Planning

I just accepted a job offer at a large manufacturing company in the Midwest, and I couldn't be more excited! I received the offer on July 1st, the same day I resigned from my previous job due to harassment from my boss, which was seriously affecting my mental health. Thankfully, my wife supported my decision to quit and encouraged me to find something better. The new job comes with a $12 an hour raise, it's a union position, and they don't drug test for marijuana, which is a big deal for me since I live in a legal state. I can actually see myself retiring from this company. After accepting the offer, I went in for a physical and drug test, which went smoothly. However, the waiting for the background check was nerve-wracking. I've had jobs that required background checks before, but this one took longer than expected. I was DoorDashing full-time while waiting, which added to my anxiety about whether the offer would still be valid. My car has been through a lot during this time, with two flat tires and a broken door handle! Finally, I received my start date last week, and I’m relieved to know that I’ll be starting in just one week. It’s been a long journey, but I’m ready to leave DoorDash behind and start this new chapter in my career.

I survived the recent mass layoffs at my company, which affected about 5% of the workforce, but my team took a much harder hit. Most of my colleagues are gone, and now I'm left trying to manage the workload of five people with just one person. It's overwhelming. I'm on-call every week instead of just once a month, and I'm dealing with half-finished projects from teammates who were let go mid-sprint. Whenever something goes wrong in production, it's just me scrambling to fix it without any support. I keep hearing that I should feel lucky to still have a job, and while that's true, I'm doing the work of an entire team for the same pay. It's not sustainable, and I'm starting to feel the burnout creeping in. I'm actively looking for new opportunities before I reach that breaking point. I have over three years of experience as a Backend Engineer and I'm skilled in several programming languages and frameworks, including Ruby, Python, and Go. I also have experience with various data and infrastructure tools like PostgreSQL and AWS. I'm open to remote work or relocating for the right position. My notice period is between 45 to 60 days. If you know of any companies hiring or can offer a referral, I would greatly appreciate it.

I was recently made redundant from my senior data/insight and reporting role, and my company offered me a 6-month contract in another team. Currently, I’m on a salary of £95k, but I have about 4 months left on this contract. There’s a possibility of an extension or finding another internal role, but nothing is guaranteed. During the redundancy consultation, I applied for a permanent position elsewhere that was advertised at £60–75k. They ended up offering me £80k, which is a £15k pay cut from my current salary, but I appreciate that it's more than what they initially advertised. This new role would be a slight step down in seniority, yet it allows me to pivot into a growing area that genuinely interests me. I believe I could learn a lot and potentially benefit my career in the long run, but there are no guarantees. My previous role was made redundant as the company is shifting towards AI and automation, which makes me consider if this is the right time to pivot. I’m still getting interviews for similar roles, indicating that there is demand for my existing skill set. Now, I'm at a crossroads: should I take the permanent £80k role and embrace the opportunity to pivot, or should I stay on my current £95k contract for another 4 months while searching for something closer to my salary? The risk with the second option is that I might end up at the end of my contract without a new job and regret not taking the permanent offer. However, I also don’t want to rush into a decision just because the redundancy has made me anxious about job security. What would you do?

I am currently on a mental health leave from my job and feeling much better, but I'm dreading going back in a few weeks. The weight of my previous work environment was overwhelming, and I really don't want to return to that stress. I've started looking for other job opportunities, but it's proving to be quite challenging. To help cope, I'm attending counseling sessions. If anyone has any advice or suggestions on how to navigate this situation, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am currently open to work and actively seeking opportunities as a fresher. I am particularly interested in roles such as Project Coordinator, Back Office Executive, Operations Support, Business Operations, Customer Support, and other similar entry-level positions. I recently graduated with a B.Tech in IT and possess strong communication, coordination, documentation, and problem-solving skills. Although my background is in IT, I am eager to start my career in a non-technical or semi-technical role where I can learn and grow. I am available for immediate employment, so if you know of any job openings or can provide referrals, I would greatly appreciate your help. Please feel free to reach out to me directly or comment below. Thank you!

