Planning

I recently hit the three-month mark at my first job out of college, where I work in marketing. I genuinely enjoy my coworkers and the work environment, which makes this situation a bit tricky. However, I've heard concerning things from a colleague who's been here for three years. They mentioned that management is disorganized and that people often get thrown under the bus. The turnover rate is alarming—three people have left since I started, and almost nine have left in the past two years. It seems like everyone in the office, which consists of 12 of us (excluding higher-ups), is currently job hunting due to the poor pay and work conditions. Despite not having experienced any issues with management myself, I'm feeling lost about what to do next. Should I start looking for a new job while I still can, or should I stay put and gain more experience? I worry that if I leave for a job with better pay, I might end up in a worse coworker situation. I'm torn and could really use some advice.

I'm currently living in California but I'm eager to move up north to places like Washington or Oregon. I'm trying to figure out how to interview for jobs in those areas, especially since I'm not looking for corporate roles. I assume corporate jobs might allow for Zoom interviews, but I'm more interested in basic full-time positions at places like Walmart or Target. I'm wondering if there's a way to interview for these types of jobs without having to physically go there. I've heard that some people get a job where they currently live and then request a transfer after a few months, which is something I might consider.

I just got fired from my training at a new job I had recently started. A few weeks ago, I interviewed for a minimum wage full-time position and was excited when they hired me. I put in my two weeks' notice at my old part-time job, which ends this Sunday. However, after a meeting with my new manager, I learned that my training performance was deemed unsatisfactory. He said I was asking questions that were outside the scope of my training and labeled me as untrainable, which really hurt because I had been actively trying to do the opposite. I was juggling both jobs and the schedule was exhausting. I was barely getting four hours of sleep a night, not eating properly, and constantly traveling between the two workplaces. Ultimately, they let me go, and my last day at the new job was yesterday. I still have two days left at my old job. Last night was tough; I had a breakdown and cried. Now, I'm trying to figure out my next steps. I needed to vent and would appreciate any suggestions or support. If this isn't the right place for this post, please let me know.

I’m currently navigating a challenging situation at my job as a project coordinator at a mid-sized tech company in Canada. Recently, I requested workplace accommodations due to my ADHD, which I had kept private until now. After going off my medication for a surgery last year, my performance suffered, leading to disciplinary actions. I was told that if I provided an accommodation letter, those actions could be removed from my record. I complied, but now they claim my documentation is insufficient, insisting I need a psychiatrist's assessment, which I can't afford right now. Things escalated when I discovered my workplace contacted my old psychiatrist without my permission, which is a serious breach of confidentiality. I’m considering filing a complaint with my union about this. Just this week, I was pulled into another disciplinary meeting where I felt the actions taken against me were retaliatory for pushing back on their demands. They offered me a severance package that seems more like a way to push me out rather than a genuine offer. I really enjoy my job and my immediate team, but I'm worried about the implications of all this and the current job market. I’m in talks with my union to figure out my next steps. I’m also about to go on a long-planned vacation, but with all this stress, I’m not sure how I’ll enjoy it. I just hope I still have a job when I return.

I recently had an interview for a software developer position that I felt went really well. The company requested a code sample about a week after our meeting, which I promptly sent. Initially, I received a reassuring response to my thank you note, and even got a quick reply when I first submitted my code sample. However, I realized I had included an outdated file in the folder, so I resent it. Now, it’s been almost a week since I sent the updated code sample, and despite following up, I haven’t heard anything back. I'm starting to worry that the lack of communication might mean I’m not their first choice and they could be waiting on another candidate. I can’t help but wonder if having to send my code sample twice reflects poorly on me, especially since the data they work with is crucial.

I recently completed a detailed analysis of 1.65 million job postings over a two-month period, focusing on listings directly from employer career pages instead of job aggregators. I found that half of the postings disappear by day 28, with a significant drop occurring in just one week. My data set included postings from 23,857 employers, primarily in the US, with many listings lacking specific location information. Initially, I noticed that the first two weeks were relatively stable, with 86% of postings still active by day 7 and 75% by day 14. However, there was a dramatic decline between day 24 and day 30, where about a third of the remaining postings vanished. This pattern seemed consistent across most job functions, suggesting that many listings are removed due to administrative cycles rather than actual hiring activity. After the first month, only 29% of postings remained active by day 45, indicating that those that survive are either genuine long-term needs or what some refer to as 'ghost jobs.' I discovered that the most critical time to apply is during the fourth week, as many listings tend to expire around the 30-day mark. Unfortunately, the challenge lies in identifying which week a posting is in, especially since aggregator sites often refresh dates and can obscure the timeline. Overall, this analysis has provided me with valuable insights into the job market dynamics and the timing of job postings, which I plan to use to refine my job search strategy.

