Planning

I’m a 26-year-old who has been navigating the job market for the past eight years, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty defeated. I’ve always tried to play it safe and avoid stepping on anyone’s toes, following the rules even when others don’t. I’ve asked my bosses for more responsibility, hoping they’d see my commitment, but it feels like my efforts have led me nowhere. I’m just feeling used, abused, and completely exhausted. I’ve been actively putting out resumes and trying to network, but it’s like I’m hitting a brick wall—nothing seems to be working. I often hear that this is just how life is and that not everything works out, but it’s disheartening. I can’t shake the feeling that maybe it’s a marketing issue, or perhaps something deeper is at play. I’m really tired of the narrative that people don’t want to work. I believe some are just afraid of being called out on their shortcomings, which stifles their voices. I’m looking for any advice or support as I continue this frustrating journey.

I just filed for unemployment in New Jersey and I'm feeling really stressed about my situation. I was working officially for only 23 hours a week, which brought in about $621. After the 60% calculation, I'm left with just $372, and honestly, that's not enough to get by. I was also working off the books for additional hours, bringing my total to 42 hours a week, but since I can only claim the 23 hours on my paychecks, it feels like I'm in a tough spot. I know I need to keep applying for jobs, but I'm not sure how to make ends meet with this limited income. It seems like I'm just out of luck.

I recently started a new job in a department that is now undergoing restructuring just a few weeks after I joined. I’m currently in my fourth week, and a new department head was appointed right before I started. During my third week, our leader informed us that all our titles will be changing due to this restructuring. There are four of us on the team, and we are all vying for just two positions, which makes the situation quite competitive. To be proactive, I’ve decided to start applying for other jobs to safeguard myself against potential layoffs and to be prepared in case I receive an offer for a less desirable role. I'm unsure whether to include my new job on my resume or leave it off, and I'm also contemplating how to address the restructuring on my resume to clarify that this situation was beyond my control.

I found a weekday hiking group for those of us navigating layoffs in the Bay Area. It's a great opportunity to clear my head and connect with others who are in a similar situation. This Monday, June 15, we're meeting in Oakland for a 5-mile loop hike with a 636 ft elevation gain, starting at 10:30 am. I'm looking forward to getting outside and meeting new people while sharing our experiences. It's nice to have a supportive community during this challenging time.

I recently got hired at a new retail store after trying to leave my current job for a while. I've completed the pre-boarding process and even spoke to the manager, who mentioned I can come in to do my I-9 after finishing the pre-boarding. Now, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure about when to resign from my current job, where I've been for 1.5 years. I have my resignation letter ready, giving two weeks' notice, but I'm debating whether I should quit tomorrow. It feels surreal to be leaving, and I'm looking for advice on the best timing for my resignation.

I have a BS in Marine Science and have been searching for a job for about two years now. I live in the Orange County NY area and have done some volunteer work at an aquarium along with internships during my studies, but I feel like my experience is limited. I'm open to opportunities in the local area, NYC, or even NJ if necessary. It's been really tough feeling like my applications are going nowhere, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward in hopes of landing a job. I'm specifically looking for advice on where to apply or any resources that might help me in my job search. I'm particularly interested in positions that involve lab work or data analysis, as I enjoyed microscopic lab work and data analysis during my studies. I've applied to positions at CUNY and SUNY as a lab tech, as well as roles with the DEC for environmental analyst and biology, but I feel like I might not be searching effectively. I've utilized job boards, but they haven't yielded much success. Any suggestions on websites or organizations that focus on marine science jobs would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I'm currently on the lookout for offshore job opportunities and feeling a bit lost in my search. I've been exploring various resources but would really appreciate any guidance or recommendations from those who have experience in this area. If anyone has tips or knows where I can find reliable listings, please share. Thank you!

I recently received a job offer and I'm weighing my options. Currently, I work in the IT industry at a well-established company that allows me to work 100% remote. My pay is average, and while I have nice coworkers, there are few opportunities for advancement. The company does have a questionable reputation, which adds to my uncertainty about staying long-term. The new job offer is from a startup that was established in 2018. They are offering about $20,000 more per year, which is tempting. However, the downside is that I would have a 40-50 minute commute involving two freeway interchanges and a short walk. They are open to a hybrid work model, but for the first 60 days, I would likely need to be in the office five days a week. My main concern is that after the initial period, the company might back out of the hybrid arrangement. I really can’t manage a five-day-a-week commute long-term, as it would be too exhausting. I’ve seen mixed reviews about the new company, but they do have an average rating of 3.6. I’m torn because while the salary increase is significant, I’m worried about the potential for an enforced in-office policy that could lead to dissatisfaction. I’m considering staying in my current role, even if it means continuing to look for better opportunities.

