned If You Do, Damned If You Do Not" Trap)
The supervisor setting contradictory expectations (telling you to just watch, then shouting at you for not acting) is a classic sign of poor management. Raising his voice and public humiliation are not acceptable training methods anywhere, let alone on day one.
2. The Cultural and Borderline Discriminatory Comments
The comments about "proper English," refusing to learn a colleague's name, and selectively ignoring your Palestinian heritage are highly unprofessional. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination and harassment based on race, nationality, or ethnic origin. While it might not have crossed a legal line into actionable harassment yet, it absolutely justifies your discomfort.
3. The Day Manager’s Public Outburst
A manager loudly proclaiming in front of 90% of the staff that they "shouldn't have even interviewed you" because you were delayed by traffic and their own floor-staff shortages is completely out of order. It shows a toxic culture where management shifts blame downward to save face.
What to Do Next: Your Options
Given your high stress levels at home, your mental well-being needs to be the priority. You have a few ways to play this:
Option A: The "Data-Gathering" Approach (Stick it out for 2 weeks)
Since the pay (£16/hr is quite good for warehouse/replenishment work) and the actual job tasks suit you, you could give it a short trial period with a shift in your mindset.
Keep your head down and document everything: Buy a small notebook. Every time a manager shouts, contradicts an instruction, or makes a borderline comment, write down the date, time, what was said, and who witnessed it.
Test the other managers: You mentioned this supervisor is only on for 1 or 2 of your 4 shifts. See how the other supervisors treat you. If they are reasonable, you might be able to simply tolerate the bad one by avoiding him as much as possible.
Option B: Look Elsewhere Immediately (Highly Recommended)
You do not have to quit today, but start applying for other jobs tonight. The job market can be tough, but you now have proof that your CV gets interviews. Since you already have a high baseline of stress from your family situation, a toxic workplace will drain the remaining energy you need for your grandad and yourself. It is much easier to look for work when you already have a job, even if it’s one you hate.
Option C: Speak to HR or a Higher Manager
In the UK, you have very few statutory rights against unfair dismissal until you’ve worked somewhere for two years (one year in Northern Ireland). However, protection against discrimination applies from day one.
If you decide to raise a concern, do it via email to HR so there is a paper trail.
Frame it professionally: "I want to ensure I am meeting expectations. On my first shift, I was given conflicting instructions by [Name] and spoken to aggressively in front of colleagues, which made effective training difficult."
The Reality Check
Warehouse environments can sometimes be rough around the edges, but they do not have to be abusive. Good warehouse teams rely on clear communication and mutual respect because the work is fast-paced.
Do not let them make you feel like you are the problem. You arrived, you wanted to learn, and you followed instructions. The anxiety response you felt wasn't a sign of weakness; it was your gut telling you that the environment is hostile.
My advice: Keep the job for the paycheck for the next 2–3 weeks to see if it settles down when you are off "training" status, but spend your free time actively looking for an alternative. You deserve a workplace that doesn't add to the heavy load you are already carrying.
I can't keep a job. I sometimes feel like I'm the problem but I also feel that the system is against me.
I was only able to keep a union grocery store job for over a year. I had to leave due to having to be inpatient at an eating disorder facility. All of my other jobs were short term. Here are the ones I had the past few years:
My first job this year was at a taco stand in a gas station. I decided to quit after 3 months since I was the only one on shift responsible for cooking hot food, serving ready to made food, mop, replace oil, unload an entire truck, etc. I also had a coworker who didn't help whatsoever and instead flirted with customers. At my last day she yelled at me for "being lazy"....
Following that job I worked at a Sharwarma restaurant. I was made to work the same day I had an IUD inserted and was guilt tripped into working with strep throat. I left.
For two weeks I was working as a waitress. Boss would literally abuse an inlaw and denied him medical attention when his head was bleeding, denies him even having one day off (he worked 7 days a week), and he randomly fired me when I was 5 minutes late due to a flat tire that I called about 3 hours prior to my shift. When I came back to receive my check he threatened to call the police on me. My inlaw had to get it for me, and he is now back to his home country due to not being able to stand the abuse.
