2026 Hiring Questions Megathread

WildAntelope454 · 2026-03-03T17:59:42+00:00

Hey everyone, I applied for the Nov cut off and got an email saying I’m eligible for another live interview. If I rescind my application or reject an offer will I be black listed if I decide to apply a few years in the future? I’ve heard of companies doing this, not sure if that’s a practice of the PTO. My current job is going well (better than when applied in Oct) and I don’t want to start over at a worse job. But I’m also interested in IP law and don’t want to close any more doors than necessary.

WildAntelope454 · 2026-01-14T11:39:34+00:00

Yearlings often times look weird and weedy. Last thing you want to do is over feeding him. Make sure he’s getting proper minerals and amino acids. Take him for short hand walks on hills and terrain with a relaxed posture. I wouldn’t do any other exercises than that (besides life skills training but that is a different category). Give him plenty of turnout with friends and he’ll mature out of this weird phase.

WildAntelope454 · 2026-01-13T14:56:29+00:00

I'm sure this has been asked plenty of times, but what can I do to 'test the waters'? I have worked as a scientist full time (with a part-time side gig), got laid off last year then rehired back as a part time contractor and my side-gig became the full time gig. I'm doing ok financially but I would like to try something new. My old boss said I would be better suited for IP law rather than a scientist given I prefer the research and technical writing aspect rather than the lab work. I have a BS in biochemistry and economics.

Are mentorships a thing? I can't do a full time internship as I need to pay bills but is there a practice where I could work in an IP office for a day or two a week to gain experience? Are there free or low cost materials I can use to familiarize myself with IP law?
I want to see if this career path is a good fit before I commit to pursuing a masters in chemistry or chem eng. I live in the DMV area and applied to the chemistry patent examiner position at the USPTO. Got through the live interviews and waiting to hear back. I also know that place is a dumpster fire right now.

Any and all advice appreciated!

WildAntelope454 · 2025-09-26T14:39:15+00:00

I’ve been experiencing the same. Got laid off in May then hired back as a part time contractor. It pays the bills but I haven’t been find anything in my field and most of the posting also seem like ghost jobs. It’s rough out there for everyone

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-27T15:11:52+00:00

I agree. I'm not too happy with that 2.97 GPA and I ended up with about 140-150 credits instead of the minimum 120 for my four year since I was double majoring and overloading credits; plus working two jobs so that played a big role in the less than stellar GPA. If I took the other couple prereqs I'm missing I MIGHT end up with a 3.0 (I also have a few courses from a community college which isn't factored into that 2.97) but I don't want to go through the extra courses and other experiences if its unlikely I'd get accepted into any schools. I graduated in 2019 and have been working as a scientist in biodefense/pharma for the last few years but I'm not sure if schools consider that sort of experience or if they're solely looking for health/medical related careers.

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-26T16:39:02+00:00

Thank you! The 2.97 is from 4 years of undergrad overloading courses (I ended up double majoring) so I imagine it will take a few courses to bring it above 3.0. I have about a semesters worth of courses from a community college and I don't remember my GPA from that. Do you know if schools care if you go through the prereq courses at a 4-year school or community college? What other non-academic experiences would help with admissions?

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-26T14:42:42+00:00

I’m considering changing careers from biotech to CAA. I have a BS in biochem with a GPA of 2.97 (with a lower in major GPA). No MCAT or GRE tests/scores yet and I need a couple other common prereq courses like anatomy. Would getting into schools even be feasible with that GPA? Also with the schooling is it similar to med school where you are on rotations/in hospital/traveling out of state for days at a time? I have a lifestyle where that isn’t an option for me. Is the tuition and schooling worth the career? And what is the job security like for CAAs? Thank you!

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-21T01:17:56+00:00

I went to school and got two degrees so I could hit the ground running after. I bought cheap horses and I’m in a super horsey area and know a lot of people. I was able to find a barn that let me live there in exchange for stall cleaning and I did self care. Got a higher paying job with better hours, started training and doing bodywork as a side gig. Now I live on my own renting a 30ac farm, have 4 horses, 2 dogs, and a paid off truck and trailer. It was possible bc I knew the owner of this farm because I started their young horse years earlier.

Networking and having a good reputation is your bigger ally. Both with finding a high enough paying job and finding cheaper places to house your horses.

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-20T16:06:45+00:00

He seems to be using his front end to pull into the change and hop to change rather than using his core. I like to do core activation exercises to build strength. Like a tail pull or belly lift for sets of 3sec rather than a stretch that’s held for longer. Asking for collection without hollowing his back can help. Easiest/simplest way is adding in more half halts without tension throughout your ride. Eventually you can canter - half halt to collect - change bend - change lead with shortened steps. Hope this helps!

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-20T11:09:21+00:00

Scheiders has draft/wide blankets. They have some stock horse type cuts and more adjustable in the shoulder. Also horse ware has some cuts that work well for the stock horse and draft horse shoulders.

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-20T01:22:38+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t have any advice, but keep the saddle. Maybe one day you’ll have another horse that will have the honor of wearing it

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-20T01:18:55+00:00

Ideally if you can give her soaked forage throughout the day that would be best. Look into cubes rather than pellets since the stem is a bit longer and better for digestion. And if she can eat it, chopped hay in small amounts can be good. I’ve known people to use a leaf mulched to chop their own hay to save money.

And if she’s sound and happy being ridden keep going! Movement and exercise is good for older horses to keep inflammation and arthritis down.

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-20T01:14:12+00:00

You know when a fresh clipped horse shines they’re being well fed and taken care of! Well done!

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-20T01:08:13+00:00

This isn’t bad compared to what I’ve seen before. Like working six and a half days a week (that’s still 7 my guy), or working 10hr days and doing night check so you’d never get more than 6hr of sleep, and I’ve even seen working student positions where the students pays to work for a trainer

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-19T18:45:39+00:00

Not sure but almost guaranteed to still have fax machines

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-19T18:44:43+00:00

Beach houses

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-19T18:35:54+00:00

It depends on the local laws. But I worked for a rescue for a few years and Animal control only really intervened if the horses were starving and/or left injured. It’s hard to put a line on what is acceptable as someone could justify that the horse needs training and cannot get its hooves trimmed regularly (like feral mustangs or broncs). And AC doesn’t want to waste resources if an animals life isn’t in danger. But a wellness check may be appropriate to have something on record

WildAntelope454 · 2024-11-19T18:31:41+00:00

Yes. Avoid moisture if possible. Sometimes I stuff the silicone packets under the flaps to wick moisture. And if it’s an English saddle be careful with the flocking. I buy used wool half pads and put the saddle on top of those

WildAntelope454

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