Planning

I recently graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising and have spent the last five years working as a buyer in a buy/sell/trade secondhand fashion store. Now, I'm trying to break into corporate fashion buying, but it's been tough. I've applied to numerous assistant buyer positions on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, but I've only received one interview, and it felt like the interviewer didn't value my experience. I think my lack of a formal internship in corporate buying and no direct corporate experience is holding me back. I'm looking for advice on how to get my foot in the door and any additional job search platforms or skills I should focus on. I'm based in the Southern California/LA area, so if anyone has insights or tips, I would greatly appreciate it!

I'm a 25-year-old mechanical design engineer with four years of experience, currently working at my second company for the past three years. Recently, my company entered a joint venture, and there have been layoffs happening regionally for about four months. My region had been untouched until now, but I'm feeling anxious as my N+2 manager is visiting us next week without a clear reason. I have a strong feeling that the whole team might be laid off. I've received two awards and positive feedback from my colleagues, so I know I do my job well, but the uncertainty is overwhelming. The work has slowed down, and I've been applying for jobs but only received rejections so far. I'm scared that if I lose my job, I might have to move back in with my parents and feel like a burden to them. I'm trying to stay proactive by applying for jobs and upskilling, but the anxiety is tough to manage. I just needed to vent and seek any advice on what I should do next.

I am currently searching for an entry-level Data Analyst position and would love to know which companies are considered the best for this kind of role. I've heard mixed opinions about the availability of these positions, with some suggesting they are hard to come by. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I am preparing for a PM interview at Google for a Level 4 position, and I have my hiring manager round scheduled for Tuesday, July 28. I am reaching out to see if there are any experienced PMs at Google who could provide guidance or mentorship before my interview. I've been unemployed for the past eight months following a layoff, and I have been struggling to secure job offers. Any advice, frameworks, or resources you could share would be immensely helpful to me during this crucial time.

I'm a 26-year-old with a Master's in Data Science, graduating in 2025, and I've been trying to break into the tech industry for a year now. I initially thought my degree would lead me to an entry-level data role, but the job market shifted significantly by the time I graduated. Since then, I've been proactive in my approach. I've learned full-stack web development, completed a frontend internship, freelanced with clients, built production websites, explored Shopify development, and recently started diving into backend development and AI engineering. My skill set includes Python, SQL, data analysis, machine learning, React, Next.js, and Node.js. Despite my efforts, I'm struggling to secure a stable full-time position. Most of my applications go unanswered, and the few interviews I've had haven't resulted in job offers. Financially, I'm facing challenges, being behind on rent and managing student loans, while also feeling the pressure of my aging parents. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. If you were in my shoes today, what would you focus on? Should I double down on data, software engineering, AI, or explore something else entirely? Any honest advice or experiences that helped you would be greatly appreciated.

I just wrapped up two interviews for what I consider my dream job, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about a situation I've created. I submitted my resume back in February, before I started my current role, so it doesn't include that position. During the first interviews, I focused on my previous long-term job, which I held for three years, and didn't mention my current job at all. I’ve only been in my current role since May, and I already know it’s not a good fit for me. I didn't think to mention it since it’s been such a short time. Now, I'm gearing up for a final interview with five people, and I'm torn about whether to bring up my current job. I’m worried that if I suddenly mention it now, they might question why I didn’t mention it earlier when we discussed my work history. Should I just continue with the process and only mention my current job if they ask directly about my employment status? Or should I proactively bring it up during the final interview? I know that if I get an offer, I’ll need to accurately fill out any background check paperwork regarding my current employment. For context, my work history has been pretty stable, with seven years in one role followed by three years in another, and my current position is in a completely different industry than the one I'm interviewing for. I really want this job, and I hope I can navigate this situation smoothly.

I recently experienced a significant layoff at my mid-sized B2B SaaS company in Chicago, where my entire frontend engineering team of five was cut due to my boss's decision to implement an AI agent that he believes will replace us. Despite the challenging circumstances, I took it upon myself to help my team find new opportunities. Within a month, I managed to secure job offers for all of them, which was incredibly rewarding given the tight-knit bond we shared—almost like family. I dedicated a lot of time to one-on-one sessions with each team member, reviewing their resumes and LinkedIn profiles as if they were my own. I polished their resumes and leveraged my personal connections for warm introductions, while also building new ones. To further support those affected by layoffs in the Chicago area, I created group chats using Articuler to connect with others in similar situations. In these uncertain times, especially with the rapid advancements in technology, I believe it's crucial to focus on our human connections and support one another. It's this sense of community and empathy that truly helps us thrive.

I recently quit my job at a small landscaping company, where I had been working for about three months. I didn't sign a formal contract, which has led to some complications regarding my final paycheck. The owner mentioned they would only pay me once they found a replacement, which seems unlikely to happen. I have some photos of myself working there, but I'm unsure if they will be enough to prove my hours. I also worry that they might delete any camera footage that could confirm my presence on the job. I'm feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what steps I can take to ensure I get paid for the work I've done.

