Planning

Today, I learned that FICO has decided to cut its workforce by 15% as part of a restructuring initiative focused on integrating AI into our operations. As a member of the team, this news is quite unsettling and raises concerns about job security for many of us. I'm currently trying to understand how this will impact my role and what opportunities might arise from these changes.

I'm currently in the process of transitioning to a new job and need some advice on salary expectations. I'm a Team Leader at a nonprofit making around $51k per year, which breaks down to about $24.51 an hour. I've applied for an Admin Assistant position at a community college that offers roughly $35k annually, or $16.87 hourly, based on education and experience. I've been in my current role for 7 years, handling responsibilities that align closely with the Admin Assistant position and I even have a degree from that college. I had a great interview with six people and received a callback just two hours later to interview with one more person this Friday. While I genuinely believe I'd be happier in this new role, I know it would mean taking a pay cut. I'm trying to figure out how much I can reasonably ask for without coming off as unreasonable. I've seen suggestions that a salary increase of 10% to 25% is typical, but given the nature of these roles and their positions in the hierarchy, I'm not sure that's applicable here. I really like the team and the job, but I want to negotiate for at least $20.81 an hour. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently let go from my first post-grad job after just 4 months, and I’m feeling completely devastated. I graduated with a B.S. in electrical engineering and started a consulting position that I had lined up since last October. Unfortunately, I was flagged for underperformance during my performance reviews last week. I take full responsibility for my mistakes; I struggled to adapt and often had to redo my work. Despite putting in a lot of effort, I just didn’t seem to be a good fit for the role. Now, I’m feeling terrified and depressed about what comes next. I’ve just settled into a new apartment on my own and managed to keep my savings intact, which gives me some options. I could either stretch my savings while applying for new jobs in the area or consider terminating my lease and moving back home with my parents. I’m also thinking about reaching out to a local internship from last summer where I received a return offer, but I’m unsure if that’s the right move since I initially turned it down. I really tried to connect with my coworkers and take on my responsibilities, but I kept making errors. This experience has been incredibly tough, and I’m seeking guidance on how to move forward. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently facing a challenge with my unemployment benefits while preparing for international travel. I will be away for a few weeks and will miss three certification periods. Although I will be back in the U.S. in time to certify for one week, I will have been traveling the entire previous week. I've tried reaching out to the Department of Labor multiple times to report my travel plans, but I've been disconnected each time due to high call volume. The online messaging system just redirects me back to calling. I understand that I shouldn't certify while abroad, but I'm worried about the potential cancellation of my benefits for not certifying for those weeks. I'm seeking advice on the best steps to take in this situation.

I recently found myself laid off from my position, and I realized that I never updated my LinkedIn or resume to reflect this change. As I started interviewing for new roles, I was faced with a dilemma: I asked potential employers not to contact my current employer, who is actually my previous employer now. I was concerned that they would request my first and last paystub for verification. I even thought about editing the dates on my last paystub to match what I wanted them to see. However, I started to wonder how they would verify those employment dates. Would they reach out to my former employer after I started the new job? I’ve seen advice suggesting that background checks typically reveal employment dates, and that it’s better to be honest about my layoff than risk getting caught in a lie. I’m really trying to navigate this tricky situation without jeopardizing my chances.

I recently received an email regarding a job I applied for, stating that the requisition has been closed. The message clarified that this does not affect any other applications I have with the company. Prior to this, I had received an email saying my application was being forwarded to the hiring manager, so this new notification has left me uncertain about my chances. It seems likely that I didn't get the job, as the position is no longer available. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my next applications and interviews.

I recently interviewed for a Marketing Coordinator position at a hospitality company, and despite feeling like I had the best interview of my life, I ended up getting rejected. I have several years of professional marketing experience, including a role in digital brand marketing for a large national retail company, where I worked on various campaigns and projects. However, I lacked direct experience in the hospitality industry. I was upfront about this during the interview process, and the team assured me that it wouldn't be an issue. They emphasized that they were looking for the right marketing mindset and personality fit for the hospitality environment rather than someone with a direct background in hospitality. The interview process felt incredibly positive. I received a lot of encouraging feedback throughout, and during the final in-person round, one of the managers seemed genuinely enthusiastic about my candidacy, even advocating for me in front of the General Manager. I left the interview feeling confident that I had nailed it. However, I later received an automated rejection email and discovered that the candidate who was hired was a recent college graduate with significantly less marketing experience but more hospitality experience. This has left me puzzled. I understand that hiring decisions can be complex, and while I initially thought they might prioritize hospitality experience, they had previously assured me that it wasn't a concern. I can’t help but wonder if my level of experience made me seem overqualified for the role, or if the GM simply preferred the other candidate despite the positive feedback I received. I'm also contemplating whether my being a woman might have played a role in the decision, though I’m not assuming it did. At this point, I’m trying to make sense of what happened and how I can better position myself for future opportunities. I feel stuck in a career stage where I have too much experience for entry-level roles but not enough for positions that require several years of specialized experience. I would appreciate any insights from hiring managers or recruiters who have been involved in similar final-round decisions.