I'm starting a new full-time call center job at a large company that I got through a staffing agency. The pay is $18 an hour, but I'm feeling pretty anxious about it. As someone who is low energy and introverted, I'm worried that I might end up hating this job. However, I really need to stick it out for the next few months to pay for school and loans, and to improve my credit score. I'm looking for some encouragement and tips from others who have had to push through a job they didn't enjoy. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

I'm currently in a tough spot as I'm preparing to move to a new city for grad school. I'm looking for a work-from-home job that pays at least $20 per hour. My class schedule is pretty tight, with classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 PM to 9 PM, so I need something that offers flexible hours. Since I have no support system in the new city, I'm feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to manage rent, school expenses, and living costs all on my own. I'm reaching out for any advice or leads on job opportunities that might fit my situation.

I'm currently in a tough spot as I'm preparing to move to a new city for grad school. I'm looking for a work-from-home job that pays at least $20/hour. My classes are scheduled twice a week from 3 PM to 9 PM, and I'm feeling overwhelmed because I have no support system in place. I need to cover my school expenses, rent, and living costs all on my own. I'm really anxious about finding a job that fits my schedule and financial needs. Any advice or leads would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently navigating a tough decision regarding my career. I work at a boutique firm that was recently absorbed by a larger organization. Since the merger, I've struggled to meet my enterprise-level quota, and now I've been placed on a soft performance plan. While I appreciate the remote work flexibility, the heavy travel—one to two weeks a month—has added to my stress, especially with the pressure of not hitting my numbers and the fear of potential layoffs. Recently, a recruiter reached out with an offer for an Enterprise Role at a larger company, which would increase my salary by 41%. Although the company isn't public and has some turnover issues (around 60% participation), it has established products and a new division that could present opportunities. The downside is that commissions are paid monthly, which means smaller upfront payments, and the role requires longer hours in the office. I'm torn between staying in my current position, where I might face job insecurity, and taking the leap into a new organization with its own uncertainties. I'm seeking advice on how to weigh these options and make the best decision for my career.

I've been job hunting in NYC since the start of 2025, applying to over 20 entry-level positions and going through 5 interviews, but I haven't had any success yet. I'm turning 20 soon and I've never really had a 'real' job. Recently, I approached a local grocery store for a cashier position, but the manager told me they were looking for 'ladies' and that they already had enough men. It left me feeling confused and frustrated. I'm starting to wonder if my very ethnic first and last name is holding me back. It's quite difficult for people to pronounce, and I think that might be leading to some pre-judgment against me. I’m also on the spectrum, which might add to the challenges I face in interviews. I'm contemplating whether I should change my first name, at least, to something more manageable. It's humiliating to think that my name could be a barrier to getting hired, but I feel like I need to do something to improve my chances. I've considered using a nickname when applying, but I'm not sure if that would really make a difference. I know that 20 applications and 5 interviews might not seem like a lot, but I can't help but feel that my name is a significant factor in my lack of callbacks.

I'm a 26-year-old currently looking for a remote job opportunity. I know it might be a challenge, but I'm open to any position, even if it's low paying. My goal is to start earning some money while I continue my studies. I've received some advice that remote work is definitely possible, especially if I'm willing to start with entry-level roles like data entry or customer support. I've also been pointed towards platforms like Handshake AI, Micro1, and One Forms for potential contract work in data annotation. I'm ready to take on any basic tasks to gain experience and make some income.

I’ve been actively applying for jobs that require 2-4 years of experience, but I only have about 1 to 1.5 years of directly relevant experience. Despite being slightly below the requirements, I’ve managed to secure a few recruiter phone screens and I’m currently waiting to hear back from the hiring managers about potential interviews. I’m curious about what factors hiring managers consider when deciding whether to interview candidates who don’t quite meet the experience criteria. I’ve seen discussions suggesting that accomplishments can outweigh years of experience, and that a combination of education and relevant work history plays a significant role in their decision-making. I hope to get some insights that could help me in my job search.

I recently faced a setback when I applied to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at UPR and was rejected due to insufficient experience in the field. I've spent the last two years teaching in holistic education, focusing on neurodivergent children, and I thought that experience would be relevant. Unfortunately, it wasn’t considered enough. Now, I'm urgently searching for a job that aligns with my bachelor's degree in psychology. I'm open to any position, regardless of pay, as I just want to gain relevant experience. I also have a minor in Early Childhood Development and have worked at a crisis center in Florida, as well as a student resource center for those needing academic accommodations. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions on where I could start looking for opportunities in the field, or where psychologists in Puerto Rico typically gain their initial experience before pursuing their doctoral studies.

