Planning

I'm currently facing a tough situation at my job as a retail associate. My management has become increasingly aggressive, and it's really affecting my mental health. Recently, I was written up for taking a break to eat, even though I had informed them beforehand. They changed the break policy, stating we can only take 30-minute breaks instead of 15-minute ones, which is frustrating. I worked an 8-hour shift without a proper break and when I came back on time, they claimed they couldn't find me and issued a write-up. I expressed my feelings about how unfair this is, and even threatened to quit because the pressure is overwhelming. They insisted I shouldn't leave, citing job abandonment, but I’m at my wit's end. I’m actively looking for a new job, but I don’t want to leave without a backup plan. It’s exhausting being blamed and yelled at in a role that I no longer want to be in. I feel like I’m reaching my breaking point.

I’m a 23-year-old currently looking for temporary work while unemployed. I've come across several cashier and food service jobs for the U.S. Open, where I previously worked security without any issues. However, I'm concerned about the working conditions. The shifts are incredibly long, ranging from 10 to 13 hours, and they only offer a single 45-minute break during that time. Additionally, the venue is located on the outskirts of the city in a wealthy area, making my commute from NYC around 5 hours. I'm considering these jobs out of necessity for income, but the commute and the conditions seem quite unreasonable. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these event jobs and if I might be overreacting about the break situation.

I am a former music teacher and professional violinist looking for a new career after experiencing significant challenges in my previous role, particularly related to my identity as a transgender individual. Teaching was rewarding in many ways, especially the impact I had on my students, but the environment became untenable. I am currently pursuing a degree in allied health to become a medical lab technician or biomedical equipment repair tech, but I’m not entirely sure if that path resonates with me. What I truly enjoy is working with my hands and utilizing my fine motor skills, which I honed through music and activities like snowboarding and skateboarding. I also have experience repairing computers and cell phones, which I found fulfilling and challenging. Ideally, I’m looking for a job that allows me to leverage these skills while providing a livable wage of around $60k, as I need to support myself independently. I’m open to apprenticeships and want to avoid roles that offer low pay without growth potential. Additionally, I’m considering opportunities that could facilitate my move to Canada, especially given my concerns about the current climate for transgender individuals in the US.

I have been searching for a job for the past 8 months, and it feels like the job market is much worse than the numbers suggest. Despite the seemingly fine job statistics, there's a significant disconnect when it comes to actually finding a position, especially in the tech industry. I've noticed that many people, including myself, are experiencing a lot of frustration. There are so many part-time workers who want full-time hours, and many individuals have simply stopped looking for jobs altogether. Wages don't seem to be keeping up either. I regularly connect with other unemployed professionals who have solid experience, and it's disheartening to hear that they are also getting ghosted after months of searching. We are all trying to stay proactive by tailoring each application, networking extensively, and following up persistently, but it feels like an uphill battle.

In January 2026, I landed a full-time job at a startup tech company with a salary of $55,000. Unfortunately, just three months later, I was let go because the company was struggling financially and had to cut its marketing department along with other positions. Before this job, I was working on-call, earning around $17 an hour, which isn't much but it's better than nothing. Now, I'm in a tough spot. My parents expect me to contribute $1,000 towards their mortgage, but I can only afford to give them about 30% of my paycheck after expenses. I'm trying to save and cover my own groceries, but it feels like I'm not meeting their expectations. I want to find a job that I enjoy and pays a livable wage, but the job market seems slow right now. I've been applying for new positions, but I worry my parents don't see how hard I'm trying. I've been contributing between $100 and $200 to help with the mortgage, and I plan to give more as I earn more. I’m considering sticking with my on-call job while I continue my job search. It seems like the right strategy, but I’m looking for advice on how to balance everything and find a job that fits my needs.

I’m currently in a bit of a dilemma regarding my job search. I’ve been going through a lengthy hiring process with my top choice, Job A, for a couple of weeks now. I completed the final panel interview two weeks ago and was initially told I would hear back by last Tuesday. However, I just received an update that the decision has been pushed to either this week or next week, and I still haven’t heard anything. In the meantime, I received a verbal offer from Job B, but I haven’t received a firm written offer yet. I’m considering reaching out to Job A to let them know about the verbal offer from Job B to potentially speed up their decision-making process. I want to express my continued interest in Job A without coming off as too pushy or pressuring them. I’ve heard mixed advice on this. Some say it can be helpful to mention another opportunity to encourage a quicker response, while others warn it might backfire. I really want Job A to be my next role, so I’m hesitant to do anything that might jeopardize that chance. I just feel like the waiting is becoming too much, and I need to make a decision soon.