I’ve been struggling with a significant gap in my resume that seems to be hurting my chances of landing a job. After working for a year, I left that role and have now been unemployed for 14 months. I’ve heard mixed advice from people about how to handle this situation. Some suggest that it’s becoming more common to have gaps, and that I should just have a good explanation ready. Others recommend that I focus on learning new skills or consider taking on contract work, as those employers might be less concerned about gaps in employment. A few people even suggested I could lie and say I was self-employed during that time. I’ve also thought about removing the gap by including volunteer experience or mentioning that I was in school. One commenter suggested a simple explanation about a family matter that required my full attention, which seems like a safe route. I’m feeling the pressure since employers have plenty of options these days, and I’m worried that my extended break from work is making me less competitive. I’m considering all my options and trying to figure out the best way to present my situation.

I’m currently a temp worker at Campbell's in Charlotte, NC, and things have been getting really concerning lately. Work has been extremely slow, with many of the production lines shut down. There have been days where I arrive only to be sent home immediately, and my hours have been cut significantly. My paychecks are coming up short, and I haven’t seen any overtime opportunities lately. I’ve heard that two other plants have already closed—one in Indiana and another in Massachusetts. There were also layoffs in HR over the summer, which adds to my anxiety. My coworkers are buzzing with rumors that our plant might be next, but I’ve also heard from management and the local news that we’re not closing. It’s hard to know who to trust in this situation. I’m really worried about being blindsided by a layoff, especially since as a temp, I know I’m the first to go if cuts happen. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experienced something similar. Do you think layoffs are imminent, or is this just a temporary slowdown? What steps should I take to prepare myself—should I start saving money or applying for new jobs?

Today, my team meeting was unexpectedly canceled and replaced with a 30-minute skip level call titled "Org Update." I have a sinking feeling about what this could mean for my position at the company. The atmosphere feels tense, and I can't shake the anxiety about potential layoffs. I've started gathering important documents and files that I might need for my resume, just in case. I've also exchanged personal contact information with a few colleagues to ensure we can stay connected, regardless of what happens. It's a tough situation, and I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for whatever news might come my way.

I was laid off a couple of months ago from my role as a Java Full Stack Developer at a product-based company in India. Since then, I've been actively searching for new opportunities, but the current job market has made it tough. My resume isn't even getting shortlisted, and I haven't made it past the interview stage. I'm feeling a bit lost and am wondering what a realistic timeline looks like for receiving a job offer after a layoff. I've heard mixed experiences from others; some found jobs within 30 days, while others are still searching after many months. I'm hoping for at least a glimmer of hope soon.

I recently took a significant step in my career by quitting a toxic job that was severely impacting my mental health. I had been in a cover role that was nearing its end, and after much consideration, I decided to leave even though I didn't have another position lined up. I had saved enough to support myself for a few months, and I cut back on expenses to make it work. It was a tough decision, but I knew I needed to prioritize my well-being. During my time off, I faced some financial strain with moving and lease costs, and my savings took a hit. However, I used that time to focus on my mental health and work towards a qualification that I believe will enhance my career prospects. What surprised me was the backlash I received from some people who felt that quitting without another job was irresponsible. I found some of the comments quite rude and fear-inducing, especially since I was already at a low point. I understand the financial risks involved, especially in a competitive job market, but I think it's essential to recognize that sometimes the toll of staying in a toxic environment can outweigh those risks. Fortunately, I did find a new job shortly after my break, which allowed me to move closer to my family and healthcare provider. I just wish more people would understand that prioritizing mental health can be just as valid as financial stability.

I applied for a position with British Transport Police last night, but unfortunately, I received a rejection email this morning. The email was just a generic response stating that they regretted to inform me of my rejection. I'm really curious about the reasons behind it, as I would like to improve my application if I decide to apply again in a few months. I'm considering reaching out to them for feedback, even though I know they might just send me the same generic response again. Has anyone else gone through this process and found out how to get more specific feedback?

I’m currently exploring job opportunities and have my eye on a position at a government institution where a friend of a friend works. I learned that someone recently resigned, and while the job isn’t officially posted yet, I know it will be soon. I’ve subscribed to their Job Alert feature on their careers website to stay updated, but I’m concerned I might miss the announcement. I’m considering sending an email to express my interest in the upcoming role, even though there’s no specific contact listed—just a generic submission form on the site. I’m unsure if this approach is acceptable or if I should just wait for the official posting. I know it’s ideal to find a contact on LinkedIn, but I thought reaching out might give me a head start in this competitive job market. I understand that my friend’s connection can’t formally refer me due to their managerial position, but I’m hoping they might still help by passing my resume along informally. I really want to make sure I get my foot in the door as soon as the job opens.

