Planning

I recently had to resign from my role as a Concrete Batch Plant Operator due to a severe allergic reaction to the cheap cement my company started using. After moving to central NC about a year ago, I joined a company that manufactures large cast parts for state projects. Initially, I was able to improve their concrete quality significantly, but then management decided to cut costs by using lower quality materials. Unfortunately, the new bulk cement contains hexavalent chromium, which I'm highly allergic to. My skin started reacting badly, leading to painful welts and infections. Despite seeking medical help and being prescribed prednisone, the allergy persisted. I reported the issue to my employer, but they seemed indifferent and only offered to cover my medical costs if I didn’t file an official report. After another flare-up, my doctor advised against further medication due to potential long-term health risks. I felt trapped between my health and my job, which I loved, especially working with my assistant whom I’ve mentored. While I’m grateful that my wife’s job provides us some financial stability, I still feel a sense of failure for having to leave. I know I have the skills to find another job, but I’m really struggling with the emotional toll of this situation.

I recently relocated from Utah to Salem, Oregon, and I'm on the hunt for a new job or career path. My background includes five years at a dental laboratory in Utah, where I specialized as a waxer and ceramist. Over the course of seven years in this field, I've worked on a variety of projects, from single-unit crowns to full mouth restorations, always focusing on quality and attention to detail. In addition to my dental lab experience, I have over seven years in a clay ceramics studio, where I produced small-batch, slip-cast ceramics. I was involved in every aspect of the process, from making molds to glazing, and even served as the production manager. Prior to that, I worked in a skate and snowboard shop, where I managed web sales and warehouse duties, including transitioning our garment printing to an in-house operation by building a dark room and printing original designs on t-shirts. Now that I've moved, I'm exploring job opportunities in dental labs nearby, but I'm also open to other industries. I know there are options out there that I haven't considered yet, and while I'm excited about the possibilities, it can also feel overwhelming. Thankfully, my spouse's income allows me some time to explore my options. I'm 40 years old with a high school diploma and no college degree, so any job suggestions or industry insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently faced a challenge while applying for jobs, as I found myself in a situation where I lacked the necessary experience for the roles I was interested in. I received feedback on my CV indicating that I wasn't being shortlisted because I didn't meet the required years of experience or specific skills. This has left me wondering how I can improve my chances of getting noticed by employers. It's frustrating because it feels like a catch-22; I can't gain experience without first landing a job, but I can't secure a job without experience. I've been applying for various positions, but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the competition, especially since many applicants have the experience I'm missing. I'm considering whether further education or certifications might help my case, but I'm unsure of the best path forward.

I was laid off for the second time about 1.7 years ago. My first job lasted just 10 months and my second one only 6 months, both companies went through multiple rounds of layoffs. Since losing my job, I've had around 7 to 10 interviews, but I've faced rejections that I suspect might be due to discrimination as I'm part of a minority group. I've revised my CV countless times and I have more experience now than before, yet the short duration of my last two roles seems to be a red flag for employers. In the past, I used to get interviews almost weekly, but now I'm struggling to even get past the HR screening stage. I've even applied for more junior positions without success. It's disheartening to see others landing jobs quickly while I feel stuck in this cycle. I’ve tried to pivot my career towards content marketing, but I find myself competing against candidates with more relevant titles and experience. I’m reaching a point where I feel like I have very few options left and I really need some guidance.

I recently graduated at 18 and am currently dealing with chronic illness, which prevents me from working in person. I'm looking for legitimate work-from-home opportunities, but I have no prior work experience. I'm seeking advice on what types of jobs I can pursue that are genuine and not scams.

I recently started my first job as a waitress at a local pub, and I've been there for just two weeks. Initially, I was excited and my first few shifts went fairly well. I started to gain confidence in taking orders and serving customers, and I even received some tips and positive interactions with customers. However, I've been struggling with a lot of anxiety related to the job. Before my shifts, I often feel physically ill with knots in my stomach and loss of appetite, which makes it hard to look forward to going in. I've made several mistakes like forgetting orders and struggling with the card machine, and I feel like my colleagues have not been very supportive. One of the bar staff has been particularly rude to me, and my boss has criticized me in front of others, which really affects my self-esteem. Yesterday was especially tough; I made multiple mistakes and felt completely overwhelmed without any support from my team. Now, I'm scheduled to work alone tomorrow for the closing shift, and I don't feel prepared for it at all. My parents have noticed how stressed I am and are encouraging me to quit, but I'm torn because I actually enjoy parts of waitressing. I have a few days off after tomorrow, and I'm debating whether to push through the shift and then decide, or to quit tonight. I don't financially need this job right now, and I'm worried about regretting either decision. Should I stick it out a bit longer or call it quits?