I was contacted by a multinational company based in Dallas about two months ago for a job opportunity. After an online interview, they invited me to their office for an internal event where I got to meet some of the team. The interaction went really well, and a couple of weeks later, I received an update that they were preparing a proposal for me to review. However, it’s now been almost two weeks since I last heard from them. I reached out for an update, and they mentioned that the proposal was being detailed and finalized, and someone would get back to me soon. The silence since then has left me feeling anxious. I’m unsure if this is typical for such processes, especially given that it likely involves multiple approvals and budget discussions. I’m contemplating whether I should send another follow-up email or if I should just wait it out. I don’t want to come off as pushy, but the lack of communication is making me nervous. I really want this job and am looking for guidance on how to follow up without jeopardizing the opportunity.

I have an in-person interview at Hardee's tomorrow at 2 PM, and honestly, this is one of my last resorts for finding a job. I don't have much experience to speak of, just some minor embellishments about babysitting and being a teacher's assistant. The location is super convenient since I can walk there, especially since I currently don't have a car. I'm starting college in the fall and really need to save some money for myself and my future. I’m feeling a bit anxious and would love some advice on how to ace this interview step-by-step. I had another interview at Taco Bell, but it fell through because my sister works there, and the manager who was hiring didn't like her. I also have a backup interview at Chipotle, but it's much farther away, so I'd prefer to get this job at Hardee's. I’ve received some tips from friends and online, like showing up a bit early, being reliable, and conveying my eagerness to learn. I plan to dress appropriately—clean and sensible clothes, hair pulled back, and to be polite and friendly. I just hope I can make a good impression and land this job.

I recently applied for a remote office manager position that raised some red flags for me. The company requested that I obtain my credit report to send to them, but I would have to pay for it upfront. The job description didn’t mention anything related to handling money or accounting, which made this request feel odd. They assured me that I would be refunded after the interview, but I’ve never encountered a situation like this before. After sharing my experience, I received several comments warning me that this is likely a scam. Many people pointed out that no legitimate company would require a candidate to pay for their own credit report. I even got a text from them asking if I was going to fill out the form, or they would move on to another candidate. This whole situation has made me cautious. I’ve learned that sharing personal information for a job application before actually being hired is risky. I’m planning to walk away from this opportunity and look for more reputable companies that don’t ask for such questionable requirements.

I've been job searching for about a year now, and I'm feeling a bit frustrated with the process. I've seen a lot of posts that seem more like ads for paid resume services rather than genuine advice. I'm really looking for effective tools to tailor my resume and get past those automated rejections. I've put a lot of effort into my resume already, but I'm considering using AI or other resources to improve it. I want to hear from real job seekers in the US about what tools or strategies they are using to enhance their resumes and actually land interviews.

I have been actively searching for international hospitality jobs for the past four months after working in the UK hospitality sector for three years. Currently, I am based in India and aiming to secure a position in the GCC or Europe. Despite tailoring my applications and receiving positive feedback during interviews, I consistently face challenges due to visa issues as an Indian citizen. This situation has been incredibly frustrating, and at times, I feel like my nationality is a barrier to my success. I also have the added pressure of a monthly student loan of £700, which weighs heavily on me. I am trying to stay positive, but I am starting to feel overwhelmed and anxious about my job search. I would appreciate any advice or support on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I recently applied for a position that is very similar to my current role, just with a different organization. After submitting my application, I followed up with an email, which led to a phone call from the hiring manager, who would be my direct supervisor. He mentioned that he couldn't access my application until the application period closed, but he confirmed that he received it and appreciated my email. A couple of weeks later, I reached out again to express my continued interest, and he informed me that his goal was to schedule interviews in about 7-10 days. That timeframe has now passed, and I'm considering reaching out once more to suggest scheduling an interview. I feel a bit hesitant since it seems forward, but given our previous correspondence and his mention of potential interview dates, I think it might be a reasonable step to take. I’m leaning towards sending that follow-up email.

I recently went through a challenging job application process with a multinational company for a junior role. After making it to the final stage for two locations, I had to choose one and attended the assessment center for my preferred location, only to be rejected in the end. They suggested I apply for another junior role that seemed like a good fit, but once again, I was a finalist and ultimately passed over for another candidate. I received feedback indicating that I was a strong candidate but fell short in just 1-2 areas, which I believe I could quickly improve upon. My varied experience gives me a solid foundation with about 8 out of 10 skills needed for multiple positions, while other candidates might have a perfect score for just one role. Given the competitive job market, I feel like my broad experience should be an asset, but it seems to be working against me. Mentors have advised me that if the company truly wanted me, they would place me in a fitting role rather than asking me to reapply. However, they also encouraged me to keep an open mind since this company is a leader in our industry. I'm now at a crossroads, unsure if I should apply again for a job they recommended or if I should reach out to HR for clarity. The thought of facing three rejections from the same employer in just a few months is daunting.

I was laid off a few weeks ago and have been unemployed since May 2026. I'm feeling really lost and overwhelmed by the situation. I'm reaching out to see how others are coping with their layoffs. It’s only been a month for me, and I know I need to be patient with myself, but the panic is very real. I've been advised to create a budget to understand how long I can manage my expenses and to seek therapy to help process everything. I’m also trying to stay connected with friends and family, as I’ve heard referrals can be key in landing a new job. I’m just looking for any tips or support from those who have been through this.

