Planning

I was laid off from my last job in December 2020, and since then, I've been struggling to get back into the industry. It feels like I've been living in a nightmare for almost three years. I never imagined that my career could take such a devastating turn. I've applied to thousands of jobs, even the ones that offer low pay, but the responses have been disheartening. In the beginning, I faced a lot of ghosting during interviews, and even when I received offers, they would often fall through at the last moment. I've heard every excuse in the book: "You have a career gap," "You only have 4 years of experience, we need 5," "You're overqualified," and even ridiculous reasons like needing a written guarantee from my parents to move cities. It feels like no matter how hard I try, I just can't catch a break. For the past year, I've been in a deep funk, losing track of time and feeling completely isolated. I've lost touch with friends, and the weight of not having a job has crushed my spirit. I feel like I've wasted my 20s, and it's hard to see a way forward. I want to start over, from preparing to apply for jobs and working on projects, but I don't know if there's still hope for me. I've even looked into getting a master's degree, but financially, that's not an option right now. I also spent months applying for government jobs, but not a single response came my way. I'm reaching out for advice and hope. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What can I do to turn this around?

I am currently seeking remote job opportunities in the UK as my current campaign ends in October. Due to my medical situation, a remote role is essential for me. I've primarily used Indeed and TotalJobs, but I feel like I'm missing out on other potential job boards or websites. I've been in a multilingual customer service position for the past two years, handling phone, chat, and email inquiries, along with e-commerce support, IT support, personal assistant tasks, process documentation, and training new agents. I'm considering reaching out to various companies directly to inquire about openings, even if they haven't advertised any positions. I'm curious about how effective this approach is, as it was a common practice in Switzerland where I'm originally from.

I have a video interview coming up where I need to record my answers to questions within a two-minute timeframe. This is my first experience with this format, and I’m feeling quite anxious about it. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has gone through a similar process and successfully moved on to the next stage. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently on the hunt for my first job. I recently graduated and am eager to start my career. I've been applying to various positions in my field, but I haven't had much luck so far. I'm focusing on entry-level roles and internships to gain experience. Any tips or advice on how to stand out in my applications would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a full-time mom who has been out of the workforce for about 26 years while raising my children. Now that they are adults, I’m eager to re-enter the job market and find an entry-level remote job. My previous experience includes working as a Banquet Coordinator in a hotel for about a year, but since then, I’ve focused on being a housewife. I’m computer literate and open to learning new skills, so I’m considering positions like Virtual Assistant, Data Entry, Customer Support, or Administrative Assistant. I’m looking for advice on where to find legitimate remote job opportunities, especially from others who have successfully returned to work after a long break. I want to avoid MLMs or jobs that require upfront payments. Any recommendations on websites or companies would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I realized that I forgot to certify my unemployment claim in Colorado. I'm worried about the potential ramifications of this mistake. I’m wondering if my claim will close automatically or if there’s a grace period that I can take advantage of. The Colorado unemployment website seems to have issues, as it’s down every night from 10pm to 3am, so I plan to try certifying at 3am. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this situation in the past year and what the outcome was.

I feel like I'm working to be unemployed, and it's really driving me nuts. I took my current job as a full-time worker, knowing the pay wouldn't be great, and I was okay with that. However, the issue is that my pay is incredibly inconsistent. Some weeks I earn a decent amount, while other weeks it's barely enough to get by. This fluctuation makes it nearly impossible to save money, as I never know if I'll have enough to cover my expenses. Honestly, my worst paycheck is only a few hundred dollars more than what I would receive if I were unemployed. It's frustrating to be doing a physically demanding job outdoors, only to find that the financial reward is so minimal. I initially started job hunting because I was going stir-crazy being unemployed, but now I'm seeking new opportunities because the stress from my current job's pay situation is overwhelming.

I had a frustrating weekend with my grandparents discussing job hunting. They think finding a job is easy, but I know from experience that it's not. I was unemployed for about three months and struggled to find anything that paid over $15 an hour. I ended up juggling two barista jobs, both at $12 an hour, which still didn't give me enough hours. My grandpa suggested I apply at factories, but there are no day shifts available near me. I've applied for various positions—housekeeping at hotels, janitorial jobs, cashier roles, and even retail—but faced so much competition, often due to factors like age and experience. My husband, a computer science major, has also applied to countless jobs without success. It's disheartening when they assume older candidates are more reliable just because of their age. I shared my frustrations with my grandma, pointing out that hiring biases make it harder for young people like us to find jobs. I even applied to 50 customer service jobs back in February and only heard back recently, but by then, I had already found work. Right now, I'm grateful for the job I have, even if it involves some tough tasks like ripping out old carpet. I just wish my family understood the challenges we face in today's job market. I'm sending positive vibes to everyone else struggling to find work.

