I recently faced a challenging situation at my job. I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) after my mid-year assessment was downgraded to 'Below Expectations.' This happened despite initially agreeing that my performance in the first half of the year met expectations. I had taken three short vacations, all planned well in advance, but each time, I was assigned urgent tasks just hours before my leave, which I couldn't complete. Even though I finished all tasks on time during the PIP period, the feedback indicated that I needed extensive help from colleagues. Ultimately, my contract will not be renewed, and I'm considering whether to escalate this situation, as I feel the circumstances leading to my PIP were unfair.

I was recently laid off from Canva, where I worked as a product designer. It's been a tough experience, especially since the company was still making a profit when the layoffs happened. They let go of around 1,000 employees, which feels like a drastic move for a company that seemed to be doing well, even if profits weren't as high as the previous year. It got me thinking about how layoffs have changed over the years. They used to signify mismanagement and were seen as a last resort to avoid bankruptcy. Now, it seems like companies are using layoffs as a strategy to boost profits for shareholders, even when they are financially stable. Just earlier this year, a major bank in my country reported record profits but still laid off thousands. When did this become the norm? It's disheartening to see how the landscape of employment is shifting.

I was a software engineer six months ago, but since then, I've been struggling to find a job. I've applied to numerous positions, including low-entry and minimum wage jobs, but I haven't had any luck. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for jobs that are open to hiring anyone. I'm flexible and open to both office work and hard labor roles.

I'm excited to share that I've finally secured a full-time position after working on Upwork for a while. It feels great to transition back into a stable work environment, and I'm looking forward to the new challenges ahead.

I’m currently working a part-time job that offers no benefits, and I’m realizing more and more why many people choose to leave. The job has become quite degrading for me, with one frustrating experience after another. I have a shift coming up this Saturday night that I really want to give up because I’m just not happy here anymore. I’m looking for something new and full-time instead. I’ve been thinking about how nice it would be to take a mental health hiatus, similar to what characters Sophia and Manon did in Katseye. I wish I could just take some time off to focus on my mental health, maybe spend some time at Disneyland or bake cookies at home, and then return to work in January when I feel ready again. Unfortunately, I can’t quit right now because I need to pay off my credit card debt, and I estimate that I need about six more paychecks to do that. I’m feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next.

I recently got laid off from my position as a developer at a US-based fintech company in Hyderabad, India. After three years with the organization, I was shocked to find myself without a job, especially considering the circumstances surrounding my layoff. It seems that a team member of mine, who has only two years of experience, managed to avoid being laid off due to her affair with a married director. This situation feels incredibly unfair to me, as she often shirked her responsibilities while I was dedicated to my work. I have a family to support, and I’m struggling with the financial burden of EMIs. I’m feeling disheartened and frustrated, and I’m unsure if I should report this unethical behavior or just focus on moving forward. I know I need to update my resume and start applying for new positions, but it’s hard to shake off the feelings of injustice.

I'm currently in the job hunt phase as I approach my graduation this December with a degree in computer science. I've applied to numerous positions through company websites and job platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake, but so far, I've only received a few online interview offers. Unfortunately, I didn't succeed in those interviews, despite having significant industrial experience from my time abroad and multiple publications in relevant fields. I'm targeting Software Engineer (SWE), Software Development Engineer (SDE), and Machine Learning Engineer (MLE) roles since I've worked on projects and published papers in those areas. I'm reaching out for any advice or tips to improve my job search. Thanks in advance!

I was laid off two days ago from my job in Santa Fe, NM. I had relocated all the way from New York City two years ago, and now I'm left wondering why this happened. I initially thought it was something I did wrong, but it turns out that 16 other colleagues, who were all exceptional in their roles, were laid off alongside me. It's baffling to think that we were let go despite being extraordinary at what we do.

I am a 2024 graduate and I'm facing an impending layoff. Despite having good performance ratings in the past, I've been put on the list due to what seems like personal vendettas from some managers. I'm preparing to meet with my manager and HR to discuss several important points before my departure. Firstly, I need to understand the specific grounds for my inclusion on the layoff list. I want to clarify what the requirements are for potential rehire in the future. Additionally, I need to know how I will receive my termination documents and whether my termination letter will categorize this as a layoff or performance-related termination. I also have questions about my pending leave encashment and any outstanding bill claims that need to be addressed. It’s crucial for me to discuss my performance history, especially since my recent performance has improved significantly. Lastly, I’m hoping to obtain letters of recommendation from upper management as I plan to pursue higher studies. I would appreciate any advice on other points I should raise during this discussion, as I feel quite lost in this process.

