Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but sometimes they turn into unforgettable stories. One applicant shared how they used vacation days, paid for travel and a hotel, only to be told by the interviewer, “I have no intention of hiring you. This is just a courtesy because I knew your brother.” They endured eight painful hours, and weeks later, were offered the job but declined out of principle.

Another person applied for an administrative assistant position, only to find out the employer was secretly looking for a nanny. In a different case, someone drove four hours for a 20-minute interview, only to discover the company had already chosen someone else. Some interview experiences were just bizarre, like shouting through fire alarm tests at a planetarium or showing up for a cashier position and being forced into dog grooming training instead.

Many shared tales of dishonesty and frustration. A job listed as 8-to-4 turned out to involve cross-country travel and long weeks away from home. One candidate’s teenage son was unfairly blacklisted by Walmart for supposedly missing an interview, even though the manager wasn’t there. Others endured rude behavior, like interviewers who canceled last minute or scolded applicants for asking about pay.

These stories show that interviews can be unpredictable and even misleading. Sometimes, the problem isn’t you—it’s the company. The next time you face an awkward or difficult interview, remember: walking away might be the best decision you ever make.