I just survived a layoff at my company where about 300 people were let go, and unfortunately, over 70% of my team—more than 70 individuals—were among those laid off. I've been in the tech industry for 7 years, and this is the first time I've experienced anything like this, though I know layoffs are common in our field. It's been really disappointing and has left me feeling unmotivated to work. I had a close-knit team, and now all my friends and colleagues have been laid off. I sensed something was coming, but many were caught off guard. I'm not overly worried about my own job at the moment, but the emotional toll of seeing so many talented people let go is weighing heavily on me. The way the layoffs were handled was shocking—just a one-hour meeting scheduled that turned out to be a 2-3 minute notification with no empathy shown. Some of those laid off had been with the company for 9 years and had consistently performed well. There were no explanations or justifications given, making it feel even more cold-hearted. Now, I'm struggling to find the motivation to work like I used to. I'm considering whether I should start looking for a new job and leave this company as soon as possible. If anyone has gone through a similar experience and can offer advice on how to regain motivation or how to navigate this situation, I would really appreciate it.

I had a second interview for a position that I initially applied for but ended up being considered for a higher role. The first interview went really well, so I was optimistic. During the second interview, which was a quick Zoom call, the interviewer asked me about my salary expectations. I was caught off guard because I had no idea what the position typically pays, especially since I couldn't find any information online. I ended up guessing a number that turned out to be on the higher end. The interviewer then proposed a lower amount, and I agreed to it, but I'm now questioning whether I should have pushed back or if I might have undervalued myself. I also mentioned needing two weeks to transition from my current job, and she advised me not to put in my notice yet since they are still finalizing job offer letters. This left me feeling a bit anxious about my chances of landing the job. I'm really hoping I get an offer soon, as I genuinely need this opportunity.

I am an entry-level ServiceNow developer from India, and I've recently completed training through the Rise Up by ServiceNow program. I hold CSA and CIS-DF certifications and I'm aiming to achieve CAD, CIS-ITSM, and CSM certifications by the end of September. Despite my efforts, I am struggling to find job opportunities for freshers like myself. I am actively seeking referrals and any suggestions that could assist me in my job search. To enhance my skills, I developed a custom application during my training and I'm planning another project to showcase my abilities. As a 2024 graduate, I feel stuck, and my career gap isn't helping my situation. However, I've been keeping busy with internships and upskilling over the past two years.

I was recently let go from my position as a sales representative at a wholesale company where I had worked for several years. My journey started as a single mother with two young kids, and after my mother unexpectedly passed away shortly after I was hired, I struggled to maintain my work schedule. My boss allowed me to come in later, but I faced significant challenges, including a hostile work environment where my colleagues tried to get me fired during meetings I wasn't even present for. Despite the difficulties, I took on a lot of responsibilities, often working from home without pay and putting in extra hours on weekends to keep up with the demands of my job. I made substantial contributions, like reorganizing our warehouse and creating a product catalog from scratch, despite having no prior experience with such tasks. However, after a corporate restructuring and the hiring of a new colleague whom I trained, I was suddenly fired. The reasons given were vague, focusing on my tardiness and alleged poor performance, which I strongly disagree with. My branch manager was supportive of my work, and even customers expressed their disappointment at my termination. On the day I was let go, I noticed that all the messages from my corporate manager that had previously been ignored were deleted from our company chat, which raises serious concerns for me. I'm considering reaching out to an employment lawyer because it feels like I was treated unfairly. I truly loved my job and put in a lot of effort to excel, so this situation is incredibly disheartening.

As a senior consultant with four years of experience at my current company, I've been reflecting on my skillset and its marketability. My main tools have been Power BI, Excel, and Knime, with a basic knowledge of SQL from my studies but no real-world application. Recently, I've taken on a project management role unofficially, leading a project alongside a teammate. However, I've been feeling anxious about my future job prospects, especially since I've been told that my skills are quite basic in today's job market. I'm planning to relocate to Dubai soon, but I'm uncertain about how to secure a job there with my current qualifications. I've attempted to learn Python to broaden my skillset, but I've struggled with motivation and lack of practical projects to apply what I've learned. I'm seeking advice on additional skills I should pursue or ways to enhance my current situation. Additionally, if anyone has insights into the job market for consultants in Dubai or KSA, I would greatly appreciate your guidance. Thank you!