I was laid off last year, marking the second time in six years that I've faced this challenge, and it wasn't even with the same company. After being laid off during the Covid pandemic, it took me three years to find a job again, which I finally secured in 2023. Unfortunately, shortly after, the company underwent a restructure, and I was let go again. Now, I'm in a tough spot—my entire team of 20 has found new positions, but I'm still searching. I've tried everything: using AI to get past ATS systems, leveraging employee referrals, participating in interview training, and even working towards a project management certification. I apply for jobs every day, sometimes spending 13-16 hours on resumes and applications. Despite a few interviews since last July, I keep getting ghosted or hearing that they've moved on to better candidates. This situation is taking a toll on my marriage, and I feel like I'm failing as both a husband and a functional adult. I'm mentally and physically drained, struggling to sleep, and I feel like I'm losing my mind.

I found out that I'm going to be let go from my role on July 1st. My boss, who is a decent person, let me know even though I wasn't supposed to. Now, I have 25 days to prepare for unemployment. I've been in this position for 8 months, and while my team values my contributions, the upper management has no clue about my work or its impact. When I joined, it was expected that my role would help with growth in the long term, but due to budget issues, they've decided to let me go. It's incredibly frustrating because I was hired to help with capacity, not to directly generate new business, yet I've managed to bring in clients. At my six-month review, I was told I had outgrown my job description, and we would update it soon, but instead, I'm facing this layoff. This experience has made me realize that job security as a W2 employee is a myth. Looking back, I can't think of anything more I could have done to keep my position. Now, I'm considering starting my own venture since I don't feel comfortable applying for another job that could end abruptly due to financial decisions beyond my control. I'm thankful for the heads-up from my boss, but I'm still feeling down about the whole situation. Just needed to vent.

I’m a 30-year-old male currently facing some serious challenges in my life. I've lost my job due to a toxic living situation that has been exacerbated by an alcoholic relative living with us. For the past four months, I've been unemployed, and my work history is primarily in food and retail. I struggle with stress and anxiety, which has led to missed shifts and a lack of enthusiasm at work. I feel like I've let my family down, especially my mom, who is 67 and deserves better than the chaos we're living in. I never went to college and only have a high school diploma, and I don't have a driver's license, which limits my job options. I’m desperate to turn my life around and find a job that can help me escape this situation. I’m reaching out for advice on how to start my job search and if anyone in the Illinois area would be willing to give me a chance. I know I need to make significant changes, but I'm unsure where to begin.

I'm starting a new job on Monday after a tough journey. My first job out of college was really miserable, and I quit after about 1.5 years. After that, I faced about 7-8 months of unemployment before finally landing another position. Unfortunately, that job ended after just 6 months due to a layoff based on a last-in-first-out policy. Now, I've accepted a new role and completed the employment verification paperwork, but I'm feeling anxious about the background check. I extended the dates of my first job on my resume to cover the unemployment gap, thinking it would make my work history look more continuous. I haven't heard from my future manager, HR, or the background check company yet, and the status is still pending. I'm worried that my decision to alter the employment dates might come back to haunt me. How concerned should I be about this situation?

I was laid off in 2023 and faced a tough journey, including losing a parent in 2025. After three years of unemployment and continuous interviewing, I finally received a job offer. The role requires a 50-minute commute, and the salary is $45k, which is $5k below the listed amount. During negotiations, the recruiter made it clear that my lack of verified work since my layoff was a factor in their offer. It feels like they're taking advantage of the desperation in the job market. Despite the low pay, I'm going to accept the offer and keep searching for better opportunities because, with inflation, this salary and commute will reduce my take-home pay. I'm also looking for tips on negotiating better in the future and whether I should include this job on my resume. Additionally, I've had a few more interviews lined up, and I'm unsure how to schedule in-person ones without using sick time. Hang in there, everyone; these are challenging times.

I’ve been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. It seems like no one wants to hire me, and I’m just done with sending out applications. I can see that they’re viewed, but I never get any responses. I’m at a loss about what to do next. Should I go in-person to the places I applied to, or maybe email or call them? I even joked about bringing flowers and begging just to get a chance! I’ve heard from others that it’s a numbers game, but it’s hard not to feel defeated. The job market is really tough right now. I did try calling about an application I submitted last week, and they told me they didn’t see my application. They suggested I come in to fill one out and possibly chat with a manager. I’ve also been trying to talk to friends and family about it, but they just say it’s fine, which doesn’t help. I’ve been tailoring my resume for each role, using tools like co-pilot to get it right. I’m applying to various places, mostly through Indeed and company websites. I’ve sent out 174 applications so far, and I know I’m not alone in this struggle. I’ve even thought about using ChatGPT to create a better resume PDF. I’m just trying to stay persistent and keep hitting LinkedIn and Indeed every day.