Planning

I’m at a significant crossroads in my career right now. I’m a 34-year-old female working as a front end manager at a grocery store, where I oversee all front end operations and manage a team of over 80 people. My store is quite busy, generating about $2 million in sales each week, but I’m feeling increasingly dissatisfied with my situation. Despite my responsibilities, I’m only making $20 an hour, which feels inadequate after 12 years with the company. The long hours are also wearing me down; I work six days a week and only get one day off, which is taking a toll on my well-being. The only real perk is my schedule, which is 7 AM to 3:30 PM, and I don’t have to pay for health benefits, which is rare these days. I’m scared to leave my job and regret my decision, but staying in a position that feels like it’s offering me the bare minimum isn’t a viable option either. I’ve been exploring other opportunities, particularly service advisor roles at car dealerships. I’m not looking to become wealthy; I just want to earn more than I currently do and have a more standard work-life balance with two days off a week. I’d appreciate any advice or insights on potential career paths that might suit my experience.

I just had a major surprise in my job search journey. After struggling with unemployment for 1.5 years, I finally landed a job in June, even though it was a low-level position that didn't match my master's degree background. I knew the recruiter, so I took the opportunity, despite the minimum pay and terrible hours. I've been putting in around 80 hours a week, hoping for a promotion that my employer hinted at, with promises of a more interesting role coming up in the fall. However, I've been left in the dark with only vague updates like 'we are working on it.' Out of nowhere, a client I started working with three weeks ago offered me a full-time position. This new job comes with full benefits, normal hours, and a 100% pay increase, which is negotiable! It's incredible how, after sending hundreds of applications and struggling to get interviews, my hard work has finally started to pay off. I guess being seen in action has made a difference. Now, I just need to navigate these negotiations carefully.

I recently completed a final interview for a role that I really want, and the wait is driving me crazy. I feel well-qualified, especially since I have a referral from my sister, though I'm not sure how much that helps. The process has been extensive: I had a recruiter screening, two take-home assessments, and an interview with the hiring manager. Most recently, I had a technical interview with the team manager, which I felt went really well. I had prepared answers for all their questions and even expressed my interest in the top pay they listed, while also being open to negotiation. They mentioned they had three more interviews to conduct the day after mine and promised to get back to me by early to mid-week. Since Monday morning, I've been refreshing my email non-stop, convinced that they might have already sent an offer to someone else and are just waiting for that person to accept before telling me no. This job feels like my white whale. I applied for a different position at this company a year and a half ago and was the second choice, but this new role aligns perfectly with my experience. I even took the initiative to complete a certification for the CRM they use after my first interview, which I was excited to mention in the second interview. I've wanted to work at this company for four years. The role is remote with unlimited PTO, which is a huge draw for me. Currently, I'm stuck in an office job in a blue-collar field that I find unbearable, especially with the uncomfortable work environment. I really need to get out of this situation, and I'm just losing my mind waiting for a response.

I received an email from my company on Monday announcing a "voluntary severance program" due to cost-cutting measures, despite the fact that we've seen growth for the last three quarters. It feels like since we went public this year, the focus has shifted entirely to appeasing shareholders. Over the past year, management has been integrating AI into our processes, claiming it was just to assist us. However, I recently discovered that we were actually training a new AI chatbot that is now deemed "highly capable" of handling most customer interactions. This revelation came after my manager inadvertently revealed more than she intended, and it was clear that our jobs were not as secure as they had led us to believe. Now, I have until the 20th to decide whether to take the severance package or wait it out, risking a layoff by the end of October if not enough people volunteer. The severance would be nearly double what I’d earn if I stayed, but I’m worried about my future. I won’t finish my bachelor’s degree until December, and my resume mainly consists of customer service roles with some team lead and logistics experience. The thought of being stuck in a call center, especially with the rapid advancement of AI, is daunting. I also don’t have a car since I’ve been working from home for the last three years, and my savings were depleted due to an emergency surgery earlier this month. The job market feels bleak, and I’m terrified of what comes next. This experience has taught me that employers can be misleading, and it’s essential to have a backup plan. I’m grateful for the advice from others to take the severance and focus on finishing my degree and job searching. I just hope I can find something before it’s too late.

I interviewed for a position at a new store opening soon, and I felt really positive about how it went. During the interview, they mentioned they would get back to me within 1-2 days and that they were expediting the hiring process. I had my interview on Monday, and now it's Wednesday. I'm wondering how long I should wait before following up to check on my application status.

I just received a job offer and I'm set to start next Monday. Currently, I'm working at a company where I've been for just a month, but I've decided to leave to take this new position. I plan to resign later today, effective immediately, since I'm an at-will employee. The new job is at my daughter's school district, which means I’ll have the same holidays as her, and the hours are much better for my schedule. The pay is the same, so that wasn't a deciding factor. This is my first time making such a quick transition, and I feel a bit uneasy about being unprofessional by not giving notice. I'm curious if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how they handled it.