I feel like I'm being replaced at my agency due to my pregnancy. I was initially told that I was being offered a direct hire role, but when it came time to sign the paperwork, they switched it to temp-to-hire, saying they hoped to hire me permanently in six months if I performed well. I took the job because I needed it and I’ve been excelling, receiving consistent praise and never taking time off. They had no idea I was pregnant since I work from home. Once I reached six months, I decided to disclose my pregnancy, as it felt deceptive to hide it any longer. I requested 8 weeks of unpaid leave starting the day before my scheduled C-section, and they agreed. However, the company I’m contracted to asked for a detailed list of all my projects and trainings, claiming it was to help make a case for my hiring to the new CFO due to budget constraints. I was supposed to submit this list by last Tuesday. On that same day, my agency boss texted me about when I would start my leave. Today, I discovered that the agency posted a job listing for my exact position, almost word for word the same as the original listing I applied to seven months ago. At no point did they mention looking for temporary maternity leave coverage for me. It feels like they’ve been dishonest about their hiring difficulties while actively searching for my replacement. I'm due in just five weeks.

I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a tech startup almost a year ago. Since then, I've been actively searching for new opportunities, but the job market has been tough. Recently, I noticed that the company that laid me off has posted a new job opening for a similar role. It's a bit disheartening to see them hiring again after my departure, especially since I had invested so much time and effort into my work there. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my job search, but it's hard not to feel a mix of emotions about this situation.

Almost a year ago, I experienced my first layoff due to "restructuring." I was working in a junior role at a company where I had been for just 8 months. The environment felt tense, especially with a new head coming into the department and senior members seemingly being favored over me. I was laid off while others, who were younger and had more tenure, stayed on. I received severance, was eligible for unemployment, and even got a year-end bonus, but it was disappointing to see it was half of what I had received at my previous job and came with a rating of "needs improvement," which was a first for me. I can't help but wonder if that rating was a tactic to justify my lower bonus after my layoff. The experience was tough, especially since I had left a job that wanted to keep me. Thankfully, I quickly found a new position, although it pays less, the work environment is much more flexible and pleasant. Recently, I received a notification on LinkedIn that my old role, which was supposedly eliminated, has been reposted with the same salary I was making. This has left me questioning whether my position was genuinely cut for cost-saving reasons or if it was a move to protect the management's interests during the transition. It's puzzling to think that my role was deemed unnecessary only to be filled again months later, especially after the senior manager who hired me also left the company. Did management misjudge the necessity of my position?

I haven't worked since the onset of COVID-19, and it's been a tough journey trying to find a job. I'm a 43-year-old male, and after two long rounds of job applications that left me feeling defeated, I'm gearing up to re-enter the workforce. I'm concerned about avoiding burnout when I finally land a 40-hour work week, especially since my sleep schedule has shifted to a much later time. I'm trying to adjust my sleep to an earlier time to prepare for a typical daytime work schedule. I'm looking for tips on how to ease back into a 9-5 routine without overwhelming myself. I want to be productive and not disappoint my future employer, but I'm also considering part-time work, which could limit my options. Any advice on how to manage this transition smoothly?

I'm currently applying for research and lab jobs as a formulation scientist, regulatory affairs specialist, or scientist I in the biotech sector. My focus is on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation development and analytical chemistry techniques like HPLC and UV-Vis. I've been targeting positions in the Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area, and greater Boston regions, but I'm based in Southern California. I'm seeking feedback on my CV to improve my chances of getting interviews. I suspect that my location may be a factor in my application rejections, especially for roles outside of my state. I'm curious about how to tailor my CV for these out-of-state opportunities and would appreciate any suggestions on what to add, remove, or modify.

