Planning

I'm currently navigating the job search process for a software engineering position. My niece, who started as an intern software engineer a few years back, has had quite the journey. She was offered her internship without needing a CS degree, which was impressive given the rigorous selection process. Since then, she's been pursuing her CS degree online and is set to graduate at the end of this year. During her time at the company, she quickly climbed the ranks from intern to intermediate engineer and then became a functional owner, making her the first intermediate engineer to achieve that status. In just two years, she was promoted to senior software engineer and then to lead software engineer. However, her experience has mostly been with legacy backend systems, which she feels limits her exposure to modern technologies. A few months ago, she decided to seek out a position that would allow her to work with more contemporary tech, specifically one that utilizes AI for coding. The application process has been intense, involving numerous interviews, assessments, and even a project submission. Initially, she applied for an intermediate position, but her application was later upgraded to a senior role due to her performance in the earlier stages. She had her final interview last week, but since then, there's been radio silence from the company. This uncertainty is weighing heavily on her, and honestly, it's stressing me out too. The job search landscape has changed so much since I was looking for work; back then, it was much simpler with just one interview to determine your fate. Now, it feels like a marathon.

I'm currently on the job hunt and considering the possibility of exploring opportunities in Asia, as I'm based in Europe. I'm particularly interested in applying for positions in countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and possibly Singapore. If anyone has advice, suggestions, or personal experiences related to applying and securing jobs in these regions, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you!

I recently received a "final warning" at my job in Maryland due to complaints from coworkers about my fit within the workplace culture. Management claims that my presence is negatively impacting the team and contributing to issues with retaining new hires in my department. Despite my high standards and excellent quality of work, my tone and communication style seem to be misinterpreted, leading to a perception that I judge others or create an unwelcoming environment. I'm actively looking for a new position, but my previous job search yielded no responses, and I'm uncertain how much longer I have before potentially being let go. If I do get fired under these circumstances, I'm worried about my eligibility for unemployment benefits. I'm seeking advice on what steps I can take to protect myself.

I was let go from my position today, and I'm feeling a bit lost about where to start my job search. I had been with the company for four years, working remotely in the firearms e-commerce industry. My journey started in a tough spot when I was initially fired from a previous job due to performance issues, right when I had a young child at home. Thankfully, I found a new role shortly after that, which allowed me to be with my family more. However, with a new CEO and some financial tightening this spring, I received a call this morning from my boss and HR, and I knew what was coming. My position was eliminated as part of a financial decision, while my coworker was brought back into the office. I’m grateful for the time I spent at home with my child, especially since we plan on homeschooling. I’ve accepted that I might need to work in an office now, which is a change since we only have one car. Now, I’m trying to figure out where to look for new opportunities. My last job came about unexpectedly, and now I feel overwhelmed. I’ve checked Indeed, but it seems filled with spam, and while my state job board has some decent listings, I’m not sure where to start. Any suggestions on job boards that are actually legit?

I recently accepted a job offer after a challenging experience with my background check. A couple of years ago, I made a poor decision that led to a misdemeanor theft charge. I took full responsibility, completed all court requirements, and the case was ultimately dismissed. However, during the 12-month stipulated period, I faced the disappointment of having two job offers rescinded due to the background check results. Now that the case is dismissed, I was hopeful that my background check for this new job would go smoothly. Unfortunately, it flagged the county criminal section as "needs review," even though the disposition clearly states dismissed/non-conviction. It's been a few business days since the report was completed, and I haven't heard anything from the employer yet. I'm feeling anxious because of my previous experiences, and I’m concerned that this could still jeopardize my current offer. I’m reaching out to see if anyone with HR experience can provide insight into how concerning a dismissed misdemeanor theft charge is in a background check. Is the "needs review" flag a standard procedure for HR to examine the details, or does it often lead to rescinded offers? I’m prepared to discuss it if necessary, but I’d rather not bring it up unless the employer has concerns.

I recently received a job offer for a position that I'm really excited about, but I'm feeling a bit uneasy about the salary. The offer came in this week, and although I've been told that the salary is fixed with no range provided, I believe it's lower than what I should be making given my experience and the cost of living in my area. I'm considering negotiating for a higher salary, so I drafted an email template to initiate that conversation. In the email, I expressed my gratitude for the offer and mentioned my relevant experience and education, proposing a salary that is 10% higher than what was originally offered. I'm hoping to get some feedback on this email before I send it out. I've also been thinking about the potential risks involved in asking for more money, especially since they might pull the offer if they feel it's too much. Some advice I received suggested that I might be better off discussing this over the phone instead of via email, as it could lead to a more productive conversation. I'm weighing my options and considering whether to negotiate or accept the offer as is while continuing my job search.

