Planning

Today, I made the tough decision to quit my job. I've been feeling incredibly lonely at work for almost a year now. I work in a department of about 10 people, but I hardly interact with anyone. The few colleagues who did speak to me have left, and I often feel invisible as people walk past me without a word. My training was inadequate, and the person responsible for it has made my job even more difficult by not giving me all my responsibilities and throwing me under the bus when issues arise. My supervisor doesn’t provide any support and just takes her word for everything. I've been contemplating leaving for a while, but they always managed to convince me to stay. However, my mental health has taken a serious hit, and I can’t handle it any longer. I’ve saved up about $10,000 to cover my rent, so I feel somewhat secure while I search for a new job. I know it's usually advised to find a new position before quitting, but my mental well-being is my priority right now. I even struggle to find time to see a therapist due to my work schedule. I’m ready to move on and hopefully find a healthier work environment.

I recently received a rejection email for a role I applied for, and I'm trying to make sense of the feedback. The email stated, "I was able to connect with the team earlier this afternoon, and while I really enjoyed meeting with you, we’ve decided not to move forward with your candidacy at this time. This decision isn’t a reflection of your skills or experience, but rather the direction our team decided to take based on our current candidate pool." I felt I was a good match for the position based on my skills and experience, so this response left me confused. I’m considering whether I should reach out to inquire about other roles within the company that I might qualify for, or if the timing of my potential relocation at the end of October played a factor in their decision. I've heard from others that such rejection phrases can often be generic, and that there might have been an internal candidate already preferred for the role. It’s frustrating to think that even if I fit the job description perfectly, factors like team dynamics or personal impressions could have influenced their choice. I'm left wondering if I should take this as a sign that I wouldn’t fit in with their culture or if I should keep pursuing opportunities with them.

I was laid off from my role last October and since then, I've submitted 128 applications but only landed 3 interviews. I feel completely exhausted by the job search process. It's been nearly 10 months, and I know that means I'm averaging about 3 applications per week, which seems low. I’ve received feedback that my resume is too dense and wordy, making it hard for hiring managers to quickly grasp my skills and experience. I’ve been advised to simplify my resume and maybe even use AI tools to help tailor it for each job. I’m considering looking for temporary positions, especially with the political campaign season in full swing, as it might lead to opportunities in data roles. Any further advice on how to improve my approach would be greatly appreciated.

I recently received a job offer in the IT industry for $50k, which will increase to $55k after 90 days. I was laid off in January and took the Sec+ certification to enhance my skills. Although this offer is better than what I've had before, it's still on the lower end for the industry. I come from a customer service background, so this entry-level position is a chance for me to learn and grow. However, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Since receiving this offer, I've been contacted by other companies for interviews, and they are offering significantly higher salaries—$65k and $70k. I'm feeling anxious about accepting the current job because if I get an offer from one of these other companies, I would have to quit shortly after starting, which feels really uncomfortable to me. I have a hard time with authority and dislike the idea of job-hopping, especially since I've struggled financially for most of my life. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I take the job I have now and continue interviewing, or is it better to wait and see if I get a higher offer? I appreciate any insights!

I'm currently employed as a Data Center Technician with four years of experience in server hardware, troubleshooting, fiber optics, audits, and basic networking. I'm looking to transition into a remote role and would love to hear recommendations for positions that align with my background. If anyone has made a similar move, I would appreciate insights on which certifications were most beneficial and which companies are worth considering for remote opportunities. Thank you in advance for any advice!

I've been actively searching for a job throughout the entire year, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck so far. I suspect that my resume might be the issue, and I'm open to any and all advice on how to improve it. I'm eager to make my application stand out and finally land a position.

I work as a shift manager at a fast food restaurant and have been with the company for about 6 years. Recently, we've had a new district manager and a new company take over our store, and things have been going downhill. The expected labor percentage is way too low, and many long-term employees have quit because they were reduced to just one shift a week. We're often understaffed, managing with only four people at a time, which is barely enough to keep the place running. I make $17.75 an hour, which is above the new cap of $15, but we’re no longer allowed to earn overtime. This is frustrating because I used to work at least 45 hours a week. Today, I had to go in on my day off due to the night manager being unavailable, and I ended up working an hour of overtime. However, my general manager informed me that they would cut my paycheck back to 40 hours and hold the overtime pay for the next check. She assured me I would still get paid for all my time, but it wouldn’t be reflected as overtime on my pay stub. I know it’s less than $30 after taxes, but I’m upset because it feels like they’re manipulating the numbers to make their bonuses look good while I miss out on the pay I earned. I’ve lost trust in my manager, especially since she previously cut my hourly rate without informing me. I’m worried she might forget to add my overtime pay to the next check, especially since I’ve picked up a shift at another location. I’m wondering if this is even legal. I’ve let a lot slide from management, but this feels particularly unfair. I might need to look into my rights regarding overtime pay.

