Planning

I just finished my junior year of high school and I'm really struggling with the idea of finding a summer job. I had hoped to land an internship or a summer program, but I missed the deadlines because I was too scared to even look into them. Now, with summer here, I realize I need to find any job to fill my time, but I feel completely paralyzed by fear. For the past two years, I haven’t had a job because of this same anxiety. I feel like I’m not capable of doing anything right. My self-doubt is overwhelming; I’m convinced that I wouldn’t deserve any job I apply for and that I’d just get rejected immediately. My resume is practically blank, and I don’t have any extracurricular activities or volunteer work to fill it out. I genuinely feel like I’ve missed the boat on summer jobs since it’s already mid-June, and I’m sure all the positions are taken. I also struggle with the lack of guidance. I’ve never been taught how to apply for a job, so I have no idea where to start. I’m terrified of the process—do I just walk into places and ask if they’re hiring? Should I bring a resume? I feel embarrassed asking anyone for help because it seems so pathetic. On top of that, I’m really worried about being judged. I used to be around people who would criticize others for making mistakes, and now I can’t shake the fear that if I get rejected, people will talk about me. Since I’m applying for jobs in my neighborhood, I worry that I’ll be recognized and ridiculed. I know I’m being my own worst enemy, and I’m trying to find a way to break out of this cycle of fear and self-doubt. I’m at a point where I really need some advice or a reality check to help me move forward.

I recently owned a family business for a year, but unfortunately, it failed. At 27 years old, I graduated with an ordinary degree in electrical engineering from the UK. Since childhood, I worked alongside my father in his construction/EPC business, which gave me about four years of experience. My responsibilities included cleaning up AutoCAD files, driving, preparing technical proposals, engaging with clients, and handling supplier communications and advertising. In 2022, I started a new business that generated no revenue initially, and by 2025, we pivoted to align more closely with my father's EPC operations due to the original business's failure and significant debt. My father managed the new venture, which I initiated using power of attorney, and we achieved around $800k in revenue from a single project. My role expanded to include working with banks on guarantees and reference letters, conducting laser measurements on-site, and more direct client engagement, alongside the usual proposal editing and contract signing. Regrettably, this new business has also failed, and I've found myself in a tough spot with cash flow issues. Over the past four years, my involvement in these family businesses has yielded little financial gain, and it seems like things would go wrong just as we started to see success. I've attempted sales roles in the past, but they weren't a good fit for me. Now, I'm considering administrative, project support, or coordination roles to help me get back on my feet. However, I'm unsure about what title to use on my CV. I've been advised to simply list "Family Business," but I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what titles I could use, what jobs I should target, and how I can further develop my skills. I'm based in the UK, but the family business is located abroad.

I recently landed a mid-level data analyst position at a logistics firm after an intense five-month job search. Since January, I had sent out nearly 400 applications and tailored my resume countless times, only to face a barrage of automated rejections and silence from employers. Feeling defeated, I decided to take a break from the monotonous 'Easy Apply' process and instead focused on engaging with technical content on LinkedIn. While browsing, I came across an insightful thread by a senior manager discussing her team's approach to solving a dashboard lag issue. Intrigued, I left a detailed comment with a specific question about their data pipelines. To my surprise, she responded quickly, and we ended up having a great conversation that shifted to direct messages. During our chat, she mentioned her department was looking for a new analyst and encouraged me to send my resume directly to her, bypassing the external job board. I sent my resume, and we had a casual 30-minute video call to discuss my portfolio. A few days later, I met with two of her team members. The interview process was refreshingly straightforward—no coding tests or tricky psychological questions—just a genuine conversation about my approach to data. This morning, I received the official offer, which includes a compensation package 10% higher than what I was aiming for on the job boards. It’s incredible how a simple connection over shared interests can lead to such a significant opportunity. For anyone feeling lost in the application process, I highly recommend stepping back and engaging with professionals in your field. It truly makes a difference.