I’ve always worked in retail, mostly in grocery stores, bars, and restaurants, with shifts from 3 PM to 11 PM. Being a night owl has been my norm, but recently I landed an interview for a receptionist/office assistant position at a law office. It’s a big change for me, moving to a high dress code, 8 AM to 5 PM schedule, Monday to Friday. I’m really excited about this opportunity because it offers a higher salary and a chance for advancement, but I’m also feeling quite anxious. I worry that my goofy personality might not fit in with the corporate environment, and I have little experience with office equipment like copiers. Plus, I’m unsure about how to dress appropriately for this new role. The biggest concern for me is adjusting my sleep schedule. As someone who struggles with insomnia, I know it won't be as simple as taking melatonin to fall asleep earlier. Still, I’m determined to make this transition work because I believe it will be beneficial for my overall career. I’d appreciate any advice on how to navigate this significant shift!

I have been unemployed for nearly three years now, and it's been a draining experience. My background is in program and project management, specifically in post-production and localization. In this field, if you’re doing your job well, you often go unnoticed—everything runs smoothly, deadlines are met, and problems are resolved without anyone realizing the effort behind it. Unfortunately, this has made it difficult for me to get hired again. I was laid off twice within a year, and what began as an unfortunate circumstance has turned into a barrier. The longer I stay unemployed, the harder it is to find a job because of that very unemployment. It feels like a frustrating catch-22: when I explain my situation, I get asked why I haven’t been working, and then that leads to the question of why no one is hiring me. It’s a vicious cycle that seems endless. Mentally, this has taken a toll on me. Three years is a long time to keep applying and facing rejection or silence. Thankfully, I'm financially stable and haven’t had to rush into just any job. Instead, I’ve made the most of my time by traveling around the world, experiencing places I wouldn’t have seen if I were working full-time. I appreciate those experiences, but they don’t make the struggle of being unemployed any easier. What I really want now is to work again, to contribute, establish a routine, and feel like I’m making progress. I’m not looking for a dream job at this point; I just want someone to take a chance on me and help me break back into the workforce.

I got laid off last month and have been actively job hunting since then. It's been a tough process as I'm struggling to find relevant opportunities in my field. I've applied to around 50 positions through platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice, but I haven't received any interviews from those applications. So far, I've landed four interviews, and interestingly, all of them came through referrals from people I know or recruiters reaching out to me. I've declined one job offer, have another offer open, and I wasn't selected for one of the positions I interviewed for. I'm reaching out to see what strategies or platforms others have found effective in breaking through in this challenging job market.

After nearly three years of being unemployed at the age of 41, I find myself in a challenging position. I’m not here to seek sympathy; instead, I’m actively looking for opportunities to prove myself and get back into the workforce. I have a wealth of experience and skills that I believe can add value to a potential employer. I’m eager to connect with anyone who might have leads or advice on how to navigate this tough job market.

I was fired from my role in entertainment PR in January 2025, a job I truly loved but struggled to thrive in due to a mix of personal issues and a lack of support from my employer. Since then, I've been unemployed for 22 months, mainly due to medical problems and family emergencies that kept me from job hunting. Now, I'm ready to get back into the workforce, but I feel lost about how to address my situation. I’m particularly concerned about how to discuss being fired when applying for similar roles. I’ve been advised to frame it as a role that wasn’t the right fit long-term, emphasizing what I learned rather than focusing on the negative. Additionally, I have a significant employment gap that I can't really explain with skill-building, which makes me worry about how to present that on my resume. I’ve heard some people suggest omitting dates and just stating the number of years spent at a job instead. Another issue is that I don’t have references from my last employer, but I do have good relationships with former coworkers who have since moved on. I’m unsure if those connections still hold value after a long period of no contact. Finally, I’m debating whether it’s worth reaching out to someone at a company after applying. In the past, those follow-ups led to more interviews, but I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether that’s still effective or considered inappropriate now. Overall, I’m looking for guidance on how to navigate these challenges as I re-enter the job market.

I was recently laid off from my position as Senior Manager of Marketing at a company where I worked for about 15 months. The company has a formal severance policy that states senior managers receive 6 weeks of severance pay. However, my employer is arguing that my title isn't relevant and is categorizing me as a 'manager' level, which would only entitle me to 3 weeks of severance. I've asked for documentation that outlines how this determination is made consistently across the company, but they keep avoiding the request or giving vague answers. It feels like they are trying to shortchange me with their reasoning. I'm considering whether I should spend $500 on a consultation with a lawyer to help negotiate a better severance package or if I should attempt to handle this myself. I've never been in this situation before and I'm unsure of my leverage. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!