Planning

I had a short informal interview with a friend’s friend who is helping a parent find a tutor for their child. Even though I don't have any tutoring experience, I have a solid grasp of the subject. The conversation went well, and the guy seemed somewhat interested, but he mentioned needing to discuss it with the parent first. It's been a week since then, and I haven't heard back, not even a rejection. I'm contemplating whether I should send a follow-up message to check in or just wait it out. I'm worried about coming across as annoying or desperate, especially since we might run into each other at social events. This is my first job search, so I'm unsure about the proper etiquette in this situation. Should I reach out or hold off?

I recently got laid off and found a great community in the Bay Area for people in similar situations. This Monday, August 31, I’m joining a hiking group at the Stanford Dish loop, which is a 3.7-mile hike with a 534 ft elevation gain. It’s a chance to clear my head and connect with others who are navigating their job searches. The group splits into smaller ones based on pace, which is nice since it keeps the trail less crowded. I appreciate that they host these hikes on Mondays when trail traffic is low. It’s not just about hiking; the community, known as (un)PTO, also engages in co-working, job search help, and social events like coffee hangs and bike rides. I’m looking forward to meeting others who understand what I’m going through. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this job transition journey.

I’m currently helping my husband in his job search after he was laid off from his role as a Director of Product Marketing. He has extensive experience in B2B SaaS and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science along with an MBA. We’re focusing on opportunities in Chicago or remote positions. He’s genuinely one of the hardest-working individuals I know, and his previous coworkers even compiled a book of farewell notes for him when he left his last job, which speaks volumes about his character and leadership. Unfortunately, after many years at his last company, he was part of a recent layoff. Since then, he’s been actively searching for his next role and has had a few interviews, but like many others, he’s faced ghosting from potential employers. There was one opportunity that seemed promising when an old manager reached out, but ultimately, the position went to another laid-off coworker. While we’re happy for that person, it was tough for my husband after waiting and hoping for a positive outcome. I don’t have a large professional network in his field, so I’m reaching out here in hopes of finding leads or connections. If anyone knows of companies hiring for a Director of Product Marketing, especially in the B2B SaaS space, I would greatly appreciate any introductions or suggestions. It would mean a lot to see him get a break after this challenging period.

I recently found myself in a strange situation regarding a job offer at my current company. About two months ago, I interviewed for an internal promotion but was ultimately rejected. I was told I was the second choice and encouraged to look for similar roles. This was disappointing, especially since I received positive feedback from the panel after my interviews. However, just a few days ago, one of the hiring managers from that panel reached out to me with an unexpected offer for a different position on a new team they were forming. They mentioned that they had already spoken to my current boss about the move and just needed my approval to proceed. I was thrilled, especially since it came with a substantial raise. But then, I received an update that HR couldn't approve the offer letter until they posted the position internally for at least five days and interviewed other candidates. They assured me that this was just a formality and that I was still the chosen candidate. Despite their reassurances, I'm feeling nervous about the whole process. Is it common for companies to handle things this way? Should I be worried they might choose someone else after all this?

I’m currently working at a bank where I cover domestic markets, but the environment has become increasingly toxic due to a recent restructuring. My department has been merged with another that is unpopular and has shown little regard for our concerns. As a result, we’ve seen attrition rates soar, with our team size shrinking from 28 to just 13 over the past year. Many of my colleagues, including my VP Managers, have transferred to other teams because they couldn’t handle the situation any longer. Despite being promoted a couple of months ago, the overall team morale is quite low. We often joke about who is leaving next, and it’s disheartening. I’ve received an offer from another company that matches my current pay but involves covering overseas markets, which I consider an inferior role compared to my current position. The exposure would be less since most of the stakeholders are onshore. However, the commute would decrease significantly from an hour to just 20 minutes, and the work-life balance would improve by nearly 50%. The culture at the new place seems much better, though I anticipate that future pay hikes won’t be as substantial as what I currently receive. I’m at a crossroads and wondering if it would be wise to take this new job despite the perceived downgrade in role. If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d appreciate your thoughts on whether I should make the switch.

I’m currently in a bit of a tricky situation with my job search. For the past couple of months, I’ve been trying to break into a new industry within my field. I have an offer in hand from a company in a less-than-ideal location, and the job is mostly aligned with what I’m looking for. However, I also have my sights set on a perfect position at a major company, and I’m currently shortlisted for it. The boss is supposed to get back to me on Monday, which adds to the pressure. I spoke with the supervisor at the big company, and he mentioned that he can’t speed up the decision-making process without the boss’s input. We have a good rapport, and he told me to do what’s best for me, which I appreciated. The pay for both positions is quite similar, but I’m feeling a bit stuck. I’m leaning towards accepting the offer I have because it would allow me to finally break into the industry. However, I’m worried that if I take this offer, the juggernaut company might think I’m no longer interested and not consider me further. I’ve already informed them about the other offer, so I feel like I’m in a tough spot. I’m feeling disappointed and frustrated about the situation, and I’m not sure if I should just go for the offer in hand or wait it out for the potential opportunity at the bigger company. I could really use some advice or just a place to vent about this dilemma.