I’ve been applying for jobs non-stop, but I feel like I’m stuck in a loop. I’ve never had a formal job before, only over 10 years of volunteer work, and I’m not sure if that counts as real experience. My resume is pretty bare aside from some basic homemaker skills and a bit of technical knowledge. Going back to school isn’t an option for me right now because of my student loans, and I’m starting to worry that I’ll be in debt forever. I’ve been told that I need to network with people in industries where my skills might transfer, but I’m not sure how to start. Some advice I’ve received suggests I might need to take a low-skill job, like in a restaurant, to begin building a work history. It’s frustrating to think that being 30 and having no work history could be such a huge red flag for employers. I know I need to show my willingness to work, but it feels like a long road ahead.

I took a week off from job applications, and it was a game changer for my mental health. After five months of relentless searching, I was feeling completely burnt out. I had created a detailed system with spreadsheets, tailored resumes, and cover letters, but every day felt like I was just going through the motions. I would wake up, check job postings before getting out of bed, and spend hours applying, only to receive silence or automated rejection emails. The stress was overwhelming, and I dreaded seeing phrases like 'exciting opportunity.' So, I decided to stop for seven days. I avoided job boards, LinkedIn, and application portals. At first, I felt guilty, thinking I was wasting time, but gradually, I started to feel like myself again. I slept better, cooked meals, and even enjoyed some fresh air without the nagging thought of job applications. While my job situation is still unresolved, this break helped me realize how consuming the job hunt had become. I wish more people understood how applying for jobs can turn into a full-time job filled with anxiety.

I recently reached out for help with my resume because I haven't been getting any calls for interviews. I shared my resume and asked for honest feedback. I mentioned that while I may have slightly inflated some numbers, I can justify them if needed. One of the top comments I received praised my technical qualifications, highlighting my certifications like CKA, CKS, and multiple AWS associates, along with my GCP ML Engineer certification. They noted that my achievement of saving $2M annually through a MongoDB-to-Kubernetes migration would definitely catch the eye of budget-conscious recruiters. However, I also received some constructive criticism. One commenter pointed out that while my resume has the right keywords for ATS, it might be too much for a recruiter or HR person to digest. They suggested I consider how I tailor my applications and mentioned tools like free Gemini or GPT that could help me score my resume without needing to rewrite it completely. Another piece of advice was to condense my resume to one page, as it might be a bit too lengthy. Overall, I appreciate the feedback and am looking to make improvements to increase my chances of landing interviews.

I have my first interview tomorrow at Ross, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Since this is my first interview ever, I’m unsure what to expect in terms of questions or the overall process. I’m trying to stay calm and confident, but I could really use some advice or tips from anyone who has experience with interviews, especially at Ross. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself out of work after the school year ended at the school bus company where I worked from October 2025 to June 2026. I filed for unemployment right after the school year finished, but I received a finding stating that my unemployment benefits are zero. After doing some research, I learned that I'm ineligible for unemployment based on the standard base period. However, I can request a redetermination using the alternate base period, which requires me to upload my check stubs to show that I earned enough during that time. It's been almost two weeks, and I haven't heard from anyone regarding the redetermination process. I'm unsure if I should wait for them to reach out, call them myself, or even file an appeal. I'm feeling a bit lost and could use some guidance on the next steps.

I was recently fired from my job in California just before the end of my 90-day probation period. My boss, who was new to her position, was very temperamental and made my work environment quite toxic. Despite having a lot of experience and trying my best to support her, she seemed to deliberately undermine me. She excluded me from important emails and meetings, and I felt like she was sabotaging my reputation. I received two performance evaluations during my probation, both praising my work, but unfortunately, I didn't keep those documents. After I was terminated, I filed for unemployment and was initially approved without any issues. However, about three weeks ago, I received a letter from the Employment Development Department (EDD) stating that my former employer was disputing my unemployment claim, claiming I didn’t do my job as instructed and that they were downsizing. EDD determined these reasons were insufficient to deny my benefits. Just last week, I got another letter saying my former employer is filing another claim against EDD’s decision. I'm really worried because my former boss has shown herself to be vindictive and dishonest. I fear she might fabricate stories to make me look unfit for unemployment benefits, which I desperately need since I haven't found another job yet. Now, I'm waiting for a hearing date and I’m unsure what to expect. Will I be in a room with her and a judge? I have no proof to defend myself since I discarded those performance evaluations. I’m looking for any advice on how to navigate this situation and whether she can be held accountable for her actions.