I recently accepted a job offer and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as I prepare to start on Monday. I quit my last job back in mid-April and began my job search in June. I was fortunate enough to reach the final stages with two companies. One company was quicker in their process, which led me to accept their offer with a tight 3-day deadline, even though I had a final interview scheduled with the second company. In hindsight, I wonder if I should have handled the situation differently. I thought it was better to secure an offer rather than risk ending up with nothing, but now I'm second-guessing my decision. After accepting the first offer, I reached out to the second employer to inquire about my standing, which I now realize may have jeopardized my chances. They informed me that they were still interviewing candidates and wished me well with my current offer. I haven't responded yet, feeling like I might have ruined my chances. As I go through the pre-onboarding process with the first company, I’m starting to notice some red flags. For instance, I overlooked that the offer states I only get 24 hours of sick time after 90 days, which seems off since California law mandates 40 hours. I plan to seek clarification on this when I start, but it’s adding to my anxiety. The role I accepted is in marketing, with a salary of $83k, hybrid work, and a drive of about 50-60 minutes. It’s in the fitness and medical technology industry, which I’m passionate about. The second job was with a large hospital corporation, potentially offering a higher salary (around $100k) and mostly remote work, but I found the role boring and the company culture didn’t resonate with me. Now, I’m left wondering if it’s too late to reach out to the second employer or if I should just move forward with the first job and try to make the best of it. The anxiety is overwhelming, and I’m really questioning if I made the right choice.

I'm currently navigating the challenges of unemployment due to a necessary career change brought on by health issues. My medical condition has rendered me physically unfit to perform the essential functions of my previous role. While I've come to terms with this change, I'm facing significant hurdles with the unemployment process. They require me to apply for jobs within my former career field, which is frustrating since I am not capable of performing those jobs anymore. It feels like a waste of time for both me and the employers I have to apply to. Additionally, the stipulation that I must accept any work offered is particularly distressing, as I simply cannot do that work anymore. My former employer would gladly welcome me back if I were able, but unfortunately, that's not the case. I'm still waiting for full approval of my unemployment application, but it seems that only the adjudicator can grant any exemptions for my situation. There's no clear timeline on when this will be resolved, which adds to my anxiety. If anyone has experienced a similar situation due to medical conditions forcing a career change, I would greatly appreciate any advice or support.

I’m feeling really defeated after 18 months of unemployment. I recently applied for a job and, in a moment of frustration, I wrote something negative on the application. I know that’s not the best approach, but I’m just tired of the search. On a slightly more positive note, I have an interview with a temp agency coming up on Monday. I’m hoping they might have something for me, even though the jobs they list don’t really align with my skills. I’m just trying to stay hopeful.

I have my first job interview coming up in 2 days at a Pizza Hut nearby. I've been applying for jobs since I turned 16 this year, but I've mostly received rejections or no responses at all. I'm really excited but also a bit nervous since this is my first interview. I'm looking for tips on how to prepare. I have a few specific questions: 1. What should I wear? 2. What should I bring? (I don't need a work permit in my state) 3. Do I need to ask the interviewer questions? I've heard that asking questions is important, like inquiring about who will be training me or what the expectations are. I want to show enthusiasm and make a good impression, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently 18 years old and working my first part-time job in retail. Unfortunately, I've received three write-ups for being short on my register, especially during my first few days when I was still learning the ropes. I suspect I might have undiagnosed ADHD, which contributes to my difficulty with focus and counting. Recently, I received another write-up for being short again, just barely over the limit. I'm really anxious about the possibility of getting fired, especially since I have another job interview lined up that I hope will work out. If I do get fired, I'm worried about how it will affect my future job prospects and interviews, particularly for part-time roles. I really need to keep earning money to cover my new car expenses and insurance. I've heard from others that I don't necessarily have to disclose being fired or even include that job on my resume, but I'm still feeling scared about the whole situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been actively applying for senior software engineering roles for the past six weeks, but it feels like I'm just shouting into a void. Despite having a strong background with 8 years of experience and having successfully shipped significant projects, I'm finding that I'm getting ghosted before even reaching the human review stage. I can clear technical screens when I get to them, but the issue lies in not even getting that far. I suspect something is happening between my application submission and the recruiter actually reviewing my materials—whether it's due to ATS filters, keyword mismatches, or just the sheer volume of applications. This black hole isn't new, but it feels particularly pronounced lately, and I can't help but wonder if it's just me or a broader trend in the job market. I'm curious if others at the senior individual contributor level are experiencing the same challenges. Are referrals now a necessity for getting traction in applications, or do cold applications still yield results for senior roles? I'm trying to figure out if the landscape has shifted so much that applying cold is mostly a waste of time in 2025, or if there are specific strategies that have worked for others.