I recently experienced a layoff and have been actively interviewing with various companies. Right now, I'm in the final stages with one of them and I'm really eager to know how long it typically takes to receive an offer letter after the last interview. I've seen mixed responses from others about this, with some saying they heard back within an hour while others waited weeks or even months. I'm considering reaching out to ask when I can expect to hear back, but I’d love to hear from anyone who has been hired recently about their experiences.

I’m contemplating whether to start applying for jobs now or wait until after my two-week overseas vacation in three months. I'm worried that if I apply now, I might get called for interviews while I'm away, or even get hired and then have to explain my upcoming time off shortly after starting. Given the current job market, I know it could take a while to find something, so I'm leaning towards applying anyway. I’ve seen advice suggesting that I should just be upfront about my availability, and that many first-round interviews can be done online, which might alleviate some of my concerns. I’m just trying to figure out the best approach without jeopardizing my chances.

I was laid off from my previous job a few weeks ago and have been actively searching for new opportunities since then. This week has been particularly fruitful as I've had several interviews, including one today for a property management role. Interestingly, this position is actually higher in both responsibility and salary than the one I initially applied for, thanks to the hiring coordinator recognizing my skill set. Although I don't have any direct experience in property management, the manager seemed to appreciate my interview and even hinted at the possibility of hiring me. One concern I have is the schedule, which runs from 9 AM to 6 PM, and I'm not entirely thrilled about that. I'm curious to hear thoughts from anyone currently working in this field, especially regarding the hours and overall job satisfaction.

I am facing the possibility of being laid off from both of my jobs in the hotel industry, which has left me feeling quite surprised and frustrated. At Job A, where I've worked for three years, a new company took over and implemented changes that have significantly decreased my income. The latest change involves removing gratuity, which will cost me over $500. At Job B, I've only been there for a month, and while the pay isn’t great for a luxury hotel, I was hopeful. However, when I requested a few days off for school, they immediately started looking for my replacement. Manager 1 claimed they weren’t against education but hinted that it detracted from the performance expected at the hotel. Manager 2, the general manager, gave me a vague response about whether they could accommodate my request, but the next day, I noticed they had already posted my position on Indeed and were actively searching for someone new. It really frustrates me how employers often don’t give any warning before laying you off and expect you to find a new job in such a challenging market.

I've made the tough decision to leave my job after just three months. The management has been terrible, and the way my coworkers treat me is really affecting my mental health. I can't keep letting people walk all over me for just £11 an hour. I've been applying to a ton of jobs since I decided to leave, but so far, I haven't received any interview offers. I did get a call from a place I really want to work at, but I missed it and couldn't get through when I called back. I'm hoping they'll reach out again or that I can follow up with them soon. My biggest concern right now is how to give my notice. I know I only have to give two weeks, but I'm worried they'll make those last weeks unbearable. I want to approach my managers professionally, but I have no idea how to say it without sounding rude. I dread going into work tomorrow, especially since I won't be with any of the nicer coworkers. I was hoping to give my notice then, but I think it's better to wait until I have a job lined up. Is it bad to leave a job so soon after starting?

I was recently let go from my sales position in Texas because I didn't meet my sales quota. It's been a tough adjustment, and I've filed for unemployment, but I feel overwhelmed with everything I need to do. I've signed up for the required work program in Texas, but I'm unsure about how to proceed with my job history and resume. Is it acceptable to just use Indeed for my applications, or do I need to fill out all the job history codes? Also, I'm wondering if I need to start applying for jobs immediately. I have started applying through Indeed already, but I just lost my job and would like a few days to clear my mind. I applied for unemployment on Wednesday, so I'm a bit stressed about the timeline. Any advice on how to manage this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I recently applied for a position at a grocery store chain that is currently under construction and is set to open in the next couple of weeks. I came across a job listing for that location and jumped at the chance to apply because I really want this job. However, I'm feeling anxious about the possibility of missing out on the opportunity. I found a phone number for the hiring team on a sign outside the construction site, and I'm considering leaving a voicemail to express my interest in the position. It's been about a week since I submitted my application, and I'm unsure if following up would be perceived as too eager or if it would actually help my chances. I'm not quite sure what I would say in the voicemail either.