I currently work at a vape shop in Michigan and have been facing numerous issues related to my job. I have endometriosis, which I disclosed during the hiring process. Due to this condition, I've had to call in sick multiple times for medical appointments and even a miscarriage, all of which I have documentation for. Initially, my employer was understanding, but recently when I called in for a non-medical reason, they demanded a doctor's note. Since I couldn't provide one, they transferred me to a different location with significantly lower commission, cutting my hours in half. When I arrived at the new store, I discovered a serious cockroach infestation. There were dead roaches everywhere, including in the food stock and fridge. I documented everything with pictures and had to throw away food I had purchased. Thankfully, I was moved back to my original store, but I felt it necessary to inform my bosses about the roach situation, which they brushed off. Additionally, I have concerns about the store's practices, such as selling to minors and encouraging employees to do the same, as well as illegal sales of nitrous tanks. They also take deductions from our commission for 'inventory shrinkage' without any signed agreement from us. I've reported the infestation and wage theft, but I'm hesitant to escalate the situation further because I fear losing my job, especially since I rely on the commission. I have everything documented, but I'm unsure if my case is strong enough to pursue further action.

I am currently seeking a part-time office or desk job in the College Park, Maryland area. As a business management student with over 6 years of experience in customer service, I am looking to transition from cashier roles into office-based positions where I can further my career in business and management. I am open to both in-person and remote opportunities. My ideal roles include receptionist, administrative assistant, office assistant, data entry, or any entry-level business positions. I pride myself on being reliable, a quick learner, and able to thrive in fast-paced environments. I also possess strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills. If anyone has leads or advice on job openings, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

I'm currently seeking remote job opportunities and would love some advice on my career path. I have over 9 years of experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, leadership, and customer service. My background includes working for 3 years with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where I also had remote work experience. I've held roles such as Lead Mental Health Technician and Interim Supervisor in various settings, including hospitals and residential treatment facilities. Additionally, I spent 4 years as a Behavioral Health Technician in a school district and have experience in customer service and team leadership at a small business. My strongest skills are in crisis intervention, team leadership, customer support, documentation, training, conflict resolution, and remote communication. Due to transportation limitations, I'm specifically looking for fully remote work and am open to exploring fields beyond behavioral health. I've considered roles in remote customer support, community management, trust & safety, gaming industry support, healthcare administration, and operations. Despite submitting hundreds of applications over the past year, I've had little success. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for job titles, industries, or companies that might value my experience. Any leads or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’m currently navigating my job search after a two-year gap in employment. My last position was at Whole Foods, where I worked until January 2024. I’m eager to get back into the bakery field, specifically looking for baker or cake decorating roles at grocery stores or independent bakeries. I’m seeking advice on how to address my unemployment gap on my resume. Are there strategies I can employ to make myself more appealing to potential employers, or are there specific places that might be more open to hiring someone with a gap in their work history?

I recently returned to my office job after a two-month leave of absence (LOA). Before my leave, I was receiving a lot of mixed messages from my team, which was incredibly frustrating. Now, I've been informed that I have a new supervisor and they have set completely new expectations for my role. I'm currently hoping to start a new job next month, but I'm uncertain about whether I should give my current employer a two-week notice or wait. I've received advice suggesting that I should hold off on giving notice until I have a firm, signed offer and a confirmed start date from the new position.

I recently applied for a position at a local boba shop by sending my resume via email, as instructed on their website. Since I don't have prior job experience, I'm feeling a bit uncertain about the application process. I came across some advice on social media suggesting that many applicants miss out on jobs because they don't follow up with a call after applying. Now, I'm regretting that I didn't include a more personal message in my email—just my resume was attached. I'm considering whether I should call the shop to inquire about my application status or if that might annoy them. I'm not sure what I would even say if I did call. I've read mixed opinions on this; some say it's better to drop by in person and show interest, while others warn that calls can be unwelcome. I could really use some guidance on the best approach here.