I was laid off from my job after 15 years of service, where I consistently received top performer reviews. Since then, I've faced a tough time, getting fired from two healthcare analyst positions in just four years. I'm starting to wonder if the issue lies with me or if it's more about the current economic climate. I'm considering whether I should explore opportunities in a different industry altogether. I'm reaching out for thoughts and guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I just got fired from my job at a local food service restaurant, and I’m feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. Earlier today, I approached my boss to let him know I intended to submit my resignation next Thursday. Instead of understanding, he exploded in anger. He initially told me no, then remembered that resignations must be in writing and required two weeks' notice. When I explained that I wanted to go back home, he snapped at me, saying, "I wish you fucking told me." That comment has been haunting me all day. For months now, my boss has been verbally abusive, yelling at me regularly, which has really taken a toll on my self-esteem. I’ve been struggling to sleep and feeling anxious before every shift. I keep questioning whether I’m just weak for not being able to handle it, especially since other employees seem to cope. There have been other instances of mistreatment that I can't get into right now, but the constant yelling has pushed me to my limit. I know I need to leave, but I’m scared about how he’ll react when I go in for my shift tomorrow. It’s a tough situation because sometimes he can be nice, which makes me doubt myself. But I realize that no job, especially one in food service, should make me feel this way. I’m looking for some validation or advice on how to handle this situation.

I'm a recent graduate from the 2026 batch and currently unplaced, which has been quite frustrating for me. I've been trying to figure out my next steps in this job search. I'm reaching out to see what others in my situation are doing. Right now, I'm considering various options: should I focus on preparing for data structures and algorithms (DSA) and aptitude tests, or should I be applying to off-campus jobs on a daily basis? I've also thought about moving to cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Hyderabad for walk-in interviews, as I've heard there are more opportunities there. Additionally, I'm contemplating whether I should take on internships or pursue certifications to enhance my skills. I feel a bit lost and would really appreciate hearing from other 2026 graduates or anyone in a similar situation about their strategies and plans. Any advice would be incredibly helpful!

I was laid off on Wednesday, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I never saw it coming, and I was the only one let go from my location in the death care industry, which you would think offers job security. The CEO announced they had overextended by acquiring too many funeral homes, leading to the elimination of 130 positions. After dedicating the last six years of my life to this career, working nights, weekends, and holidays, I feel completely lost. I've sacrificed family gatherings, birthdays, and even funerals for this job, and now I'm applying for food stamps and unemployment. Thankfully, I don't have children to support, but I do have two little dogs that rely on me. Being a mortician was my passion, and without it, I feel empty and defeated. My skills are so specialized that finding another job seems daunting. While I have other abilities, they just don't feel meaningful right now. I'm struggling to find the strength to move forward, and I really need some positive vibes to help me through this tough time.

I had a really unsettling experience at work today. I was called into a meeting with several supervisors, including my own, to discuss some work-related issues. During the meeting, one supervisor, who isn't even my direct boss, started yelling at me. He stood up, towered over me, and accused me of not liking him and not acknowledging his presence. It felt incredibly hostile and intimidating. I tried to explain my feelings about the situation, but he only got angrier, and the others in the room dismissed my perspective, calling me immature. I was shocked that they allowed this behavior to continue without intervening. I don't even report to this person, yet he insisted he had authority over me. I'm feeling really confused and unsafe right now, so I've decided to write a letter to management demanding a meeting to address this issue. I can't shake the feeling that they're targeting my job. This experience has made me seriously consider looking for a new job.

I recently learned about a troubling situation involving my friend at their company. They announced layoffs, and it seems like the managers who had direct involvement with my friend had already secured new positions within the company. Now, my friend is under a new manager who has a history of giving negative feedback during performance reviews. This manager is now asking my friend to retrieve emails from six months ago, which my friend can't access due to company policy that deletes older emails. The manager suggested they file a request with IT to recover them. What raised red flags for my friend was when this manager asked about their ethnicity and citizenship, which feels inappropriate and suspicious. My friend is concerned that this could be a tactic to deny them a severance package or even to push for their termination before the official layoff date. It seems like HR and the manager are working closely together, and my friend feels trapped. They’re unsure of what steps to take next in this difficult situation.

