Track your layoff journey and support others

I started a new job earlier this year in an adjacent field, leveraging skills from my previous experience. I quickly progressed, completing my goals during the first half of my probation period. My manager has been very supportive, emphasizing that I should develop my career here rather than look for opportunities elsewhere. This role is entry-level, but I had some relevant experience coming in. Recently, I was asked to take on tasks beyond my current role, and while I set boundaries about not wanting to do these tasks regularly without a promotion, I find myself still handling higher-grade responsibilities. I was told that promotions are rare and usually happen only when someone leaves, but I was reassured that if a position opened up, it would be advertised internally to give me a better chance. Now, a staff member at the higher grade has left, and my line manager encouraged me to apply for the position. I expressed my interest to the senior manager and asked about the internal advertisement they had previously mentioned. Unfortunately, I learned that their higher-ups refused to advertise the role internally, meaning I have to compete with external candidates. While my managers are trying to find ways to support my application, I'm feeling anxious about the competition. I really enjoy working here, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have been misled about my chances for advancement. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. Should I consider moving on from this company?

I'm currently feeling stuck in my small town, where job opportunities are virtually nonexistent. The nearest towns with potential jobs are too far for me to commute, which limits my options significantly. I'm considering relocating to find better work prospects, but I'm facing a financial barrier as I have no money left to make that move. I'm really unsure about my next steps and feeling quite overwhelmed by the situation.

I recently started a new job as a project manager at a tech company after leaving a toxic work environment. Unfortunately, it feels like I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. My supervisor is extremely controlling, micromanaging everything we do, even down to reviewing our emails. I didn't even interview with her, as I was moved to this team after accepting the offer, which was a huge red flag I ignored at the time. Since starting in July, I've realized that the productivity expectations are unrealistically high, making it difficult to take even short breaks. With over 20 years of experience, I find it frustrating to be treated like I need constant supervision. I'm already feeling the urge to start looking for another job, but I’m torn about whether I should stick it out for a year to avoid a gap on my resume. Should I just start applying now or wait it out? I really need to figure out my next steps.

Today, I learned that Cold Iron Studios, the developer behind Fireteam Elite 2, has been hit by layoffs. This news is particularly concerning as I have been following the studio's work closely and was excited about their future projects. It’s disheartening to see talented individuals lose their jobs, especially in an industry that can be so volatile. I'm hoping that those affected can find new opportunities soon.

I was recently laid off and have been searching for a new job since June. My goal is to apply to 10 jobs each week, but despite my efforts to network on LinkedIn and attend job fairs, I haven't received any responses. I'm currently targeting director roles, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of financial hardship and the reality of the job market. I've heard from others who have been in similar situations, and many suggest that I need to increase my applications and consider lower-level positions if I want to see any progress. It's discouraging to think that being out of work for a few months might affect my chances, but I’m trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

A month ago, a former associate contacted me about a position at their new company that seemed to align well with my background. I decided to go through the interview process, which involved three rounds, culminating in a meeting with a C-level executive. During that final interview, I got a strange vibe, almost like I was at a used car dealership, as the executive was pushing for me to accept a consultant role, even though the job was advertised as a full-time position. I respectfully declined, emphasizing that I was looking for a long-term opportunity and was approached for this role, not the other way around. After that, my interest in the position waned. A few days later, I noticed the company had reposted the job, which made me feel like the C-level executive doubted my qualifications. Almost a month later, my former associate emailed me, including the C-level executive, stating that I was still being considered but they wanted to start me as a consultant with the possibility of transitioning to full-time later. This made me feel like they don't see me as the ideal candidate. Am I overreacting? What would others do in my situation?

I started a new remote job about six months ago after years of working in an office, even throughout COVID. While I appreciate the lack of coworker drama and enjoy the work itself, I've been struggling with some of the company's policies. They only offer one week of accrued paid vacation and unlimited unpaid vacation, which is tough since I can't afford to take unpaid time off. Additionally, I don’t get paid for holidays or the time I spend sending updates on my tasks, which can take a significant amount of time each day. I was told I had a flexible schedule during the interview, but I've had to establish specific hours and inform them of any changes, no matter how minor. Despite my compliance, I often don’t receive any acknowledgment of my schedule updates. Because of the unpaid breaks and the time I spend on updates, I find myself working an extra 1-3 hours daily without pay, which makes it hard to plan after-work activities. The training materials are great, and I've received good one-on-one training, but there seems to be an expectation that I should perform complex tasks perfectly right away, despite being new. I feel like I'm making progress, but I mostly receive negative feedback on what I haven't done perfectly, which is quite discouraging. I signed a lease in a more affordable area after starting this job, but now I feel stuck because there are limited opportunities in my field nearby, and commuting to the city would take 1-1.5 hours each way. The job market in the city seems to be dominated by outdated attitudes, making it hard for someone like me to find a better fit. I just need to hold on for a year until I can reassess my situation and hopefully move out of state.

I've been on the job hunt for a while now, and it's been quite disheartening. I have over 4.5 years of experience in Business Operations, where I've successfully built systems and categories from the ground up. My efforts have been recognized with more than 10 excellence awards, which I thought would make me a strong candidate. However, despite my qualifications, I'm hardly receiving any responses to my applications. What's particularly frustrating is that when I do get interviews, they often go really well. Companies seem interested and then ask for more time to make a decision, only for me to end up being ghosted. I’m starting to wonder if this is just how the current job market is or if there’s something I’m missing in my approach. If anyone has any advice, referrals, or knows of any relevant openings, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

I recently found myself navigating the complexities of job searching while managing my unemployment benefits. Currently, I'm receiving unemployment based on my part-time income, and I have a few interviews lined up. However, I've just learned that I need a medical procedure scheduled for mid-November, which will require me to take several days off over two non-consecutive weeks. To complicate matters further, I am also facing major surgery in February 2027 that will necessitate six weeks off work. I'm unsure about how to approach this topic during my interviews and whether I should stop my unemployment benefits now. I want to be transparent with potential employers, but I also don't want to jeopardize my chances of securing a job. It's a tough balancing act, and I'm trying to figure out the best course of action.

Today, I had a final round interview for a senior analyst position that I was really looking forward to. The first two technical rounds went well, but things took a strange turn during the final interview with the department head and a senior HR representative. About ten minutes in, the department head unexpectedly asked me if I was planning to have kids in the next two years or if I had any significant family plans. I was caught off guard because this type of question is not only inappropriate but also illegal in my area. I tried to maintain my professionalism and responded that I preferred to focus on my professional qualifications and how they aligned with the role. The manager just stared at me for a moment, then abruptly closed his laptop with a loud click, stood up, and left the room without saying a word. The HR representative looked visibly uncomfortable, mumbled something about following up via email, and quickly followed him out. I sat there in silence for a couple of minutes before gathering my things and leaving. I was shocked by the lack of professionalism and the blatant disregard for legal interview practices. It seems clear that this is not a company I would want to work for.