Planning

I’ve been unemployed for two months now and honestly, I’m feeling pretty discouraged about the job market here in Houston. I moved from Dallas recently because my boyfriend got a job opportunity, and I thought I’d be able to find work quickly since we were relocating. However, I’ve been searching for a job since before we moved, and it’s been tough. I don’t have a degree, and it seems like even the most basic jobs are either not hiring or they don’t want me. I’ve submitted multiple applications, followed up, and even revamped my resume, but all I’m getting in return are rejections. I considered doing DoorDash to make some money, but I don’t have a car—my boyfriend is the only one with a vehicle, and he needs it for his job. It’s frustrating because I feel like I’m losing hope. It seems like many jobs are looking for bilingual candidates, which I’m not, and they have expectations that I just can’t meet. I’m trying to focus on finding remote positions, but I’m not sure how that will pan out. I feel really bad that my boyfriend is covering all the expenses right now, and I wish I could contribute. I’m just at a loss for what my next steps should be.

As a recent graduate, I'm eager to break into the field of clinical research coordination (CRC). I double majored in a science and clinical research, gaining valuable research and internship experience during my undergrad. Recently, I applied for a CRC position at a top 10 research institution and was thrilled to receive an invitation for a first-round phone screening. The call went really well, and I was invited for a second interview almost two months ago. Since then, I've been following up every three weeks for updates, but I've only received vague responses about vacation and HR delays. The last time I spoke with the manager, he mentioned that they were holding interviews until after the last week of July, but I still haven't heard anything back. I'm at a crossroads now—should I reach out again or move on and keep applying elsewhere? I've applied to similar roles but haven't received any responses, and I stopped applying after that initial phone call, hoping for good news. It's been a frustrating experience, and as a recent grad, I feel disappointed but not entirely surprised by the challenges of the job application process. I'm seeking advice on my next steps because I worry that I might be annoying the hiring manager with my follow-ups. Any guidance would be appreciated.

I recently found out that I've been blacklisted by a company I used to work for, and I'm feeling really stuck. I want to know what my options are besides filing an EEOC complaint, but I'm hesitant to share too much about my previous employer since it's a sensitive issue. It's frustrating because I feel like this no-hire status is limiting my job search. Some people suggested I might need to consider switching industries altogether, but I'm not sure if that's the right move for me. I also wonder if this company is reaching out to others to prevent me from getting hired elsewhere. It seems like there's not much I can do unless I can prove some sort of unlawful discrimination, which is tough. I'm just trying to figure out how to move forward from this situation.

I’ve been working in various managerial roles for the past several years, gradually taking on more responsibilities as a People Operations Manager. Recently, I stepped in to handle entire business operations for five months while my boss was on leave, which was a challenging yet rewarding experience. I’ve discovered a passion for building effective systems and supporting the people behind them. I believe I have a knack for mentoring employees and fostering strong relationships between employers and their teams. I’m now looking to make a career out of this passion. I’ve been inspired by methodologies like the Mochary Method and Radical Candor, and I think these can be adapted for smaller teams to enhance workplace culture. To that end, I’ve reached out to several professionals for informal chats about their career paths and advice, and I’ve received a response from one who can talk in a month. I’m currently in the process of leaving my job due to a long commute of two hours each way, with my last day being August 28. The pressure to find a new role is mounting, and I’m seeking guidance on a few fronts: 1. How can I turn my experience into a sustainable career? 2. What strategies can I employ to break into this industry, especially without a college degree? I often find that this disqualifies me from opportunities despite my qualifications. 3. Are there companies focused on social impact or community benefits that I should consider? Any insights or advice from those experienced in this field would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’m currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my job, which is set to conclude in a little over two weeks. I’ve been actively interviewing with five different companies and am in the final stages of the process. I’m considering quitting my current job this week because I feel confident I’ll receive at least one job offer soon. However, I’m worried about my unused Paid Time Off (PTO). My company’s employee handbook only mentions that unused PTO is paid out to employees who are terminated or retire, but it doesn’t specify anything about those who quit. I have 25 days of PTO saved up, and I was counting on that payout to support me during my job search. I also intended to offer to work for an additional two weeks to ease the transition, but I’m unsure if they would pay me for that time if I don’t get approval. Given my lack of motivation and focus on my interviews, I’m concerned that my employer might fire me before I have a chance to resign. I’ve read that in New York, there’s no law requiring companies to pay out unused PTO if an employee quits, which adds to my anxiety. I’m looking for advice on whether I should go ahead and quit or if I should stick it out until the PIP concludes. I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether it’s common for companies to pay out PTO for resignations, so I’m really in a bind.