I recently started working at a product-based company, but I can't shake off this constant anxiety about getting laid off. It's unsettling to feel this way, especially since I just joined. The atmosphere feels strange; people seem to stare at me, and I get mean looks when I use my phone. I can't help but feel like I made a mistake by taking this job. I've been searching for ways to cope with this fear and considering what my next steps should be. I remember a comment suggesting I read "Who Moved My Cheese?"—maybe I should give that a try to gain some perspective. I just wish I could figure out how to feel more secure in my position.

I just signed a contract after a grueling year of job hunting, and I want to share my journey. I’m an ex-military professional with a technical trade background, having built a career in telecoms, utilities, and project work. My path hasn’t been linear, and while I have many transferable skills, they don’t always fit neatly on a CV. I have an analytical mind; I don’t just complete tasks, I analyze them for inefficiencies and improve them. This has been a strength in my roles, but it also made me challenging to manage at times. In March of last year, I faced a significant setback when I lost my job due to redundancy just two months in. I was genuinely invested in my work, and losing it stripped away my sense of purpose. I think many people underestimate how much of our identity is tied to our jobs, especially coming from a structured environment like the military. The weeks following my job loss felt hollow, and I struggled with the question of whether my skills had any value outside of my previous context. I applied for every job I could find, including roles I was overqualified for and some I was underqualified for. I prepared extensively for each application, crafting competency frameworks, STAR stories, and presentations, often late into the night. I reached final stages in several interviews, receiving strong signals that ultimately didn’t lead to offers. The financial pressure was real, and I often found myself calculating my budget in the supermarket. During this time, I made a bold decision to enroll in a data engineering, AI, and ML bootcamp. It felt either like a smart move or a reckless one, depending on the day. This experience not only taught me new skills but also reframed my understanding of my previous work. I began to see my diverse experiences as valuable and started building automation tools to solve workflow problems I identified. This period reignited my sense of purpose—not through a job offer, but through creating functional tools that made a difference. I dove deeper into AI, learning how language models operate and how to engineer prompts effectively. I found myself thinking in terms of systems and processes, much like I did in the military, but now applied to intelligent systems. This intersection of technical depth and creative problem-solving became addictive. To maintain some income, I took a temporary contract role. Even in this position, I couldn’t help but build automation tools and improve processes in my spare time. This reinforced my realization that I thrive in environments where I can solve meaningful problems, not just where my skills are utilized. Eventually, a role came up that felt like a perfect fit. My background in technical operations, planning, and data aligned seamlessly with the job description. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel like I was trying to prove my adaptability; I felt like I was exactly what they needed. I prepared thoroughly for the interview, mapping my experiences to the company’s strategic context, and I left feeling I had performed my best. I received the offer this week, and I signed it. The package includes a good salary, a company car, a solid pension, and decent leave. I’m set to start next month. Looking back, I’d tell my past self that the redundancy wasn’t the worst thing that happened to me; it was the loss of purpose that hurt the most. What truly helped me was finding ways to keep building, no matter what that looked like. My analytical nature is a skill, not a flaw, and I need to find environments that recognize that. I encourage anyone in a similar position to pursue learning opportunities, even if they seem out of reach. It’s not just about landing a job; it’s about reminding yourself of your capabilities. Take those bridge roles if necessary; pride can be costly. And remember, rejections often have more to do with timing than your worth.

I'm 20 years old and I'm currently seeking advice on finding a new job. For the past couple of years, I've been doing some simple jobs that paid well for someone starting out, but I'm ready to move on to something more fulfilling. I've tried looking on Indeed, but I haven't had much luck getting responses, and many of the positions don't match my skill set. I have a high school diploma and some experience in packing and picking at a warehouse, specifically at Amazon, but I had to resign due to personal reasons. I won't be able to return until December 7th of this year. I'm reaching out for suggestions on job search websites or places where I might find opportunities. I'm committed to continuing my search and putting myself out there, but I would really appreciate any help or guidance!

I started a new job as an admin assistant last Monday, but just one day into it, I received a written offer for a project manager position at my internship, which I had been waiting on. The pay is similar, but the project manager role aligns much better with my career goals and offers more opportunities. I feel really bad about the timing, but I know I need to take this chance. I'm looking for advice on how to resign professionally after such a short time. I plan to be honest about my situation, but I’m anxious about how it will be received.