I recently started a new job about a month ago, but I’m already feeling like it’s not the right fit for me. The management has been a bit strange, the pay is lower than I expected, and the growth opportunities seem minimal. Because of this, I’ve been actively applying for other positions and have started to secure some interviews. Before this job, I was unemployed since January, so I’m hesitant to include this current role on my resume since it’s only been a short time. I’m worried about how to explain my situation in interviews. Should I just say I’m still unemployed? I’ve also been juggling my current job's hours while trying to schedule interviews, which has been a bit tricky. I’m looking for advice on how to handle these conversations and what to say if they ask why I’m looking to leave so soon. This is my first experience interviewing while working a traditional 9-5, so any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently handed in my two weeks' notice after nearly five years at my job as an entry-level clerical worker. Initially, my boss respected my role, but over time, I found myself taking on a lot more responsibilities, including tasks typically handled by HR generalists, all while still being paid like an entry-level employee. When I approached my boss about a promotion or raise to reflect my increased workload, he dismissed my request with a dirty look and claimed it was out of his control, despite being the head of HR. He suggested I reach out to higher-ups, but it was clear he wouldn't support me. I already have a new job lined up, so I decided it was time to leave. After submitting my notice, my boss sent out an email about training sessions, excluding me from the list of attendees. While I understand the need for training, I feel strongly that I shouldn't have to train my replacements, especially given how my contributions have been undervalued. I'm grappling with whether I should just stick to my decision and not train anyone, or if I should swallow my pride and help out. It feels wrong to train others when my salary hasn't reflected the work I've done. I know I deserve better, and it’s time to move on.

I’m almost 23 and have never had a formal job. Growing up, I worked in my family’s convenience store until I moved away for college at 20. While that experience taught me patience and kindness, I feel like it hasn’t equipped me with the skills I need for a typical job. I struggle with multitasking, pressure, and stress. I’ve never gone through the interview process or had a structured work schedule, which makes me feel embarrassed and worried about my hireability. I plan to start job hunting in two months after I finish some personal projects. I’m curious if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how it turned out for them.

I’ve been jobless for the past two years after my pregnancy, which has been a really tough journey. After informing my HR about my pregnancy, I was placed on a PIP, and it was a struggle dealing with postpartum challenges alongside joblessness. Despite everything, I kept my spirits up and continued to explore opportunities in content writing across various platforms. Recently, I’ve received two job offers, and I’m feeling quite conflicted about which one to choose. The first opportunity is with a husband-and-wife team in Delhi who are trying to build their YouTube channels into a production setup. I had to really push to get this job, and while I enjoyed the role and they seemed to appreciate my skills, there are some red flags. They have high expectations regarding my work hours and responsibilities, and they’re not offering much of a salary increase because they think I need to restart my career after being out for two years. I’ve had bad experiences in environments where I was expected to drive sales as a content writer, and this setup feels risky given their dynamic. The second offer is my dream role, which is completely remote and offers a 33% salary hike from my previous job. The company culture seems positive, and the HR process was very organized and professional. However, the catch is that the start date is in six weeks, which makes me anxious about waiting. As a fellow mother, I’m torn between taking the immediate job with some uncertainties or waiting for the ideal role that aligns better with my current life situation. What would you do?

I recently found myself in the middle of a job search after unexpectedly getting an interview for a new role. Things have been moving quickly! I've already completed the initial HR phone screen, had a conversation with the Art Director, and submitted a design assignment. Now, I'm gearing up for a 39-minute interview with the Hiring Manager. Since it's been a while since I last interviewed, I'm a bit anxious about what to expect. I'm looking for advice on the types of questions that might come up during this stage. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve been in a tough spot for a while now. At 28, I’ve dedicated my entire 20s to trying to secure a government job, but I’ve had no luck. I come from a Tier 3 city where opportunities are limited, and I never attended college, which has left me feeling below average and lacking confidence. Last year, I finally decided to take a leap and applied to several schools for a teaching position. I even got callbacks from all of them, but when it came time to make a decision, I panicked. I was overwhelmed by fear of change and the idea of facing people, so I made excuses and didn’t take any of the offers. Now, I find myself in a worse situation than before, and I know I need to secure a job or risk losing everything. There’s one school in particular that I really liked and want to apply to again, but I’m terrified of going back after having turned them down. I worry about how the principal will react—will she remember me? Will she be upset with my previous behavior? I’m afraid of being disrespected or treated poorly if I go back. Despite these fears, I know I need to face this challenge. The job market here is limited, and I want to use my B.Ed degree rather than resort to other options. I’m torn between going back to that school for an interview and potentially facing judgment or seeking other opportunities that don’t align with my goals. I really loved the environment at that school, and it’s conveniently located near my home. I just need to figure out if I can muster the courage to go back and give it another shot.

