Do you believe that the universe sends you "signs"

I was simply saying that I believe in the general possibility that it happens - not that it was happening in this specific scenario. I've no idea if that's the case at all in the OP's circumstances. From what they have described, I wouldn't conclude that that is likely the case, but I wouldn't completely rule anything out.

Last week, I signed up to a spinning class I wouldn’t usually go to, felt rotten and got into bed. I am not a gym bunny and usually only need the smallest of excuses to miss a class. However at 10 to, I jumped up, got dressed and made it to the gym, as I got there an elderly lady fell backwards down the concrete stairs and would have been seriously injured if I hadn’t been there to catch her, literally caught her in my arms like you’d hold a baby and somehow found the strength to hold us both on the stairs until help came. I truly believe the universe made me go then and there to that class. It felt like I was possessed - I just had to go.

Yes, undoubtedly.
We and everything else, material and non material, are the universe, and there is all kinds of unseen weird shit going on all the time, some of which manifests itself as synchronicity, dreams, signs and portents, some of which we can decode.

I did believe in it, then I realised every single time I followed these “signs” it was the wrong decision.

Now I believe the signs are the universe saying “stop asking me, use your brain and decide for yourself”

No. The universe isn’t sentient and doesn’t think about me. Weirdly though a few year’s ago I liked someone, I’d sworn off relationships forever but this person popped up on the sidelines of my life. I never said anything as there was no opportunity but his surname kept appearing everywhere. On tv programmes, on adverts, all over the place. I did start to wonder if it was a ‘sign’ but nothing ever became of it, he disappeared from the sidelines as suddenly as he had appeared. That was about ten year’s ago now. I can barely remember what he looked like but it was weird.

And who or what is communicating with the OP by inspiring the director of the company to embezzle funds?

No, the universe doesn't send you signs. But I do think, when you're tempted to start wondering about signs, it's your subconscious bringing a pattern to your attention and represents an opportunity to have a bit of self reflection. For example, if you're thinking the universe is sending you signs to not keep trying, is that because deep down, you don't want to succeed? And if so, is that because you've actually gone off the idea? Our maybe the thought of success makes you more nervous than you're willing to admit.

Yes 100%. YANBU.

I’m a HSP, and I can intuitively notice and sense when everything is aligning perfectly for me in a certain direction, things slot into place, things go well, nothing feels forced.

Other times everything and anything is strongly signalling that this is the wrong path.

Trust your gut.

What was the reasons why they didnt pan out?

I'd be looking for something completely different by now.

SAYING THAT my cat has just poked me in the arse to get me shifted and doing things so whole the universe might not send me signs my cat does

The amount of times ive bought a lottery ticket at 12.12 or whatever lucky fortune time is and lost my money (isn't that high actually) leads me to believe its a crock of shit good things happen to bad people all the time it isn't fair or right or even equitable there is no balance no karma no justice just humanity which is scary and depressing all at once

Surely it’s open to interpretation? Could it be a sign to stop, or is it a sign to keep going and eventually it will all work out with the job that’s right for you?

@Frenchcremefraiche

Well, my view is that consciousness came first, then matter, and as an animist my personal view is that everything in the physical world has its own innate 'spirit and consciousness.

But I'm not sure I'd say that 'the universe' has one singular collective consciouness; my view would be more akin to the idea that there are numerous non-material consciousnesses/intelligences that permeate through the physical world. I do think that 'signs' can be sent, per se, and that synchronicity/meaningful coincidence can sometimes be a communication/message from something or someone else, but I wouldn't necessarily say it's from 'the universe' as a collective, singular entity, because I think there are a vast multitude of non-material intelligences.

No. Humans like meaningful patterns more than random coincidences.

@Frenchcremefraichesynchronicity relates to events that are unconnected yet related that resonate. Like thinking about a certain song you haven’t heard in ages that suddenly plays on the radio or appears in an advert

No. The universe is far too big for any of us to matter to anything outside our own little sphere. Anyone that thinks the universe is sending signs clearly has no idea of just how big the universe actually is. To be fair, the scale of the universe is a very difficult concept to get your head around though.

No, I don’t believe in synchronicity or meaningful coincidence or signs from the universe or anything like that. I believe that humans often naturally look for patterns and meaning in things.

I do believe in the concept of synchronicity. I am open to the idea that there is an underlying consciousness pervading the universe as a whole, so it is possible that the universe can send 'signs' as a nudge, but I also believe that other non-physical intelligences (deities, spirits, etc) can 'prod' us.

No but I believe in synchronicity and meaningful coincidence

No.

No, I mean how would the universe do that exactly? How would it work?

Sounds like you've just had a run of bad luck. Also you didn't have to withdraw your application, you chose to, so you're writing your own script there.