Had a conversation with a mate the other day about job hunting, and it reminded me why I’ve developed such a healthy skepticism of recruitment agencies over the years. Someone shared a story online about being dragged into the city for an interview, only to be told upfront that the job had already been filled - but hey, let’s chat anyway so I can “get to know you.” Sound familiar? Unfortunately, it does to me too.

There’s something oddly liberating about reading stories of people who’ve walked away from jobs faster than you can say “probationary period.” Yesterday I stumbled across a discussion thread about the shortest timeframes people have known a job wasn’t for them, and it got me thinking about workplace red flags and the courage it takes to trust your gut.

The original poster had it figured out in just two days. Two days! And honestly, good on them. There’s a refreshing honesty in recognising that early that something isn’t right and having the backbone to act on it. They mentioned not wanting to get “further enmeshed and embedded” with people relying on them before making their exit - which shows more consideration for their colleagues than many employers show their staff.

Something deeply unsettling has been happening in the job market lately. The FTC recently reported a staggering $220 million in losses from job-seeking scams, and frankly, it’s both infuriating and heartbreaking to see predators exploiting people at their most vulnerable moments.

Let’s be real here - nobody in their right mind would normally consider paying money to apply for a job. It goes against every basic principle of employment. Yet, these scams persist and succeed because they’ve mastered the art of manipulation, targeting people when they’re at their most desperate.