Today marks a significant turning point in my life as I was laid off after 13 years at my company. I had always been a high-performing individual contributor, often the lowest paid in the room despite my hard work and dedication. I genuinely believed I had positioned myself as someone who would be the last to go, but I was mistaken. Now, I find myself at a crossroads. Thankfully, I've managed to save enough to last me about eight years based on my current spending habits, along with some retirement savings. However, I still have a long way to go before I reach retirement age, and I don't own any property. I've always had a passion for AI and have gained considerable experience in this field. This layoff might be the opportunity I need to explore AI on my own terms, rather than for corporate objectives. At the same time, I feel a strong desire to travel and see the world, but I also feel incredibly exhausted from the years of hard work. I had set a goal to achieve financial independence and retire early (FIRE) by age 50, but this unexpected turn has pushed that goal further away. I'm feeling lost and unsure of what my next steps should be. Should I take some time off to rest and recharge? Dive straight into personal projects? Start job hunting immediately to stay on track with my FIRE aspirations? Or should I take the plunge and travel? Additionally, I've neglected my physical and mental health for too long, and I want to prioritize that as well. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this complex mix of feelings and options.

I was recently laid off on a Friday from a company where I truly enjoyed working, thanks to my supportive boss and wonderful coworkers. It's hard to find such a pleasant work environment, and I genuinely liked the work I did. Since the layoff, I've been surprised at how mentally challenging the adjustment has been. On the day I was let go, I had an interview lined up with another company, but I didn't perform my best during that interview, which is unusual for me. I'm feeling anxious about the job market and the uncertainty of finding a new position, even though I believe I have a solid job search strategy. I've managed to secure at least six interviews in the past month and a half, including one with a hiring manager. Despite my efforts, I find it difficult to see the silver lining amidst this situation. To cope, I've decided to get out of the house tomorrow and clear my mind, hoping that something positive will come my way soon. I'm curious to hear how others have managed their mental health after a layoff.

I was recently impacted by a layoff at my company, where I worked in a marketing role. Currently, I'm on a non-working notice period, which means I'm still on payroll but my termination date is set for October. I'm navigating my job search and have a few questions about how to approach interviews and background checks during this time. For interviews, I'm unsure how to respond to questions like "Are you still with XYZ?" or "Why are you leaving?" I want to be truthful without sharing too much information that could negatively impact my chances. Regarding background checks, I'm curious about what will show up since I'm still technically employed and receiving paychecks. Additionally, if I receive a job offer that starts before my termination date, do I need to inform my current employer? Can I provide my current pay stubs as proof of employment to the new company? Any insights or advice from those who've been in similar situations would be greatly appreciated!

I recently came across a job listing on Indeed that caught my interest, but shortly after I applied, the listing was taken down. I have an interview scheduled, and I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should still prepare for it or not. I wonder if this means the position has already been filled or if they just have enough candidates. I've heard from others that it's common for employers to remove listings once they feel they have enough applicants, but I still want to make the most of this opportunity. I'm considering reaching out through Indeed to clarify the situation, but I'm not sure if that's the right move. Any advice on how to handle this?

I've been deep into my job search lately, applying to countless positions in my field. At first, I thought the more applications I sent out, the better my chances would be. I tailored my resume for each role, but after sending out dozens of applications with little to no response, I started to feel like I was just playing a numbers game. It became clear that I needed to change my strategy. I began to consider reaching out to my network for referrals instead of just relying on online applications. A friend of mine had success landing a great role through a referral, and it made me realize I should tap into my inner circle for potential leads. I'm now focusing on building connections and seeking advice from people who might help me get my foot in the door.