I recently faced a setback in my career after failing my probation period at a remote data analyst position I took on in February. With five years of experience as a data scientist at a global company, I made the decision to leave that role for what I thought would be a more manageable job that allowed me to work from home. The appeal of remote work was strong due to personal reasons, and I was hoping to have more time to focus on a side gig. Unfortunately, after six months, I was let go because my skills in Excel and PowerPoint weren't up to par. My manager heavily relied on these tools, and I found myself not doing any real coding or data science, which was disappointing. Despite the stress and time commitment, I realize now that getting let go might not be the worst outcome. On the bright side, I have $750k in savings and will be moving back in with my supportive parents. This situation gives me the opportunity to dedicate more time to my startup, which focuses on building an online business leveraging AI. I believe that even if my startup doesn’t succeed, the experience will be invaluable for my career. Now, I’m considering my options. I could look for another remote job to keep the paycheck coming, but the job market is tough and I have a six-month gap on my resume. Alternatively, I could focus on my startup and upskill in AI over the next six months. I think the second option is better for my career in the long run, especially since I have the financial cushion to take this risk. The entrepreneurial path has always appealed to me, and now I have a chance to pursue it more seriously.

I just found out that I'm getting fired on Monday from my new job, where I've only been for a month. Honestly, I haven't been doing well at all. From the start, I felt unsupported and lacked the proper training and context for my tasks, which led to a lot of mistakes. It’s been really misaligned with my expectations, and I've been miserable here. My manager seems angry, but they haven't even taken the time to train me or check in. I wanted to hold on until the end of September to search for something else, but now I'm unsure of my next steps. This upcoming week is going to be chaotic since it's the busiest time at the company, and I feel overwhelmed without any support. I'm considering whether I should just quit before they officially let me go to avoid the stress of being fired. I want to leave on my own terms, but I'm not sure how to navigate this situation. Any advice on how to handle this would be appreciated.

I’m currently navigating a tough decision between two job opportunities and could really use some advice. The first option is with a multinational company that I prefer, but I haven’t heard back from them since completing all assessments and interviews a week ago. The role is niche and offers a great salary, plus it would be 100% remote after six months, which is perfect for my work-life balance. However, I’m feeling anxious because the lab flagged my medical test results as "abnormal," even though the official clearance says I’m fit for work. I’ve tried reaching out via WhatsApp but haven’t received a response, and I’m hesitant to email the recruiter. The second option is with a local company that is moving quickly through their hiring process. They have already conducted technical and hiring manager interviews, and they’re pushing for a mid-September start date. The salary is lower, and the commute is longer, but the role has high market demand, which could offer better job security in the long run. I’m torn because I really want the first job for its benefits, but the uncertainty is causing me stress. I’m worried about accepting the second job only to have the first one come through later, or vice versa. I’d appreciate any thoughts on how to handle this situation and the timing with both companies. Thanks!

I've been job hunting on and off for about a year, and I'm starting to realize that I might be applying for the wrong types of jobs. Most of the positions I've gone for are quite technical, and while I can get through the initial interviews, I often find myself struggling against other candidates when it comes to the more in-depth technical discussions. Recently, the same company has interviewed me multiple times for different teams, and just yesterday, HR reached out again. This has led me to question my approach. I've been focusing on applying for roles based on what I think makes me employable, rather than what I genuinely excel at or would enjoy doing on a daily basis. The challenge is, if I stop leaning on my language skills, I'm not quite sure what kind of roles I should be targeting. I'm curious if anyone else has navigated this mid-career realization. How did you differentiate between what companies are willing to hire you for and what types of work truly align with your strengths? I'm considering mapping out my skills and the tasks I naturally perform well in before deciding on my next steps. I've heard that tools like O*NET can help explore roles based on strengths, and I'm open to any suggestions for deeper insights into work fit.

I got laid off yesterday along with 20 others from my job in the wireless industry. The whole experience has left me in shock. They decided to cut 30% of the team during a single call, and it felt surreal packing up my desk while my colleagues pretended to be busy. Only one team member, who was also laid off, acknowledged me. This isn't my first time facing layoffs; I went through a similar situation back in August 2023, and it took me six months to find a new job. I'm really worried that the job market is even worse now than it was then. I've heard from others that competition is extremely high, and many are still experiencing layoffs. I'm reaching out to my network for referrals, but the feedback I've been getting is discouraging. It seems like everyone is struggling, and the market for my industry has never been this bad. I'm feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next.

I just learned that T-Mobile has laid off 77 workers across eight cities in Washington, and six locations are closing down. This news hit hard, especially for those of us who have been part of the team for a while. It's unsettling to see such a significant reduction in workforce and the impact it will have on our communities. I'm currently trying to process this change and figure out my next steps in the job market.

After nearly 19 years in my current role as a manager with six direct reports, I'm seriously considering a change. I've worked hard to build a strong team that feels like family, but I'm feeling burnt out due to the company's direction and the stress from upper management. The recent cutbacks have put us in a position where mistakes could lead to serious injuries, which is weighing heavily on me. Some of my former coworkers who left for another company have been encouraging me to apply for an open position there, and I believe I would get it. Currently, I make between $150,000 and $170,000, depending on bonuses, and I have no debt, a paid-off home, and a solid 401k. The new job would be as an individual contributor in the same field, with a starting salary of $105,000, likely increasing to around $125,000-$130,000 with holiday pay and minimal overtime. The schedule would also improve significantly, going to a 7 days on, 7 days off rotation. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? I'm open to any advice.