Next job was at a Yemeni restaurant. The dishwasher would touch me and ask for sex. I also saw a man masturbating. My boss defended the dishwasher and refused to put a camera in the blind where the man was masterbating. I didn't feel safe so I left.
I worked at CDS but they gave me very limited hours and the rules are very, very, strict. Everyone was quitting at once.
Next job was as a waitress but due to not being on ADHD meds, I was slower than expected so I was let go after working for a few days.
Then I worked at a pizza shop. My job would talk behind my back and straight up lie about me. He would gossip to me to my boyfriend. He wouldn't give me his phone number so I had to call out due to sickness from my boyfriend. I didn't feel respected so I left. He also forced me to throw away perfectly clean menstrual products that were in the original packaging. Also his ex (who I didn't even know) would call the work phone to threaten to fight me. He didn't call the cops on her and even allowed her to come back.
My lastest job I only had for a week. I asked to be paid for training (41.5hrs). They fired me due to asking for more hours (they scheduled me for only 12 hours after training) and to be paid for training, so now I have to contact the labor department to hopefully get compensation.
I'm looking at Job Corps now to get some actual training, but I feel like it's so unnecessarily hard to find a job with a decent boss. I'm probably apart of the problem due to my ADHD and having to probably increase my Concerta dosage from 34 to 52, but I also feel like it's just so normalized to treat entry level workers as complete shit. I can now barely afford to feed myself due to not having a stable job... Last month I lost over 10lbs.
Jobadvisor
What you've been through is genuinely a lot. Reading through all of this, what stands out most is not someone who can't hold a job — it's someone who has repeatedly landed in situations with exploitative, unsafe, or outright abusive conditions, and who had the self-respect to leave them.
Let's be honest about what's actually in that list:
- Sexual harassment that your boss defended
- A boss who threatened to call the police on you for picking up your own paycheck
- Being forced to work while sick and the same day as a medical procedure
- Wage theft (unpaid training hours is illegal in most states)
- A physically abusive workplace environment you witnessed
Those aren't "bad fits." Those are workplaces failing basic legal and human standards. The fact that you left most of them isn't a character flaw — it's a reasonable response to unreasonable situations.
That said, I hear you that the ADHD piece feels real too. Unmedicated or under-medicated ADHD in a fast-paced job is genuinely hard, and it sounds like you already have some self-awareness there. Working with your doctor on the Concerta dosage could make a real difference in the right environment.
I also want to gently check in — you mentioned barely being able to afford food and losing weight last month, and you've mentioned your eating disorder history. How are you doing with that right now? I'm not asking to add to your plate, just because it matters and you mentioned it.
On the practical side, Job Corps is actually a solid instinct. It provides housing, meals, vocational training, and a more structured environment — which can be really stabilizing when everything else feels chaotic. That seems worth pursuing seriously.
Getting sick of weekends
I am getting so so sick and tired of working weekends. I’m tired of working more than 4 days a week (but not even getting 30 hours). I can’t see my family because I’m always working when they’re doing things. I can’t celebrate birthdays. I have to put in requests if I want to do anything with anyone, then the boss “jokingly” laughs “haha you put in so many requests!”.
Those “so many requests” are a single day or 2 in a month. Some of which have fallen on one of the only days I somewhat regularly have off, but have to put a request for in anyways because the schedule isn’t set.
It’s retail. It’s expected. But it’s tiring and irritating.
Jobadvisor
That sounds genuinely exhausting — and demoralizing. The "joking" comment from your boss about too many requests is especially rough when you know the reality is that you're just trying to have a normal life once in a while.
The thing that makes retail scheduling particularly grinding is that it takes away predictability. It's not just the hours themselves — it's that you can't plan anything. You can't commit to showing up for your family because you don't know if you'll have to work. That kind of constant uncertainty wears on you in a way that even long hours at a stable schedule wouldn't.
And the part about working 5 days but under 30 hours is a real pattern in retail — it keeps you spread thin without qualifying for benefits or overtime, and makes it feel like your time is always on call for someone else even when you're technically "off."
Is this something you're thinking about trying to change at your current job, or are you more at the "venting and figuring out what to do next" stage? Either is completely valid — sometimes you just need to say it out loud to someone.