I was hired about a month ago for a position at a small startup with just 10 employees. Recently, I noticed that the exact same job posting I applied for a couple of months ago was reposted on LinkedIn, but in a completely different location. This new location is some village in Africa, while I’m currently based in Western Europe. It left me feeling a bit anxious, wondering if they might be planning to replace me. I mean, why would they post the job again in a different location if everything was fine? I’m slightly freaking out about this situation and looking for any insights or advice from others who might have experienced something similar.

Last week, I was let go from my role at a tech company after just over 2 years. Fortunately, I received a severance package that I consider quite generous. I will remain on payroll with access to my work email and Slack until October, which is 60 days after my notice. If I don’t find a new position within the company during this time, I will receive a one-time payment equivalent to 4.5 months of salary, along with six months of fully paid COBRA health insurance. Additionally, I’ll be eligible for unemployment benefits. While I’m still processing the shock of being laid off, I feel relieved about the severance, as it gives me roughly nine months of financial support to figure out my next steps. My partner has a stable, high-paying job that covers our housing expenses, which adds some flexibility to my situation. I’m grappling with the decision of whether to start job hunting immediately or take a few months to really consider what I want to do next. I’m hesitant to jump into the job market right away because I’m unsure about the company culture after my departure. I’m 33, and while my instinct is to start applying for jobs now, I wonder if it might be wiser to take a few months to decompress and explore my options. I’ve heard mixed advice from others — some suggest taking a week to destress and then start applying, while others recommend taking a couple of months off before diving back in. Given the current job market, I know it can take a long time to find a new position, so I’m trying to balance my desire for a break with the reality of job searching. Overall, I’m still weighing my options and would appreciate any thoughts on whether it’s reasonable to take a few months to figure things out before applying.

I applied for a position at a hotel a few days ago and received an email instructing me to call the department Director. When I called, she mentioned she was busy and would return my call in 30 minutes, but I never heard back. After waiting for four hours, I tried calling again, but there was no answer, so I left a voicemail. Feeling a bit discouraged since this is the first response I've had in two months, I'm considering going to the hotel tomorrow to drop off my resume and speak with someone in HR or management if I don't hear back today. However, I've seen mixed advice about whether this is a good idea. Some say it could be frowned upon, while others suggest it's a proactive approach. I'm really eager to get my foot in the door and explore any opportunity.

I’m currently on the job hunt for audit and internal audit positions in New York City. I’m based in California right now and have been applying to jobs online, but I haven’t had much luck getting responses. I’m working remotely in an audit role, which gives me the flexibility to relocate to NYC, but I want to secure a job before making that move. I’m looking for advice from finance professionals and recruiters on how to stand out in my applications. Since I can’t attend in-person networking events, I’m considering reaching out to larger recruiting agencies that specialize in financial services, like Selby Jennings and Robert Half. I’ve also been advised to ensure my resume clearly states my intention to relocate, as some employers might not consider candidates who are further than 100 miles away. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started a part-time job as a graphic designer, which aligns perfectly with my major. I've been enjoying my time there, and I feel appreciated by the company, especially since they recently highlighted me in a blog post. However, I often find myself with not much to do, and while I like my team and the job itself, I'm considering an interview for a full-time position that pays between $40,000 and $50,000. This new job is closer to my home, but it also pays $17 an hour, which isn't enough to cover my adult bills in Florida. I'm currently juggling multiple jobs, including tutoring and teaching art, which I love but can be inconsistent due to school closures. I applied for the new position on a whim because it seemed interesting and relevant to my skills. Now, I'm feeling anxious about the possibility of changing jobs so soon after starting this one. I truly enjoy my current role and the people I work with, but the lack of benefits and the need for a steady income are weighing on my mind. I'm torn between staying where I am and pursuing this new opportunity. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if it's okay to want a new job so soon and how to handle this anxiety about potential change.

I graduated with my ELA credential in December and was fortunate enough to land a teaching position at an alternative school in February. My current job is relatively low stress, offers a good salary, and provides year-round employment with generous PTO, including a two-week summer break and winter break. However, I don’t see this role as my long-term career path. I’ve always dreamed of being a traditional classroom teacher, focusing on direct instruction. Recently, I received an offer for an English teacher position at a school district I’ve always admired. Although it comes with a pay cut and will likely be more stressful, it aligns with my career aspirations and offers a 10-month work schedule. They even offered a signing bonus that would match my current salary, but I would take a pay cut next year. I’m feeling torn between these two opportunities and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this decision.

I received a rejection letter last month after applying for a position at a company I was really excited about. The last line of the letter mentioned that they would be in touch if any new roles appeared at their other locations. It got me wondering how often this actually happens and why they mentioned other locations instead of the one I applied to. I’ve heard from others that it can happen, especially in niche industries where there are fewer candidates. One person shared how they had a similar experience about a decade ago; they made it to the final round but lost out to another candidate. A few months later, they were contacted for another similar role. I’m trying to stay optimistic but I know I shouldn’t rely on this happening. I’m continuing to apply elsewhere in the meantime.