I was recently laid off from my position in Austin, TX due to a reduction in force, and it was completely out of my control. The severance package offered to me is quite disappointing, and to make matters worse, the company is stating that I will not receive the bonus I earned, even though I was employed for the required period. I'm feeling frustrated and unsure about how to approach this situation. I'm considering my options for recourse and how to effectively negotiate my severance package. If anyone has advice on how to phrase my request or any strategies that might help, I would greatly appreciate it.

I was laid off from my job about a month ago and recently received a severance agreement. However, I haven't signed it yet because my former lead advised me to negotiate for a higher amount. I'm curious if anyone else has successfully asked for more severance and what their experience was like. I understand that severance isn't guaranteed, and I'm aware that I might not have much leverage since I'm already out of the company. Still, I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently accepted a part-time retail position at a local mall after months of struggling to find work. The manager wants to have a quick in-person interview, and I'm excited but also anxious about my situation. I'm due in a few months and plan to go on maternity leave at the end of December. My husband and I haven't decided if I'll return to work after that. Since this job will only be for about four months, I'm torn about whether to disclose my pregnancy to the manager. I haven't mentioned it yet, but it's becoming harder to hide as my bump is noticeable and bending down is getting challenging. Should I be upfront about my temporary status, or is it better to keep it to myself until closer to my leave? I can work through the holiday season, but after Christmas, I won’t be able to continue. I've read that mentioning my pregnancy might affect my hours or scheduling, and I really need the income right now. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I experienced my first layoff at 31 years old. I was let go from my job, and I'm still processing the shock of it all. As I prepare to look for a new position, I'm faced with a decision regarding my 401(k). Should I roll it over after I receive my final PTO check, or should I cash it out and apply for unemployment? I'm leaning towards rolling it over, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this unexpected transition.

Today, I reached a low point in my job search journey. After over 12 years in a specific industry, I've made the tough decision to change careers entirely. I've been pursuing something I'm passionate about, and I've even obtained certifications to support my transition. However, the reality is hitting hard. I applied for a position today and was once again turned down because they chose a candidate with more experience. This isn't the first time; just a few months ago, I lost out to someone who had fewer certifications but more professional experience. It's incredibly frustrating to feel stuck and to wonder how I can advance in this new field without the opportunity to prove myself. I'm really hoping to connect with others who have successfully changed careers later in life and can share some encouraging stories or advice.

I applied to two Target locations on July 30, looking for a second job to work after my main job. One location rejected me quickly, but the other sent me a video interview, which I completed. After a week of silence, I called HR, and the representative told me to be patient and that she would check on my application. I followed up again the next week, and she mentioned there was an issue with my availability since I have another job. She said they might still work with my schedule depending on the hiring manager's decision and promised to email me with an update. Another week has passed, and I still haven’t heard anything. I've made it a routine to call the HR lady every Wednesday after her lunch break, and I haven’t missed a call in August. My hope lies in the fact that the rejected location changed my status to "No longer considered," while the location I interviewed for still shows "In progress." I’m torn between wanting to keep following up and wondering if I should just move on. Should I call again this Wednesday or take the hint and search elsewhere? Does "In progress" mean I still have a chance, or can Target leave applications like that even if they’re no longer considering someone?

I recently learned that my position at my company is being eliminated due to financial difficulties. On August 25, I was informed that my team was next on the chopping block, and by September 1, everyone except for me and a couple of others will be laid off. I was offered another role at the same pay, but it required me to work in the office full-time. Since I had already planned to relocate an hour and a half away next month, I had to decline that offer. The next day, they rescinded the offer and pushed my termination date to next month, suggesting I help clean up the work left behind. Interestingly, they mentioned the possibility of a remote position for me, but they wouldn’t have details until the end of September. The HR representative hinted that they really want me to stay, which makes me wonder if there’s room to negotiate a higher pay rate if they do offer me something. However, I’m unsure if they are just trying to keep me around to finish up the work or if they genuinely want to retain me. Given the company’s financial situation, I’m nervous about asking for more money. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and whether I should start looking for new opportunities.

I am currently seeking job search advice as I look for opportunities in the administrative and customer service industry in Portland, OR. My last contract ended in May 2026, and since then, I have been actively applying to various positions. I've averaged about two interviews a week over the past four months, but I haven't secured a job yet. At 49 years old, I'm eager for any recommendations or leads on where to look for jobs in this field. Thank you!