I recently finished my seasonal job in Alaska and I'm trying to navigate the unemployment process. I've heard that many people file for unemployment after their seasonal work ends if they don't secure a new position right away. I'm unsure whether I should file based on my recent job here in Alaska or the one I held for 7 months before moving. I'm also curious about the income requirements and the timeframe for work history that I need to consider. After this, I'll be heading back to my home state to look for new opportunities, and I'm not sure how that might affect my unemployment claim. If anyone has experience with this process, your insights would be greatly appreciated!

I’m 29 years old and feeling completely lost in my job search. I graduated in 2022 with a business management degree and a double minor in economics and accounting, but despite living in a city that's supposed to be great for young professionals, I can't find a job. I've been stuck in the same part-time position since 2020, and my financial situation is dire. My income is barely enough to cover any expenses, and I'm facing the possibility of having my bank account shut down due to having no money. My work hours have been drastically cut, and I’m not even scheduled for the next month. I still live at home with my parents, and I feel like a burden to them and my friends. I've been applying to jobs, asking for referrals, and networking since graduation, but nothing seems to work. My college shut down a few years after I graduated, so I can't even rely on their career services anymore. I feel stuck, worthless, and overwhelmed by the pressure to start a successful career and become independent. I’m desperate for advice on how to navigate this situation and avoid falling deeper into debt by going back to school.

I recently found out that my boss is closing down the business where I've been working for the past two years. I'm feeling a bit lost about the job search process, especially since I’m only 16 and this is my first experience looking for a new job. I’m not sure how to go about submitting my CV or even if I should just walk into businesses and hand it to the manager. I’ve heard that many applications are now done online, where you upload your resume and fill out forms. I guess I need to figure out which route is best for me.

I recently faced a tough situation at my job as a midnight shelf stocker. I've been working there for just two months, and I had to miss a day due to a family emergency. My aunt, who has scoliosis and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, needed my help moving because she was being kicked out of her place. I don't regret missing work for her, but now I'm worried about a mandatory meeting my boss scheduled, which seems unpaid. I've heard from my coworker that our boss has an unreasonable expectation of only allowing one missed day per year, which feels incredibly unfair. I’m anxious about what will happen in the meeting and if my boss will violate my labor rights by not paying me. He hasn’t responded to my messages, and I fear that if I don’t attend, I might get fired. Living in a small town in Idaho, job opportunities are scarce, and I really don’t want to lose this job, even though I feel mistreated. I’m considering recording the meeting for my protection. I’m hoping to get some advice on how to handle this situation and whether I did anything wrong by missing two days in total.

I started a senior-level role in May that has turned out to be a fundamental mismatch for me. Now, nearly three months in, I dread going to work every day. The position involves coordinating multiple departments and deliverables, which I thought I was ready for, but I've realized I work best as an individual contributor rather than a project manager. My colleagues and boss expect me to be fully autonomous by now, which feels absurd given the complexity of the job. When I ask for clarity and support, I get lukewarm responses, and my boss seems slightly annoyed. My coworkers often disregard my requests, making it even more frustrating. I'm actively applying for new jobs and considering leaving, but I worry about the timing since it's one of their busiest periods. I'm conflicted about whether to give two weeks' notice when I do decide to leave, especially since I've only been here a short time and doubt they would provide a positive reference. Still, I wonder if it’s best to have a formal record of my resignation. This is all new territory for me.

I recently experienced a frustrating situation at my job as a Product Designer. A few weeks ago, my boss informed me that he wanted to shift my role from full-time to a project-based setup. Although I wasn't thrilled about losing the stability of my 40-hour workweek, I understood and agreed to the change. However, since that conversation, I've barely had any work assigned to me. I reached out to my boss multiple times, asking if there was anything I could work on to at least earn some hours, but he told me there was nothing available. To make matters worse, I discovered that they hired someone else to do the same work I was doing, which was a tough pill to swallow. What really frustrates me is the lack of communication. The month has ended, and I asked my boss about getting paid for the work I completed, but I received no response. I followed up a few days later and even asked if I could use some of my work for my portfolio, but still nothing. I don't want to come off as annoying or desperate, but I just need some clarity on my situation. If I'm no longer needed, I wish he would just tell me. If he can't pay me right now, I would appreciate knowing that too. It's been a rough few days as I've been applying for other jobs, trying to move on, but the uncertainty is weighing heavily on me. I'm at a crossroads now, wondering if I should reach out again or take the silence as an indication to move on.

I had an interview a few days ago for a position that I really hope will turn my situation around. The interview went well, and I even got a tour of the facilities, which made me feel optimistic. I'm anxiously waiting for a job offer, and I should hear back by Tuesday at the latest. The anticipation is really getting to me. I'm currently in a tough spot—tired of doing nothing all day, struggling financially, and even sleeping outside with bugs crawling on me. This job pays decently, and getting it would mean I could start living my life again. At 25 years old, I feel like I'm wasting my 20s just trying to survive. Even if I only work 20 hours a week, it would be a step in the right direction. Making some money is definitely better than making none. I just needed to vent because this opportunity feels like a golden chance to change my life.