Today, I received my monetary determination for unemployment benefits in Indiana, and it stated that my weekly benefit is $0. Initially, I thought there was an error with my reported wages, but it turns out the base period they are using is from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. During part of this period, I was working as a 1099 contractor, and I transitioned to a W-2 employee starting January 1, 2026. I continued in that role until August, but the base period only reflects my earnings from the first quarter as a W-2 employee. In that quarter, I earned $23,400, but Indiana's requirements state that total base-period wages must be at least 1.5 times the highest quarter's earnings. As a result, I fail to meet this criterion. If my earnings from an additional quarter of W-2 work were included, I wouldn't be facing this issue. Fortunately, I already have another job lined up and enough savings, so I'm not reliant on these benefits for survival. However, I find myself calling the Department of Workforce Development out of sheer frustration and stubbornness because it feels absurd to end up with a $0 determination. I'm curious if anyone else in Indiana has faced this situation. Is there any way to have later W-2 quarters considered, or am I just stuck with the timing of the statutory base period?

I recently received a formal offer letter for a new job, set to start on August 31. The offer came through last Friday, but I requested a salary counter, which they provided only this Wednesday. I accepted the offer and completed a drug test this morning. However, I haven't given my current employer notice yet because I wanted to wait until I had the final offer in hand. Now, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I technically have just one week left at my current job, but I'm concerned about the drug test results. What if there’s an error and I need to retest, which could delay my start date? I really don’t want to risk going even a week without pay. I’m considering whether it’s acceptable to ask my new employer for a later start date or if I should just give my current job a one-week notice. I know that in my state, two weeks isn't required, but it’s generally preferred. I feel like my new employer should understand my situation since I just received the formal offer, but I also worry about how it might reflect on me if I don’t handle the notice properly. I want to leave on good terms, but I’m feeling a bit stuck.

I had a phone screen with a company yesterday for a position I'm really excited about. This morning, I had a phone screen with an outside recruiting agency for the same role. I made sure to let the outside recruiter know about my internal phone screen, but I'm feeling a bit uneasy since they already have my resume. Should I reach out to the internal recruiter to let them know that I've been contacted by the outside agency? I've heard that employers usually prefer not to have the same candidate sourced from multiple places, and I'm worried about how this might affect my chances. I want to do the right thing and avoid any potential conflicts.

I recently had a preliminary phone call for a job opportunity where I was asked about my salary expectations. In a moment of panic, I blurted out that I wouldn't accept anything less than $20 an hour. Now I'm worried that I've undercut myself, especially since the job posting mentioned a salary range of $40-60k. I'm concerned that I might have limited my potential earnings before even getting to the interview stage. However, I've seen some comments suggesting that hiring managers typically have a budget in mind and might offer more if they like me. I'm hoping that I still have room to negotiate later in the process, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have messed up.

I just learned that Sanofi is planning to lay off 229 workers. This news is concerning, as it affects many of my colleagues and friends in the company. I hope those impacted can find new opportunities quickly.

I just learned that there have been layoffs in Apple's Vision Products Group. While I'm disappointed, I can't say I'm surprised given the current market conditions and the company's recent shifts in strategy. I'm currently assessing my options and considering my next steps in the job search.

I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and I’m navigating a bit of a career crossroads. I accepted a part-time interpreter position with my local school district, which is convenient and flexible, but the pay is low. I’m also in the interview process for a marketing role at an agency that pays between $70,000 and $90,000, which aligns much better with my background in marketing and writing. While I’m excited about the potential of the marketing job, I came across some concerning employee reviews on Glassdoor. The company has a 3.4/5 rating, with about 58% of employees recommending it. However, I noticed a pattern of negative feedback regarding leadership issues, micromanagement, high turnover, and burnout. This has me torn because while the financial benefits of the marketing role are significant, I don’t want to step into a toxic work environment. I’m also aware that the part-time job allows me the flexibility to continue applying for other positions and work on my marketing consulting business. I’m trying to weigh my options carefully, considering both the financial and work environment aspects. I haven’t received an offer from the marketing agency yet, but I’m contemplating what I would do if I did. Would I take the higher-paying job despite the red flags, or stick with the more flexible role while I search for something better? I’d love to hear from anyone who has faced a similar decision.

I recently received a job offer for a position I've been really excited about. This is the first time I've been asked to provide three professional references after receiving the offer, which caught me off guard since I've always been asked for references prior to receiving an offer. I reached out to three former supervisors and coworkers and provided their contact information to HR yesterday afternoon. Now, I'm curious about how long it typically takes for this reference check to clear. Should I expect to hear back soon, or is it common for this process to take a while? Any insights would be appreciated!