Today, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding my job situation. I've been working as a temporary associate at a large corporation for over two years now, and while I appreciate the work environment—like the lack of a dress code and the flexibility with hours—I really need to secure a full-time position with benefits. My current hourly wage of $20.50 just isn't enough to support my living expenses, especially since I recently bought a house. I want to apply for other internal positions, but I'm worried about how to approach my manager without jeopardizing my current role. My department has no full-time opportunities available, and I know the company values internal hires, which gives me some hope. However, I’m still in college without a degree, and I fear that if I express my interest in other roles, my manager might consider me less committed and let me go. I've proven my worth by significantly increasing productivity in my role, which makes me feel a bit more secure. I’ve been able to handle complex tasks that my coworkers struggle with, and they often mention how much they rely on me. I just want to make sure that I communicate my intentions in a way that keeps my current position safe while also exploring new opportunities. I'm hoping to get some advice on how to navigate this conversation with my manager once the busy season wraps up.

I had my final interview for a role I was really excited about six days ago, and I hadn't heard back from the hiring manager, which made me a bit anxious. Today, I decided to follow up, and I received a response that was quite encouraging. The hiring manager mentioned that they were very impressed with my interviews and want to offer me the role, but they're still waiting on some internal approvals before they can send a formal offer. I'm feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. While it sounds positive, I know I shouldn't stop applying to other jobs until I have a signed offer letter in hand. I've heard stories about internal processes dragging on, so I'm trying to stay grounded and not get too ahead of myself.

I applied for a position at a fast food chain and was initially excited when they reached out to discuss my availability. They even sent me some paperwork to fill out, including a staff information sheet and a non-disclosure form, which I promptly completed and returned on Monday. However, since then, I haven't heard anything from them, despite sending a follow-up text on Wednesday to check if they received my forms. I'm starting to feel anxious about the lack of communication. Meanwhile, I received an interview invitation from a similar establishment, which has left me wondering if I should pursue that opportunity instead. I'm concerned that the first job may have moved on without informing me.

I had a phone screening for a position that I felt went really well. The recruiter mentioned that my skills were a great match and that I would be passed along to the hiring manager. However, it’s been three weeks since that call and I haven’t heard anything back—no rejection email or updates at all. I'm starting to wonder if this is a common experience for others. Has anyone else been in a similar situation where they had a long wait after a positive phone screening and still got hired? I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. I’m considering sending a follow-up to the recruiter, but I also don’t want to get my hopes up too high.

I recently faced a tough decision at my current job as a project manager at a tech company. After months of back and forth with HR regarding a promised bonus that was ultimately denied, I decided it was time to leave. My boss had negotiated a higher bonus for me in my comp letter for 2025, but when it came time for payout, they claimed it was a mistake despite my solid performance reviews. After three frustrating months of trying to resolve this, I accepted a higher-paying position elsewhere. Now, I’m debating whether to walk out immediately or give my two weeks' notice. My team is in a good place, so I’m not too worried about leaving them in a bind. However, I’m concerned about the potential consequences of walking out, mainly the risk of being blacklisted from the company. Given how they handled the bonus situation, I doubt I would want to return anyway. I’ve received some advice suggesting that it’s better to avoid burning bridges, as you never know when you might need a reference or cross paths with former colleagues in the future. Others have pointed out that if I give notice, the worst that could happen is they ask me to leave right away, which is essentially the same as walking out. I’m also considering if I should confront HR in writing about the bonus situation before I leave, as it could be a potential labor violation. I’m weighing my options carefully and trying to think rationally about the best course of action.

I overheard my boss discussing difficulties in covering payroll for the last two months, which has raised some red flags for me. I work at a small company with about 20 full-time employees, and despite these financial struggles, they've hired 6 new full-time staff recently. This doesn't seem to align with the reality of our financial situation. I've been with the company for 2 years, and I'm starting to think it might be time to look for other job opportunities.

I'm currently at a crossroads with my job situation. I've been working at my current position for a company I really don't enjoy, and I've just been informed that there will be a pay cut coming my way. I'm seriously considering whether I should stick it out and stay in a job that I dislike, or if I should take the leap and file for unemployment benefits instead. It's a tough decision, and I'm weighing my options carefully.

I recently got a job at a jewelry store, which is exciting, but I'm facing a dilemma regarding my Tourette's syndrome. During the interview, I had a good day and my tics didn't flare up, so I didn't disclose my condition. In the past, I've always mentioned my tics during interviews, explaining that they don't affect my work. Now, I'm unsure whether to inform my new employer on my first day or just let my tics happen naturally and address any questions if they arise. I'm particularly anxious because I was let go from a job seven years ago during my probationary period due to health issues, even though I had doctor's notes to justify my absences. The labor board told me that since it was a probationary period, they could terminate me for any reason. This experience has made me wary of facing judgment or being perceived as dishonest about my capabilities in a sales role. I’m in Canada, and I know there are protections in place, but I’m still concerned about how my new colleagues will react. I’ve read some advice suggesting that I should disclose my condition with a doctor's note as soon as possible to protect myself. Others have mentioned that it’s a personal choice and that I could mention it casually if it becomes noticeable. I'm just trying to figure out the best approach to take.