I received a meeting invite from my manager for a 'Quick Sync-up' tomorrow morning, and I noticed that his manager and an HR representative are optional attendees. Honestly, I'm feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Work has been overwhelming for the past few months, and after only getting a 2% raise during the annual review, I've been pretty unhappy. I'm hoping that if this meeting is about layoffs, the severance package is decent and includes a few months of paid insurance since my wife and kids are on my plan. I’ve seen some advice from others about being polite and asking for what I want during the meeting, so I’ll try to keep that in mind. I just want to be prepared for whatever happens.

I’m currently in the process of looking for a low-stress job as I recover from an accident at work where I hit my head. I’ve spent a couple of months healing, and now I feel it’s time to get back into the workforce, but my anxiety is really high. My background is quite diverse; I’ve worked in healthcare, fast food, customer service, and recruiting. However, the thought of job searching is overwhelming. I know I can’t stay out of work forever, but I’m not sure where to start. I plan on going back to school eventually, but for now, I need something manageable. Disability isn’t an option for me, so I’m hoping to find a role that won’t exacerbate my anxiety.

I was laid off in January 2023 from my senior marketing VP role after over a decade in the industry, right when I turned 55. It took me a staggering 42 months to secure a stable new position, and I wanted to share my journey in hopes it might help others facing a lengthy job search. In 2023, I started off with a positive outlook since I had severance and bonuses that kept me financially stable until June. I had been saving diligently and had some consulting leads, plus a consistent freelance client that brought in $20-40K annually. By the end of 2023, I had two monthly retainer clients and a couple of project-based gigs, but I made about 30% less than the previous year. I applied to 29 jobs, went through 11 interviews, but unfortunately, no offers came my way. Many of the interviews were through referrals, but I knew they weren't the right fit. In 2024, I lost my retainer clients but managed to get work from my old employer. After my unemployment ended in March, a recruiter reached out from a small Midwestern company, and I landed a new job in July, which came with a 25% pay increase. My income for the year was similar to 2023, but I applied to 48 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer after making it to the final rounds twice. Then in January 2025, I faced another layoff. The new company was disorganized, and the president who hired me had left. I received a small severance and had to restart unemployment. Consulting work became challenging as many companies started relying on AI. Thankfully, I found a maternity leave cover position with a former manager, although it paid significantly less and lacked benefits. My income dropped by 10% compared to 2024, and I applied to 21 jobs, got 9 interviews, but only made it to the final rounds three times. By 2026, my consulting gig ended in January, and I was living off unemployment and savings while in final rounds for two roles that ultimately fell through. In April, I was called back for another consulting role, which recently converted to a W-2 position. While it pays 50% less than my last job, I'm grateful to have it. My income now is less than half of what I earned in 2022. I applied to 34 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer. The job market was tough, especially with the impact of the Iran war affecting many sectors. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to have had savings, supportive family, and no major health issues. My emergency fund took a hit, but I haven't touched my retirement savings. The adaptability and resilience required in this new job landscape are overwhelming, especially with AI disrupting my field. I hope to maintain my current position until retirement and wish everyone the best in their own journeys.

I recently realized that I missed filing my weekly unemployment claim for the week of August 15th. I thought I had completed it, but when I logged in today, I saw that it was marked as 'Not filed'. I’m really worried about potentially losing out on that money, even though I’ve been keeping up with all my job search activities. I do have the option to file for the week of August 22nd, but I’m not sure how to handle the missed week. I’ve heard that I might need to speak to an agent to see if I can reopen that week for me. I’m hoping that even if they say no, it won’t affect my overall benefits. I’m definitely going to set an alarm to remind myself to file on time in the future to avoid this stress again.

I recently faced a layoff and I'm on a work visa in the US. I'm trying to figure out the best course of action moving forward. I've heard different suggestions from people who have been through similar situations. Some are recommending that I consider moving to Canada, while others suggest that I should just return to India. A few comments mentioned that it's possible to secure a new job and transfer my visa within the 60-day grace period after being laid off. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has experienced this and what steps they took. I want to make sure I understand my options clearly, especially regarding the timeline and visa regulations.