I was recently laid off from my job and to make matters worse, I have a severely sprained ankle. It feels like this summer just keeps getting tougher! I'm contemplating taking a vacation as a way to reset and recover. I know I should be worried about finances, but I have some savings that I can use to treat myself. I'm looking for suggestions on a destination where I can relax without putting too much strain on my ankle. Maybe a beach getaway would be ideal, as long as I can manage my ankle brace and keep it from getting sandy!

I reached out to the HR department of a local hospital where I've been trying to land a job for several years. Despite my extensive experience and tailored resumes, I've faced continuous rejection. Last month, I decided to call a recruiter for advice on how to improve my chances. I poured my heart out, expressing my frustrations and desperation for employment. I even asked if I had been red-flagged in their system. Unfortunately, the recruiter was passive-aggressive and provided me with the same generic responses I've heard before. I've previously applied for housekeeping positions but was discouraged from applying by some recruiters. At this point, I felt I had nothing to lose and just wanted to understand what I was doing wrong. I’m hoping to get some opinions on my approach and what I can do next.

I recently accepted a new opportunity that feels like a dream job, but it means I have to resign from my current position in customer service at Meow. I feel really bad about leaving, especially since our main manager just got fired and the team is short-staffed with everyone on vacation. However, my new job starts in just 16 days, so I felt I had to submit my resignation now. I'm not great at writing these letters, so I'm looking for help and critiques on my resignation letter. I want to express my gratitude for my time at Meow while also keeping it professional. I plan to state my last working day and ensure a smooth transition for the team. I've drafted a letter that includes my resignation effective in two weeks, but I'm open to suggestions on how to improve it. I appreciate any feedback!

I'm currently navigating a career shift into SaaS sales, having spent over 11 years in sales and customer-facing roles, primarily in tourism. For the last 10 months, I've been in a customer service position that feels repetitive and doesn't utilize my skills, particularly my language abilities and passion for building relationships. I've realized that I want to focus on SaaS sales, especially within industries like Travel & Hospitality, Gaming, Entertainment, and AI, where I can be more motivated and engaged. I've revamped my CV and LinkedIn profile to emphasize my sales experience and have started applying for various sales roles, including Inside Sales, SDR, BDR, and Account Executive positions. However, I'm facing a common hurdle: most SaaS sales jobs require previous experience in the field. I believe my transferable skills in sales and multilingual communication could be valuable, but I'm often met with listings that insist on prior SaaS experience. I'm reaching out for advice on how to make this transition effectively. Specifically, I'm curious about which roles I should prioritize, what industries might be more receptive to my background, and any additional steps I could take beyond applying and networking. I'm also interested in what would make a candidate like me stand out to potential employers despite the lack of direct SaaS experience.

I have been working part-time at a retail location for the past year. Back in June, I applied for a full-time admin position that was posted on our internal job board. I was excited to receive an email stating that I met the requirements and would be considered for the role. However, in July, I found out that they selected another candidate. Now, I see that the same position has been posted again on the job board. I'm contemplating whether I should apply again or if it would just be a waste of time.

I've been struggling to find a job lately, facing rejection after rejection, and it's really taking a toll on me. I'm 25, living with my parents, and I can't even drive or afford anything for myself. They have to help me keep my student loans current, which is about $500, and it feels like they don't believe I'm trying hard enough to find work. I've received countless rejection emails, been ghosted by employers, and even had an interview that didn't go anywhere. It's frustrating because my parents say they want me to find a job I enjoy, but when I get turned down, they act like I'm not doing anything. I do art and my mom suggests I take commissions, but that's not a guaranteed income. Honestly, I'm at a point where I'm considering going back to my old job, even though I was fired from it. I feel like I'm getting nowhere fast. I've updated my resume, taken some online courses, and still nothing has worked out. I just feel stuck and overwhelmed.

I recently started working at a major lingerie and apparel store, but things took a turn when my store closed unexpectedly. The new manager was unaware of my transfer until after she had already created the work schedule, which means I'm going to lose about a week and a half of work. This situation is really stressing me out since I don't make enough as it is, and I'm wondering if I qualify for any unemployment benefits or what steps I can take to address this loss of hours. It's frustrating not to have been informed about this beforehand.

I've been out of work for seven years, primarily because I've been caring for a relative with autism while my parents work long hours. I don't have a degree or a driver's license, and my ADHD and depression make it difficult for me to focus on school or even learn to drive. I've been feeling really overwhelmed and frustrated. I remember working at a front desk from ages 16 to 20, but it was tough for me to handle the monotony of sitting in an office for long hours. I'm looking for a job that doesn't require a degree, is slow-paced, and offers a variety of tasks instead of just one repetitive job. I've considered working from home, but I feel like my lack of skills makes that challenging. The longer I'm unemployed, the more daunting it seems to find a job, especially since I've only had one seasonal job in my life.