I recently accepted a job offer for a Client Service Associate position at a large financial institution, with a starting salary of around $80K plus a potential monthly supplemental payment that could increase my earnings to about $86K. This opportunity came after a lengthy interview process that involved multiple rounds and the support of several internal advocates, including a senior person who helped create the position for me. I’m set to start on November 16, and I genuinely appreciate the effort that went into bringing me on board. However, just as I was preparing to start, I received a call from a smaller independent financial firm regarding a different Client Service Associate role that I had previously declined due to my acceptance of the first offer. After reviewing the job description, I realized that this new opportunity might be a better fit for me. It’s fully remote, which is crucial for my family situation as I have a four-year-old daughter. This flexibility would allow me to be home more, especially when she’s sick or needs my attention. The salary range for this position is approximately $75K to $100K plus bonuses, and it doesn’t require any licensing or securities exams. The dilemma I’m facing is significant. I feel a strong sense of obligation to the first company because they invested so much in me, and the thought of starting there and then leaving shortly after feels wrong. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that I might be missing out on an opportunity that could greatly improve my work-life balance. I’m torn about whether to pursue the second opportunity, especially given the timing. Even if they are interested, I doubt they could complete the interview process and extend an offer before I start my first job. I’m seeking advice on how to handle this situation. Would it be wise to explore the second opportunity even if it means potentially leaving the first company shortly after starting? How should I approach interviewing while I’m new at my current job? Any insights from those who have faced similar decisions would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off recently and I've been reflecting on whether I should have attempted to transition into another role within my company. Before the layoff, I had raised concerns about some serious issues, and I wonder if that played a role in my situation. I did try to apply for a different position within the company, aiming for a role that was below my current title. I even made it to the final interview, but unfortunately, I wasn't hired. It felt like I had a good chance, but it just didn't work out. Since then, I've been actively applying for other jobs that match my qualifications, but I haven't had much luck so far. It's been a tough process, and I'm still trying to figure out my next steps.

I was laid off almost 6 and a half months ago, and my unemployment benefits have just run out. Today, I have my final interview for a position that I really hope to land. I've applied to 175 roles so far, gone through 55 interviews, and made it to the final round for 25 of them, but unfortunately, I haven't received a single job offer yet. I've learned from some contacts that a lot of the time, the reason I didn't get the job was because someone else had a more unique skill set than I did. The job market is incredibly tough right now, and it feels brutal. Just the other day, I went to buy my usual case of protein drinks, which used to cost about $25, and now they’re priced at $64. I couldn't afford to buy them. To improve my job search, I created an AI agent that helps me find jobs that match my résumé and experiences. This way, I’m not just randomly applying to positions. The jobs it finds fit me at least 95% and up, but it’s still a struggle. I'm applying to contract roles as well and even considering positions that pay $20K less than what I used to make. I’m sending out good vibes and prayers, hoping to get an offer in the next couple of weeks. After my interview today, I applied to three more jobs. My AI agent is keeping track of everything in a spreadsheet, helping me adjust my résumé and cover letters, and even searching LinkedIn for connections with my interviewers. I’ve also been looking up interview questions on Glassdoor. It’s scary, but I’m grateful for the interviews I’ve been getting. I’m trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

Today, I experienced something I never thought I would: I walked out of a job interview. I've been unemployed and actively searching for work, so when I was invited to interview for an administrative assistant position at a company with several concerning employee reviews, I hesitated. My husband had read the reviews and warned me, but I wanted to form my own opinion. He drove me there and waited outside. Upon entering, I found myself in a huge, almost empty conference room that felt like a relic from the early 2000s. It was dead silent, and I was completely alone, which made me uncomfortable right away. I almost left then, but I convinced myself to stay. The interview began with two people coming in to ask me questions, and then they left. Next, another two people came in, and I was bombarded with questions that had nothing to do with the administrative role I applied for. Instead of discussing my day-to-day responsibilities, they asked if I had experience with payroll, recruiting, and handling demanding jobs. I was confused about what the position actually entailed. The format felt more like an interrogation than a standard interview, with different people rotating in and out, questioning me without providing clarity. After the second group finished, one of them mentioned getting a third person to interview me. That was it for me. Four people had already interviewed me, and I still had no idea what the job was about. I decided I couldn't sit through another round. I grabbed my belongings and walked out without saying a word. As I left, I felt a rush of empowerment, but afterward, guilt crept in. I’ve applied to countless jobs and know how tough the market is, so part of me wondered if I had just thrown away an opportunity. But should I have to endure an uncomfortable interview process without clear answers? I’m curious if anyone else has ever walked out of an interview because something felt off, and whether they regretted it or felt relieved.

After being laid off from my job, my former employer provided me with a 6-month outplacement program. I thought it might be helpful, so I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I found it to be completely useless. The advice I received felt generic and outdated, almost like going to a therapist who suggests, "Have you tried not being poor?" It was frustrating to see how much emphasis is placed on having a perfect résumé when the reality is that job searching often comes down to networking and luck. I noticed many others have had similar experiences with these programs, particularly with LHH. It seems like they post jobs that aren't even available, and it's just a way for them to make money while pretending to help people. I even tried their résumé services, but it ended up making my résumé worse. I reverted back to my original résumé and started getting more traction. It really drives home the point that connections matter more than anything else in this job market.