I was let go from my position as a patient registration representative at a primary/urgent care clinic this week, and I'm feeling pretty lost. The circumstances surrounding my termination were quite unfortunate. I was flagged for accessing a patient's chart, but I honestly had no idea that his address was linked to my building. The address in the system was from a different city, so it completely caught me off guard. On top of that, I had already received a strike for having six call outs due to severe illness related to weight loss shots I was taking, which were exacerbating my POTS. My manager knew about my health issues but wouldn’t allow me to submit a doctor’s note to excuse my absences. Instead, HR and my manager decided to issue a level two strike for the chart access violation, which led to my immediate termination. I submitted an appeal, but I'm not holding my breath for a reversal. This timing couldn't be worse since I just got onto work insurance and will age out of my dad's insurance at the end of the month. I'm actively searching for a new job, but most openings in my area are within healthcare. I'm wondering what other career paths I might consider, given my background in customer service and my bachelor's degree in psychology. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my next steps.

I’m currently in the job search phase and have submitted around 40 applications, mostly to local retail stores and restaurants, but I’ve only managed to land 5 interviews without any offers yet. It’s frustrating because everyone I know seems to get hired quickly, often after just one or two applications. I’m starting to wonder if my resume is the problem. I’ve received some feedback suggesting that my resume might be poorly formatted and that including a section about my future goals could be a turn-off for employers. I’ve been told to focus more on my skills and relevant experience instead of indicating that I might not stay long in the position. I’m considering simplifying my resume and using a more standard template, as well as volunteering to gain some experience. I’m really looking for any advice on how to improve my resume and increase my chances of getting hired. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I currently work in technology at a large bank, where I started in 2022. Initially, I was performing well and was expecting a promotion by the end of 2025 based on my achievements and my manager's feedback. However, due to significant budget cuts, my previous team lost funding, and I was moved to a new team in February 2026. This transition has been challenging; I feel burned out after four years of hard work and now have to adapt to a new manager and different tools. Although my mid-year review in July was decent, my manager mentioned that I was completing tasks late, which has me worried. Recently, I overheard my coworker discussing interviews for an analyst position, which is my role, and it made me anxious about the possibility of being laid off. I'm actively applying for other positions, including one on a sister team, and I'm unsure how to approach my manager about my internal applications and my concerns about job security.

I recently experienced a significant layoff at my company, a generative AI SaaS startup where I work in marketing. Over the past five days, around 15-20 people have been laid off each day, and it seems like there are more cuts to come in the following weeks. The situation has been tough for everyone; there haven't been any performance issues, yet many of my colleagues, whom I've known for years, are now facing uncertainty in a challenging job market. It feels like the remaining team members are either here due to sheer luck, favoritism from the CEO, or because they’ve managed to throw others under the bus to stay afloat. I consider myself lucky to still have a job, but I’m not confident it will last much longer. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has job leads or projects that they need help with, as I’m more than willing to connect you with some talented individuals who have recently been laid off. I know it’s tough out there, and I’m open to advice on how to navigate this situation and what steps to take if I end up losing my job too. The job market for my role is extremely tight right now.

I’m 21 years old and I’m feeling really overwhelmed by my work history. It’s not great, to say the least. I started working in fast food at 16, but I quit when school started because I didn’t want to juggle both. At 17, I took another job but left because they wouldn’t let me take time off for my graduation. Then at 18, I had a job that I quit due to personal issues that led to depression, which resulted in me no-showing. I know that’s not an excuse, just the reality of what I was going through. Since then, I did manage to hold a caregiving job, but when my client passed away, I struggled to find new clients because they were too far away and I don’t have a license. I also took on some short gigs from Craigslist, but those were never permanent. This past summer, I interned at an office and really enjoyed it, but they couldn’t offer me a permanent position afterward. My most recent job was back in fast food at the mall, but I got fired after just two days because I couldn’t keep up with the pace. Now, I’m stuck in a rut. My work history looks terrible on applications, and I’ve been unemployed for a while. My family is starting to get frustrated with me since I’m not in school and can’t find a job. I’m really not sure what to do next. I’ve received some advice that I should downplay the short jobs on my resume and explain my resignations as prioritizing school or health issues, but I’m still feeling lost. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.