I recently accepted a job offer with a local organization that works with kids, and I was really excited about it because the pay and scheduling seemed perfect. However, I'm already feeling overwhelmed even before my start date. The owner, whom I’ll refer to as Jean, has been very unprofessional and disorganized in her communication, which has left me feeling confused and anxious. Jean only communicates through text, often late at night, which I find inappropriate. I haven’t seen her in person since my initial interview, and during that interview, she interrupted and made a comment that felt disrespectful. The biggest issue is that she is trying to schedule me for shifts without confirming my background check or even discussing my availability properly. I specifically mentioned that I cannot work on Sundays due to church commitments, and I was told that weekends are mandatory, which was never mentioned in the job ad or during the interviews. Now, I'm being asked to cover late shifts on Fridays and Saturdays to compensate for my unavailability on Sundays, which feels unreasonable. I’ve already filled out the necessary documentation and signed everything, but the constant back-and-forth about scheduling is making me reconsider if this job is the right fit for me. I have another interview lined up tomorrow, and while I want to give this job a fair chance, the lack of clear communication and the stress it's causing is making me question whether I should even start. I’m feeling torn about how to approach this situation, especially since I don’t want to quit before I even begin.

I recently took a break from my role as a software engineer at a fintech company due to severe stress and burnout. My GP advised me to step back for my mental health, so I traveled and reflected on my career. I realized that my true interests lie in business and analytics rather than software engineering. I have experience as a business analyst and junior project manager, which I enjoyed much more than my SWE role. My background includes a BSc in Business and IT, a postgraduate in Data Analytics, and CFA Level I. During my time as an SWE, I faced a lot of pressure from a difficult project manager, which contributed to my burnout. I had hoped to transition into a business-facing role after my graduate program, but internal promises were never fulfilled, and I felt stuck. Now, I'm looking to pivot back into a role that aligns with my interests, but I'm concerned about the 9-month gap on my CV and how to position my SWE experience for business-facing roles. I'm seeking advice from others who have made similar transitions. How did you frame your SWE experience? What roles should I consider, and how do I explain my career break without it being viewed negatively?

It's been 4 months since I was laid off from my job of 15 years, and I'm really starting to feel the pressure. Just days before my layoff notice on March 17, I bought a brand new car that I had been budgeting for over 6 months. My first thought when I received the layoff notice was about the car I had just purchased. Thankfully, I have a generous severance package that will keep me afloat until Christmas, but job hunting has been tough. I've experienced a lot of ghosting and only a few interviews. Just recently, I had a huge disappointment: 15 minutes before an interview for an executive assistant position, the recruiter called to say there was a mix-up and that a job offer had already been sent out without anyone realizing there was still one interview left to conduct. They said they were impressed with my resume and encouraged me to apply for future positions. It feels like time is slipping away, and I can't seem to catch a break. I'm even prepared to take a 50% pay cut and had to use some of my 401k savings to pay off my car. It's a stressful situation, but I'm trying to stay hopeful.

I lost my job three months ago and have been actively searching for new opportunities ever since. Unfortunately, nothing suitable has come up, and I'm quickly running out of savings. My mortgage payment is $1,900 a month, and I haven't been able to pay it for the last two months. The bank has sent me a notice, and I only have about 45 days before foreclosure proceedings start. They won't agree to a modification because they say I don't qualify. I attempted to initiate a short sale with a realtor, but she informed me that it could take 60 to 90 days to close, and I simply don't have that kind of time. Losing my house is not an option for me. In a moment of desperation, I reached out to eazyhousesale and filled out their form. To my surprise, they sent me an offer the very next day. I ended up selling my house for cash, albeit slightly below market value, and the closing is set for just two weeks from now. The speed of this process feels suspicious, but I'm hoping it will help me avoid foreclosure. I'm feeling frustrated with the bank for not providing any assistance and hopeless about finding a job in time. I just want to keep my home and not lose everything.

I have an upcoming interview for a remote Scheduler position at Baptist Health South Florida. I'm looking for insights from anyone who has experience with the company or in a similar role. I'm particularly curious about the overall difficulty of the job, as I have autism and sometimes struggle with anxiety. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I recently went through a layoff and wanted to share my experience regarding negotiating severance. I learned that it’s crucial to ask for more than what’s initially offered. When I received my severance package, I decided to negotiate. I figured that at that point, there was really nothing more they could do to me. The worst they could say was no, and I was pretty confident they wouldn’t retract the original offer. In my experience, they rarely do that because it opens them up to potential legal issues. I’ve successfully negotiated a better severance about half the time I’ve tried it in the past. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to ask for more. The worst outcome is just accepting the original offer.

I have been feeling really anxious about my job search due to my past reputation. I made some regrettable mistakes at a previous job that led to write-ups and ultimately my termination. I struggled with anger issues and had some serious temper tantrums that affected my relationships with colleagues. Although I am currently employed, I know I need to work on myself, but therapy isn't an option for me financially right now. I've been focusing on self-reflection and journaling to help me unlearn those bad behaviors and patterns. I realize I've hurt a lot of people, and some may never forgive me, which is something I struggle to forgive myself for as well. Recently, I received a call for an in-person interview at Costco, a place I've been trying to get into for over 10 years. I've had two previous interviews there but didn't get the jobs. This unexpected call has given me a glimmer of hope, and I see it as a chance for a fresh start. If it doesn't work out, at least I know I did my best.