I’ve learned some tough lessons during my job search that I wish I had known earlier. One key takeaway is to not take any job too seriously. I used to pour my heart and soul into every position, but I realized that it’s important to maintain a balance between contributing to the company and taking care of my mental health. This mindset has helped me avoid the frustration of frequently changing jobs. Another lesson is to never leave a job without having something lined up. I made that mistake once, and it led to unnecessary stress. Additionally, I’ve learned to always leave on good terms, no matter the circumstances. It’s crucial for maintaining professional relationships. I also discovered that if a company is repeatedly advertising for the same position, it might indicate high turnover or internal issues. It's a red flag that I wish I had paid more attention to in the past. When asked about why I left my previous employer, I learned that HR isn't really interested in the details. They just want to see if I can handle the question with discretion. My blunt honesty about a toxic work environment didn’t help my case, and I realized I should have approached it differently. Another hard lesson was getting too attached to a job I was interviewing for. After investing so much time in research and interviews, it was disheartening to be rejected after the final round. Now, I make sure to keep applying to other jobs, no matter how promising the current opportunity seems. Lastly, I’ve come to terms with the fact that the job market is quite challenging right now. I also learned not to jump at the first job offer, even after a long search. I accepted a position that didn’t meet my salary expectations, which taught me the importance of knowing my worth and being patient. Networking is another area where I’ve seen younger professionals struggle. The pandemic has shifted many interactions online, and I believe it’s essential to cultivate genuine business relationships. As someone who hires and manages onboarding, I can tell you that knowing someone often trumps a resume. These experiences have shaped my approach to job hunting, and I hope sharing them can help others avoid similar pitfalls.

I'm currently working as an assistant manager at a convenience store, earning $16.50 an hour with around 40 to 43 hours a week. While I have a decent routine and two days off, I've been feeling drained from covering extra shifts due to unreliable coworkers. Recently, I was offered a job at a local mechanic shop, which is in a field I actually enjoy and have experience in. The pay would increase to between $17 and $18 an hour, plus a flat rate that we haven't discussed yet. The new job also offers either part-time or full-time hours, and I already have my own tools and the necessary skills. The commute would remain the same, and I believe I'd have a more consistent schedule. I'm torn about whether to make the switch since I don't dislike my current job, but I do look forward to the work at the mechanic shop. I'm seeking advice on whether I should take the leap into a role that aligns more with my interests.

I’ve been experiencing a sudden cut in my hours at work, and it’s really unsettling. For the second week in a row, I’ve been scheduled to have four consecutive days off. I’m feeling scared and upset because I’ve invested so much into this job. I often push through nausea during my shifts because I don’t have time to eat in the mornings, and my knees are already in bad shape from the work. I know there could be various reasons for this scheduling change, and I’m aware that I should probably just ask management about it. However, they are nearly impossible to communicate with. They always say we can talk after my shift, but once I clock out, I can’t find them to discuss my concerns. Calling them is even worse; I end up waiting over an hour just to reach anyone. I’m particularly anxious because of some issues my co-workers and I have been having with a new hire, which I’ve detailed in my profile. I suspect that the reduced hours might be a way to keep me away from that situation. While I appreciate the attempt to make my work life easier, I’ve also expressed my willingness to train on the register to help with the Sunday rush, as I’ve done that at my previous job. I’m at a loss about what to do next. I’ve always tried to take advice from my dad and co-workers on how to improve, and I really can’t afford to lose this job right now.

Today, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. As a student who's been tutoring for $11 an hour, I was eager for a better opportunity. After applying to numerous jobs, I landed interviews with Starbucks, which seemed promising due to the better pay. However, after not hearing back for two weeks, I accepted a receptionist position at a gym and attended one training session there. Just when I thought Starbucks had ghosted me, they called the very next day with an offer for a job that pays more and is much closer to my home. Now, I'm torn about whether to leave the gym position after just one day. I have friends who are interested in working at the gym, and I'm considering giving the manager their contact information. I want to make the best decision for my future, but I feel guilty about leaving so soon.

I recently finished online high school and I'm feeling completely lost about my next steps. At 18, I really need to start making money, but every time I apply for jobs at places like Publix, Walmart, or fast food chains, I keep hitting dead ends. It's discouraging because I genuinely want to work, but my lack of experience seems to be a major barrier. Transportation is another huge issue for me. There's only one car in my household, which makes it difficult to get to jobs that might work for me. I've been trying to find positions that fit my situation, but it feels like everything is either not hiring, has hours that don't align with my availability, or I just get rejected. I would love to find a remote job, but I'm unsure where to look or what I could realistically do without experience. I'm introverted, so positions that require constant phone calls might not suit me. I think I would do better with tasks like typing, data entry, or organizing. I'm not expecting anyone to hand me a job, but I really need advice on where to start. If you have experience working remotely, found your first job with little to no experience, or know of legitimate job opportunities, I would greatly appreciate any guidance. I just want to start earning my own money and find a path forward.

I'm currently a college student in my final year and I'm on the hunt for a job to help cover my expenses. Unfortunately, I don't have a car, which limits my options to jobs within walking distance. I have a few years of experience in front desk and guest services, including roles in hotels, retail, and even a law office reception. I also have some admin experience during tax season and I'm certified in Microsoft Office. One of my main challenges is a previous hip injury from an accident, which means I need to avoid jobs that require standing for long periods. I'm looking for something that allows for a mix of sitting and light movement, like front desk, reception, or customer service roles. My availability is flexible right now, so scheduling won't be an issue. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate my job search with these constraints, especially regarding how to address my standing limitation without it being a red flag. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!