I'm currently helping my sister with her job search after she graduated last year with a degree in Virtual Technology and Design. She's been applying to countless positions but has only landed one interview, which unfortunately went to a candidate with a decade of experience. It's frustrating because her degree opens up a lot of opportunities in tech, but it seems like many companies are looking for more experienced candidates. I'm reaching out to see if anyone knows of companies that are willing to hire entry-level candidates in this field. It can be tough to find these opportunities, especially in non-tech companies that might not be advertising them widely.

I am currently facing a difficult situation at my job as an administrative support member on a small sales team. My senior lead has a strong personal dislike for me, which I believe is leading to my potential termination. Last year, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PiP) without prior warning, and while some of the issues were valid, many stemmed from my coworkers' mistakes that my manager seems to overlook. Despite my efforts to improve and adapt to the team's dynamics, I feel like an outsider, especially since most of my colleagues are long-time employees. I’ve worked hard to understand our internal processes, but I still struggle with some tasks that I haven't been adequately trained on. Recently, I faced a significant challenge with a process that was not even included in our training manual, which resulted in complaints from project managers. My boss told me I haven't improved, yet he only provided a few examples of my mistakes over the last three quarters. I find it frustrating that my coworkers continue to make the same errors I was penalized for, and I am left with a disciplinary record for issues that are still occurring. I want to leave this job on my own terms, ideally after securing a new position, but I am anxious about the possibility of being terminated instead of laid off. This experience has been emotionally taxing, especially considering my chronic back problems that limit my job options. I feel trapped in a toxic environment that combines micromanagement with inadequate training and discriminatory treatment. I just want to be treated fairly and given the same opportunities as my coworkers.

I've been dealing with a frustrating situation regarding my partner's job transfer from Arkansas to Colorado. He was approved for the transfer and moved here, but the company has been incredibly slow to provide any updates. It's been weeks, and he's had to constantly follow up with both the Arkansas and Colorado locations, but it feels like there's no urgency on their end. He was supposed to start work the week of the 8th, but now they're saying it might not happen until the 22nd at the earliest. I'm feeling lost about what to do since he hasn't actually worked in Colorado yet. Should he file for unemployment benefits in Arkansas or Colorado? I've seen some comments suggesting he should apply in Arkansas because that's where his wages were earned, but there's a concern that the employer might claim he voluntarily quit due to the move. We're keeping all documentation of his transfer approval, but I honestly don't expect this to end well.

I'm seeking career guidance after graduating in 2024 with a degree in Management, specializing in Finance. Due to health issues, I couldn't start working right after graduation, but now that my health has improved, I'm eager to kick off my career. I'm interested in roles like consulting, business analysis, financial analysis, and management trainee programs that offer good growth and salary prospects. I'm feeling a bit lost on where to apply and which career path suits my background best. I would love to hear suggestions on: - Entry-level roles I should target with my Management + Finance degree. - Companies that are good options for fresh graduates. - Effective websites, job portals, or apps for finding job opportunities. - How to explain my gap in employment due to health reasons. - Certifications, skills, or projects that could enhance my employability. - Any actively hiring fields in consulting, finance, or business. Any advice, personal experiences, or resume tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I recently applied for a full-time Service Crew position at a McDonald's outlet after hearing about the opportunity from a friend who works there. I'm currently 21 years old and have been jobless for a year, facing multiple rejections in my job search, which I believe might be influenced by my speech impediment during interviews. I'm eager to improve my communication skills and build my confidence. I've reached out to the main recruitment hotline for updates on available positions but haven't received a clear response yet, leaving me uncertain about the waiting time. I also have a family member who previously worked at McDonald's, so I'm somewhat familiar with the work environment and genuinely interested in joining the team. I don't have a Food Hygiene Certificate at the moment, but I'm willing to obtain one if necessary. I'm looking for insights from anyone who has gone through the McDonald's hiring process. Specifically, I would like to know how long it typically takes to hear back after applying, what the interview process entails (group or one-on-one), the types of questions or assessments I might face, and any tips to enhance my chances of getting hired. I'm ready to work hard and learn, just trying to navigate this process better while I wait.