I am currently facing a tough decision between two job opportunities. The first option is a signed 6-month contract with a local government job in my city, which is only a 10-minute commute. However, it comes with no benefits and slightly lower pay. The schedule is three days on-site, but there’s a potential to convert to a full-time position once it opens up, which could lead to a long-term career there. The second option is a final round interview for a full-time role at a startup. This position offers better pay, a more prestigious title, and a flexible schedule with two days in the office (one-hour commute each way) and three days remote. I plan to inquire about the work/life balance during the interview to get a better understanding of the environment. I feel conflicted because I am married and we are planning to start a family soon, which makes this decision even more significant.

I am a 54-year-old developer with 28 years of professional experience, and I've been long-term unemployed since being laid off about a year ago after 18 years at a small MarTech SaaS company that was acquired and subsequently closed. My team was eliminated during this process. I briefly held a senior developer position for about 10 weeks through a referral before facing another layoff due to workforce reduction. Since exhausting my unemployment benefits in March, I've been relying on my retirement savings and support from my elderly parents. Throughout my career, I've always taken on challenging projects and went above and beyond. My work impacted tens of thousands of global users and generated millions in revenue, requiring high performance and security. After the acquisition, I stepped into the role of the departing founding CTO, resolving critical infrastructure issues and facilitating a successful enterprise platform migration. I have concrete metrics from production systems that validate my contributions. I’ve been applying for jobs on and off, but my family situation has complicated things. I have an autistic child, and my wife has remained out of the workforce to care for her. We all face challenges related to neurodivergence, including depression and anxiety, which have made the job search even more daunting. Additionally, we've dealt with various family crises, including injuries and deaths, which have added to our stress. Despite my extensive experience, I struggle with impostor syndrome. I don’t have a computer science degree and have never worked for a large company, which makes me feel underqualified compared to others in the field. My previous work environment was small, with only three developers for over a decade, and while we focused on fundamentals, I often felt limited by our tech stack and development practices. I’ve attempted to keep my skills sharp by working on solo projects, particularly in AI and software automation, but nothing has gained traction yet. Navigating my professional identity has been challenging. My responsibilities spanned various roles, including software engineering, DevSecOps, and project management, but I lack deep specialization in any one area, making it hard to position myself for new opportunities. I’ve dedicated months to sending tailored applications and preparing for interviews, often making it to the later rounds only to be ghosted. I’ve shifted my focus away from mid-sized companies, which tend to prefer specialized candidates, and am now targeting early-stage startups where my broad experience might be more valuable. I actively search on platforms like YC and Wellfound and network with startup founders and engineers, but I haven’t found the right match yet. I'm feeling frustrated and isolated, but giving up isn’t an option since I have a family to support. I believe there are companies out there that would be a good fit for my skills, but finding them feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’m trying to stay focused on improving our situation and hope something materializes soon before we face losing our home.

I’ve been working at a small company with about 10 employees for a year and a half now, but I’ve finally decided it’s time to move on. My boss has a habit of manipulating the team with flattery and an us-vs-them mentality, making it hard to voice concerns or even think about leaving. There’s no room for growth, no benefits, and I’ve been pressured to stay because there are so few fully trained employees. Recently, I had a great first impression during interviews for a new job that aligns much better with my interests and offers the chance for advancement. I’m feeling optimistic about it, and I know I need to act soon. I’ve been gathering advice on how to resign gracefully, especially since my boss tends to take it personally when someone leaves. I plan to wait until I have a formal job offer in hand before I put in my two weeks. I know I need to remind myself that this is a transactional relationship; I’m not part of their family, and I owe them no loyalty. I’m ready to move on, and I just need to keep reminding myself that if I were to leave, they would find a replacement in no time. I’m not as irreplaceable as my boss likes to think.