I was laid off in June and I'm currently trying to figure out my next steps. Like many others, I'm feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. I work in a specialized field where job opportunities are limited and the pay has significantly decreased since I entered the industry. I'm considering pivoting to a different specialty, but that would require a lot of time and effort to learn new skills, starting from scratch. Before the layoff, I struggled with work-life balance, especially as a parent. The stress was constant, and I often felt stretched too thin. Now, I'm contemplating various options to make ends meet. Should I pivot careers entirely? Maybe move in with my parents, even though that would mean a longer commute for my husband? I'm also considering reducing my son's preschool hours to part-time or even becoming a stay-at-home mom. Financially, we need to keep earning for retirement, but I’m feeling quite hopeless about finding a well-paying job anytime soon. I spend my days applying for jobs while my son is in preschool, but the lack of responses is really getting me down. Right now, I don't see much light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm a DevOps engineer with 7 years of experience working as a consultant for various large banking and insurance organizations. Recently, I've been looking to improve my chances of getting hired as the job market seems to be changing. I want to earn more and find a role that I truly enjoy. Currently, I'm based in Lugano, Switzerland, but I'm open to relocating to Zurich if necessary. My preference is for remote positions, though I'm also considering hybrid roles in either city. Up until now, I've primarily been applying for jobs through LinkedIn with a 2-3 page CV, but my efforts haven't yielded the results I hoped for. I'm seeking advice on a couple of things: 1. What other job platforms should I consider besides LinkedIn? 2. How can I polish my CV to increase my chances of landing more opportunities? I’m also interested in creating a system using AI to help me find jobs daily with a clear strategy, but I feel I need more information to navigate this process effectively. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I recently re-applied for a position at Planned Parenthood after initially fumbling my interview. I had interviewed for a role there but was rejected. Now that the position has reopened, I decided to send an email expressing my interest in being reconsidered and submitted my application again. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether they'll actually consider me this time or if I might be seen as blacklisted due to my previous rejection. I know the odds might not be in my favor, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try.

Today, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding a job opportunity that has come up at my partner's company. I've been working in an administrative role for several years now, and while I enjoy my job and have a good work-life balance, this new position offers a significant pay increase and a unique schedule of one week on, one week off. The financial benefits would help us pay off our mortgage much faster, which is appealing. However, the role is a paid apprenticeship in a field where I have no prior experience. I’m worried about my lack of skills and knowledge—like not even knowing the difference between a flat head and a Phillips head screwdriver. I fear that if I leave my current job, I won’t be able to return, and that pressure is daunting. My partner believes I can excel in this new role, but I can't shake the feeling that it might be selfish of me to pursue it when I already have a comfortable position. I feel torn between wanting to contribute more financially and the fear of failing in a completely new environment. I reached out to the community for some reassurance, hoping someone could tell me that it’s okay to take this leap, even if I’m not entirely sure I want to. I’m trying to convince myself that I can adapt and learn, but it’s a tough mental battle right now.

I was laid off from my job in May and just recently found a new position that starts in mid-August. During this time, I faced a lot of challenges, including financial struggles and food insecurity. Thankfully, I was approved for unemployment benefits and SNAP assistance, which has helped alleviate some of the pressure. However, the experience has revealed the true nature of some of my friendships. I reached out to a few friends for a one-time $100 loan because I was short on rent, and their responses were hurtful. One friend, who I thought I could count on, berated me for asking and questioned my situation as if I was to blame for my circumstances. He was on an expensive vacation while I was struggling to afford food and medications. After that interaction, I decided to block and delete him from my life. Another friend offered to lend me the money but made it clear that he expected repayment and questioned whether I had considered applying for jobs. This was the first time in seven years that I had asked him for help, and his condescending attitude made me realize that he may not truly value our friendship. I understand that it's okay for people to decline a loan request, but it's not acceptable to shame someone during tough times. It’s been a tough journey, and I’ve learned a lot about who my real friends are.

I graduated with a 2-year diploma in IT, which covered the basics of hardware and software. While some of my classmates found jobs after graduation, I struggled to get my foot in the door. After a couple of years of searching, I decided to go back to school to further my education. Some classmates chose the co-op/internship route, and one of them landed a full-time IT job after just a couple of courses in the degree program. I wanted to follow that path, but it took me several months to secure my first co-op/internship. During that time, I opted to take one course each term to stay active as a student. The diploma program had 20 courses, and to complete the degree, I need another 20. So far, I've completed 3 courses for the degree, but the thought of finishing the remaining 17 feels overwhelming and like a huge commitment. I’m considering whether completing the degree is worth it in the long run or if I should focus on gaining experience through another co-op job and eventually applying for full-time roles in IT. I already have 8 months of experience in the field as a student, but I don’t feel confident enough to apply for full-time positions yet. I want to do another internship to learn more at a different organization. My concerns about completing the degree are significant. I need to work full-time to pay my bills, which makes it hard to take on too many courses. I can only manage 1 or 2 courses each term, which could extend my degree completion to 3-5 years. Additionally, my original credits will expire by 2028, and I need to complete those 17 courses in a year and a half. I’ve heard that the school might extend the expiry date for my first-year courses, but that’s not guaranteed. Currently, I have a weekend job as a backup since co-op positions are temporary. I can’t risk being jobless if my co-op ends, so I’m working every day. I’m also 30 years old and feel like I haven’t truly started my career yet. I barely have time to socialize, which is tough because I want to get married but haven’t found someone yet. Some people say we should enjoy our youth, but I’m not enjoying it at all due to my busy schedule. In summary, I’m torn between investing time, money, and effort into completing my degree or focusing on gaining practical experience and possibly pursuing certifications to advance in the IT field.