The process of changing jobs can be an emotionally draining marathon. From sending out countless CVs to the agonising wait for interview calls that may never come, the cycle of hope and rejection takes a severe toll. This widespread professional anxiety found a poignant voice recently when a Redditor shared a deeply personal story of being trapped in this very spiral for over three months after resigning from a previous role.
Resignation Under Pressure: A Hostile Work Environment
The user revealed they felt compelled to leave their last job due to a complete lack of support from senior leadership. The core issue began with a complaint of harassment by a colleague. Instead of addressing the complaint fairly, the management allegedly pressured the employee to withdraw it. The working atmosphere became insupportable and hostile, leaving resignation as the only viable option.
"I quit my last job because of my management. I was harassed by a colleague and the management was pressing me to take my complaint back," the individual wrote. They described themselves as a top performer prior to this incident, stating, "Before that organisation, I was at my prime, I was the highest contributing individual." After taking some time off to recover, they embarked on a new job search, only to face relentless disappointment.
The Frustrating Search: No Interviews in Sight
The Redditor's primary frustration lies not in failing interviews, but in not getting any at all. Despite three months of active searching and optimizing their resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), they have been unable to secure interview calls. They have applied extensively on major platforms like LinkedIn, Monster, and Indeed, with no positive responses.
"It's been 3 months and no luck. Had things been like I was able to bag interviews and not crack it, then yeah its my mistake, I need to prepare well. The biggest problem is I am unable to bag any interviews," they explained. The post ended with a plea for guidance: "I feel so lost, would appreciate any kind of advice."
Community Weighs In: Sympathy, Analysis, and Advice
The online post resonated strongly, drawing sympathy and a range of suggestions from fellow users. One commenter offered reassurance: "You have done nothing wrong; just keep looking, and do not limit yourself to any industry only." Others pointed to the critical role of networking in the current market, with one noting it's "tough without referrals," comparing the situation to past eras.
Several users provided a macroeconomic perspective, linking the hiring slowdown to broader trends. One analysis stated: "To be frank, there was a lot of liquidity during Covid, and hence many people got great offers. With AI, Wars, and global economic turmoils, there's a crunch in the economy..."
Practical advice focused on adaptability and skill development. One suggestion encouraged upskilling: "A manager of any sorts is in danger as recent restructuring has shown. My suggestion, pick up alternate skills... The pay might suck at first, but in time, it will be like a career change." The discussion highlights the growing anxiety among Indian professionals navigating a tougher job market while dealing with the lasting impact of negative workplace experiences.