I am currently unemployed and feeling quite hopeless. At 20 years old, I finished my A-Level studies in early 2024 and have been applying for jobs since then, even while I was studying. Now, I'm attending university, which requires me to commute over an hour for sometimes just a single hour lecture. With a new semester approaching, I have five days available each week, but they often coincide with busy business days like Fridays and Saturdays. I have over a year of retail experience from volunteering, where I also assisted management in training new volunteers. I passed all my GCSEs on the first attempt, but I do struggle with ADHD and anxiety. I always mention in my applications that I just need a little patience, but I am a dedicated worker. I've applied to over 100 jobs and have only landed six interviews, all of which I didn't pass the first round. One interview even involved a two-hour trial shift where I successfully upsold a customer, leading to multiple purchases. Unfortunately, many places haven't even bothered to respond to my applications. I've tried various methods: handing out my CV, emailing businesses directly, and visiting in person to inquire about job openings. I just needed to vent a bit because I feel so helpless and useless, especially when I see family members who had jobs at 16. I understand times were different then, but that doesn't lessen my feelings of frustration.

I’ve been working as a junior architect at a small local studio for just over a year, and I’m really struggling with the decision to leave. For months, I’ve been contemplating quitting, but I’ve kept pushing it off. My mental health has taken a serious hit; I feel anxious about going to work and even experience physical symptoms like nausea due to the stress. My boss is constantly yelling, which adds to the unbearable environment. I’ve finally reached a breaking point and feel like I can’t stay any longer. I’m wondering if giving two weeks notice is generally acceptable in my situation, especially since I’ve been there for over a year. I feel guilty about leaving, but I know I need to prioritize my well-being. Any advice from those who have been in a similar position would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off on July 1st from Sia Partners, and honestly, I didn't expect to be in this position. Being let go during my probation period was tough to process, especially after I had put in so much effort and commitment to make things work. It's challenging to admit that I'm back in the job market, and I'm dealing with a mix of uncertainty, self-doubt, and frustration. However, I refuse to let this setback define my career. I have a background in data and content operations, metadata management, knowledge management, digital content, data governance, quality checks, and process-driven operations. I've also worked at Amazon and Deloitte in the past. Currently, I'm actively seeking new opportunities where I can leverage my skills in areas such as data/metadata management, data governance, content and knowledge management, digital asset/content operations, data quality, PMO/operations, and AI/content operations. If anyone knows of relevant openings, is hiring, or can refer me to someone in their network, I would greatly appreciate it. Even a lead, introduction, or a simple comment to guide me would mean a lot right now. I understand that getting laid off isn't the end of my career; sometimes, it's just a painful reset before moving on to the next chapter. If you can help with a referral or opportunity, please DM me. Even if you can't, an upvote or share would help me reach someone who might be able to assist. Thank you for your support.

I recently applied for unemployment benefits after being discharged from my job of 5 years. The main reason for my discharge was a general lack of motivation, which I honestly included in my application. The unemployment office has determined that my claim is eligible, but they are still waiting for a response from my former employer regarding a questionnaire they sent out. Today marks the 10th day since that notice was sent, and I'm starting to feel anxious about whether my claim will be approved. I could really use the financial support while I search for a new job, especially since this is my first time navigating the unemployment process. I'm unsure how it all works, and I'm hoping for some clarity soon.

I’m currently on the job hunt and trying to find positions related to Amtelco programming, specifically within call centers or the healthcare sector. I understand this is a very niche area, and I'm feeling a bit lost in my search. If anyone has tips or knows of job boards or companies that might be hiring for these roles, I would greatly appreciate your insights!

I recently made a significant career decision that feels both exciting and a bit overwhelming. After 2.5 years as a physical therapist at a cash-pay clinic, I decided to start looking for new opportunities due to my financial situation and the desire for better work-life balance. I have about $50k in student loans and want to start a family soon, so money has been a major motivator for me. While I love working with athletes, including some Olympic medalists, my current role hasn't provided the salary and benefits I expected. The uncertainty of earnings based on clinic productivity has been stressful. To my surprise, I found a fantastic opportunity within just a week of my job search. This new role offers a salary that's $30k more than my current position, with no evenings, weekends, or holidays—just a standard M-F schedule from 8-4 or 9-5. It also comes with double the PTO, a 401k match, and the stability of a large company. Overall, the total compensation will be about $35k more than what I currently earn. I know it seems quick to make such a big change, but I feel like I would be foolish not to accept this offer. The only downside is that I'll be driving more to visit patients in their homes, but they will reimburse mileage, and I appreciate having some time to myself between appointments. I will miss my current athletic population and the relationships I've built, which is a bit daunting. Still, I've never seen a PT job in my area that pays this well, and I feel ready to take the plunge. It's a big decision, and I plan to put in my notice tomorrow. Am I making the right choice?