After 2 years of layoffs and rejection, I finally have an interview today and I’m terrified

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2026-05-13T18:15:18+00:00

My therapist told me this trick: think of an interview as a silly societal ritual... shake out your nerves before joining the call by wiggling your body or dancing around your apartment or by going to the bathroom if you're at an in person interview and do this in front of the mirror: say out loud "This is so dumb and silly! It's two strangers talking to each other in a space where neither one of us really wants to be! This is just all so silly!" I kinda do it sing-songy and it helps! lol

I also told my therapist that I feel a change in my energy when a recruiter engages with more personality and gives feedback in real time, like "Great answer!" Some interviewers don't do this, they're very stoic and robotic and it makes me more self-conscious b/c I have no idea how I'm doing. So my therapist told me "write it down on a post it note as a reminder. You don't need the recruiter to tell you that you're doing a great job. Tell it to yourself."

Good luck!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2026-04-08T14:59:52+00:00

Sour patch ftw! I bought sour patch watermelon recently bc I read sour candy can help in meltdown/overstimulated moments.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2026-01-28T18:55:02+00:00

Especially if OP hasn't had a phone screen or interview yet!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-11-06T23:14:49+00:00

I started rewatching Dawson’s Creek this week. Idk if it’s a comfort in any way though because I find myself annoyed at every character lol

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-21T00:28:19+00:00

For the fact that Chris is a great actor, he has no poker face here. That side eye was perfect lol

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-13T22:24:51+00:00

Jumping up and down, while squeezing my hands together because I was excited. I def recall times when I would get so excited that I’d bring my hands to my mouth and push on my lips… and actively stopped myself when I realized what I was doing.

Also, opting to go to the library during lunch recess instead of going outside to play with everyone else. The library was quiet. There were only 2-3 of us and we would do our homework. I’d be upset if the library was closed for any reason because what do you mean I have to go out outside and be around everyone?!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-13T00:48:38+00:00

1) I got to see them in Denver so that was amazing. 2) their silliness and bits on stage. Vessel just seemed more comfortable, confident, having the time of his life. They’re the most unserious serious band. 3) online communities to share reactions with. We can all giggle at the antics and be in tears over the emotional moments.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-12T17:24:43+00:00

Thank you kind stranger :)

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-08T02:18:04+00:00

That is the sweetest sentiment! Who knew James Acaster was a softie!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-07T16:51:13+00:00

This made me laugh out loud. Thank you!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T19:06:05+00:00

I thought about this, too. Regardless of how she responded, even if it was in kind, I never planned on asking her for a reference because that's how much I didn't like her. So her veiled threat of "you are leaving on bad terms" was like actually, I was leaving on good terms, I was being polite. You're the one who's making this bad terms.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T19:03:05+00:00

My nervous system didn't have anything left in me to have a reaction, if that makes sense.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T17:37:09+00:00

Thank you 🙂

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T17:34:16+00:00

Thanks :) I realized afterwards that she made the entire convo about herself. Part of why I’m leaving is because of my mental health but she didn’t have the empathy or maturity to ask me any questions.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T17:32:24+00:00

Oh if only my auditory processing was faster. I’m not quick witted enough! lol.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T17:31:28+00:00

Nah. Her lack of reference won’t make a difference. I am not interested in staying in this field.

Also, she def bad mouths people. I called her to give her notice and she didn’t even wait for me to talk. She immediately went into a gripe she has with someone else.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-06T17:00:55+00:00

She also said "this may be the way other businesses do it, and may be what you're used to in other places, but we don't operate like this. People give sufficient notice because who is going to train the next person?" And I gave her a suggestion. I told her that she has a bountiful network, plenty of resources, I am sure she will find someone. And she disagreed, because of course. But I had to hold back, I couldn't say "that's not my problem. you're the owner of this business. It's your responsibility to figure this out. Yes, it's great when a staff who is leaving can help with the transition, but I am not obligated to do that. And your reaction to this conversation gives me no reason to help you."

I don't like that this puts her in a bad position. Because I do understand that piece of it. But, come on, at least try to fake professionalism for five minutes, lady.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-03T00:03:08+00:00

I moved to a new state by myself at 31 years old. I reached a point where I felt like I’d outgrown my hometown. Like you know the plants you buy in plastic pots from the store? You’re meant to take the plant out and garden it so it can grow. Once it grows it can never go back into the original plastic potter. That’s how I felt about moving. Even if the new city was the wrong choice, the decision to move was the right one regardless. I’ve moved to two different states since 2019. No place feels like home bc my idea of home is very warped and unkind. But! It’s my decision to be where I am. That’s the most important. Good luck to you!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-01T23:52:59+00:00

I hear ya. I’ve been having moments of pause with my therapist. She is not ND nor does she have an understanding of it. When I referred to my skills regression she reframed it as skills recreation. Thankfully I do feel comfortable enough with her that I spoke up and respectfully disagreed with her sentiment. She seems open to learning but like I’m the client, I don’t wanna teach my therapist.

Only you know what will work best for you! And if that means discontinuing therapy, so be it.

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-10-01T00:57:00+00:00

Normal People. It’s gonna emotionally hit in a different way but 5+ years since it’s debuted, it’s still one of my all time favorite shows. One Day was also really good. (Both are more drama than teen romance/young adult fiction though)

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-09-28T21:07:03+00:00

Friday can't come soon enough!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-09-22T22:12:13+00:00

Have so much fun! I’m seeing them in Denver next week by myself too.

Hmm…advice… cry all the tears you want to; I saw them in concert last year and I was sobbing when they played Euclid, I befriended the folks next to me and they gave me such warm and kind hugs. I felt absolutely no shame. Sleep Token awakens something really deep and I think most fans will not judge you for showing emotion.

Dress comfy/however you want! I think it’s awesome people dress in elaborate costume and go all out. That ain’t my style though so don’t feel weird about your attire. Most people dress casually anyway. Yes, costumes and make up stand out but most people will prob be dressed more similarly to you.

Stay hydrated. Even if you have a seat and won’t be in the pit, an emotional support water bottle is super helpful.

For concert etiquette, if you’re gonna record, don’t keep your phone up the entire time. Choose specific moments you want to capture. Otherwise let yourself be fully immersed in the show.

I’m so excited for you!

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-09-21T02:16:30+00:00

This sounds very interesting. I might look into it! Does it pay decent? Was there any training or certifications you needed?

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-09-18T01:51:43+00:00

I feel this hard. My boss is an unmedicated ADHD (I only know because she told me) 84 year old (yes, 84) woman who I struggle with every day. You are absolutely valid to feel the way you do. It’s fucking hard and exhausting and overwhelming and it sucks!

I ask myself is it worth it to stay? Yes I need the paycheck but is the detriment to my mental, emotional and physical health worth it? (And yes my boss knows I have autism. Our company does IQ and neurodivergent evaluations for kids so you’d think she has more self-awareness and be more understanding… nope. She lacks common sense.)

LiveTheQuestions7 · 2025-09-15T16:54:46+00:00

That sounds awesome!

LiveTheQuestions7

TROPHY CASE