I recently joined a layoff support hiking group in the Bay Area, California. We're planning a hike on Monday, November 9, at 11 AM on Mt. Tam in Mill Valley. The hike is a 5-mile loop with an elevation gain of 869 feet. It's a great opportunity for those of us navigating layoffs or job transitions to clear our heads and connect with others in similar situations. The group usually splits into smaller ones based on hiking pace, which helps manage the trail traffic. We chose Mondays for our hikes because it's less crowded, making it easier to accommodate everyone. While hiking is our main activity, the community also engages in co-working, job search assistance, and social events like coffee hangs and bike rides. I appreciate the inclusive nature of the group, as even those currently employed can join, provided they are respectful of the challenges faced by others. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and sharing experiences on the trail!

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my job as a graphic/web designer for a data-focused company in San Francisco. I've been here for about three months, earning $66,000 a year, which is decent for my age, but the work environment has been incredibly toxic. My boss, who is quite wealthy and owns another company, has treated me poorly and has created a chaotic work atmosphere. I've witnessed more people leave than join the team, and my boss is disorganized, often failing to check on projects and then blaming me for not caring enough when things go wrong. Additionally, I've been hit with unexpected costs, like paying $20 a day for parking because my boss refuses to move an unused vehicle from our parking spot. My pay schedule has changed from biweekly to monthly, and I’ve faced delays in receiving my paycheck. I've also had to deal with personal drama, as my boss made my only roommate quit due to a personal attack, and I've learned he continues to stalk her on social media. Despite all this, I do enjoy some aspects of my job, and living in San Francisco has its perks. I'm torn about what to do next. The job market for my role seems tough, and while $66,000 is a significant amount that helps support my girlfriend and family, I'm not happy here. I'm considering whether I should quit and seek new opportunities or stick it out for the time being. Any advice from those with more experience would be greatly appreciated.

I recently found myself at a crossroads in my career. I've been working from home in a starting role at my current company, which has been comfortable but not particularly fulfilling. I just got promoted, but I still earn less than new hires, and the company culture seems to be deteriorating. I like my team, but I know that won't last if I move up the ladder. Out of the blue, I received an offer for a new role that would require commuting 30 minutes each way, three times a week, with the potential to go full-time in the office. This new position is two levels up from where I am now and offers a base salary of at least $86k, plus bonuses and stock options that could bring my total compensation to around $94k. Currently, I make $67k, so this is a significant pay increase. One of the big draws for me is that this new job supports educational advancement, which is something my current position lacks. Additionally, my current WFH job is quite stressful, often involving dealing with grumpy clients, while the new role would focus more on internal team coordination, which sounds less stressful. I’m not a fan of change, but I figured this would be a good opportunity to practice my interviewing skills. To my surprise, I got the offer even though I didn’t think I did that well in the interview. I’m introverted but can handle an office environment as long as there’s no office politics, which seems to be the case here. I will miss being home with my cats, but I believe this could be a positive change. My long-term goal is to eventually find another remote job that pays more, but I know I’ll need to enhance my education and resume to achieve that. I’m leaning towards accepting the new role, but I’d love to hear any thoughts or advice.

I recently experienced a tough situation at my first job. After working for just two months, I was taken off the schedule without any formal notice. I’m 18 and this was my first real job. During the summer, the business was booming and they were in desperate need of employees, but now that winter has set in, things have slowed down significantly. It seems like they might have over-hired during the busy season. When I was working, it often felt awkward because there was barely any work to do. I found myself in a situation where my coworkers and I were almost racing for tasks. Now, I’ve noticed that I’m the only one who has been let off the schedule while everyone else continues to work. I even went into the office today to check the schedule and confirmed that I’m no longer receiving any updates online, which used to be a regular occurrence. I’m feeling pretty bummed out and lost right now. After two years of job hunting, I finally landed this position, only to be unemployed again after such a short time. I’m hoping that now that I’m officially an adult, finding another job will be easier. Has anyone else gone through something similar recently?

I'm currently working at a private equity-owned company and I've just learned that a new VP is joining our department next week to replace the old one. Although I don't report directly to this new VP, I can't help but feel anxious about the potential changes this might bring. This year has been challenging for our team, and I'm concerned that this transition could lead to layoffs. I'm a high performer and I lead monthly meetings that involve several VPs, but I'm still not high up in the corporate hierarchy. My manager reports directly to this new VP, which adds to my uncertainty. Should I be worried about job security during this transition? I’ve seen discussions online where some say a single VP change shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, especially for individual contributors like myself, but I also know that companies often look at salary when considering cuts. I’m trying to stay optimistic, but I can’t shake the feeling that I should prepare for the worst.

I just had a second-round Zoom interview for an operations coordinator role at AirFlow Solutions, a company that distributes industrial air ventilation ductwork. The pay is decent and there's remote flexibility, which is great. The first part of the interview went smoothly with standard questions about spreadsheets and project deadlines. However, things took a turn when the hiring manager asked, 'So what specifically excites you about our mission here at AirFlow Solutions?' My mind went completely blank, and I panicked. Instead of discussing the company culture or supply chain logistics, I blurted out something about how air is essential for survival and without ductwork, buildings would just be filled with stale human breath. There was an awkward silence, and I could feel the embarrassment wash over me. I tried to recover by mumbling about sheet metal gauges, but it felt like the damage was already done. How are we supposed to fake passion for moving metal tubes across state lines?