I've been working at my current job for nearly five years without any issues, but recently my managers pulled me aside for a concerning conversation. They mentioned that they don't want to fire me without cause, but I've been outperformed by others and they’ve hired new staff. Due to my availability, they can only offer me one or two shifts a week. They suggested I start looking for another job and mentioned they would follow up in a month to support my transition. They also pointed out some minor appearance issues I could improve. I’m left wondering if I’m being let go or if they’re genuinely trying to help me. This is happening during a time when many colleagues are leaving, and we’re shifting from a slow to a busy season. I also want to note that I’m autistic, and while management is aware of my mental health challenges, they haven’t provided a clear answer about my job security.

I’m currently exploring work-from-home (WFH) opportunities after the pandemic and feeling a bit discouraged. It seemed like a fantastic way to work without distractions and save on commuting costs, but I’ve noticed that many companies are pushing for in-person work again. Some offer a couple of WFH days, but that doesn’t feel like a real benefit to me. I’ve been searching for remote jobs, but I keep coming across listings that seem sketchy. The companies often sound decent, and the roles appear manageable, but the reviews tell a different story. I’ve read about issues like delayed pay, unresponsive management, and unrealistic workloads. I’m genuinely curious if anyone has successfully landed a WFH job post-pandemic or if I should just give up on that dream. I really prefer working from home, as office environments can be noisy and feel more like surveillance than a productive space. I’m open to working longer hours at home if it means I can avoid the office altogether.

I’m in my mid-20s and have been struggling to find any type of work despite holding an Engineering Degree. It’s been really disheartening to see how competitive the job market is, especially for someone with my level of experience. I’ve applied to various positions, but I often feel overlooked. Some comments I received suggested that the value of a college degree has diminished due to factors like widespread cheating and the overall saturation of graduates. I also realized that my resume might not be helping my case; it’s quite sparse and I’ve been advised to highlight my degree more prominently. I’m considering updating my CV to reflect my educational background and make it clear that I’m looking for steady, local work. Hoping this will improve my chances!

I'm currently navigating a career crossroads at 27 and could really use some advice. I've been working as a commercial lender and relationship manager for five years since graduating, earning a base salary of $120K, which translates to about $6,400 per month in take-home pay. I also hold a CFA charter. Recently, my firm was acquired by a larger institution, and my role has shifted from handling bespoke, complex deals to more traditional community banking-style lending. This change, coupled with several colleagues leaving due to layoffs or voluntarily, has left me feeling unfulfilled in my work. While I appreciate the fully-remote aspect of my job, I'm not passionate about this type of lending anymore. On the side, I've taken on a part-time consulting gig that brings in an additional $2,000 to $3,000 monthly, and I have a $400,000 investment portfolio that has generated about $15,000 this year through options trading. While these are nice supplements, they don't replace my main income. I've been applying for other roles in lending and investment, with a particular interest in private credit, but the job market is tough, and there aren't many opportunities in my city. I recently completed a third-round interview for a wealth management position at another bank, which would pay similarly to my current role but requires 3-4 days in the office. To be honest, wealth management isn't where I want to go with my career; I applied out of boredom and ended up progressing through the interview stages. I might use an offer from them to negotiate a raise at my current job, but I'm also wary of the risk that my employer could let me go instead. On a personal note, my lease recently ended, so I've moved back in with my parents. I don't have significant expenses or debt, and I save about 80% of my paycheck, so I'm financially stable for now. My main concern is figuring out my next career move and avoiding stagnation or getting stuck in a role that doesn't excite me. If anyone has faced a similar situation and has insights to share, I'd really appreciate it.

I've been struggling to find a job outside of food service, where I've spent the last year and a half working. Despite applying for various positions in warehouses, retail, and stocking, I feel like employers are dismissing my applications because of my background. It seems like they assume I'm not serious about the roles I'm applying for. I'm starting to feel frustrated and even considering the idea of lying about my previous work experience just to get my foot in the door somewhere. I'm at a crossroads, wondering if I should just go back to food service or if there are other opportunities I could pursue with my current experience. I've received some advice suggesting I could look into grocery stores, which might lead to other retail positions down the line. I'm hoping to find a way to transition into a different field.

I recently applied for a tier 1 IT position at a non-profit organization and was pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation for an in-person interview less than 24 hours after submitting my application. The HR manager even introduced herself in the email, which made it feel more personal rather than just a generic response. The job description didn't list any degree requirements, only mentioning 'some experience,' which I believe aligns well with my background. I hold a bachelor's degree, a certification, and completed a 12-week internship at my local ISP. I also have personal labs and projects that showcase my skills. Interestingly, it seems this company did not advertise the position on job boards, which might indicate they prefer to keep their hiring process more private. Given that the IT team appears to be small and the role includes responsibilities beyond typical tier 1 tasks, I see this as a great opportunity to kickstart my career in IT. I’m curious if this quick response is a positive sign or if I should be cautious. I really hope to land this job, as it seems like a fantastic chance to grow in my field.